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 are friendly and informal, giving you the opportunity focus on the subject areas you want to work on. PASS is a safe place to ask questions and improve your confidence in your studies; developing a deeper understanding of your course material through discussion, problem-solving and collaborative work. Our PASS Leaders, trained students from later years of your course, will share their experiences with you as they lead these sessions. PASS is now available in most courses in first year.
There's no need to sign up for PASS – you'll be told about this in your course information if it's available to you. PASS will normally start in week 3 or 4. Where PASS is not available there is usually a different form of student led study group you can join.
Benefits of PASS
- chat casually about course content with peers,
- 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,
- a better experience of university,
- 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 percentage grade increases of up to 10.4%.
PASS will not be available in the following subjects for 2023/24:
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Economics
- Engineering Maths
- Maths
- Anatomy.
However, these subjects have alternative student-led study sessions, such as Maths Café for Maths students.
What Students Think of PASS
‘PASS helped my understanding of the subject whilst allowing me to make friends within my course and feel more included.’ PASS Participant
94% of PASS participants agreed that attending PASS has improved their experience of University (Jan 2022).
Further information
If you have any questions about PASS please email student-peer-support@bristol.ac.uk.
Peer support
Peer support at the University is made up of two schemes:
- Peer Mentoring
- Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
Peer mentoring is only available for new undergraduate students.
Become a PASS Leader
Find out about opportunities to become a PASS Leader.