As a student at Westminster, you’ll be expected to find, use and reference information to support your studies. Developing good research skills will help you choose appropriate sources, build stronger arguments and feel more confident when working on assignments.
Good research is not about reading everything. It is about knowing what you are looking for, where to search and which sources are most useful for your task. You can also use our Evaluating Information guidance to help you judge the quality of what you find.
Use this page to plan your research, find academic sources, use Library Search and Library Guides, and get help when you need it.
Researching your assignment
When you start an assignment, take time to break down the question, identify keywords and think about the types of information you need. This will help you search more effectively and avoid spending too much time on irrelevant sources.
- Check your online reading list for key texts recommended by your module team
- Read through all the ways to find information
- Find the best resources for your subject through Library Guides
- Use our referencing guidance to record your sources accurately from the start
Preparing your dissertation
Your dissertation is a chance to explore a topic in depth, so it is worth planning your research carefully. Our guide, Dissertation research, will help you think about your research question, search strategy and the sources you may need.
Using Library Search
Library Search is the main place to find books, e-books, journal articles and other resources that the library holds or subscribes to. Use it when you want to find reliable academic information for your course.
- Read our guide to using Library Search
- Watch the Introduction to Library Search video on finding a book
- Watch the Introduction to Library Search video on finding journal articles
How to find help
You do not need to work everything out on your own. For help with researching and referencing your assignments, you can book an appointment with your Academic Engagement Librarian.
Find the Academic Engagement Librarian for your subject on our Library Guides website.
For help with academic writing, you can book an appointment with a Learning Adviser.
To book an appointment, please visit Engage – Appointments.