I wanted to say thank you for delivering this workshop which has been greatly appreciated both by the students and the course directors. I think this is something we’d be keen to do again in the future.

-- Head of Graduate School

Great handouts – clear and informative.

-- Taught Masters student

Sanjida is very good at contextualising and explaining why thinking from different perspectives is so important and effective.

-- Professor of Science and Engineering

These weekends have made me remember that I do actually like writing essays … massively beneficial.

-- Second year Modern Languages undergraduate

Thinking critically about style/voice in academic writing has been really useful.

-- Doctoral Student in humanities

This was delivered brilliantly.

-- Administrative Assistant

I am more confident about writing now.

-- MA student

It was interesting and fun and increased my confidence in writing.

-- Adult education student attending one-day writing workshop at university

The workshop was great – couldn’t have been better. The tutor was very patient and engaging.

-- Taught Masters student

I learned a lot from reading examples of diverse types of writing and rewriting them.

-- Doctoral student

A very effective intervention.

-- Professor in Art History

I thought [the Concept to Content workshop] was great.

-- MA English Literature student

The mix of … presentations, group discussions and practical exercises was very beneficial for me to apply new knowledge to my own situation. Anna’s wide experience of writing and editing was demonstrated by her depth of understanding and ability to tailor her teaching to the needs of her students.

-- Senior Lecturer in Research Methods

The workshop consisted of a variety of useful strategies and allowed essential time to consider personal projects. Anna’s guidance enabled me to successfully convert from an academic, to a journalistic style of writing and has resulted in three publications in a magazine relating to my professional practice. Anna’s relaxed and reassuring but constructive approach instilled confidence and enabled actual outputs.

-- Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy

I don’t think it could have been improved.

-- Office Administrator, School of Medicine

Gained knowledge on applying narrative structures to my essays.

-- Undergraduate student

A wonderful and insightful workshop.

-- Undergraduate student

Everyone who was involved felt they were able to participate in the training.

-- Team Leader in a Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

I enjoyed the afternoon and feel a little less daunted!

-- PhD student

Very successful, the exercises were interesting and different from the usual course style.

-- Doctoral student

I have thoroughly enjoyed both days of this workshop! It has given me a multitude of ways to connect with my own writing, and approach the different stages in lots of new and exciting creative ways.

-- Arts and humanities doctoral student

The trainer engaged with each individual, listening to and answering each individual’s problems and questions.

-- MA student

Really good informative and engaging workshop.

-- Biomedical research student

The training was very interesting and enjoyable. The facilitator was knowledgeable and the activities were engaging.

-- Course Assistant, Business School

Inspirational, informative and thought-provoking.

-- Postgraduate student in Creative Writing

After my one-to-one session with Anne, I feel like I have the tools and tips to become more confident in my writing – I am now optimistic I can develop a healthy relationship to writing.

-- Yr3 Social Science PhD student

I thoroughly enjoyed it, and loved the weekly assignments and the feedback in class.

-- Postgraduate student in Creative Writing

The best and most interesting course I have done at the university so far.

-- Biomedical Science doctoral student

This was an incredibly useful week – I got to think much more explicitly about the writing process. It has given me a whole set of tools for teaching and mentoring writing, but probably of most use is the chance to consider my own writing. I have discovered all sorts of things I do in my writing (some good, some bad) that I didn’t realise I was doing.

-- Reader in Theoretical Astrophysics

Fantastically insightful. Great tips for writing.

-- Doctoral student

This workshop helped me understand how to support the argument in my essay.

-- Second year Social Work undergraduate

Students found the intervention extremely engaging and helpful. Many wanted even more and would like another workshop in the future.

-- English Literature Lecturer

Great workshop – reminded us of the basics while giving us helpful suggestions for different approaches to tackling essay writing.

-- Undergraduate student

Of course it’s a given that you need the proper space and time to write – but without focus on content and narrative craft we’d be churning out the same turgid stuff, just more efficiently. … The week vastly exceeded my expectations and I think will have a profound effect on my writing.

