Academic Skills
Develop the academic and professional skills you need for your studies and beyond.
Academic Skills provides one-on-one advice, workshops and resources to help you develop the communication and study skills that will set you up to succeed in your next assignment, upcoming semester, further study, and career outside of university.
Our services, which are available to every enrolled student and graduate researcher at the University of Melbourne, can support you to continually improve your academic skills, including writing, critical evaluation, time management, collaboration and more.
News and Events
Connect with the Academic Skills team
Get personalised advice by booking an individual appointment or contact our academic writing Drop-in mentors for tips, resources and feedback.
Get one-on-one advice with Academic Skills.
An Adviser can help you:
- Develop skills such as academic writing, referencing
- Identify improvement strategies for these key areas,
- Refer you to relevant resources.
Which 1-1 service should you use?
Academic Skills offers two 1-1 services – Writing Drop-ins and Individual Appointments – they provide different forms of advice.
You can use both services, but this information will help you decide which service is best placed to help you depending on your needs.
Click on the headings below to compare the services.
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Who we are
Writing Drop-in
Drop-in writing mentors: fellow students (trained by Academic Skills Advisers), recent graduates, tutors
Individual Appointment
Academic Skills Advisers: qualified TESOL and education professionals
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How the service works
Writing Drop-in
- 15 minutes for the tutor to look at your paper
- Once per assessment
- No limit on number of sessions per semester
The service is offered via email. You contact the service (see below), fill out a short form with details and attach your paper/task. We email you with feedback usually within a day.*
*not on weekends or uni closure days
Individual Appointment
- 25-minute* 1-1 appointment
- 4 sessions per semester
- No more than 1 per week
The service is offered via Zoom. You book the service (see below). We email you a link, the meeting is on the day & time you choose from available appointments. You can email us your paper/task.
*PhD students can ask for 1-hour appointments - you can discuss this with your Academic Skills Adviser prior to the appointment.
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What the service provides
Writing Drop-in
- Quick focus on specific parts of your writing
- Reading sections of writing assessment drafts
- Answer specific questions you have about a particular piece of writing*, e.g. referencing, a particular grammar point, the introduction.
*NOTE: you can email sections of work or whole drafts: the drop-in tutor will spend 15 minutes with the work
Individual Appointment
- In-depth focus on study and communication skills
- Feedback on writing drafts, advising on quality of response; advising on broader academic skills such as time management, managing reading
- Answer broader questions you might have about academic work, e.g. incorporating sources, academic voice, critical analysis, improving your English language, managing time, strategies for revision and taking exams.
*NOTE: you can send unfinished drafts of work or finished drafts. You don't need to have a complete piece of writing. We can talk to you at any stage of the writing process.
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What we don't do
Writing Drop-in
We do not offer:
- Proofreading or editing
We do not provide advice on:
- Course planning or course advice
- IELTS tests or time-limit exam answers
- IT questions
- Applications to other universities
- Resume, Cover letters
Individual Appointment
We do not offer:
- Proofreading or editing
We do not provide advice on:
- Course planning or course advice
- IELTS tests or time-limit exam answers
- IT questions
- Applications to other universities
- Resume, Cover letters
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Who we work with
Writing Drop-in
Undergraduate and graduate coursework students only
Individual Appointment
Any enrolled University of Melbourne student*
*If you and a small number (3-4) of classmates or group members have similar questions, you are welcome to join together. Please raise this with the Academic Skills Adviser by email before the appointment.
