Published: 29 July 2025
The value of 1-2-1 Personal Academic Tutoring sessions for students at the University of Sunderland in London has been demonstrated by recent evidence-based research, showing its positive impact on module marks and final grades.
The research, entitled ‘Assessing the Impact of Personal Academic Tutoring on Student Success at a London campus’ was conducted by Personal Academic Tutors, Dr. Chandeera Gunawardena and Dr. Divya Vinnakota in June this year.
The research findings were clear; with students who attended at least one 1-2-1 personal academic tutoring (PAT) session achieving a final grade 8% higher than students who did not (the control group). An average final grade of 67.1% versus 59.2% for the control group - the difference between a merit and a pass.
Further underlying the value of personal academic tutoring, the research showed that selected module marks for students attending the PAT 1-2-1 sessions was 7% higher than the control group.
30 Master’s students, from the MSc Public Health and MSc Project Management programmes, were picked at random and assessed as part of the research, with anonymous quantitative and qualitative data gathered.
Qualitative data revealed positive student feedback about the work of personal academic tutors, with students describing them as “very calm, encouraging and motivational”, and the 1-2-1 sessions as an “environment conducive for proper interaction.”
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In early July, Dr. Chandeera and Dr. Divya presented their research findings at the University of Sunderland PAT Research Conference where they shared their insight from the London campus.
Dr. Chandeera and Dr. Divya are currently preparing their research paper for publication in academic journals, aiming to promote the uptake of personal academic tutoring across UK higher education institutions.
“The research shows the clear benefit to students in participating in personal academic sessions. The linked improvements, in module marks and final grades, also impact positively on the University’s student outcomes indicators – especially degree outcomes.” - Dr. Chandeera and Dr. Divya