-- Research Fellow

I’m very glad I signed up!

-- English Literature undergraduate

I really enjoyed it and would like a part 2 workshop!

-- Doctoral student

The vast improvement in performance of our students, particularly as regards oral presentation skills, is due, in no small part, to the focussed attention provided by you and Esther Selsdon in those intensive sessions that you delivered so effectively.

-- MA course leader

The ‘taught’ content was carefully blended with the practical exercises, so that the practice led the theory, rather than the other way round. … Marina and Tina were helpful, insightful and concise, without being overly critical or judgmental … every moment has been suffused with creativity. Thank you for waking me up.

-- Senior Lecturer in Film Studies

Pitched exactly right… a real pleasure to attend.

-- University Tutor in Creative Writing

The presentation was interesting and relevant. What was most beneficial? All of the content – learnt something new throughout.

-- Education undergraduate

The day was brilliant and the first time I have ever done anything like this.

-- Adult education student attending one-day writing workshop at university

The two facilitators were great. Trevor and Max had very different styles that complemented each other very well. … I really enjoyed the week and gained a lot – confidence and skills and tools for my own writing, and hopefully much better ways of teaching and mentoring others in writing. Highly recommended for writers of all levels and confidence.

-- Reader in Theoretical Astrophysics

What a truly fantastic experience. I really cannot enthuse about it enough. The combination of Max and Trevor as facilitators – so different and yet superbly complementary – was simply perfect. I feel privileged to have attended and I will ensure that my institution is made aware of what a brilliant opportunity this is for all academic staff.

-- Life Sciences Researcher

The best – and the best-received – of all the hundred events we have put on here.

-- Executive Director, US Historical Museum

This workshop has been extremely helpful and relevant to my work in its current stage.

-- Doctoral student in History

Good and clear structure to the workshop. Activities effective.

-- Biomedical research student

Thank you for a fabulous morning of fun learning yesterday.

-- Professor of Science and Engineering

It was really great! I would definitely recommend – so happy to have attended.

-- Doctoral researcher

The report writing workshop was both fun and insightful and gave us clear actions to take in future.

-- Economics Analyst

This workshop encouraged me to think of writing in a different way when at work… and in particular the focus on editing was useful.

-- Administrative staff member

I’d like another session as it has really helped me and I would like to attend more.

-- Education undergraduate

Really helpful – encouraged openness and made the environment feel very safe.

-- Doctoral student

I found it very interesting and feel it has equipped me with very relevant skills.

-- Registry Office Administrative Services

It is clear the students found the workshop very helpful. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and the students felt it will improve their writing and outcomes for their dissertation. One of my personal tutees … has reported that she found the session really useful and [it] has made her feel less anxious about the dissertation.

-- Senior Lecturer and Master’s degree coordinator

Fantastic session and confidence boosting.

-- Professional services staff member

I found the work looking at structure and paragraphs really helpful, considering ways to both outline (the macro) and attend to detail in content …Thank you for a very constructive and helpful workshop.

-- Doctoral student

I intend to pay closer attention to the specific details that Katie worked through with us. The ways in which we can really bring our writing to life …

-- Business school administrator

Most of all I am confident about giving any presentation in the research area that I am interested in.

-- Doctoral student

The consideration and design put into the creation of this session is obvious. Using the workshop to reflect on our own practice outside of my discipline has been enlightening and extremely enjoyable. Thank you.

-- Lecturer in Education

Excellent session, really useful and covered a lot in a short time.

-- Professor of Science and Engineering

I think the way the whole retreat was structured enabled me to think in new ways and to be in touch with my creative side. … The rest of the week was one big long light bulb moment … it was wonderful to witness other people’s journeys too. I left on a high!

-- Lecturer in Criminology

I’ve gained a new perspective on the writing process.