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Accessing the service
Writing Drop-in
- No booking required
- Access via contact button below
- Mostly same-day response*
- Available from week 3 of the semester to week 1 of the Exam period
*Not on weekend or University holidays and closure days
Individual Appointment
- Booking required - made online
- Access via appointment booking button below*
- Can book up to 2 weeks in advance
- Available all year
*You can cancel the booking at the same website
Writing Drop-in Service*
Individual Appointment Service
If you need any help accessing these services or have questions not answered by this information, please email academic-skills@unimelb.edu.au
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Friday 1pm - 2pmTake charge of your readingOnline
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Monday 4pm - 5pmReading Club 4: Note-taking skills that can take you furtherIn person
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Tuesday 10am - 11amGrammar and expressions for group workIn person
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Tuesday 1pm - 2pmCritical thinkingIn person
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Tuesday 4pm - 5pmListening Club 4: Taking effective notes while listening (STEMM)In person
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Wednesday 12pm - 1pmSpeaking Clearly 4: Difficult consonantsIn person
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Thursday 2pm - 3:30pmIntercultural learning through Story CirclesOnline
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Thursday 4pm - 5pmListening Club 4: Taking effective notes while listening (HASS)In person
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Monday 4pm - 5pmVocabulary building strategiesIn person
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Tuesday 3pm - 4pmAcademic writing for graduate coursework studentsIn person
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Wednesday 12pm - 1pmSpeaking Clearly 5: VowelsIn person
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Wednesday 1pm - 2pmUnderstanding referencingOnline
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Thursday 2pm - 3pmPresenting effectivelyOnline
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Thursday 4pm - 5pmListening Club 3: It’s not just what they say, it’s how they say it (HASS)In person
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Friday 12pm - 1pmMessaging and emailing in EnglishOnline
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Tuesday 12pm - 1pmConversation group: What’s everyone talking about?In person
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Friday 12pm - 1pmUsing and understanding language tools and appsOnline
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Wednesday 11am - 12pmConversation group: What’s everyone talking about?In person
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Tuesday 12pm - 1pmConversation group: What’s everyone talking about?In person
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Wednesday 1pm - 2pmExam preparation and active revisionOnline
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Tuesday 12pm - 1pmConversation group: What’s everyone talking about?In person
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Wednesday 1pm - 2pmWriting your final assignmentOnline
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Thursday 1pm - 2pmPresenting effectivelyIn person
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Friday 1pm - 2pmUnderstanding referencingIn person
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Wednesday 1pm - 2pmWriting your final assignmentIn person
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Thursday 1pm - 2pmExam Preparation and active revisionIn person
We’ve curated our best study tips and resources which you can access any time.
Topics
Get started by selecting a topic that best supports your needs.
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Developing an academic writing style
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Editing your writing
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Essay writing
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Exam prep
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Getting started at university
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Graduate research
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Grammar
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Language development
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Learning online
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Reading and notetaking
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Referencing and using sources
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Report writing
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Research techniques
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Speaking and presenting
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Studying effectively
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Time management
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Understanding academic integrity
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Working with others

Graduate researchers must be able to evaluate and synthesise literature and data, analyse critically within and across changing disciplinary environments, and communicate their research orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.
No matter which stage of your research you’re in, Academic Skills offers a variety of free services to help you develop these skills.
What we offer
Services and Programs
Workshops
Academic Skills offers a range of workshops to help you develop your academic writing, communication and language skills. All of our workshops are listed on the RDU events portal – check out what’s on and enrol.
Individual appointments
Get personalised advice on developing your writing, language and communication skills during an individual appointment with an Academic Skills Adviser. Book online through the Stop1 booking system.
Melbourne Talks
A free program for international students new to the University of Melbourne delivered by the Student Peer Leader Network in partnership with Academic Skills. For information, check out the information page.
Online resources
The Thesis Writers' Community and Quick Tips
Complete an interactive learning module in the Thesis Writers' Community or access our Quick Tip web pages.
Other ways you can develop your skills
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The Researcher Development Unit (RDU)
The starting point for all University of Melbourne graduate researchers at any stage of their candidature to find professional development offerings and resources tailored to their needs.
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Researcher@Library
Where graduate researchers can expand their information and digital literacy skills throughout their postgraduate degree.
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The Graduate Research Hub
Where graduate researchers can access a range of information, resources and support offered at the University of Melbourne to assist with achieving their academic goals.
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The Graduate Student Association (GSA)
An independent student association representing all enrolled graduate students at the University of Melbourne, providing representation, events, training and support.
English language development
English language skills
Develop your English language and communication skills for success at university and beyond.
All students at the University of Melbourne are expected to be good communicators. Communication skills are essential for academic, professional and social success.
Build your skills and confidence communicating in English both at university and in preparation for your career and intercultural pursuits beyond university. Academic Skills offers a range of free programs to help.
Watch Chenglong as he asks his peers about the range of English language programs and support available on his study journey.
