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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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