Essential Study Skills

by Tom Burns and Sandra Sinfield

Published 13 December 2002

Do you want to do better at university?

Packed with study tips and handy activities, Essential Study Skills is a proven guide that shows you step-by-step how to study effectively and make the best of your time at university - whatever level you're at. Whether you are going to university straight from school, a mature student, or an overseas student studying in the UK for the first time, you'll find out how to:

  • Sail through those tricky first weeks
  • Get the most out of lectures by understanding how you learn
  • Learn techniques for academic writing and research
  • Stay cool and cope with stress
  • Pass exams with flying colours
  • Plan your career after graduation.

Don't miss in this edition...

  • Even more tips and advice on learning methods, online learning and developing job skills - ensuring success throughout your course
  • Additional case studies and student tips to help you apply the skills you need
  • A companion website packed with toolkits and resources, to help you study smarter.

The Student Success series are essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to planning your dream career, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips and resources for study success!


'This is an essential guide for anyone aspiring to teach in Higher Education in the UK. Not just because it is packed with practical tips and even lecture notes but crucially because it explains the nature of university teaching in the wake of the 'widening participation' agenda... In summary this book is well worth reading' - Educate Journal

This is a book for tutors, lecturers and teachers in further and higher education, who need to teach their students how to study, learn and communicate effectively. Based around the same techniques and contents as Tom and Sandra's book Essential Study Skills, which is itself based on many years experience of teaching and mentoring students in higher education, this book is intended to work with traditional and non-traditional students.

The material will be suitable for institutions concerned with widening participation; with student retention; with quality enhancement; with equal opportunities and with professional and staff development.


SAGE Study Skills are essential study guides for students of all levels. From how to write great essays and succeeding at university, to writing your undergraduate dissertation and doing postgraduate research, SAGE Study Skills help you get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!