Tutorial and Admissions Office

Should you have any enquiries in relation to your studies you can drop in to the Tutorial Office on B Staircase. The office is open Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 5pm, and Friday 9am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm).

Find out more about the Tutorial and Admissions Office.

Student support at Downing

There are many people who are able to help you depending on your needs. 

  • During the working day you can always come to the Tutorial Office, which is staffed throughout the week, for advice - the Academic Registrar, Sarah Pickard, and her team will be able to direct you.
  • For health concerns, you are welcome to book an appointment with a Student Health Practitioner at the Wellbeing Centre, where the team is overseen by the Head of Student Wellbeing, Dr Kate Daniels.
  • To talk with someone other than your DoS or supervisor about issues relating to your work, you are welcome to book a one-to-one session with the College’s Head of Academic Skills, Dr Hamish Symington.
  • Out of hours, the Porters are always willing to assist with acute problems that cannot wait (01223 334800).


Undergraduate student support

As well as day-to-day issues, every undergraduate student has two specific contacts who are formally responsible for you, represented by the encircling arcs in the schematic above. 

  • The person who oversees your academic progression is your  Director of Studies (DoS). If you have any particular academic difficulties, that have not been addressed by your supervisors, they are likely to be the first person to raise them with.
  • Your Tutor ensures that your pastoral and other needs are met. They will usually do this by signposting you to the right person in the team who can help you – if it is more convenient you can contact them directly if you wish – and your Tutor will be able to follow up on any longer term issues. It is the Tutor’s role to make sure you are represented in the College and University, and they will write on your behalf (for example for grant or bursary funding, or for exam allowances).

You should be told the names of your Tutor and Director of Studies at the start of each academic year, but if you’re not sure, talk to the Tutorial Office.

In addition, during the working day you can always come to the Tutorial Office on B staircase, or email tutorial-enquiries@dow.cam.ac.uk for advice and signposting on any matters.   

Postgraduate student support

As a Postgraduate, you will have a Degree Committee and Department. Through these, you will be given an Academic Supervisor and/or Advisor, who would generally take the place of the Director of Studies as represented by the encircling arcs in the schematic above.

College will also appoint you a Postgraduate Tutor to ensure that your pastoral and other needs are met. They will usually do this by signposting you to the right person who can help you and will be able to follow up on any longer-term issues. It is the Tutor’s role to make sure you are represented in the College and University, and they will write on your behalf (for example for grant or bursary funding, or for exam allowances).

You should be told the name of your Tutor at the start of each academic year, but if you are not sure, talk to the Tutorial Office.

In addition, during the working day you can always come to the Tutorial Office on B staircase, or email tutorial-enquiries@dow.cam.ac.uk for advice and signposting on any matters.