PRO GRESS Birmingham City University Postgraduate Magazine 2013

Investment Innovation Research Excellence Employability Quality

www.bcu.ac.uk

BCU_PG_magazine.indd 1 15/04/2013 14:11 ProGress 2013 ProGress 2013 02 Welcome Welcome 03 Contents WElCoME Why ChoosE BIRMInghaM WHY 02-03 Welcome a postgraduate qualification from CIty POSTGRADUATE 04-05 Investment Birmingham City University gives you the chance to build on your existing 06-07 Innovation knowledge and experience to become UnIvERsIty? STUDY? 08-09 Research a leader in your field. 10-13 Excellence Independent research shows that those with We know that choosing which university 14-15 Employability a postgraduate qualification are more likely to study at is a huge decision. Whether you to find employment, and earn more on average 16-17 Quality are looking to work with academic experts, than those with just a degree. Studying a 18-21 success are seeking professional accreditation subject you are passionate about in greater or simply pursuing a change in direction, 22-23 Birmingham depth can also provide you with a great deal we wanted to show you why Birmingham of enjoyment and satisfaction. 24-25 outstanding support City University is the right choice for you! 26-27 Preparing to arrive Our relevant and practical teaching includes work placements, talks from leading industry • We are one of the UK’s top 10 figures and real-life case studies set by universities for our spending on facilities employers, giving you a real insight into your How do I find (Complete University Guide 2013) with a chosen field. This is further underscored by out more? planned £180 million investment www.bcu.ac.uk almost 40 professional accreditations for our programme. courses, and partnerships with companies • 94 per cent of our students thought the and organisations including Sky, Cisco, SAP teaching quality on their course was either and the NHS. consistently good or generally good Whether you are coming to the end of your to pay for it. Research by the Sutton Trust In this magazine you can find out more (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2012). undergraduate studies, or you have been found that earnings for postgraduates were about what makes Birmingham City University • We work with companies like Apple, Cisco, in your job for a while and want to progress significantly higher than those with a degree KEY FACTS so many students’ first choice – the investment Cartier, Bosch and Hewlett Packard to in your chosen career or change direction, only – 15 per cent higher for those with a in our facilities, our focus on employability develop cutting-edge curriculums and a postgraduate qualification gives you Master’s degree and 23 per cent more for Someone with a Master’s and our innovative approaches to learning. collaborate on course projects. the opportunity to stand out from the those with a PhD. degree earns £5,500 more You can also read about the achievements • Our pioneering virtual learning environments crowd in a competitive market. Professional qualifications include ACCA per year, or £200,000 over of some of our current students and recent recreate working environments such as TV and CIMA-accredited accountancy courses, the a 40-year working life, than Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) graduates who have gone on to enjoy success studios, school classrooms, solicitors Studying at postgraduate level gives you advanced someone with just a degree. as a result of the opportunities they were offices and hospitals. knowledge of your subject as well as transferable certificate and diploma for those working in human (Sutton Trust, 2013) given here. • We won the Times Higher Education award skills that employers value, while the new resources, Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses for teachers, a wide range of professional We have also included some useful advice for Outstanding Support for Students (2010), relationships you will build with academics, 92 per cent of our postgraduates visiting lecturers and fellow students can help development programmes for healthcare for you as you prepare to move to the next in recognition of our Student Academic found work or entered further Partners scheme, where students work you to build useful professional contacts. staff plus a host of construction, media and stage of your academic journey, or perhaps study within six months of return to education after some time away. with staff to find ways to enhance how And for our students, that investment in engineering accreditations. graduating. This includes information on the application their courses are taught. their future pays off – did you know that 92 per Our postgraduates have gone on to work process and what our home city of Birmingham • Many of our academics are practising cent of our postgraduates find work or further in senior roles with such big-name companies (Destinations of Leavers from has to offer. professionals – including exhibiting artists, study within six months (DLHE 2010/11)? and organisations as Jaguar Land Rover, Higher Education survey Ernst & Young, Norwich Union, Network We look forward to seeing you later this celebrated legal experts, professional 2010/11) Rail, General Electric, Capgemini, DHL, the year and I hope that this magazine will help musicians or published writers – ensuring Employment opportunities Metropolitan Police Authority, Motorola, the you to learn a little more about us. If you the University stays up to date with the In some fields, such as academia, a postgraduate “Postgraduate study can be a Crown Prosecution Service, NEC Group, the have any queries in the meantime, please latest thinking in their sectors. qualification is a requirement, while for others route to advancing in an existing BBC and Goldman Sachs. do not hesitate to get in touch – our friendly • We are ranked 10th in the UK for our it may prove highly useful; for example, a PGCE career as well as opening up Course Enquiries team would be delighted research into art and design and third is often the easiest way to enter teaching if new employment opportunities. ” your degree is not in education or a related Personal development to help you. in the UK for music research at (Department for Business, If you have completed your study at undergraduate Conservatoires (Research Assessment subject, while an MBA may be the best route Innovation and Skills, 2010) Exercise 2008). to acquiring the skills required in certain level, but still have the desire to further your Professor Cliff allan high-flying business roles. understanding in a particular subject, you may vice-Chancellor According to the Association of Graduate get a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction “A postgraduate degree Birmingham City University Careers Advisory Services, there are an increasing from studying it in greater depth. confers a clear economic number of occupations where employers require Postgraduate study involves a large amount advantage, with postgraduates a postgraduate qualification, including law, of independent work and you will need strong attaining significantly higher engineering, teaching, professional psychology motivation and time management skills which salaries than those with only scan to view roles, international development and NGOs, will also be of use in later life. By becoming first degrees.” our postgraduate technical roles in the environment professions a specialist in your field, you will have the (HEPI, 2010) prospectus and quantitative roles in investment banking. chance to advance thinking in that subject and And those employers that need this lead, rather than follow, the latest developments. www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate additional expertise are increasingly prepared www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate

BCU_PG_magazine.indd 2 15/04/2013 14:11 ProGress 2013 ProGress 2013 04 Investment Investment 05

