Digital skills

A wide range of digital tools can be used for learning, conducting and sharing research, and building a profile.

Digital study skills includes efficient literature searching, data management and communication.

Using software and programmes

Information Services (IS) is the University’s support service offering physical and digital services including library, IT, learning technology and student study spaces.

Information Services

Tools for learning and studying

IS provide digital skills and IT training including classroom-based software training in the main packages used in the University including Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

IS programmes, courses and resources

LinkedIn Learning is an online skills development service offering a large library of video tutorials in digital, technology, creative and business skills.  The University has a subscription giving students free access.

LinkedIn Learning online skills development

Take care and stay safe

Stay safe while you are learning. Learn how to build up your digital resilience and protect yourself from cyber threats. Find out about the responsible use of technology to learn and participate (including the computing regulations and the rules around information security). The University also has policies in place that set out expectations for students when engaging with others.

Digital Safety and Citizenship

Expectations for Students

Finding sources and evidence

The Library section of the University website provides general guidance on digital searching and locating source materials and how to access e-resources.

Check course materials and programme guides for specific guidance relevant for your subject areas. These will advise you about the types of sources and evidence to use in assignments.

The Library also has Subject guides with information on finding academic literature, referencing and more, for different subjects.

Library

Subject guides

The University’s Academic Support Librarians are assigned to subject areas and offer advice on information resources and how to make effective use of them.

Academic Support Librarians

Digital skills journeys

The digital skills development journey resources give undergraduate students an overview of the activities they can expect at different stages of their degree and highlight helpful resources. There are five journeys in total, including one to help you prepare for employment.

Digital skills development journeys

Digital skills framework

The University's Digital skills framework tool can be used to assess where you are and reflect on your development needs. The framework also provides access to digital resources and training courses to develop your digital skills.

Digital skills framework

Access to equipment

Students should have their own laptop and your School will provide information on what specification is advised. Open-access computers are provided on campus in dedicated rooms, libraries and some café areas for students (check the availability and opening hours). Specialist multimedia and IT facilities are provided in uCreate located in the Main Library and in the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library at King’s Buildings. 

Library services for opening hours and availability

Open-access computers

uCreate

The Laptop Loan service is free and available to all students from designated libraries. Loans are for short and medium-term periods when your main laptop is missing, being repaired, or is unable to do a particular task. 

Laptop Loan service

Managing your digital footprint

Your digital footprint is the data you leave behind when you go online.

The Managing Your Digital Footprint service provides workshops, resources and advice. Find out about the Digital Footprint online course (MOOC) and get some advice on e-Professionalism.  

Managing Your Digital Footprint