Enhancing Academic Advising and Personal Tutoring in Higher Education
UKAT, the United Kingdom Advising and Tutoring association, is a learned society of professional practitioners and researchers interested in advancing the scholarship and practice of student advising and personal tutoring in Higher Education in the UK. We advance the field through our conferences, symposia, workshops, support for original research, peer-reviewed academic publications, accreditation of practice, professional courses, and resources.
Webinar - From Access to Achievement: Using Higher Education Learning Mentors to Deliver Access and Participation Plan Outcomes - Thursday, November 19, 2026
How can higher education providers move beyond compliance and translate Access and Participation Plans (APPs) into meaningful action that improves student success? This webinar explores Blackpool and The Fylde College's Higher Education Learning Mentor (HELM) model, a strategic APP intervention designed to enhance belonging, continuation, attainment and the overall student experience. Supporting a diverse higher education and apprenticeship population, many of whom balance study alongside work, caring responsibilities and other commitments, HELMs provide proactive academic mentoring, coaching, skills development and personalised transition support. Embedded within curriculum areas and informed by student feedback, the model identifies and addresses barriers before they impact outcomes. Drawing on evidence of impact and implementation insights, this session offers a practical and transferable approach for institutions seeking to embed student-centred, APP-aligned support that strengt Read more...
Call for Articles - Waypoint Special Edition on Postgraduate Advising
We are currently seeking contributions for a special edition of Waypoint, focused on the needs of taught postgraduate students. We invite articles on topics such as student transition, diversity, expectations, and skills development. Expressions of interest (max 500 words) should be submitted by 1 November 2026 and should outline your topic, contribution type, relevance, and potential impact.
Community
UKAT promotes collaborations and the sharing of research-informed effective practice. We offer many ways to get involved, connect with others and further your professional development, including
- Special Interest Groups
- Conferences
- Committees
- Professional development and mentoring
- Research development and support
- UKAT Blog
Membership
Becoming a member means joining a nationwide community of professional advisors, personal tutors, academics, researchers and students who are working to support student success and enhance their educational development.
Members enjoy various benefits, including access to resources, events and professional mentoring.
We offer Institutional Membership, Personal Membership and Student Membership.
Resources
UKAT offers a wealth of resources to help members stay abreast of latest developments, share effective practice and support professional development. Member resources include
- UKAT Professional Development Curriculum of scaffolded professional development opportunities for personal tutors and academic advisors
- Publications
- Webinars
- Masterclasses
- Access to consultancy
- Sign up to our mailing list
Events
UKAT organises and supports regular events for both members and non-members.
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From Access to Achievement: Using Higher Education Learning Mentors to Deliver Access and Participation Plan Outcomes
Online
Thursday 19 Nov 2026, 14:00 - 15:30 -
UKAT Conference 2027
Abertay University, Dundee
Monday 5 Apr 2027, 13:00 - Wednesday 7 Apr 2027, 14:30
Our Member Institutions