-- Science and Engineering doctoral student

I plan on being a stronger editor for the School’s blog

-- Business school blog editor

The ‘taught’ content was carefully blended with the practical exercises, so that the practice led the theory, rather than the other way round. … Marina and Tina were helpful, insightful and concise, without being overly critical or judgmental … every moment has been suffused with creativity. Thank you for waking me up.

-- Senior Lecturer in Film Studies

Anne has the unique ability to bring out the ‘story’ behind the science, turning empirical descriptions into beautiful prose that is both exciting and scientifically sound.

-- Professor of Toxicology and Environmental Health

I really enjoyed the workshop and found it informative and interesting.

-- English Literature undergraduate

All of the exercises have been very helpful.

-- MA student

Vibrant, stimulating and hilarious classes.

-- Postgraduate student in Creative Writing

Thank you so much for the sessions – they went down an absolute treat!

-- Head of Programme, University English Department

I have attended a few writing workshops. This is by far the best. I know it will help me edit my thesis more effectively.

-- Social Sciences doctoral student

A good, effective workshop that’s helped me understand essay writing better.

-- Undergraduate student

The workshop made a massive difference to me as a student. I now know how to have a voice.

-- First year Social Work undergraduate

Thank you again for the workshop. I really feel I have profited from it and also enjoyed it a lot! It not only has made me think about my own writing more critically and effectively but will also help me working with undergraduates and marking their essays.

-- History doctoral candidate

Our facilitator was incredibly friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. A simply wonderful workshop, thank you.

-- 2nd year Social Science undergraduate

I feel I’ve learnt more about university essay writing over the course of two weekends than I have during my two years at university.

-- Second year Modern Languages undergraduate

[I] will think back to this afternoon when I am blocked! So many great ideas. It was really useful.

-- Reader in Media in Education

Absolutely brilliant workshop. Very helpful!

-- Second year English Literature undergraduate

This has been a highly valuable experience and I can’t praise it enough. It has helped me immensely with planning, writers’ block and confidence in my writing.

-- Second year Social Work undergraduate

Very informal and professional at the same time.

-- Departmental Administrator in a School of Art

Encouraged me a lot.

-- Doctoral Student in humanities

Thanks for a wonderful workshop – really fascinating and lots of top tips and genuinely helpful. The students really enjoyed it and found it hugely helpful for their next assignments.

-- Module Leader, MA Museums and Galleries in Education

This is probably the most in-depth training and input I’ve ever received on (academic) writing! What a privilege, great opportunity. Brilliantly held and led by Heather.

-- Arts and humanities doctoral student

I have personally witnessed how your workshops have transformed the way university teachers viewed their teaching.

-- Academic Staff Developer at a top ten, research-intensive UK university

The group sessions were really effective.

-- Social Science doctoral student

The workshop was very well-prepared with many interesting, student-centred and interactive activities. Many participants expressed their enjoyment and praise for the workshop. These acknowledgments were unprompted and unsolicited. BIG thank you. Well done. Greatly appreciated.

-- Learning Development staff member

Cath’s sessions are of a very high standard with a great balance between theoretical input and practical application. … Her workshops are mainly aimed at undergraduate students and we continuously receive excellent feedback for her sessions.

-- Academic Study Skills Development Coordinator

Many thanks, great to see such positive feedback from the students.

-- Lecturer, University English Department

What a brilliant session on Friday. The last hour of the session was extremely useful and is beginning to make a significant difference to my data analysis. My friends could not believe the difference. Thank you.

-- Psychology postgraduate

It was a really useful and interactive workshop. I enjoyed it.

-- Master’s law student

The activities were approachable, effective and easy to engage with. There was a good, non-judgmental atmosphere.

-- Social science researcher

…a thoroughly positive experience…

-- Grammar School Assistant Head Teacher

When I ran a workshop with these students they were full of praise and admiration for the work you and Cath Senker carried out . . . it would be truly rewarding to our students if you could return again next year to assist the next cohort of MA students.

-- International Support Co-ordinator (Postgraduate)

Dr Joss has transformed my attitude to writing my thesis.