MAKING PLANS FOR A WORLD-CLASS CONSERVATOIRE

NEW CITY The University’s Birmingham Conservatoire, which celebrated excellent learning experience that makes How do I find its 125th anniversary in 2011, is an the Conservatoire a world leader, with out more? important part of ambitious plans to plans to create a new performance venue. CENTRE CAMPUS The move will firmly place the www.bcu.ac.uk create a world-class cultural hub at the heart of the city. Conservatoire at the cultural heart of Birmingham – along with iconic modern To watch the latest live footage of the The Conservatoire is due to relocate from buildings elsewhere in the city centre, site as Phase 1 nears completion, visit: its current base in Paradise Circus as part such as the Library of Birmingham and www.bcu.ac.uk/webcam of the wider redevelopment of the area and Symphony Hall, as well as heritage Media students will benefit from the largest feasibility studies are well under way to find landmarks including the Town Hall and concentration of TV studios between London suitable alternative premises. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. and Salford, as well as other industry-standard This new home will be fully fitted with technology designed to prepare you for your state-of-the-art facilities to continue the future career. While the School will be moving its existing state-of-the-art radio equipment to the new site, the TV studios will be entirely new, kitted out with the latest technology, to the extent that the University expects they will be FINAL PIECE IN used by professional production companies who currently suffer from a shortage of studio space in the Midlands. HEALTH JIGSAW Head of Birmingham School of Media Professor Philip Thickett added: “We hope that with the three faculties being in such close The 2011/12 academic year also proximity in future, we’ll have more opportunities saw the opening of the University’s Stephen Wordsworth. He said: “The There’s a rising sense of excitement at the for what we’re calling ‘exquisite collisions’ brand new £2 million Seacole West University is very proud of the Seacole University as the first phase of our City between students and staff, and across different teaching wing at the Faculty of Building with its contemporary architecture Centre Campus expansion - for art, design courses. So for example, I hope my TV students Health’s City South Campus. in a magnificent landscape setting, will be able to help televise shows via webcast designed for modern teaching and and media students - nears completion. for our fashion design students, or stage and New classrooms were provided and learning practices. theatre design people can come and help with specialist facilities installed, including a “This new wing is the icing on the cake sets for TV productions. When we’re all together fully-functional radiography suite and a of the Seacole Building and brings all in one place it will give us the energy and the 3D imaging diagnostic suite which is one the Faculty of Health’s teaching facilities and expertise under one roof. The Faculty The Parkside Building is set to open its doors Professor Chris O’Neil, Executive Dean of “We have started with a core of workshops space to help get these collaborations off the of only a small number in the country. As boasts up-to-date, innovative facilities that this September, alongside our existing facilities BIAD, said: “With the opportunity of moving into in the centre of the building with studio space ground.” part of the building work, the refectory simulate the real situations that in Millennium Point, which is home to our a purpose-built development, staff and students around them, and then ‘collision space’ where Birmingham City University is one of the area was refurbished and opened up, and many health and social care students Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the were consulted at an early stage regarding what students and staff from different courses will see UK’s biggest providers of talent to the cultural a new social space and coffee area created. encounter in their practice. Therefore Environment and Birmingham School of Acting. they wanted to see, and a priority was to provide each other to pass the time of day, and exchange and creative industries and an important driver As a result of this, the University is these resources are essential in providing The opening of Phase 1 will see the space for artists from different disciplines to thoughts and ideas, allowing our students to of the West Midlands economy. This development now able to teach all of its health-related our students with a hands-on opportunity creation of a national centre of excellence work together collaboratively. experience a more integrated approach.” will ensure we continue to be well-placed to courses on one site, including diagnostic to develop their skills in a safe and for the cultural and creative industries – provide the best training for the creative radiography, radiotherapy, speech and supportive environment.” including a new media hub and the UK’s professionals of the future. Sitting at the language therapy, and foundation degree newest and most radical design facility. centre of the creative community in Eastside courses in health and social care which were previously taught at City North Our renowned Birmingham Institute of Art Artist’s impression of – alongside various existing and planned City South Campus and Design (BIAD) will relocate much of its The Parkside Building creative businesses and facilities – this centre of Campus in Perry Barr. The extension is provision to the new site, building on the excellence will further encourage collaboration part of the £30 million state-of-the-art high-quality facilities already in place to enhance between students, staff and industry, positioning Seacole Building where the rest of our contact and co-operation between students and Birmingham and the University as a centre of health courses were already taught, which staff on different courses. The building has been excellence for the sector. was opened in 2006 and won a Built in designed around an inner atrium to maximise We are also committed to a second phase Quality Award in 2007. natural light for our artists and increase of development at Eastside which will feature a The build was overseen by the Head opportunities for students from different student support hub and create an even greater of the School of Health and Social Care, courses to meet and share ideas. ‘campus’ feel. Phase 2 of this enterprising project will offer rooms and resources to support teaching with plans for a new library, IT space and other student support facilities.

www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate ProGress 2013 ProGress 2013 06 Innovation Innovation 07 ‘APPY TIMES SOUND FOR STUDENTS SUCCESS AS GAMES ARE LEADERS FOR FERRARI- RELEASED

INSPIRED Nai-Shuan Tseng’s ‘Noisy Tribe’ Our Gamer Camp for aspiring computer Concept for Ferrari Logic3 IN LEISURE game designers has long been a hotbed of DESIGNS innovative thinking for the industry, and three groups of students are celebrating after iPad At Birmingham City University, we pride ourselves on video games they produced were released for Our postgraduates regularly get the and mixes random music tracks to present a free download at the iTunes App Store. offering teaching that is focused on the needs of the opportunity to work with some of the unique listening experience. Students on the Master’s-level programme industries our students hope to enter. Much of this biggest names in industry – and a Nai-Shuan said: “The inspiration for the at New Technology Institute (NTI) Birmingham, strength comes from the fact that our academic staff product design student was recently design came from the spirit of tribal totems part of the University, were set the task of praised by one of the world’s leading which represent unity and act as a significant re-imagining a single-screen platform game, come from and maintain their links with the sectors portable audio and video game symbol for the tribe. The taller the totem incorporating the use of touch or gesture they teach in, ensuring that students benefit from accessory companies – Logic3 – for illustrates the more powerful the tribe and controls, so as to be suitable for touch screen his take on the ideal MP3 sound system. likewise with my design, the more modules devices and offer users new interaction real-world knowledge and experience. stacked, the more powerful the sound.” opportunities. Students studying on the MA Product Design Chris Emmett and Nick Vessey from The The teams each adopted different approaches and MA Design and Visualisation courses at Design Connective, who designed the existing to the challenge, resulting in three unique and Chris Edger, Professor of Multi-Unit time, and the latest batch of 60 individuals Birmingham Institute of Art and Design Logic 3 audio range, along with Graham fun platform games being produced. Leadership at Birmingham City Business graduating in March 2013. Of those (BIAD) were challenged to evolve new audio Powell, course director of the MA Product One group created a gesture-controlled School (BCBS), is the UK’s only specialist who have completed the course, over concepts for Logic3’s iconic Ferrari collection Design programme at BIAD, helped guide and game called ‘Baggage Reclaim’, set in a 1970s professor in his field, and brings some 30 per cent were subsequently promoted which features a range of headphones and support the students with their individual airport with the game player taking on the role 25 years of industry experience to the and feedback from those taking part has earphones, all designed to represent Ferrari’s design ideas. The students also visited the of an undercover cop retrieving missing luggage. A second team produced a platform puzzle role. He joined the University in 2010 been overwhelmingly positive. excellence and flair. Graypaul Ferrari showroom in Solihull, game aimed at a young audience called ‘Tubby from leading pub and restaurant operator The presence of the academy also Nai-Shuan Tseng, an MA Product Design allowing them to experience first-hand how Toucan’. Controlled by touch input, players in Mitchells & Butlers – the company benefits other students at BCBS as it has student originally from Taiwan, was selected design plays a significant part in making this game are tasked with solving puzzles to as the winner of the project for his ‘Noisy these luxury sports cars so iconic. behind such popular brands as Browns, helped to attract high calibre professionals work out how to shut down machinery that is Tribe’ stacking MP3 player concept. Inspired All Bar One, Nicholsons, Crown Carveries, to the University to share their expertise – destroying Tubby Toucan’s habitat. by tribal totems, the stackable unit selects Toby and Harvester – where he was from industry leaders to psychologists, and The final team developed ‘Totem Rush’, Executive Director of Human Resources, even the deputy chairman of British Rowing. a precision platform game using touch input, Service and Productivity. Professor Edger is also the author of which challenges the player to complete 24 a book on the subject, Effective Multi-Unit levels to escape from a hostile desert island. management consultancy, before branching The University’s Academy of Multi-Unit Leadership – Local Leadership in Multi-Site Student Owain Mason said: “Making the out into TV reporting the following year. He Leadership specialises in postgraduate level Situations and a respected media iPad games was a valuable learning experience is a visiting lecturer at Birmingham City education for managers from retail and commentator on the issues affecting as I hadn’t managed a team project before. University, where he is also currently leisure companies, with 10 major multi-site sectors such as retail and entertainment. I’m really proud of what the teams produced.” undertaking his PhD in Criminology. retail, hospitality and leisure organisations A second book, giving an international The students have already started their In 2011, a tip-off from a journalist alerted encompassing 32 brands, having taken part perspective on those same issues, is due next project – an eight-month commission to him to the allegations surrounding Savile. so far. to follow this November, with the course build a PlayStation3 game for Sony Computer He agreed to become part of Newsnight’s Professor Edger said: “I’ve always itself also set to expand its global reach THE MAN WHO Entertainment Europe. investigation into the scandal but, after that believed in life-long learning and returned over the coming years. story was shelved by the BBC, he continued to university twice myself to study an MBA UNEARTHED A He added: “What we offer here is totally his own investigation, culminating in one-hour and then a PhD while I was working in unique. Leading from the middle from an SCANDAL documentary The Other Side of Jimmy Savile, industry. What we’re trying to do is elevate international perspective is not very well screened by ITV in 2012. area managers and big box retail managers understood – in the past companies have The University is home to many The programme had a massive impact, to a degree of professional practice which often brought in ex-pats to run their individuals whose research is at the sparking two investigations at the BBC, making has previously been lacking. Most business overseas operations but as companies cutting edge of their fields but few headlines around the world and winning schools teach strategic leadership; we get bigger, the need for local management have made such a high-profile impact in two Royal Television Society awards. It also teach people to lead from the middle, which and leadership has never been greater.” recent times as former police detective encouraged many of Savile’s victims to come is where much of the day to day work and child protection expert Mark forward, with over 200 criminal offences now gets done.” To see Chris Edger’s thoughts on Williams-Thomas, who unearthed one recorded against him across 28 police forces. Results have been impressive, with over saving the British High Street, see of the biggest news stories of last year This success has opened new doors for 100 people now on the course at any one www.bcu.ac.uk/highstreet. – the child abuse scandal surrounding Mark with a new ITV show On the Run, in Sir Jimmy Savile. which wanted criminals who have escaped justice are tracked down, set to return after After leaving the police force in 2005, Mark a successful pilot episode. set up a specialist child protection and risk www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate ProGress 2013 ProGress 2013 08 Research Research 09 PHD STUDENT REPAYS

