The impact of pre-entry study skills training programmes on students' first year experience in health and social care programmes

The Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences at Kingston University and St. George's, University of London has provided a pre-entry study skills course since July 2001. The course runs over one weekend and although short, is comprehensive. An evaluative research study, using case study methodology was undertaken to examine the impact of this pre-entry initiative on the first year student experience. Data were obtained through focus groups with students and semi-structured interviews with both students and staff. The findings show that the study skills weekend programmes prepare students realistically for their first year university experience. In addition, the evaluation helped to develop insight into the first year experience which have informed a number of academic initiatives.