Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)

Peer assisted study sessions (PASS) are student led study sessions where you can ask questions about course material and student life.

The study sessions give you the opportunity to focus on the subject areas you want to work on. They are a friendly and informal safe place to ask questions and improve your confidence in your studies. PASS Leaders are trained later years students who will share their experiences with you.

The programmes and schools PASS is running in 2026/2027 are:

  • Biochemistry
  • BMS
  • Business School 
  • Chemical Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Childhood Studies
  • Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM)
  • Criminology
  • Dental Surgery
  • Dental Therapy
  • Education Studies
  • Engineering: Maths and Technology
  • Engineering: Aerospace
  • Engineering: Civil
  • Engineering: Electrical and Electronic
  • Engineering: Design
  • Engineering: Mechanical and Electrical
  • Engineering: Mechanical
  • English
  • School of Mathematics
  • Medicine
  • Physics
  • Politics
  • Pharmacology
  • Physiology
  • Psychology in Education
  • Social Policy (w/IR)
  • Sociology
  • Vet Nursing
  • Veterinary Science.

If you are in your first year in any of these schools or programmes, you will be automatically added to a PASS group. You can opt out of this group any time. Check your emails and timetable for sessions.

Benefits of PASS

Attending the sessions will allow you to:

  • chat casually about your course
  • have a safe place to ask questions
  • gain a deeper understanding of the course material
  • make new friends on your course
  • get practical advice and improve your study skills,
  • build confidence in your subject area and gain a clearer view of course expectations
  • meet students from later years on your course and learn from their experiences.

A recent University of Bristol study found full attendance at PASS was associated with grade increases of up to 10.4%.

Peer mentors

For non-academic support, we also run a peer mentoring programme for first year undergraduates.

Students in their first term can receive 1 to 1 contact with a current, later years student.

Your mentor will offer advice and recommendations for university life, based on their own experiences. 

Data protection

Our Data protection statement has more information about how your data is used.