MA academic resources and skills development

Learning and study resources

Libraries

The University has three main libraries: the Information Commons and the Information Commons in the Diamond are the main taught student libraries, and Western Bank is the main research library. There is a wealth of digital and print materials available – over 1m e-books, 60,000 electronic journals and 1m printed volumes, including a wide variety of Special Collections – and staff to help you find what you need (see below). 

Boston Spa Minibus - the library also runs a regular free minibus service to Boston Spa’s British Library Document Supply Centre allowing you easy access to their extensive collections. 

You should take some time to familiarise yourself with the library and its resources: 

Study space

The library has a mix of walk-in and bookable individual and group study spaces. Walk-in spaces with PCs can also be found across campus. Group booking rooms are also available in the Students' Union.

Bookable spaces are limited. If you are no long able to make a booking please cancel it so that the space can be made available to another student. You will find a cancellation link in your booking confirmation email. See how to cancel a booking for more information.

Find out about the University's computing and printing facilities.

Guidance about study techniques for history MA students 

The History style guide offers useful advice on presentation as well as guidelines about referencing and bibliographies.

It is important to be aware of the University's guidelines and how to avoid the use of unfair means. 

Skills development

The University of Sheffield offers a lot of opportunities for you to develop your academic and personal skills. Find out more on the Sheffield Graduate Attributes webpage. 

You can also use mySkills to assess, record, build and reflect on your own skills profile. This can be a valuable tool for creating your CV and strengthening job applications and interview performance.

Below you'll find a summary of some key skills resources you may find particularly useful to develop your skills and support your studies, as well as general information about our skills services.

Find out more about the mySkills portfolio which is a great tool to record and reflect on the wide range of skills and knowledge that you gain through your MA degree plus any work experience and extra curricular activities you undertake. 

Arts and Humanities guide to the IT systems you'll need through your studies. 

The Arts IT team have also provided a range of tech guide videos.

You will also find the University digital learning information pages useful.

301 offers a wide range of tutorials, workshops, and other activities - on topics such as reading techniques, time management, critical thinking, essay writing, presentation skills and making the most of feedback - to support your skills development and help you reach your academic potential.

The ELTC offers a range of services, including the Writing Advisory Service aimed at all students and additional services specifically for international students.

They also offer specialist support for students with Dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties.

The library offers a range of information skills tutorials and workshops to help support your learning and research.

Specific library resources:

The library's online database of FAQs. You can also live chat, text for help or submit a question.

Got another question? just get in touch or call into a Library information point:

Library Helpdesk (general library queries - staffed 7 days a week)

Steve McIndoe, Faculty Librarian (subject specific queries - Monday-Friday)

The Creative Media Hub offers resources for a range of media production including video, audio and photography. You can also borrow equipment.

This may be particularly useful for students taking HST6042 Presenting the Past but the resources are available to everyone. 

Learning Space for Digital Skills in Arts and Humanities

This self-learning space aims to support you to learn digital skills at your own pace if you need to use these for future assessments or projects. 

Get guidance on how to use EndNote (reference management software) and create academic posters, Google Sites, Podcasts and Videography. 

There is also a resource section offering advice on using copyright free images, video and sound within your digital artefacts / projects.

Self-enroll here. Once you're enrolled go to Blackboard Courses and then search for 'Learning Space for Digital Skills in Arts & Humanities'. 

A student run makers space available to all students offering a range of facilities from sewing machines to power tools, from 3D printers to laser cutters. iForge can be used for personal and academic projects.

The Languages for All programme gives students access to studying a wide range of languages that can be taken as part of your degree or as a paid for extra.

The Careers Service offers a range of services to develop your skills and improve your employability potential. 

Extra curricular activities are also a great way to develop skills, meet new people and give back.