You can access support in your academic department from a number of different sources and you can choose the one that is right for you. Sometimes these roles might differ, depending on whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student. This page gives an overview of the different types of support available to you and lists some of the relevant staff contact details for your department.

Who's who?

Personal Tutors and Supervisors

All undergraduate students and some postgraduate (taught) students, dependant on department, are assigned a Personal Tutor for the duration of their studies.

Your Personal Tutor is an academic member of staff in your department who is there to help you develop academically, personally and professionally throughout your studies. Personal Tutors can offer you support and signpost you to one of the College’s specialist services if you are experiencing any difficulties.

All postgraduate (research) students and some postgraduate (taught) students are assigned a Supervisor who is there to provide academic guidance, and support with the transition into research-led work.

Your Supervisor is an academic member of staff in your department, who is there to support you during your studies and provide feedback on your work. Supervisors can offer you support and signpost you to one of the College’s specialist services if you are experiencing any personal difficulties.

Smiling female staff member

Senior Tutors

Your academic department will have one or more Senior Tutors, usually one for each different level of study.  Your Senior Tutor is an academic member of staff who has overall responsibility for the pastoral care of students in your department. They support Personal Tutors and Supervisors in fulfilling their roles and provide additional guidance and oversight in more complex situations.

If you’re not comfortable talking to your Personal Tutor about a problem you are facing, whether it’s academic or personal, you can speak to your Senior Tutor. You can find out who your Senior Tutor is below.

Who's who cont

Faculty Senior Tutors

Faculty Senior Tutors are responsible for ensuring the delivery of consistent, high quality support for students in the departments that sit within their faculty. They work closely with the College’s specialist support services and support Senior Tutors in fulfilling their roles. They also provide support directly to students who have more complex concerns or situations. The Faculty Senior Tutors are:

 
Students talking in lecture theatre

Student Representatives

Each degree course cohort elects student representatives who work with College staff to shape and improve the student experience. If you have feedback about your course, or another aspect of life in your department, make sure you talk to your student representative. They have regular opportunities to provide student feedback to departmental staff (anonymously where appropriate). Find out who your student representatives are.

Professional Services Staff

Each department has one or more members of staff in the professional services team who are able to provide information, signposting and support to students who are experiencing difficulty. This typically includes the following roles (although specific roles vary between departments):

  • Undergraduate/Postgraduate Administrators
  • Office Managers
  • Liaison Officers/Student Wellbeing Advisors

If you have any questions or concerns about your course, your department or just need some advice on where to get the right support, members of your departmental professional services team will be able to help you.

Your Senior Tutor contacts

Your Wellbeing Advisors