Support we provide

A SoA lists the adjustments our Service recommends should be made for you by the University for your studies.  Adjustments can be implemented for most areas of academic work.  For example: 

• Learning and Teaching: tasks being broken down into smaller chunks to make them easier to understand
• Physical Environment: sitting in particular locations in a classroom/lecture theatre or rooms being accessible by lift
• Assessments and Class Tests: being able to request late submission for some assessments
• Exams: extra time, or being able to eat and drink in exams
• Library: longer loans or assistance with locating particular books
• Essential Information: if you need to be accompanied by a support assistant or British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, or if you need a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) 

Once adjustments have been agreed, we circulate the SoA to relevant staff in the Library, Exams Team and Schools. The reasons for the adjustments are not generally shared unless it is vital for the implementation of effective support. You can find out more about how we share adjustments in our Privacy Policy

SoAs can be changed as students progress through their studies, or as their support needs change. 

Where it is needed, we can help students to apply for funding and set up specialised one-to-one support. This may include:

• Manual / Electronic Notetaker
• Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) Tutor
• Specialist Mental Health / Autism Mentor

All of our staff are professionally trained, qualified and are registered with their relevant professional bodies. 

In some cases, we provide specialist proofreading support for students facing significant challenges.

NB: this is not a standard proofreading service for those who need help with academic writing and not available to students who need proofreading support due to English not being their first language.  If you feel this applies to you, you may find the following pages helpful:

• Academic Language and Literacies courses for current students studying at the University of Edinburgh
• Edinburgh University Students’ Association Information on Proofreading
• Institute for Academic Development Editing and Proofreading Guidance

There are free software options available for students that can provide some basic proofreading support:

• Grammarly
• LanguageTool
• Ginger

Please review the Using generative AI in your studies: guidelines for students when using free software options.

We can assist you with accessing assistive technology and software by assisting eligible student with funding applications.  This may include:

• Ergonomic Equipment, such as chairs
• Assistive software, such as text to speech software
• Assistive Technology, such as Digital Voice Records (DVRs)

As a PGR student, much of your work will be independent and self-directed.  However, the Service can still offer you support in relation to your studies.

Aside from the support listed above, we can request adjustments that are specific to PGR study, for example:

• Provision of suitable work space
• Tasks being broken down into smaller chunks, if requested
• Provision of additional thesis supervisor sessions with clear target setting

We can also liaise directly with you and your supervisor(s) to discuss any additional support needs you may have in relation to your research.  You may find it useful to read the Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students.