-- Humanities doctoral student

I thought this was a fantastic workshop, and thoroughly enjoyable and constructive from start to finish. I really appreciated Jennifer’s insights and getting feedback from her … By the end, I was desperate to get back to writing my book and was viewing the project with fresh eyes and enthusiasm.

-- Lecturer in History

This workshop completely changed the way I write. It has opened my eyes and shown me where I am going wrong.

-- First year Social Work undergraduate

The workshop gave me the opportunity to meet and hear other people’s vulnerabilities in relation to research. It allowed distance for thoughts and ideas to emerge. It made me think about my research and re-enthused me.

-- Arts researcher

Appropriate content…Enjoyed the session – lively, engaging.

-- Doctoral researcher

This workshop has been a turning point for me.

-- Social Science doctoral student

Everything was great.

-- Master’s law student

I was encouraged to reflect upon my writing in a more critical fashion and given some useful practical tips too.

-- Masters in Social Science student

Practical examples, great discussions, facilitator engaged the audience well.

-- Doctoral student

Really enjoyed this workshop.

-- Adult education student attending one-day writing workshop at university

For me, I found being shown how to think about science writing in the same way as creative writing a bit of an eye opener. It was great to learn some of the basic ‘rules’ and things to think about in order for a good piece of writing to flow well.

-- Life Sciences Lecturer

Really great session, thank you. I wish I knew you existed before now!

-- Doctoral student in Health Science

Critical reflection on what I do for a living is so incredibly rare to come by. … Now I know what to look for and I have a set of tools to use … The generosity and authenticity of Tina and Marina were crucial in finding a part of me I thought was long gone.

-- Associate Professor, International Relations

The course leader was very good at stimulating the group to participate and interact.

-- Doctoral student

The two facilitators were great. Trevor and Max had very different styles that complemented each other very well. … I really enjoyed the week and gained a lot – confidence and skills and tools for my own writing, and hopefully much better ways of teaching and mentoring others in writing. Highly recommended for writers of all levels and confidence.

-- Reader in Theoretical Astrophysics

I learned and understood more after each session. I would recommend that every college or university runs a program like this.

-- First year Social Work undergraduate

I wanted to… let you know how much I feel I have benefited from this course… The one-to-one session was particularly useful in formulating my argument and helping to add clarity to my work.

-- Social Science doctoral student

Would love more workshops like this.

-- MA student

Great course, very useful!

-- Social Science doctoral student

This workshop was very interesting and useful to me. It was an excellent experience.

-- Doctoral student in Health Science

An impressive session by any standards. Delivered with confidence and assurance, clearly well planned, prepared and structured, designed to engage and involve the students.

-- Associate Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing

Excellent. Really informative. This really helped me to think in a very different way about academic discourse, which can often be regarded as rather homogenous and ‘fixed’. This will impact on how I can help non-native speaker students develop a better understanding of voice and narrative structure in academic writing.

-- Assistant Language Co-ordinator, English for Academic Purposes

Alicia was very proactive, making sure everything was on track. … I had a one-to-one appointment with a student who attended Alicia’s workshop … The student said the workshop was ‘wonderful’ and helped her overcome her blocks.

-- Senior learning advisor

Thank you so much, Heather. This has been really fantastic and incredibly helpful and unblocking!

-- Arts doctoral student

[The workshop] was broad enough that it applied to everyone. It was great!

-- Social Sciences doctoral student

All useful and relevant.

-- HE Human Resources staff member

Once again, participants spoke very highly of your sessions: “Brilliant!”

-- Professor of English

It made me think about my own dissertation topic and helped me in structuring it.

-- MA English Literature student

The sessions was excellent … All the activities were thought provoking and [offered] something that it is original and that most academics do not experience … Several participants noted that thinking comparatively about genres of ‘creative writing’ as against highly structured academic context helped them to analyse what they do as academics, particularly in relation to engaging the reader.

-- Reader in Social Research

James made every effort to accommodate everyone’s needs and desires. This was one of the most interesting, informative and engaging workshops I’ve been to and I would attend another one if the opportunity arises.