Professor Ian Blair PROFESSOR’S FAITH HIGHLIGHTING Adam Lynes

“When I first came to the University, I OUR RESEARCH When Adam Lynes was completing a was pleasantly surprised at how friendly Master’s in Criminology he had the good and open the lecturers were. Their open fortune to be supervised by Professor door policy encouraged me to ask questions EXCELLENCE David Wilson – one of the UK’s foremost I would normally be too afraid to ask and, criminologists – as he completed his because of this, I am where I am today. dissertation. It was Professor Wilson who Furthermore, the staff in the criminology spotted the potential of the research he department, particularly Professor Wilson, had done, and suggested he developed it saw potential in me in a time where I struggled into a thesis at PhD level. to have self-belief and confidence. “The support I have received has been Research is in the academic DNA of Birmingham His research analyses the impact, both fantastic. The staff within the criminology City University, ensuring students on our state- instrumentally and psychologically, of driving department have always, and continue to be, as an occupation for serial murderers and of-the-art academic programmes are taught by eager to help and offer assistance in times murderers. where I have needed it. Adam Lynes staff who create new knowledge, and that our Adam said: “I chose the University for a “The atmosphere of the University is innovative work with business and industry is number of reasons. Primarily, through initial wonderful and my colleagues are some of “I would say that, if you are passionate research, I realised that the criminology the best people I know. Ultimately, the and committed to the area of research underpinned by evidence-based expertise. department was full of experts in their primary reason I decided to undertake a you wish to engage in, then go for it. It relevant fields and emphasis was given to PhD at Birmingham City University was can be a tough and, sometimes, how the department prided itself in its applied due to the friendly atmosphere and lonely road but the experiences and approach to criminology. Secondly, the location wonderful colleagues and students.” opportunities it presents are amazing.” The UK Higher Education funding The next research quality audit, the as possible of the best from our newly-developed of the University was important as it is situated bodies periodically audit the quality Research Excellence Framework (REF2014) subject areas. close to my home and very close to the of research in UK universities and occurs in November 2013 and results will Professor Blair commented: “The city centre. compare it, on a subject by subject inform funding for research from September University is in a really strong position and basis, against international benchmarks. 2015 onwards. As in the previous RAEs, there are many areas demonstrating an Research quality is measured primarily research outputs contribute the largest excellent research profile. We’re now looking and secondary data to focus on whether, and conferences and key meetings with practitioners from research outputs published by element (65 per cent), research environment to ensure we maintain our overall quality AN INTERNATIONAL to what extent, the public is engaged, and the and policy-makers in my first few days, not our academic staff, and while most contributes 15 per cent and impact, which is profile in REF2014 while submitting a broader PERSPECTIVE ON consequences this has for the planning process to mention constantly networking to help my outputs are text-based, a wide variety new for REF2014, contributes 20 per cent to range of Units of Assessment, ultimately and outcomes of the Nature Improvement Areas. research. of output types, including exhibitions, the total. Impact is achieved when others apply aiming to exceed our performance in RAE 2008.” ENVIRONMENTAL This marks a continuation of her previous “I was surprised by the strong links to performances, compositions, designs the results of our excellent research to create He added: “Those areas where we excelled ISSUES research into sustainable development in non-academic institutions, organisations and visual media can also be submitted, societal, cultural or economic benefit. last time – Art and Design, Music and English Sweden, which had identified conflicts between and consultancies and that’s inspired me to particularly in the creative disciplines. Since RAE2008 and driven by our five-year – we would expect to continue at or above that Erica von Essen local residents and conservation groups when network in similar ways. As a result of this I research strategy, the University has level in 2014. The other areas similar programmes were set up there. am also considering a few career paths I hadn’t The last Research Assessment Exercise developed research in new areas, including we submitted last time – Business and She said: “Having worked with more previously thought existed.” (RAE2008) found research of world-class Computing, Engineering, Health, Law and Management Studies, Social Work and Birmingham School of the Built controversial nature conservation issues in quality in all the subjects (Units of Assessment) Media, to complement our recognised Social Policy, Town and Country Planning and Environment’s reputation for high-quality Sweden, I’ve seen the problems of lacking Birmingham City University submitted. Our strengths in the creative arts. Through the Education – we expect to improve, and the research extends far beyond the UK. Erica legitimacy on the part of public authorities and overall performance improved significantly, University Research Development Fund new areas – including Media, Health and von Essen came here from Sweden to nature conservation bodies first hand. I don’t moving the University up 26 places in the (URDF) we have invested in establishing new Engineering – we expect to perform creditably undertake a study into plans to restore want this to happen in the UK, so I think it’s research quality league table, from 91 in 2001 Centres of Research Excellence across the for initial submissions. the natural ecosystem in England, important to get it right from the start with to 65 in 2008. Our excellence, particularly in University and in fully funding 36 full-time “It’s about growing our expertise from the bringing her international experience these Nature Improvement Areas.” creative subjects, was highlighted in Art and PhD studentships, with faculties also investing last RAE – broadening our base while maintaining in that field to her work in the UK. Erica said she had found her time at Design, where 60 per cent of research was heavily in research. our research excellence and quality profile.” Birmingham City University to be a challenging judged world-leading (4*) or internationally Under the leadership of Professor Ian The University is now in the early stages Her research focuses on plans for Nature but positive experience as she studied a topic excellent (3*) and in Music where 40 per cent Blair, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, of developing its new research strategy beyond Improvement Areas – a government programme that interested her in greater detail and got of research was judged 4* or 3*. Art and we are now working hard to optimise our REF-2014 for the years up to 2020, led by to improve biodiversity in an initial 12 pilot areas used to new ways of working. Design research was rated 10th overall in the submission to REF2014, putting all our Professor Blair. around the country. She will be evaluating how “I’ve been thrown out of my comfort zone a UK and Birmingham Conservatoire was rated research under the quality microscope. The successful the scheme is in adopting a ‘bottom up’ bit. From having worked mostly with theoretical third out of UK conservatoires. aim is to submit to REF2014 the best research For more information see www.bcu.ac.uk/ approach to natural resource management, by concepts and studying things retrospectively from our best subjects and to include as much research. involving local communities at the planning stage. or from a safe distance, I suddenly found She will be using observation, interviews myself running around assisting and observing

