Students' FAQs

What is an adviser of studies?

An adviser of studies is an academic member of staff with formal responsibility for offering expert advice and guidance on academic matters and can provide information on support services within the university community. 

Who has an adviser of studies?

All taught students (undergraduate and postgraduate) have access to an adviser of studies.  Students who are studying part-time, off campus or online have access to an adviser of studies but it is expected that the contact between the adviser and student will be appropriate to the context of their study.  

Who is my adviser of studies?

Details about current advisory teams can be found at: Adviser of Studies Scheme

How can I contact my adviser of studies?

You can contact your adviser of studies by email, telephone, or through the divisional office.

Contact details and your divisional office details can be found at: Adviser of Studies Scheme

How do I find out the name of my adviser of studies and their room number?

Details about current advisory teams can be found at: Adviser of Studies Scheme and by contacting your adviser you can find their room number.

Do I meet with my adviser of studies?

You do not have to meet your adviser of studies unless you need academic advice. Your adviser of studies can be contacted by email or telephone if this suits your needs better.

What can my adviser of studies help me with?

Members of the team are responsible for:

• Providing information that will assist students to make informed choices throughout their academic studies.
• Advising on how degree regulations apply and which modules can be selected for the relevant degree programme.
• Providing academic advice to assist with making choices about a programme of study best suited to the students’ intentions and possible future careers.
• Approving module changes and ensuring students meet the requirements specified within the Degree Programme Table.
• Approving programme changes and ensuring students meet the requirements of the new Degree Programme Table.
• Advising on how to withdraw from a module or what options are available to students following failure of any module. 
• Taking action to assist students with academic problems such as providing advice on study skills.
• Signposting students to the appropriate regulations, codes of practice and support services (e.g. the Students’ Union) to assist them with the preparation of a case for an appeal, complaint or leave of absence.
• Referring students to sources of more specialist advice within the University, when required (e.g. immigration information).
• Keeping up to date with the University’s regulations for the award of degrees and the particular requirements of individual degree programmes.
• Approving module choices for outgoing exchange students.
• Approving module choices for incoming study abroad and exchange students, at the application stage, and then acting as an academic adviser for these students throughout their study abroad period at the University of Stirling.

What can my adviser of studies not help me with?

Your adviser of studies is there to support you to resolve any academic problems which are affecting progress with your studies.  For more general advice and support contact your personal tutor who will be able to help you. 

What happens if my adviser of studies is absent or leaves the university?

The contact details of advisers of study will be updated

I want to report a problem with my adviser of studies, how can I do this?

If you do have a problem with your adviser of studies, please contact the Senior Adviser or Faculty Manager. Their contact details can be found at: Adviser of Studies Scheme

Can I change my adviser of studies?

Your adviser of studies is there to provide academic advice specific to your degree programme. Your adviser of studies would only change if you change your degree programme.

My adviser of studies was unable to help me, what can I do now?

Your adviser of studies has been trained to give advice on a range of academic issues but if you feel your problem is still unresolved then there are various members of staff throughout the university who can support you; Student Programmes,  Senior Adviser or Students’ Union. Your faculty/divisional contact will be able to direct you, details here: Adviser of Studies Scheme

I am a distance learner; do I still have an adviser of studies?

Yes, all undergraduate and postgraduate students both full-time and part-time have access to an adviser of studies.

I am an exchange student; do I still have an adviser of studies?

Yes, all undergraduate and postgraduate students both full-time and part-time have access to an adviser of studies.

Is a record kept of meetings with the adviser of studies?

Your adviser will indicate if they have taken notes within a meeting. A copy of the guidelines will be available in mid-September but any queries can be sent to sacsadmin@stir.ac.uk

I need a reference; can my adviser of studies provide me with one?

Yes, you can ask your adviser to be a referee.

Are meetings with my adviser of studies confidential?

View the University's Data Protection Policy. 

However, there are occasions when it would be inappropriate to maintain confidentiality, such as the disclosure of illegal activity or activity that may lead to harm for the student or others. In these circumstances it would be appropriate for an adviser to discuss their concerns with other colleagues.