-- Doctoral student

Working with Anna changed my perception of how to write in a way which was clear, concise and accessible to a range of audiences. This helped in making me a confident writer. The group aspect of the training worked really well, as sharing projects and ideas helped to look at a particularly difficult project from a new perspective.

-- Marketing and Communications Assistant

It was a great experience … it pushed me out of my comfort zone and I learnt that writing is primary for me.

-- Second year Modern Languages undergraduate

… feel ready to write and have learned strategies that I’m confident I can apply to my work.

-- Research staff member, School of Art

The workshop was pitched perfectly. Jennifer understood the peculiar challenges of academic writing and gave good advice on how to meet them. I enjoyed the group work too — tasks were useful in facilitating discussion and it was good to talk to colleagues about writing practices.

-- Professor of British History

Thank you, Heather, for an enlightening two days. I will use what I have learned for years to come.

-- Arts and humanities doctoral student

The session made me think about words, clarity of meaning and flow of argument. It succeeded, not just with me; the students were engaged throughout. Gerry has a very relaxed, informal style, authoritative and reassuring.

-- Programme Director in Genetics

…please keep in touch with any new projects – the students clearly loved your work!

-- Grammar School Assistant Head Teacher

The course has a number of students with a first language other than English. Your input has helped them enormously, especially at this important time of assessment.

-- MA course leader

The activities were very helpful and enjoyable and gave me a better understanding of using signposting words.

-- Second year English Literature undergraduate

[The tutor] was great. Very knowledgeable, patient, active and helpful.

-- Social Sciences doctoral student

Very interactive without forcing participants to contribute, it felt natural to speak during discussions, even for someone who is usually quite nervous.

-- Biomedical research student

I found a narrative voice I didn’t know I had, and changed my research question very radically as a result. The exercises reinforced the message, and it was very inspiring seeing other participants blossoming … into fiendishly writing all afternoon and evening, they were so energized. … The breadth of creativity was quite fantastic.

-- Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology

You have been invaluable in my academic development.

-- Third year undergraduate

The practical work and activities clearly illustrated the issues with good writing.

-- Departmental Administrator in a Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

It was fun… I think that made everyone relaxed and interact more.

-- Office Administrator, School of Medicine

The easy discussion manner helped to make the subject less daunting…Everything was very enjoyable and on point.

-- Doctoral student

What a truly fantastic experience. I really cannot enthuse about it enough. The combination of Max and Trevor as facilitators – so different and yet superbly complementary – was simply perfect. I feel privileged to have attended and I will ensure that my institution is made aware of what a brilliant opportunity this is for all academic staff.

-- Life Sciences Researcher

Most useful workshop on my course so far!

-- Masters in Management student

Very informative. Really enjoyed the session and it will definitely be useful in writing my dissertation.

-- 3rd year Applied Social Science undergraduate

Critical reflection on what I do for a living is so incredibly rare to come by. … Now I know what to look for and I have a set of tools to use … The generosity and authenticity of Tina and Marina were crucial in finding a part of me I thought was long gone.

-- Associate Professor, International Relations

I plan to use the proposed diagram for concepts and to engage my reader when writing my dissertation.

-- MA English Literature student

This was an incredibly helpful workshop!

-- Third year English Literature undergraduate

[The course] helped me think more objectively about my writing. Offered new strategies for editing my work.

-- Doctoral Student in humanities

Very interesting and interactive, a lively session!

-- Doctoral student in Health Science

Enhanced my thinking [and] built my self-confidence.

-- Social Sciences doctoral student

Has strongly influenced my PhD.

-- Social Sciences doctoral student

Although we have excellent student support services within the university, this course offered something to all the students who attended, whether they have specific learning needs or not. I saw their confidence grow as the course progressed.

-- Senior Lecturer in Social Work

I would welcome the opportunity to work with you again, as I found your focus on clear objectives, your strong engagement with the students and your detailed approach to subject-specific learning has made an invaluable contribution to the confidence of my students as well as to the effectiveness of our learning environment as a whole.