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Image courtesy of BAFTA RECOGNISING OUR TOP ACHIEVERS

Bettina Traurig JordanJordan Atchison

degree to good use by setting up her own business, Sugar Stories – a popular company which delivers handmade cupcakes to businesses across Birmingham. Bettina also impressed well-known drinks brand Innocent with her dissertation on the topic of branding, earning herself a placement at their head office. MA Design Management student Charles Ikem has done a great deal of work with the University’s Student Academic Partners group BAFTA INVESTS to help improve working relationships between staff and students. Charles has also got involved Charles Ikem IN TALENTS OF with University life in other ways, volunteering as a faculty representative and working as a researcher for Library and Learning Resources. BIRMINGHAM STUDENT In his spare time, Charles has contributed to a number of community fundraising activities, taking part in a two-day marathon and kayaking Ola Bisoye Dosunmu event for local charity Free@last. For Indumathy Devendran, coming to the University was more than just an opportunity A student at Birmingham City share their learning experiences on the to study for her postgraduate degree in Media University has received a scholarship BAFTA Guru website and participate in and Creative Enterprise. She also upgraded her from the British Academy of Film and future BAFTA outreach to schools. future by working with local businesses and the Television Arts (BAFTA) to boost her On receiving her award, Ola said: “It’s We’re always keen to recognise the He has rejuvenated the Birmingham City University’s International Office, securing a paid journalism studies. incredible that despite the cuts being made efforts of those who go above and Business School (BCBS) Postgraduate Society, work placement at an Indian university in the in every sector of the economy, BAFTA is investing in young creative talent. The beyond the call of duty to make the most organising fundraising events, trips to factories process. Indumathy also developed a marketing Ola Bisoye Dosunmu, from Moseley in and social media campaign based on her Jordan Pearman BAFTA Scholarship not only pays my fees, of their time with us. Our Tell Us Your and social events, and securing its future beyond Birmingham, was awarded £4,800 to fund her experience of being a student at the University. it will give me access to the industry which Story awards – now in their second year his graduation. As a Course Rep he has been vocational postgraduate course in Broadcast outstanding in representing the important She has gone on to use the campaign as the is priceless and otherwise unobtainable.” – recognise those outstanding staff Journalism at Birmingham School of Media. concerns of students, while he also gave a huge basis of her own business. BAFTA is an independent charity that Diane Kemp, Senior Lecturer in and students who have made a real Jordan Pearman, a student on the Arts- amount of support to fellow students in running supports, develops and promotes the art Broadcast Journalism at the University, difference to the University community. Based Master’s Programme, uses the academic revision classes. He worked closely on a project forms of the moving image by identifying and added: “We’re delighted that Ola’s won this skills gained from his postgraduate degree to with Birmingham Central Library (BCL), liaising rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners prestigious scholarship. She’s an excellent help contribute to his community, working with with the library and playing a pivotal role in and benefiting the public. student and her recognition by a national Our ‘Postgraduate Student’ category honours developing the relationship between students, local schools. He has also been commended Ola was one of just six people selected organisation like BAFTA is a reflection those individuals who have worked hard to BCL, the Faculty and the Society. The project for his cross-disciplinary work. Jordan is also to receive the new scholarship following an of the quality of people who come onto achieve success in their chosen fields. went so well that the University has been asked actively involved with the postgraduate our courses.” Competition was fierce, but our overall winner to work with this Birmingham icon on a similar community and has won plaudits for his open call to students on eligible UK courses. Jordan Atchison and the four runners-up all exercise next year. efforts to encourage greater cross-disciplinary BAFTA’s Scholarship Programme assists Birmingham School of Media is a recognised received praise for their efforts. Among our four finalists, Bettina Traurig learning and teaching. talented people in need of financial support Business student Jordan was instrumental took her dream of starting her own business to study a postgraduate course in film, centre of excellence in providing media education in the UK and has been awarded in helping his team into the finals of ‘The Pitch’, and made it a reality thanks to her postgraduate The winners in each category – postgraduate Indumathy television or games. a competition run by the Chartered Institute degree in management. Bettina travelled all the student, undergraduate student, academic staff, Devendran Scholarship recipients will also receive Skillset Media Academy accreditation. The of Marketing, and was also one of only a small way from her home in Austria to study at the and administrative and support staff, each mentoring support from BAFTA members Broadcast Journalism postgraduate course number of people to earn a distinction grade in University, and put the knowledge from her received an iPad 2 in recognition of their and free access to BAFTA events across the is professionally recognised and accredited their Master’s degree. achievements. UK. In return, scholarship recipients will by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council.

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BCU_PG_magazine.indd 11 15/04/2013 14:11 ProGress 2013 ProGress 2013 12 Excellence Excellence 13 FACULTY RECOGNISES OUTSTANDING GRADUATES

