Students studying online at Stirling

We're really excited that you're joining us at the University of Stirling. We can't wait to welcome you to your online course and make sure you feel part of the Stirling community. Here's all the information you need to help you start on your new academic journey.

Enrol online

Follow our easy online enrolment process. This includes:

  • Setting up your University of Stirling student computer account
  • Registering for the modules you want to study this year
  • Paying your fees
Postgraduate enrolment

How to study online

Your faculty will send you welcome information with everything you need to know about your course and online study at the University.

Some online courses may offer the option of face-to-face (in Stirling) or live online introductory sessions at the start of each semester. For those unable to attend either option, we may provide introductory information about the modules in alternative digital formats, such as recorded podcasts.

Unless you are otherwise advised by your course team, you will use Canvas as your main digital learning space. This is where you will find all your course and module materials, relevant notifications and information.

We suggest you complete the Learn How to Use Canvas module before you start your studies so you're ready to go. Canvas also has help buttons and guides if you need to ask any questions.

Preparing for your studies

Studying a postgraduate degree is intensive and relies on you being ready to study. It is essential that you complete Stirling Essentials 3-step orientation programme:

  1. Attend our free, online postgraduate orientation programme before you arrive.
  2. Complete a few essential activities by week three of semester.
  3. Check out our Stirling Essential resources now and throughout your studies to help answer your questions. 

It is essential that you have access to a laptop or computer to undertake all our courses and that you have basic digital skills, such as being able to use Microsoft Word. A mobile phone is not sufficient to support your studies.

You have free access to the full Office 365 suite of software during your studies and our digital workshop series can help you develop digital skills and this starts before the beginning of semester. We strongly recommend that you work to develop these skills before you start your studies.

Helping you with your study

Module tutors

Module tutors are your first point of contact to provide support with coursework and questions about assignments.

Module coordinators

Deal with any module-related or assignment-related questions that the module tutor is unable to answer.

Personal tutors

Your personal tutor will help you feel part of the University community. They're there to give you guidance, information and pastoral support as you progress through the course. Find your personal tutor contact details on your portal homepage.

See our Student Guide to Personal Tutoring

If you need support

Even if you are not joining us on campus our services are available online.

Our Information Centre can help if you have problems with software, laptops and getting connected.

Our Student Support Services team are always on hand to offer advice and guidance on a range of topics including money advice, counselling and wellbeing support.

Student Learning Services run a regular schedule of online workshops, tutorials and one to one sessions to enhance your study skills and support your success.

Our Careers Service are available to everyone. They can give you the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability or think about further study.

Our Library services are available for all students and we have over 500,000 resources available online. Find out more about how you can use the Library.

STEER is a University-wide student peer support scheme run by Stirling Students' Union. It provides mentors or buddies for any undergraduate or postgraduate taught student in their first year at the University of Stirling. The scheme aims to help you with the transition of settling into life at Stirling.

Have some fun and connect with others through our student life programme Be Connected, which is a programme of online and on campus events, resources and activities designed to keep you connected with the University community.

Why not introduce yourself?

We encourage students to start their own online groups to talk about study and help each other out.

You can create discussion forums within Canvas. You can also join or create Facebook and WhatsApp groups to communicate with each other.

Visit Canvas

Follow us on social media

Find out what’s happening around campus by following us on Instagram, Facebook or X.

Student email

We will communicate with you through your student email address. You can access your student email account via ‘My Portal’ to receive all the latest updates.