Cohort Leads

Your Cohort Lead will help facilitate your transition to studying at the University of Edinburgh.

Who is my Cohort Lead (CL)?

Your Academic Cohort Lead is your programme director, deputy director or coordinator. Your Cohort Lead will organise academic-related activities bringing you together with your fellow students during the year. These activities will focus on fostering connection between you, your fellow students and the programme through the provision of group-based welcome and transition activities. The coordination of programme based community building activities is a key part of facilitating a sense of belonging to your programme.

They will provide academic and career guidance as part of your research development. This may include sharing their experiences and advice in terms of research skills, knowledge and understanding of the academic research community of which you are a part. You are able to contact them to discuss any academic issues that you might be having and, if they are unable to help, they will assist in finding you the right support.

Our wider teaching team is here to help you when you need academic advice on a course or assessment. They are ready to answer any questions you may have about your studies. Your Cohort lead will work closely with professional services colleagues as the lead academic to provide you with the best support for your studies. If your programme does not have a Student Adviser, your Cohort Lead will be your main point of contact for pastoral support and wellbeing as well.

What can I expect of my CL?

  • Responsiveness in a timely manner
  • Welcome, induction, and transition new students
  • Help facilitate community building in your cohort
  • Discuss academic progression and offer career advice
  • Willingness to advise, support and review progress
  • Act as your advocate in matters related to academics and wellbeing 

Additionally, some programmes may allocate a professional mentor to their students to provide enhanced career support. 

 

If you would like to explore some of the University's resources for your personal development as a postgraduate student, you can check out the links below: 

IAD study skills support for postgraduates taught students 

 

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