-- MA course leader

I feel much more confident in my output, and more enthusiastic about sitting down and getting started.

-- Yr1 Humanities PhD student

Thank you very much for a beautifully prepared course information package.

-- Graduate skills course officer

Very interactive, imaginative activities.

-- Programme Director, School of Education

The facilitator had an easy style. He engaged well with the participants and was able to translate his knowledge well.

-- Doctoral student in Health Science

The three hours [Write Powerfully workshop] passed very quickly. Can I please be included in further workshops?

-- Team Leader, School of Nursing & Midwifery

Working with Anne on my grant proposal has been a really positive and constructive experience and taught me a great deal about how to explain complex concepts in a simple but still rigorous manner. The final submission was so beautiful to read that one of the referees made a point of commenting on it.

-- Group Leader/Senior Lecturer in Bioscience

… the workshop was interesting and educational, gave good examples and offered opportunities for practice and development.

-- Administrator and Academic Skills Tutor

… the one-to-one was brilliant. I feel really energised about reworking the rejected paper.

-- Research staff member, School of Art

Really good structure, excellent advice on how to go about writing for a non-specialist audience and what to consider when starting.

-- Professor of Science and Engineering

This was a highly beneficial couple of days. Opened my eyes to a new way of writing and rehearsing my ideas without being bogged down with accuracy.

-- Arts and humanities doctoral student

Loved this workshop!

-- Doctoral student

The staff found the training enjoyable and helpful for both their professional and personal lives.

-- Team Leader in a Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

It has been a pleasure to work with Doug. His approach is highly professional. He demonstrates the democratic learning principles of collaboration, inclusion and participation, and these are overt in the way he works. I would highly recommend him and would have no hesitation in working with him again.

-- Head of Division of Nursing

The activities were really helpful. They got me thinking in different ways.

-- Doctoral student

The [Concept to Content] workshop really gives good suggestions on appropriate writing in dissertations and writing in general.

-- MA English Literature student

The immersive week has received universal, strong praise from the student participants.

-- Effective Learning Adviser

I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

-- English Literature undergraduate

Really, really helpful and great advice. I feel a lot more confident about writing my dissertation now.

-- Third year Politics undergraduate

Thank you so much for the help and advice you have shared with me recently. You gave me confidence in my writing.

-- Undergraduate student

This course invited us to think about how to do it, not just tell us what to do…

-- Doctoral student in the Arts

I have benefited so much from this retreat … The training sessions covered various writing styles from publishing a book to applying for research grants to writing journal papers.

-- Postdoctorate in Energy Security and Environmental Protection

Reviewing good writing practice/style was very helpful as I have been engaged in very dry primary research and have ‘lost my voice’ to some extent as a result.

-- Doctoral student

The course was excellently executed. It was relaxed and convivial, yet we were undertaking learning that was substantial and worthwhile.

-- Team Leader in a Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

Jen was brilliant. The best workshop I have taken part in since starting university. Extremely beneficial.

-- 2nd year Sociology undergraduate

Really useful and positive seminar. I liked the way our needs were assessed and discussed.

-- Education undergraduate

Very interesting session with excellent facilitators.

-- HE Human Resources staff member

The workshop concentrated on topics that at this stage of my dissertation matter to me. The topic itself is overwhelming, so helping me to break it down helped me to feel the project is manageable.

-- Masters student

The interactive group discussions were very relevant to my learning needs. Excellent input and course content given by a very knowledgeable tutor.

-- Adult nursing doctoral student

Ann identified key areas of essay writing which people often struggle with, and worked through them with useful and thought-provoking activities.

-- English Literature undergraduate

I am impressed by your skills, the methodologies you introduce to the process of learning and generous spirit of inclusivity that you employ to connect with the students.

-- International Support Co-ordinator (Postgraduate)

We learned techniques to take away and apply to our own writing.

-- MA Social Work student

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