APPLY NOW
A group of adult students engaged at desks in a classroom during a degree study preparation workshop.

Preparing for Degree-level Study

Every year, the B&FC Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs) run Flying Start workshops to help Degree-level students get ready for the next step on their study journey.

Book a Workshop

Welcome to Flying Start

Our Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs) have created engaging and interactive workshops called "Flying Start" to help you navigate some of the main skills you need for Higher Education.

You can choose from our self-paced online course or in person sessions at our University Centre (UC). This is a fantastic opportunity to meet other students and gain confidence about starting your course.

What our students say...

"Flying Start gave me confidence that the workload ahead is manageable and that support is available if I need it."
"Flying Start helped me with study, academic writing and time management."
"I now have a better understanding of what to expect from higher education. It has helped to relieve some pre-study nervousness."
"Flying Start gave me an insight with what to expect regarding referencing and how important it is."
  • Research & Referencing
  • Academic Writing & Time Management
  • Organisational Skills & Note Taking

What is covered in Flying Start?

Referencing

How to use the Microsoft Word tool to reference, why we reference, what style and format to use, plagiarism explained.

Research

How to research, what resources the college has to offer and how to use them. 

Time Management

Reflect on when you study best, how to prioritise workload, the benefits of using a study planner.

Academic Writing

Why academic writing is different, how to use formal language, how to structure essays and reports.

Organisational Skills & Note Taking

Different styles of note taking, the importance of having a designated workspace, tips for staying organised.

Higher Education Learning Support

At B&FC, our Learning Support team also provide a wide range of study skills support to our degree-level students.

Discover available support

When is Flying Start?

Unfortunately there are no more workshops for the 2025/26 academic year.

2026/27 dates will be announced soon.
 

Alternatively you can choose the self-paced course available on Canvas, by clicking the link on the right.

Flying Start Online
Sign up on Canvas

What's next?

Explore all the additional Learning Support services we offer for degree-level study at B&FC.

You can book an appointment with one of our HELMs mentors by filling in this quick booking form here.

Contact our HELMs Team if you have any questions or concerns about Flying Start workshops and our degree-level study support services.

Email: helminfo@blackpool.ac.uk
Meet HELMs

You can book an appointment with one of our friendly Higher Education Learning Mentors. Click the link below to fill out a quick booking form.

Book an Appointment