Let’s Work Together: An Insight into Partnership Degrees Muriel Alexander, Jessie Henderson Forth Valley College Alan Buchan, Tracey Kerr University of Stirling

Partnership Degrees BSc (Hons) Applied Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Software Development BA (Hons) Digital Media BA (Hons) Heritage and Tourism

Making Partnership Work University Validated Industry focused blend of academic and practical skills with employer and industry involvement Full University status Embedded HNC/HND qualifications Study locally, reducing living and travel costs Smaller class sizes with an enhanced focus on teaching All students are interviewed Access to College and University facilities Supportive Transition from College to University

Making Partnership Work Course teams meet or are in touch regularly to ensure programme developments or changes do not result in curriculum mismatch Students have a personal tutor at college or university Quarterly Operational Management Group (OMG) meetings between college and university key functions to ensure smooth running and planning of programmes. Includes Student Union representation Quarterly Partnership Board meetings to ensure strategic overview of programmes

Transition activities for all courses Joint enrolment and induction day at College and University College “Listening to Learners” events run twice during the year to identify what is working well and where we could do better University Staff Student Feedback Committees run during the year to seek feedback and identify areas of strengths and weakness which can be addressed Transition conference at beginning of year 3 for all progressing students to the University Students can access University facilities such as the library, student services, counselling, Sports Clubs and societies throughout their studies Third year transition conference helps students adapt to the university environment and identify the support systems they may need. Information about subject specific or generic (careers events) activities and circulated to all college- based students over first two years  

Teaching and Learning Transition Attendance and assessment of university based modules Attendance at Module Fairs 48 hour challenges and Boot camps Transition and induction days Visits by staff to discuss preparation for university studies Library visits Extra tutorial work Invites to lunchtime seminars Inclusion in Careers workshops, seminars, fairs  

Challenges Dual admissions and admin systems Establishing a university experience in a college environment/managing student expectations Preparedness for university learning and culture Geography and location

Why a Partnership degree? Supportive learning and teaching environment Course content Stepping stone into University More contact time and support from staff Unique and wide

What are the positives? Building confidence and self discipline Best of both worlds Extra curricular has helped enhance degree

What are the challenges? Identity? Completely different experiences Inactivity can lead to isolation/lack of identity Not many students first choice of course/stop gap to full Uni – can be disruptive, people have different goals