Welcome Back!
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Staff
Programme Leader – Name, Phone Number, Email
Module Leader (s)– Name, Phone Number, Email
Tutor – Name, Phone Number, Email
Tutor – Name, Phone Number, Email
Mentor – Name, Phone Number, Email
Looking back on your 1st Year…
What were some of the things that went well?
What didn’t go well?
Did you get the grades that you were expecting?
What are the areas that you could improve upon this year?
What did your feedback from your tutors say?
And how could you use it so that you can advance your grades this year?
Assessment
Modules
Assessment Type
Deadline
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Examination
12pm on 00/00/0000
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Coursework
12pm on 00/00/0000
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Research Project
12pm on 00/00/0000
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Essay
12pm on 00/00/0000
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Examination
12pm on 00/00/0000
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Presentation
12pm on 00/00/0000
Credits
Timetable
Course timetable should be provided to you by your Module Leader or other members of Staff
as well as being available via Blackboard.
Icebreaker Game: Fact or Fiction
Every student in the class write on a piece of paper THREE things about themselves which may not
be known to the others in the group. Two which are true and one that is not.
Taking turns, let the students read out the three ‘facts’ about themselves and the rest of the group
votes which are true and false.
There may be a few things about other people that will surprise you.
Good Stuff about 2nd Year
A good time socialise, join sports clubs or student groups and experience student life.
You still have time to experiment and try new things with your work, you can still make mistakes
because it wouldn’t effect you as badly as it would in the 3rd Year.
The chance to move out of dorms and became more independent, in charge of your own finances
and accommodation.
The opportunity to expand your horizons, to try new things and learn what you might want to do in
the future.
“As you learn more in your second year you start to
specialise and get a better idea of what you want to do,
you get lots of opportunities to try things. I don’t know
that many people who have a set career choice now.”
Bad Stuff..
What is it?
When there is a noticeable loss of interest and enthusiasm in students during their 2nd year of study
in comparison to their 1st and 3rd year.
This can affect students from across all areas of study and usually starts after the end of the 1st
semester in 2nd year.
Why does it affect Students?
The 2nd Year Slump is a general decline in a student’s progress which can be due to various things:
- A lack of attendance.
- Boredom and dissatisfaction with the Course Syllabus.
- A hectic social life and external responsibilities distracting students from their work.
- A part-time job which takes the student’s time away from their studies.
- Stricter grading standards in the 2nd year.
These are just some of the factors which can effect the progress of a student’s work.
“In the 1st year I just did the bare minimum.
I just did what I had to do. I tried to do exactly
the same in 2nd year but it didn’t work,
I found it harder.”
How does 2nd year contribute to your
overall grade?
Most students think that it is okay to coast in the 2nd year. This is because they think that your
performance in 2nd year doesn’t affect your final grade.
But do really you know what percentage the 2nd year makes to your overall degree?
How much does 2nd year contribute to
your overall grade?
1.
2.
3.
4.
0%
10%
25%
15%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
1
2
3
4
The Answer
3. 25%
So what? What difference can 25%
make?
It could mean the difference between a higher or lower grade.
For a 1st your overall grade needs to be above 70%.
For a 2:1 your overall grade needs to be between 60 % - 69%.
For a 2:2 your overall grade needs to be between 50% - 59%.
For a 3rd your overall grade needs to be between 40% - 49%.
Anything less than 40% is a fail.
18
“I think I could have done more work
instead of watching TV.”
The single most common regret that students have about their 2nd Year is that they should have
worked harder to achieve a better grade.
2nd Year Slump :
Student Experience
Up to 48% of LJMU Students
experience the Sophomore Slump
How to make the most of out 2nd year
Go to class frequently, even if nothing important is timetabled in your schedule such as a Workshop,
Lecture or Deadline. You never know what you miss out on by not turning up. You could miss vital
information.
Keep your study times regular. Don’t leave exam revision and coursework till the last minute.
Remember for every hour taught you should do at least 2 hours of independent study outside of
class.
