A Chevening guide to UK lectures
An introduction to UK university lectures to get you ready for your Chevening year.
As you embark on your master’s degree in the UK, understanding how to navigate and excel in your lectures will enhance your learning experience and help you maximise your time here. We’ve put together a quick overview of what you can expect from your lectures in the UK.
The purpose of lectures
Lectures serve as a primary mode of teaching in UK universities, particularly in the arts and social sciences. Whether delivered online or in person, lectures involve a lecturer speaking to a group of students, often using visual aids like a PowerPoint. These sessions typically last about 1 hour, and the aim is to provide an overview of a topic and spark further reading and discussion.
In the UK, lectures aren’t just about transferring information for exams. They are designed to introduce you to a topic, before encouraging you to delve deeper through independent study, discussions, and essays. Lectures might trace the evolution of ideas or present multiple perspectives on an issue, especially in the sciences where techniques or procedures might be demonstrated.
Interaction in lectures
Interaction levels in lectures can vary. Some lecturers prefer questions at the end to maintain flow, while others welcome questions throughout to aid understanding. Increasingly, technology like polling software and live chat apps are used to make lectures more interactive, allowing real-time feedback and questions.
Online lectures and recordings
With the rise of online learning, many universities offer live online lectures or recorded sessions. To get the most out of online lectures, ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet, distraction-free environment. Recorded lectures can be particularly useful as you can pause, rewind, and revisit sections at your own pace, making note-taking easier and more thorough.
Note-taking from lectures
Effective note-taking is crucial. Whether using a notebook, laptop, or annotating handouts, taking notes helps maintain focus and provides a valuable resource for you to review later on.
There are number of note-taking styles you might want to consider during your Chevening year:
- Linear notes: This is the most traditional method for lecture notes, where you write down bullet points and key ideas sequentially. This can either be by hand or on a laptop. You will find that most university students in the UK use laptops for their lecture notes – but there’s nothing wrong with writing notes by hand if you prefer! In fact, some research suggests that writing notes by hand aids information retention.
- Mind maps: for more visual learners. Here you may write a key word or topic in the centre of your page, and then add related ideas as branches.
- Handouts can also be annotated directly.
Many students find it beneficial to review and tidy up their notes shortly after the lecture to reinforce their understanding and retain information more effectively.
You should choose the note-taking method that feels most effective and comfortable to you.
Strategies for enhancing your learning experience
Click on the expanding arrows below to reveal our tips on what to do before and after your lectures.
- Glossary: Create a glossary of key terms related to the lecture topic.
- Questions: List the questions that you hope the lecture will answer.
- Recording: Decide if you need to record the lecture and ensure you have permission and the necessary equipment.
- Background reading: Engage in recommended readings to familiarise yourself with the topic.
- Re-write your notes: Organise and expand your notes for clarity and completeness.
- Discussion: Discuss the lecture content with peers to deepen your understanding.
- Further reading: Explore additional readings to gain more insights. Many lecturers will share a list of further recommended reading at the end of the lecture.
- Review your notes: Regularly review your notes, highlighting key points and filling in any gaps.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll be better prepared to engage with the material, participate actively in discussions, and apply your knowledge effectively.
Lectures are a fundamental part of your academic journey in the UK. They offer a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for deep engagement with your field of study. By understanding their purpose, mastering note-taking techniques, and adopting proactive strategies, you can make the most of your lecture experiences. We hope you enjoy them!