The work of outstanding students was celebrated and recognised at a special awards event. Organisation representatives and staff and students from the Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment (TEE) gathered at Birmingham’s Council House in February the annual prize-giving event, hosted by TV presenter Arti Halai. Among our postgraduate winners, Ibrahim Bello, a graduate of our MSc Computer Science programme, was awarded the SAS RESEARCH REACHES Prize. He undertook a challenging course that provided a framework to focus on data mining, A WIDE AUDIENCE and his project combined skills from his MSc Computer Science course with advanced SAS technology. Daniel McCulloch The TEE Alumnus Prize was awarded to Olamide Bakare in recognition of his achievements since completing our MSc Data Networks ACADEMIC A Master’s student in Criminology the course had such close links with the and Security course. Olamide quickly found – and the first student to get a bursary Howard League. employment and is now working for a maritime from the Howard League for Penal “What I have enjoyed the most about the telecommunications company that provides Reform – has recently had his research course is the student interaction. My course offshore and onshore telecoms solutions for NOMINATED clients in the oil sector. on the experiences of deaf people in in particular has a range of people from prison published. various backgrounds, some of whom have The School of Engineering, Design and vast experience of criminology in the field, Manufacturing Systems Alumnus Prize went FOR TOP AWARD Daniel McCulloch’s paper ‘Not Hearing and some of whom have never previously to Christopher Cheeseman who recorded an outstanding performance on the MSc Supply MSc Real Estate Management student Us: The Experience of Deaf Prisoners in studied criminology in their life. I’ve made Chain Management course, including his Georgie Fenton came to the University England and Wales’ considers issues that some really good friends, and people who Matthew Smith dissertation which identified opportunities having spent eight years in the sports have been raised by previous authors on the I think I will work with academically in the to improve supply chain activity at the NATO industry. She was looking for a change subject, but also looks at the changes that future. Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA). of career, and opted for the course as it have been made to the Prison Service since “The staff have been very supportive, Venkatesh Chennam Vijay, a graduate Mile Award for the Most Engaging Teacher the Disability Discrimination Act (2005) was they are friendly and always want to know A senior lecturer from Birmingham provided a recognised route into of the MSc Enterprise Systems Management earlier in the year and this spurred me on to introduced. how I am getting on. You are also given a School of the Built Environment (BSBE) the industry. course, was awarded the SAP Prize for his apply for the THE Awards. So to be recognised The study considers the views of three chance to be involved in criminology rather was recognised for his innovative outstanding performance throughout his by both my students and my peers in the same groups of people – service users, service than just studying it. With the guest talks and teaching when he was shortlisted Matthew taught her modules on ‘valuation’ studies, and for achieving an internship with year is very pleasing indeed. providers such as the Prison Service the links that the academic staff have, there for a Times Higher Education (THE) and ‘applied valuation’ during her time on the SAP UK. Vijay has now been awarded a PhD “Students are the most important part and other ‘stakeholder’ groups such as are possibilities to talk to people who are Award in 2012. course. She is also her course’s Year Rep, to study at the University’s Enterprise of the learning experience and it is only by charities. It looks at what support is knowledgeable and experienced in the field.” speaking up for the interests of her Systems Centre. Matthew Smith, who is a course director and working as a partner with them that I can currently provided and assesses whether Three further students from Birmingham fellow students. MSc Real Estate Management student lectures on the MSc Real Estate Management continue to positively influence their learning those procedures are in need of change. City University have since received bursaries She said: “Matthew is a very enthusiastic Matthew Young has been given the Gleeds course, was nominated in the ‘Most Innovative in a way that will go with them into industry.” He was supported by the University’s teacher, he puts great thought and precision from the Howard League. Award for his consistent hard work and high Teacher of the Year’ award category, following Now in their eighth year, the Times Higher into his preparation for lectures. He is Professor David Wilson – one of the grades, including his final dissertation, for his work at Birmingham City University where Education Awards are a highlight of the academic constantly trying to devise new ways to get the country’s leading criminologists – and which he was awarded a distinction. His he has introduced a ‘toolkit’ of innovations to calendar and a celebration of the best in UK Daniel McCulloch information across. He is very approachable Anita Dockley at the Howard League to research on the impact of the credit crisis help boost the learning experience of students. higher education. whether struggling or excelling in his subject identify and scope his dissertation topic. “The advice I ’d give to future MA on town-centre retail shopping was deeply Matthew has applied a decade of experience area. I benefit significantly from his approach, For Daniel, the publication of his work Criminology students is to make the insightful and valuable to his profession. and working in partnership with his students to knowledge and energy.” marked the culmination of a successful and most of the links that are provided for A cross-border commute proved no barrier develop a sophisticated set of bespoke teaching productive time studying at the University. you on the course. You have access to for Dorthe-Marie Troelsen Jønsson who took innovations directly relating to the nature of He said: “The main reason why I came home the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) the construction sector, including iPhone apps, There has been a 32% rise in the big names in the field, and they can to study at Birmingham City University is Diploma Student of the Year award for her interactive seminars and electronic certificates. number of postgraduate students give you some valuable insights into that I won a bursary offered by the Howard excellent performance and consistency Matthew said: “I was really pleased to have since 2002 (Universities UK) the world of criminology. ” League for Penal Reform which covered my throughout the course. Dorthe travelled from won the Birmingham City Students’ Union Extra fees for the course. What also attracted me her home in southern Denmark about once a to this course was the range of expertise month over a two-year period to attend one- of the tutors, the location and the fact that day seminars. www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate ProGress 2013 ProGress 2013 14 Employability Employability 15

STUDENTS SELL PROVIDING THEIR PRODUCTS OPPORTUNITY DIRECT TO THE PUBLIC Entrepreneurial graduates and current FOR OUR STUDENTS students from the University have been given the chance to sell their designs directly to the public with the When you arrive at university as a Luke Millard, Head of Learning Partnerships, opening of a flagship store in the added: “The creation of student employment postgraduate student, you may be city’s prestigious Mailbox shopping opportunities will enhance creativity and looking for part-time work to earn and leisure development. money and develop skills and responsiveness across our University and we experience that you can use in your believe it will significantly improve the student The Birmingham Made Me store was originally future career. At Birmingham City experience through greater student engagement. due to open for six months from May 2012, University, we have launched a new The employability skills of our students will be but such was its success that the opening CAREER initiative to help our students do just stretched and developed as we ask them to period was extended to a year, and a second Vice-Chancellor that – it’s called ‘OpportUNIty: Student lead, manage and communicate within the store was opened elsewhere in the complex. Professor Cliff Allan jobs they perform.” at the launch KICKSTART Jobs on Campus’ and it has been Around 30 students have now taken part created to help you find paid part-time in the project, selling around £50,000 worth of goods so far, including jewellery, ceramics, Our support doesn’t end when you leave jobs with the University in a variety home accessories and fashion. University, with our Careers and Job Prospects of different roles. Our ambitious entrepreneurs all share team able to provide help and advice for up to the same vision – that Birmingham, as the five years after you graduate. We have recently All students have the opportunity to sign ‘original design city’, is the perfect home CONCEPT FACTORY launched a new scheme for recent graduates, up to the scheme and start applying for jobs for an alternative retail venture, selling a Career KickStart, with careers experts and on campus as soon as they join us. You will be range of creative products and accessories. employers offering guidance on how to find invited to tell us about any skills you have and TO HELP PRODUCE Beverley Nielsen, Director of Employer the job you want. we can use that information to match you to jobs Engagement at the University, said: “We’re Topics covered on the interactive training when they become available. As of January 2013, almost 300 students have been employed in 40 continuing to trade and do well, and the NEXT GENERATION course include how to market yourself to collective has grown from 12 to 30 in the different roles around the University. employers; how to search and apply for jobs; time we’ve been open. We’re now looking One of the main advantages of getting networking and social media; interview at several commercial options for these OF ENTREPRENEURS techniques; assessment centres; and business involved in OpportUNIty is that the support we traders to move forward independently. offer does not stop once you have successfully and commercial awareness. Students gain “The Mailbox has been very supportive of secured a position. Under the scheme, you places on the scheme through a realistic our activities and I’d like to thank them for the will receive feedback at every stage of your The Concept Factory, a new ‘thinking Guest speakers at the event included application process. Those who take part also tremendous support and in kind contributions employment experience, from help with your space’ for enterprising students and university alumna Daniella Genas, founder and have the option to receive ongoing support to the University. interview technique or CV writing to support graduates has been launched by CEO of Aspire4u, an events management from an experienced employer who will act “For the students, they’ve had some amazing the University. company which has helped over 500 young as a supporter while you are applying for work in developing skills related to your role. experiences and have come on tremendously people by providing work experience, training opportunities. We have developed a list of 22 key as new entrepreneurs by taking part.” It will act as a ‘hub’ for entrepreneurial activity and volunteering opportunities. employability skills in consultation with and a thinking space for like-minded enterprising Fellow speaker, recent graduate Hilda organisations including the Confederation of students and graduates to network, share ideas Burke, formed HBBA Corporate Business British Industry and the National Union of and form collaborations. They will be able to use Services Ltd – which specialises in tailor-made ‘HOW TO’ VIDEOS Students. You will receive regular feedback the space for a range of professional activities, bookkeeping and accounting solutions for from your line managers, who will be expected including business meetings, presentations and businesses – while still studying her Accounting Our Careers and Job Prospects team provides to provide evidence of the skills you gain as brainstorming sessions. and Finance degree at the University. face to face help and advice to all of our time goes on, helping you to articulate your It is hoped that this initiative will help to Current Media and Communications students throughout their time at University employability to future employers. Getting a part-time job on campus not only LLB (Hons) Law student Orjeta Neli won an pave the way for a new generation of entrepreneurs student Jason Turner also gave a talk on how and beyond. Now, you can also access their iPad in a prize draw organised for students by providing some of the key elements that go he founded social enterprise iSore Media, which expertise at a time and place to suit you gives you an extra income and allows you to meet who registered on the scheme at the start of into business start-up including advice, mentor produces video training workshops for drug after a series of videos were produced, with and work with different people, but it also helps the 2012/13 academic year. She is pictured here with the University’s Director of HR Angela support, free training workshops, programmes rehabilitation support groups. information for graduates wanting to get you gain experience and develop the skills that employers are looking for. Pocock, Recruitment Manager for Temporary and networking events. Ron Brown, Innovation and Entrepreneurship a foot on the careers ladder. Staff Sharmin Hussain and Recruitment Students are welcome to drop in and use the Development Manager at the University, said: Topics covered include writing a CV, job The University’s Director of Human Administrator Mahmudah Begum. space at any time, and they can also call on the “The Concept Factory is available for any searching, applications forms, interviews and Resources, Angela Pocock, said: “We have an University’s own experts for specialist help and student, from any faculty, studying any subject psychometric testing, as well as how to make excellent track record of partnership work advice where needed. to use, as a good idea can come from anyone. the most of your first few weeks in a new job. between staff and students. I was already University Vice-Chancellor Professor Cliff “We are keen to work with students like The videos are available online at working on an initiative to develop an in-house Allan recently unveiled the enterprise zone to Jason to further strengthen what he has created www.bcu.ac.uk/how-to. temporary agency and we realised we could BCU has a total of 3,600 a select list of attendees including successful with iSore Media; to encourage those that are develop that to support students in a broader postgraduate students - half business owners, proactive enterprising starting on their business journey and to For more information on employability visit way, as well as meet the University’s temporary of whom study part time students and graduates. support our graduates like Daniella and Hilda.” www.bcu.ac.uk/kickstart. staffing needs.”

