ÃÛÌÒ´«Ãºmv

Welcome to the start of term. Whether you’re beginning your journey with us or returning after the summer, it’s great to have you here. Our campus feels alive again, and the energy you bring reminds us why students are truly the heart of ÃÛÌÒ´«Ãºmv.

In joining or returning to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ãºmv you have chosen a university where we try to empower you to achieve the best you can so that you can succeed in gaining the career you want. We have an award-winning careers team who support you in this path. Careers events are just one of the many things that take place outside teaching at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ãºmv. Other highlights include events and societies run by , and our work with the United Nations over the Sustainable Development Goals. You can join our student and staff ‘campus collective’ which holds many events throughout the year.

One of the things I value most about ÃÛÌÒ´«Ãºmv is the diversity of our community. Over the past week I’ve had the chance to meet many of you, to hear what drew you to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ãºmv, and to listen to the stories you bring with you. To our new students, a very warm welcome. And to those returning, it’s a pleasure to see you back, ready for another year of learning, personal growth and memorable experiences. A celebration of our diversity begins with Black History Month which launches on 1 October.

We have now begun our block teaching for all students who start this year, and for many level 5 and 6 students. In block teaching you take one module at a time and are assessed at the end of each block. For some of you taking work placements you will do these alongside your one block module. We’ve been surveying you to find out what is working. The results from block teaching are encouraging: by focusing on one module at a time, students are achieving better outcomes, with more Firsts and 2:1s and far fewer fails. Importantly, 92% of students told us the approach helps with work–life balance, and 93% said they prefer being able to concentrate on one module at a time.

We’re always looking at how we can keep improving your learning environment, and over the course of the year you’ll have the opportunity to engage in a number of surveys. For the first time this year, we’re introducing surveys at the end of each module block for our undergraduate students. Please do take part as your voice is invaluable in improving your courses and for the students who follow you.  

We’ll also be placing more emphasis on attendance. We are asking that you attend 80% of  your classes (again for those with professional placements, this might vary). Research shows that being present in class not only boosts your academic results, but also strengthens your connections with tutors and peers, supports your wellbeing, and makes it easier to access the wide range of services on offer at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ãºmv.

I wish you an inspiring and successful year ahead – and I look forward to meeting many of you around campus.