At university, independent learning is a vital part of your development—both academically and professionally. Unlike school or college, where learning is often closely guided, university encourages you to take ownership of your studies. This means going beyond taught sessions to explore topics in more depth, manage your time effectively, and reflect on your progress.

Why Is Independent Learning Important?

It helps you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for clinical decision-making.
It encourages self-motivation and resilience—valuable traits in the workplace and throughout your career.
It allows you to personalise your learning, following areas of interest and strengthening areas you find more challenging.
It prepares you for lifelong learning, which is essential in healthcare professions where knowledge is constantly evolving.

How to Approach Independent Learning

Read beyond the lecture slides – use textbooks, journal articles, and professional websites to deepen your understanding.
Plan your time – use a study planner or weekly schedule to break down tasks and avoid last-minute stress.
Set personal goals – identify what you want to achieve each week and review your progress regularly.
Make use of feedback – apply the feedback you receive in assessments and clinical tasks to improve future work.
Stay curious – ask questions, explore clinical case studies, and relate learning to real-life scenarios.

Key Skills to Develop

Time management – prioritising tasks, setting deadlines, and avoiding procrastination.
Critical thinking – analysing information, evaluating sources, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
Note-taking and summarising – organising content in a way that makes sense to you (e.g. mind maps, bullet points, flashcards).
Reflection – regularly assessing your strengths, areas for development, and setting action plans (e.g. using the ERA cycle).
Digital literacy – confidently using online platforms like Canvas, library databases, anatomy apps, and academic search tools.

Top Tip: Start building your independent learning habits from Day 1. The more you practise, the more confident and capable you’ll become.