www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate

BCU_PG_magazine.indd 14 15/04/2013 14:11 ProGress 2013 ProGress 2013 16 Quality Quality 17

TRAINEE TEACHER SHARES HIS EXPERIENCES

Embarking on a career in teaching can be both an exciting and challenging experience. But what is it really like? PGCE student Dan Mackintosh set out to share his insights by blogging about his experiences of the classroom.

Dan, who was taking part in a six-week placement at a primary school in Birmingham, gives a frank insight into his experiences of teaching, assessment and working with children. Following his first week on placement he revealed: “What a week it has been! I feel like I have learned more this week than I have in the last ten!” On taking his first lesson, he added: UNIVERSITY TO LAUNCH “It was the fastest hour of my life and by the end I was flying – the children were engaged and enjoyed the lesson, I had a NEW SIMULATION MODULE great time and the feedback from my host practitioner was good. I was on top of the world and couldn’t wait for my next lesson.” At Birmingham City University, our educational setting, as well as, those who are rarely time to pause and reflect in order to STUDENT JOURNALISTS Dan also wrote about his first programme offering is constantly new to using simulation and situated learning. uncover gaps in knowledge and awareness. An ‘Observation’ where his performance in evolving – we are always looking The module will be led by Jennifer Obbard, essential component of learning is being in an the classroom was monitored, the school’s to launch new courses and change who brings many years’ experience of working environment where it really is OK to make a VISIT EUROPEAN Christmas preparations and his mixed existing ones to reflect the latest needs in the simulation field – in both the USA and mistake. A simulated situation provides these emotions on successfully completing the of current and prospective students. UK – to the role, including completing the opportunities without putting patients at risk. PARLIAMENT placement. renown Comprehensive Instructor Workshop Simulation and situated learning are much Looking back on his time in the Within the Faculty of Health, our students in Medical Simulation at Harvard Center more than just a fancy manikin or computer classroom, Dan said: “The course so far have long made use of simulation to practise for Medical Simulation and currently as an program, they require skills in development, has really helped me develop the skills As part of our continual drive to give our Course director Diane Kemp said: “We their clinical techniques, which provides a ASPiH/HEA Simulation Development Officer, facilitation and debriefing, which is exactly I need to become a confident, reflective students access to real-life knowledge are lucky that our visiting Professor, Rick vital stepping stone between their theoretical representing the West Midlands at a local what this new module will support.” teacher. My placement has allowed me and national level, as well as, speaking When this module launches, it will be the and experience, a group of student Thompson, has very good links in Europe. learning in the classroom and their real-life to put these skills into practice and “It means the students get a really placements in hospitals or the community. internationally about faculty development only one of its kind in the West Midlands and broadcast journalists from the University provided a steep learning curve which good insight into an institution that plays an As patient safety has become an in simulation. one of only a few in the whole country, which recently headed to Brussels to learn was challenging, but enjoyable. I’m now important part in people’s lives and is a key increasing priority in healthcare settings, She said: “We have already offered an will leave Birmingham City University students more about the European Parliament. preparing for my second placement in a source of news stories. As young journalists simulation is likely to continue to play a role in informal training programme to introduce well-placed to gain expertise in simulation completely contrasting school to the last, people to simulation. By offering a credit pedagogy with academic recognition. The students were on the professionally- they need to learn about it in the same way as academic and clinical training. The University which is a really exciting prospect.” bearing module we can provide a more in-depth Jennifer added: “It is important to accredited postgraduate course in Broadcast they need to know about the UK Parliament and is set to further enhance its reputation in this development of teacher’s knowledge and skills define what makes an exemplar practice in Journalism and were taking a break from their how areas like the NHS and the police work. field by offering a postgraduate-level module Read more of his blog at in using this strategy. The module will be utilising simulation in teaching and ensure work placements at the BBC and ITN to make “As this year’s visit came during their on simulation, to be launched this September, pgcedan.wordpress.com. aligned with UKPSF and NMC standards with a meaningful learning experience for the the three-day trip. professional placement some of them also subject to approval. It can be taken as a an aim to become an exemplar for educating students and professionals we teach. This They were given the chance to interview recorded material for their host newsrooms.” standalone module, combined with another 30 teachers in this pedagogy. module will provide a strong foundation for MEPs, got a close up view of the institution at credit module to form a PgCert, or be taken “Simulated learning provides a unique learning and teaching with simulation.” work by covering the parliament’s daily news as part of a MEd Learning and Teaching in opportunity, in that it allows us to explore the briefings and put together a programme using Higher Education or MEd Academic Practice in cognitive, psychological and emotional aspects If you are interested for September or a the broadcasting facilities there. They also had Higher Education programme. The module will of teamwork and decision-making. A lot of future offering of this module or have any the opportunity to talk to the journalists who cover feature theoretical and practical components good thinking can go into bad decisions and questions, please contact Jennifer on the business of the Parliament on a daily basis. 93.3% of postgraduate Media leavers and is designed for clinicians and educators it is by reflecting upon and analysing those [email protected]. This was the second year that students who went into either employment already involved in designing and delivering decisions we can make better ones in future. on the course were able to take advantage of and/or further study achieved a this kind of learning, either in clinical practice In a real clinical environment there is the media facilities offered by the European graduate level destination (in situ or in simulation centres) or in an Parliament.

