Our Learner Support team will help you with your studies and make sure you are able to fully join in college life.
HE Access Adviser
Mhairi Hale
The Learning Support Service is committed to ensuring that you can achieve and progress in your education and are able to fully participate in college life.
Our experienced team provides tailored support, advice and guidance for students with a wide range of learning needs and are committed to providing inclusive education in a safe and positive environment.
We offer support for a variety of disabilities that include:
- Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia
- Autism Spectrum Conditions
- Hearing and Visual (Sensory) Loss
- Medical and/or Mobility Needs
- Mental Well Being
To book an appointment with the Higher Education Access Adviser please click here to visit the HE Access Adviser Booking System. They will remain the main point of contact for the service and will start a Reasonable Adjustment Plan with you, which will consider your individual needs and requirements and provide you with guidance and advice, including:
- Discussing and developing strategies with you to support you through your course.
- Arranging examinations concessions, library extensions, and equipment.
- Supporting you to share information with your tutors so that you can get as much support as possible.
- Assisting you in claiming Disabled Students Allowance.
- Recommendations for referral for other (external) specialist assessment (E.g. Visual processing or motor skills assessment).
Please ensure your appointment is during your independent study hours. It is helpful to bring a copy of your diagnosis or referral paperwork (paper/online) to the meeting, or you can send it to the HE Access Adviser in advance at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
You will receive an automatic confirmation of your booking via email. If you can no longer attend your booking or need to reschedule, please amend your booking as soon as possible to enable others to access the support service.
Specialist Support:
Appointments can be provided with a specialist assessor on recommendation from the HE Access Adviser. They will assess need and make recommendations to teaching staff on the best way to enable access to learning, including referral onto alternative specialist assessment services where required and in accordance with current assessment protocols (SASC). Visit SASC.org.uk.
Assistive Technologies:
There is a range of assistive technologies available to enable access to learning. This includes having access to your own Microsoft Office 365 account and its associated accessibility tools.
Disabled Students’ Allowance:
This provides funding to help with the extra costs you may incur as a result of your learning need. This might be specialist equipment including laptops, assistive technology, and support through a specialist study skills tutor. It may also support you with travel costs if your disability directly affects your ability to travel to and from college.
To be eligible for the Disabled Students' Allowance available through Student Finance England (SFE), you need to be on a Higher Education course and have a long-term learning difficulty disability or health condition. For more information click here.
Once you have applied you will be invited to attend a needs assessment where an assessor will explore and demonstrate support that might assist you.
ASC at the college can support you in making an initial application and throughout the application process. You can apply for this type of support at any time during your course.
Tel: 0191 375 4400
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Contacting Learning Support:
If you would like to talk to a member of the Learning Support Service about available support or to discuss your needs in more detail, please contact us:
Book: HE Access Adviser Booking System
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: 0191 375 4380
Main Building - Orange corridor, Room 0.22
HE Personal Learning Coach
Daniel Riches
If you’re struggling with study skills, motivation or time management, our Higher Education Personal Learning Coach can give you the one-to-one support you need to help you succeed. They can also support you with adjusting to the demands of studying at HE-level, as well as provide pastoral support throughout the academic year.
Drop into the Student Study and Wellbeing Hub on the first floor of the Digital Learning Centre, or you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange an appointment around your studies.
Higher Education Academic Support Tutor
Bethany Suggett
The HE Academic Support Tutor is based in the University Centre and is available for 1:1 tutorials and group sessions on study skills areas such as academic writing, critical thinking, and referencing. This support may be particularly useful in the early days of your HE course as you become accustomed to the skill set required at HE level, however you can access this support at any point during your course.
The HE Academic Support Tutor can be contacted directly, through your Course Leader, or your Personal Tutor. Your study skills development is integral to your HE studies, so please reach out if you would like to access additional support throughout your time at the college. We are here to help you achieve your course qualification.
Book a 1:1 tutorial: HE Academic Support Tutor (Study Skills) (office365.com)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please ensure your booking is made for during your independent study hours. You will receive an automatic confirmation of your booking via email. If you can no longer attend your booking or need to reschedule, please amend your booking as soon as possible to enable others to access the support service.
NCD Library
Daniel Barksby (Learning Resources Manager)
The Library is located on the ground floor of the West Mall in the Main Building. It has a wide variety of online and print resources to support your research and assignments, which you can use in college or borrow and use at home. These can be accessed via Discovery or through Heritage online. When you register with the Library, you will be provided with an OpenAthens authentication account to access all online materials from home. Whether in person, via email, or over the phone, staff are on hand to support you in accessing the resources you need.
Tel: 0191 375 4370
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Advice Support and Careers (ASC)
Our Advice Support and Careers team are here to help if you have questions about student finance, careers or future study options, or if you would like help with job applications.
They also offer counselling support if you are worried about any personal issues including mental health. Find more out about ASC by clicking here.
Tel: 0191 375 4400
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.