Use the menu on the left to find out about the free workshops, programs and resources for the skills you are most interested in developing.
Diagnostic assessment feedback and recommendations
Not sure where to start? Take the Diagnostic English Language Assessment (DELA) to assess your strengths in academic reading, writing and listening and receive personalised recommendations to support you in your skills development journey. It’s not an exam and you can’t fail.
Vocabulary and grammar
Learning a language is an ongoing, lifelong process. Brush up on your vocabulary and grammar, develop your language learning habits or try some new language learning tools.
Web Resources
Explore our resources to develop your language skills.
Topics include:
Workshops
Academic Skills offers free English language workshops for all study levels.
Topics include:
- Vocabulary building strategies
- Grammar
- Language learning techniques
Academic English Tutorials (graduate coursework)
Join our free tutorial program available to graduate coursework students in your first or second semester of study. The tutorials require no additional assessments and can help you further develop your academic and English language skills within the context of your discipline. You’ll need to apply to participate, and spaces are limited.
Reading and writing
Academic reading and writing skills are essential for every student. Find out how to apply effective reading techniques and learn tips and strategies to enhance your academic writing.
Web resources
Explore our resources to develop your academic reading and writing skills.
Topics include:
Workshops
Attend our range of workshops on academic reading and writing for all study levels.
Topics include:
- Critical thinking
- Take charge of your reading
- Essay and report writing
- Academic style
- Referencing
- Language learning techniques
Online modules
Join the English for Success community for tips, videos, examples of good writing and interactive exercises to test your understanding and get feedback on your academic English.
Topics include:
- How to write effective paragraphs
- How you can transform your writing to be more academic
- How to communicate complex ideas clearly, and simply
- Golden rules for writing
- Four ways to make your writing more sophisticated
Other ways to improve your reading and writing skills
Individual appointments and academic writing drop-ins
Get feedback on your writing and personalised advice on developing your English language and communication skills during an individual appointment with an Academic Skills Adviser. Or you can submit a piece of work to a Writing Drop-in Mentor for quick feedback on a part of your writing.
Academic English 1 (ESLA10003) credit subject for undergraduate students
Through the study of multiculturalism in Australian society, this subject develops students’ ability to use academic English language.
Presenting Academic Discourse (LING90002) credit subject for graduate students
This subject focuses on the advanced language required for successful graduate study in English.
Academic English Tutorials (graduate coursework)
Join our free tutorial program available to graduate coursework students in your first or second semester of study. The tutorials require no additional assessments and can help you further develop your academic and English language skills within the context of your discipline. You’ll need to apply to participate, and spaces are limited.
Listening and speaking
Adapting your listening and speaking skills in the Australian academic context can be challenging. Learn ways to improve your listening skills, speak up in class and communicate with your lecturers and your friends.
Melbourne Talks
Melbourne Talks is a free, peer to peer program hosted by the Student Peer Leader Network in partnership with Academic Skills. It is open to all University of Melbourne students wanting to become familiar with Australian culture and University life while gaining confidence communicating in English and making friends with other students.
Workshops
Attend our range of workshops on academic reading and writing for all study levels.
Topics include:
- Academic listening strategies
- Participating in class discussions
- Communicating in teams
- Aussie English
- Pronunciation
- Intercultural communication
- Language learning techniques
Improve your English in 10 minutes a day
While there is no quick fix to improve your listening and speaking skills, persistent practice in bite-sized activities every day can make a big difference in the long run. Join our online program to receive daily prompts and suggestions.
Academic English Tutorials (graduate coursework)
Join our free tutorial program available to graduate coursework students in your first or second semester of study. The tutorials require no additional assessments and can help you further develop your academic and English language skills within the context of your discipline. You’ll need to apply to participate, and spaces are limited.
Web resources
Explore our resources to develop your listening and speaking skills.
Topics include:
- Getting the most out of lectures
- Participating in tutorials and discussions
- Effective presentations
- Managing stress for oral presentations
- Speaking clearly for presentations
- Intercultural communication
Online modules
Join the English for Success community for tips, videos and examples to practice and test your pronunciation and presentation skills at your own pace.
Topics include:
- Pronunciation
- Oral presentations