www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate ProGress 2013 ProGress 2013 18 Success Success 19

DESIGNER IS BRANCHING OUT

A postgraduate qualification from HONOURING Birmingham City University can sometimes lead you in surprising new directions. OUR GREATEST Drew Markou, who completed an MA in residence at the School of Jewellery, as well Jewellery and Silversmithing in 2012 after as setting up as a self-employed designer- previously studying the same course at maker. I also got accepted onto the Craft WRITER’S FIRFIRSTST undergraduate level, went on to wow crowds Council’s Hothouse scheme, which offers NOVEL IS A HIT GRADUATES at the Gardeners’ World Live show, where support to emerging designers. his design was named ‘Most Creative Small “It’s going really well – I’ve been Garden’, winning a Silver Gilt award. accepted into exhibitions in the UK, the USA At the School of English we know The garden was designed as part of and parts of Europe, and also major selling that talented writers can come from Oxfam’s ‘Growing a Better Future’ campaign, events in the UK. That’s really how it is as a variety of backgrounds and are At Birmingham City University, you will be Daniella Genas, who studied BA (Hons) Neil Edginton, who studied BSc (Hons) with the aim of highlighting the issue of a designer-maker – you have to stick with keen to help them develop. Ryan provided with the help, support and expertise Media and Communication and MA Media Environmental Planning and MSc global famine by creating a garden which it and just get your stuff out there as much Davis is one such graduate from our you need to succeed, as proved by the Enterprise has successfully combined Construction Project Management, has could be used to grow food sustainably. as you can until you start to build a name MA programme in Writing – putting number of our former students who go on business acumen with a social conscience played an integral role in many of the And while landscape design may, on the for yourself and your designs start to get his musical past to good use with his to record outstanding achievements in the at Birmingham-based event management exciting new developments that have face of it, appear to have little in common recognised as your work. debut novel ‘27’. local, national or international community. company Aspire4u – where all profits are changed Birmingham’s skyline in recent with his ‘day job’ as a designer-maker of “The garden was the first major show We have just honoured five such students – re-invested in the Aspire4u Community years, as part of the team behind such jewellery products, Drew explained that it I’d done and the first piece that linked into Set in 1999, the story focuses on Jim Vale, singer of The Tyrants, who has lost including two postgraduates – with the title Interest Company (CIC) which organises a iconic developments as Fort Dunlop, The tied into the principles he had adopted in the investigation I’d done as part of my MA, everything he once loved. Like Cobain, of Alumni of the Year, all of whom officially range of exciting and innovative projects to Mailbox and The Cube. his jewellery designs, by finding new uses which was focusing on how I apply the same Hendrix, Morrison and many rockers before received the honour at our graduation provide work experience for young people Following his success on those for unusual materials. design methodology on different scales, him, Jim tries to end it all by committing ceremonies in February and March. from disadvantaged backgrounds. projects, he set up his own company, He said: “After I finished the course, I from jewellery to larger objects.” Daniella organised her first events EDG Property, which is currently involved successfully applied to become an artist in suicide at the age of 27 – but he survives. while still a student at Birmingham City in its first major project, redeveloping a Jim’s manager encourages him to fake University, going on to set up Aspire4u in listed former adult education centre in his own death to raise The Tyrants’ profile, 2007. The company has since helped to the Birmingham suburb of Harborne into sell some records and clear some debts. put on a number of high-profile events in several premium restaurants, a cookery Danielle Pinnock, aged 24, from New But as time goes on, Jim finds himself the city – including a fashion and talent school and a handful of apartments. Jersey in the USA, graduated in February drawn deeper into Birmingham’s gangland show as part of the Jamaica in the Square He said: “I can genuinely say I really 2013 and entered her university dissertation and further away from his ex-girlfriend, his festival in Birmingham City Centre, the enjoyed my time at the University – I loved project into The Strawberry One Act Theatre troubled family and his music. finale event for the Birmingham Made the fact that we weren’t just filling our Festival in America to raise awareness of Before coming to the University, Ryan Me design awards, the Music Video and heads with theory; it was balanced with the varying perceptions of body image. spent some time in the music industry himself, Screen Awards ceremony for the Black bringing in people from the commercial Now in its 23rd season, The Strawberry which provided the inspiration for the story. International Film Festival, and marketing world to make what we learned more real. One Act Theatre Festival is a play He said: “I enrolled on the MA course support for The Drum arts centre in the I also gained so many life skills around competition in which a theatre audience at Birmingham City University because city. how to mix with different people and work and a panel of theatre judges cast their no other university offered that kind of She said: “By the time I’d finished successfully together, which is what you votes to select the best play, director, actor comprehensive course with the same level my MA, we were getting a lot of students need when you go into the workplace.” and actress of the season. Twice a year, of access to published authors, agents, coming to us asking for work experience, hundreds of plays from across America are publishers and so many other people in the or young people saying they would like to submitted for the competition. This year’s business. I met a lot of people through the get involved in the industry but didn’t know festival took place at the Hudson Guild course who have been invaluable contacts how. That was when I had the idea to use Theatre in New York. since then.” the company to provide opportunities for Speaking of her play, entitled ‘The Ryan set up his publishing company, young people and it’s continued to develop Body Image Project’, Danielle said: “Body Sidewinder Books, in partnership with from there as our reputation has grown, STATESSIDE image has been a topic of interest of mine a friend, and hopes to use it to provide and various organisations and individuals SUCCESS FOR ever since I was a child. I’ve always had an opportunities for other up-and-coming now refer people to us who they think we ACTING SCHOOL awareness of my body for as long as I can authors. And he suggested there was life can help.” remember. I recall hilarious memories of in the printed word yet, with most sales of She added: “My time at university was GRADUATE my grandmother squeezing me into church his book being in paperback, despite the a big help in getting where I am today, not dresses and having the misfortune of availability of digital versions. just in terms of the practical experience wearing tights in school ballet recitals. He added: “27 is the company’s first but also the career and personal A graduate from Birmingham School “When I did the show the New York, a book, but it will hopefully be the first of development modules we did as part of of Acting (BSA) has wowed the crowds lot of the audience members came up to many – it would be great to use my book as the MA, and setting up my own personal at a New York theatre festival, taking me and asked me where I trained. I loved a starting point to give similar opportunities action plan which has been a superb help home the ‘Best Actress’ award. my time at BSA.” to other new authors.” in terms of setting my goals.” For more information about the book, visit twentysevenbook.moonfruit.com. www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate ProGress 2013 ProGress 2013 20 Success Success 21

Professor Rosemary Evans

A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON URBAN Professor Dr Pathmeswaran Raju ACTIVISM Kevin Singh Michael Hardman

