College Forum Recap

The first College Forum of the 24-25 academic year was hosted by the Union of Students and the University of Derby college Deans and Deputy Deans on Thursday 24^th October. There was a lot of discussion around course resources, and placements & work experience and these points have been summarised below:

• A question was asked regarding making assignments not anonymous anymore. While there are some assignments that need to have students names on, but anonymous marking was brought through the Union of Students a few years ago after having been requested by students as this helps to eliminate any form of bias or influence. It is also an industry best practice and a benefit for the majority of students.
• A question was asked about how to prepare for the sandwich placement year in biomedical science after the second year, and what the requirements are or whether there is a limit on the number of students able to participate? It was answered by Sophie Carr who said that the only limitation is the sector and how many placements are available. Her advice was for students to look at the opportunities that have been circulated recently, and to make appointments with program leaders and PATs to get CVs up to date and reflecting all their skill sets.
• A question was asked about why the work-based learning and placement for biomedical science is not provided by the school like for the nursing students. Sophie Carr replied that there aren’t fixed placements assigned to all programmes but most have a sandwich offer where students have the opportunity to go out and do an industry placement. Placements in Health are mandatory which is different to biomedical science.
• A question was asked from a second year LLB Law student about how to gain a year of work placement, or how to apply. Andrea Ward responded that all of their programmes have got the ability to do a placement year, either the 10 months or a summer placement.
• A question was asked about how placements work. Stephen Wordsworth answered that it is dependent on what program the students are studying but within HPSC students on professional programmes will find that the curriculum is built around a 50/50 split between university studying for the theory, and placements for learning competencies.
• A question was asked about how to get a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT). All students are given a PAT when they enrol, and they should make contact with the student to introduce themselves. Students are able to see who their PAT is via the Student Record tile on UDO.
• A question was asked about why the educational trip for Level 6 Criminology students has been cancelled. Andrea Ward replied that they are currently reviewing trips and how they’re connected to programs to make sure they’re more of a learning experience for those attending.

If you missed the College Forum, you can catch up via the link below:

College Forum (1)-20241024_140341-Meeting Recording.mp4