Independent Study

What is independent study?


Your course is made up of scheduled contact hours as well as independent study. Your scheduled contact hours are the classes that you’re expected to attend. These might be lectures, seminars, tutorials, labs, studio or field classes, depending on which course you are doing. Independent study is the work you do outside these classes and is essential for completing your course successfully.


Independent study will include additional reading, reviewing your learning from lectures, tutorials etc, completing set tasks, preparing for and completing assessments. This can be work that you do on your own but also includes work that you do with other students on your course. Your tutors will provide information about essential tasks that you are expected to complete. 


In the early stages of your course you’ll be supported in developing the skills you need to carry out effective independent study.


Studying a full-time degree requires a similar time commitment to a full time job (approximately 40 hours per week). Your tutors will provide guidance on the amount of time you are expected to spend on different aspects of your course. 


This is to provide a guide; in practice, every student studies differently. It’s really important, therefore, to develop time management and prioritisation skills to ensure that you can maintain a healthy balance between your academic work, other activities that you do and other responsibilities that you may have. 


Visit the 301 Independent Study Online resources and interactive workshop for guidance and top tips relating to independent study: 


sheffield.ac.uk/academic-skills/everyday/independent 

Further guidance and support 

There are a range of additional resources available to support you in developing your approach to independent study:


301 study skills online provides online resources and workshops covering a range of topics including: 



Study Skills Resources


Library research and critical thinking tutorials and workshops


Resources from the Student Wellbeing Service including 1:1 appointments, student support groups, a blog, and other online resources.


Information about the assistive technology tools that the University provides to support your learning.