Thomas Dixon writes:

"The book that this website accompanies arose from my experiences as a student and, subsequently, as a university lecturer. I have studied and taught at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in a range of academic disciplines (history, philosophy, religious studies and theology), primarily at the Universities of Cambridge and London. I am now a Lecturer in History at Queen Mary, University of London. In effect, How to Get a First is a summary of what I wish I had known prior to starting my university career. I hope it will help equip others to make the most of their potential and get the most out of their degree. The title of the book, How to Get a First, will make most sense to students in universities where final degree results are divided, as they are in Britain, into the classes of "first", "two-one" or "upper second", "two-two" or "lower second", and "third". The advice the book offers on academic success will, of course, also apply just as much to students at institutions where this classing system does not operate. It will also help you to get a better degree result even if you are not aiming for a first. I hope you find the links and tips on this website useful and that you will enjoy reading How to Get a First. Happy studying!"