Academic and English Support

Starting out at college is an exciting prospect. However, it's easy to overlook some of the changes college entails, particularly when comparing the academic environment in Muscat College with that of your home country. We know there's a lot to get your head around, so we've outlined some basic differences and support services to help you. If you need help to adapt to college life you can book an appointment with Student Affairs Department to discuss your options. Here are some areas we can assist you with:

Improve your English

There are many opportunities to improve your English language skills, both on and off campus. You should first consider if you would like to improve your academic or your conversational English-language skills. You may want to consider engaging yourself in:

Independent Learning and Language Labs

At the Language Centre we believe that learning is enhanced when students are active, independent learners. Hence, we have ensured that we provide students with English labs that include all the equipment and software required to enrich their learning experience. For more information please visit English Language Centre page

English Language Clubs

The English Club is a place where members get to practice their English and build a community for students whose interests lie in the different uses of the English language. For more information please visit student clubs page.

Improve your Academic Skills

Muscat College will provide a different learning context compared to your home country and may require you to take a new approach to assessment tasks. We conduct a multitude of learning workshops which can help you to adjust to this unfamiliar academic culture and understand what is expected of you here to succeed. Here are some of these methods:

Independent learning and critical thinking

Independent learning is about taking responsibility for yourself, without anyone to hold your hand. You are responsible for your own learning – everything from keeping up-to-date with assigned readings, to knowing when exams or assessments are due. You need to understand that lecturers won't be chasing you to do your homework. They will impart their knowledge and then it's up to you to be responsible for yourself. You’re also expected to do more amount of reading, seek out material outside of your reading lists and textbooks that will give you more information and help you develop a wider understanding of your topic.

Critical thinking is a major part of Muscat College learning experience. When you’ve gathered the information from your textbooks, journal articles and other sources, you’re expected to critically analyse it. You should develop your own opinion about the topic, rather than just repeating what you’ve read. Don’t worry too much though. During each of your courses, your lecturer will provide you the knowledge framework to develop your own informed point of view.