Use the feedback you get from your tutors productively. Remember feedback can be informal as a
a conversation as well as formal such as given via written assessments.
Make the most out of all the resources are that available, the lectures that are uploaded onto
Blackboard and in the Libraries the books and articles you can read.
Check your Student Email Account often.
Advice from Past Students
“Do your research, instead of panicking because you have to manage how your going to complete
your assignment in that set-time.”
“It’s better to plan ahead when you don’t have a deadline and do it then rather than at the last
minute. This year every time I went home after a Lecture I typed up my notes in bullet-points. So
that when it came to the exams I just had to print it out.”
“Our tutors said that we had this timed essay to complete and that we could ask them things about
what will be on it beforehand. They’ll give you an example question which you can do in your own
time which you can then give it back and ask for feedback.”
“Planning ahead is better than cramming,
It’s a lot easier especially when you have got
other commitments - e.g. a job outside of uni.”
What to do if your trailing
If you know in advance that you won’t be able to take an assessment then you should contact your
Module Leader as soon as possible.
If you cannot complete a module you may need to apply for Deferred Consideration of the
assessment or maybe the module.
Extenuating Circumstances
Sudden illness or family bereavement may make it impossible to take an assessment. In this case
you should contact your module leader immediately.
You may need to complete an Extenuating Circumstances Form if no other support is available or
appropriate for you.
If the Extenuating Circumstances request is accepted and you have not passed the module you will
be given a deferral. There is no change to the marks awarded or any further consideration given to
the extenuating circumstances at an assessment board.
Course Rep
Course Representatives work to provide their fellow students with a voice.
They represent all student views and work with Programme Leaders and Academic Staff to create
the positive change that students want and need.
Remember to speak to your Course Rep if you think there are elements of your course that can be
improved upon.
Placements
Relevant work experience will put you in a great position when applying for work after you
graduate.
Employers really value relevant experience as it demonstrates your commitment to your career and
it means you should have developed an understanding of the sector and the role.
Work experience will also give you a taste of what it’s like to work in that sector. Which should help
you decide whether it is the sector for you.
Many organisations offer formal work experience opportunities via placements and internships.
If you have the opportunity to complete a year-long sandwich placement as part of your course
these are often advertised via placements, ask staff in your department if any are available.
Work Experience
Alternatively you can look for opportunities on the LJMU Vacancy website or on websites such as
Prospects, Targetjobs and Milkround.
Students frequently secure relevant work experience by making contacts in their chosen profession
or by approaching organisations speculatively with a CV and covering letter.
Before you apply make sure you research the company and position first so you can tailor your CV
and covering letter to the vacancy.
Remember, a good CV is also important when applying for part-time work. Contact the World of
Work Skills and Career Advice Centre for if you need help.
Useful Contacts
LJMU Student Advice and Wellbeing Team
Tel: 0151 904 6055/6056/6057
Email: studentadvice@ljmu.ac.uk
Student Wellbeing
Tel: 0151 904 6116
Email: studentwellbeing@ljmu.ac.uk
LJMU Accommodation Office
Tel: 0151 231 4166
Email: accommodation@ljmu.ac.uk
Disability
Tel: 0151 904 6052/6037
Email: disability@ljmu.ac.uk
Study Support
Tel: 0151 904 6066
Email: studysupport@ljmu.ac.uk
International Students
Tel: 0151 904 6050
Email: internationaladvice@ljmu.ac.uk
Useful Contacts
World of Work and Careers Advice
Tel: 0151 231 8099
Email: worldofwork@ljmu.ac.uk
Student Administration:
Aldham Robarts Library
Off Maryland Street
Liverpool L1 9DE
Tel: 0151 231 3333/3334
For Library, IT and General Queries
Tel: 0151 231 3179
Counselling
Tel: 0151 904 6123
Email: counselling@ljmu.ac.uk
IM Marsh Library
Barkhill Road
Liverpool L17 6BD
Tel: 0151 231 5432
Avril Robarts Library
79 Tithebarn Street
Liverpool L2 2ER
Tel: 0151 231 5805/5806