The further you go at postgraduate for the University, the Faculty and the School exchange and stakeholder participation. His level, the more scope there is to of Architecture, and to continue developing research focuses on the value of nature, how specialise in the precise area of research that can help create a better world.” we come up with and share new ideas about study that interests you. Michael the natural world, and how we can engage Hardman completed an undergraduate Professor Rosemary Evans - people in decisions about the environment. degree in geography and a Master’s Professor of Legal Education His work involves helping communities in urban geography before coming Rosemary Evans received this status in to get actively involved in adapting to to Birmingham City University to Dr Pathmeswaran Raju - recognition of her work in the sphere of environmental change, encouraging industry undertake a PhD in the specific field Reader in Knowledge Modelling developing Legal Education, particularly and government to consider the value of of illegal urban agriculture. and Engineering for those entering the legal profession as nature in the decisions they take. He is NEW PROFESSORS solicitors both nationally and locally, at higher also concerned with helping people adapt Dr Raju received the status in recognition As part of his research, he followed of his excellence in research focusing on education and practitioner level. It is also to environmental change in mountains and a group of ‘guerrilla gardeners’ who the challenges of knowledge engineering for her consultative and professional body deserts around the world. planted fruit and vegetables next to APPOINTED AT positions held, and impact work undertaken, for design, engineering and manufacturing. dual carriageways, in alleyways and on His research has involved all aspects of for the Law Society, Solicitors Regulation Professor Andrew Dubber - neglected space within cities. Working knowledge engineering, from acquiring, Authority (SRA) and Quality Assurance Professor of Music Industry Innovation as a full-time research student, he UNIVERSITY modelling and managing knowledge, to their Agency (QAA) in the spheres of quality Andrew Dubber is Award Leader for the MA in completed his PhD in two years and enhancement of provision. Music Industries and the MA in Music Radio. role in the development of knowledge-based seven months by observing those She said: “I feel truly honoured He is a member of the Centre for Media and engineering systems. involved at close quarters. and humbled to have been awarded a Cultural Research, and part of an international He said: “I am delighted to receive this Michael’s research marked a Readership in Knowledge Modelling and professorship at Birmingham City University, team working on a European jazz research Every year, the University recognises Professor Kevin Singh – continuation of the interests he had held Engineering, which will enrich my aspirations particularly during the first round of project called Rhythm Changes. the excellence of its academic staff Professor of Architecture throughout his time as a student. He for the future, in order to lead a more focused conferments under our new Vice-Chancellor His research interests include digital by conferring professorships and Kevin Singh is the Head of School at came up with some new perspectives research group and develop research- and feel doubly motivated to do my best to media cultures, online music enterprise, radio readerships to those at the leading Birmingham School of Architecture. His about this type of activism, and has gone informed courses. It will also allow me to serve the University community as a result.” in the digital age, music as a tool for social edge of their fields. teaching career spans 20 years which includes on to share these by writing for several thrive and reach out for more challenges, in change, and music as culture. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate teaching high-profile journals and speaking order to complement the forward vision of Professor Mark Reed - Professor of about radio broadcasting, the music industries Candidates for professorships have to be able in both Architecture and Interior Design. He at international conferences. Birmingham City University.” Interdisciplinary Environmental Research and the online environment. to demonstrate ‘outstanding achievement’ is actively involved with the Royal Institute Mark is an interdisciplinary environmental He said: “As part of my MA, I was in at least one of four categories and a ‘very of British Architects (RIBA) at a regional and looking into subcultures and how people Professor Ljubomir Jankovic - researcher specialising in knowledge high level of achievement’ in at least one national level, is a member of the Executive used the city, and it was then that I Professor of Zero Carbon Design of the other three. Similarly, candidates for Committee of the Commonwealth Association came across guerrilla gardening. I was Ljubomir Jankovic has worked as an readerships have to be able to demonstrate of Architects, and an external examiner at the academic, researcher and practitioner on looking to challenge existing perceptions ‘significant achievement’ against a range of University of Nottingham. instrumental monitoring, dynamic simulation, – people often think of guerrilla gardeners criteria (six categories in all). His Professorship was conferred under and environmental design of buildings over as young radicals, and in fact it was a lot Applicants are assessed by the Committee the categories Learning and Teaching and a 29-year career. The title of Professor of more complex than that with a wide range for the Conferment of Academic Titles each Academic Leadership having introduced a Zero Carbon Design is unique in the UK, and of people taking part with different November, and external references are sought number of initiatives predominantly relating positions Birmingham City University as the motivations.” before a final decision is made. to links with industry and for a proven track leader in the field. His success in the research field Our latest professors and readers record of transforming the success of courses On his Professorship, he said: “I am very led to a number of teaching roles at illustrate the breadth of academic expertise he has led. He is also a founding director of honoured and delighted that the new title the University with undergraduate, across the University: a contemporary architecture and interiors will add to the momentum that seems to postgraduate and, most recently, practice, The Space Studio. be building in relation to my work. This will research student level. His current enable me even more to be an ambassador position at the University sees him research and teach on a number of Professor Ljubomir Professor Professor topics related to green spaces and cities. Jankovic Mark Reed Andrew Dubber www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate ProGress 2013 ProGress 2013 22 Birmingham Birmingham 23

ProGress 2013 BIRMINGHA24 Outstanding support M: AN OASIS ON FIVE STEPS FOR FINDING NEW OPPORTUNITIES A QUICK HOW-TO FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

What can postgraduate students profiles which might be worth considering It’s also important to emphasise the do to stand out in the job market? if you’re happy to manage several versions type of person you are and what you value; Birmingham City University’s Sonia of ‘you’ – just be careful not to mix these up, for example, if you claim to be a generous Hendy-Isaac, Senior Lecturer in ramp up the privacy settings and ensure you character, how does this manifest itself? How Curriculum Design for Employer limit things like email account crossover! would this characteristic benefit your potential Engagement, offers an expert employer? More often than not, employers perspective. Step Two - Who do you want to work for? love to see their own values reflected in yours People often focus simply on the job pages or so make sure you think about how you might There is so much advice for students on maybe sign up with recruitment agencies to do that. The other key thing is to make sure raising their employability profile to improve seek out vacancies. This is obviously a logical your Personal Statement is readable, not only their opportunities, from CV top tips to place to start, but try to think a little deeper in terms of grammar and spelling, but also interview techniques, and all of them are than that – make a list of your ideal employers in terms of storytelling – does it construct a designed to support your ambitions. In a and then hit the social media outputs for all of coherent narrative? Does it get across your challenging economic climate, it’s difficult them. Create a ‘hotlist’ of their online vacancy personality, alignment to the role and overall to find new ways to stand out from the crowd pages and check them daily; some employers career ambitions? Obvious, but well worth when applying for opportunities and root out reserve the right to withdraw vacancies as repeating. jobs that aren’t advertised through traditional soon as they have sufficient applicants who Step Four - Making contact means! So what can you do about it? How meet the criteria. can you go about creating your postgraduate The other trick here is to think laterally – OK, so we all know about the Old Boys career opportunities? what is it about the company that makes you Network, but the majority of us don’t actually want to work for them? Identify these values have access to it. My advice – create your own! Step One - Who are you? or attributes and then seek these out in other Networking is crucial when times are tough, First things first: who are you? No, really companies from different sectors – this is and the easiest way to start is to explore who – check who you are according to the web! especially important if your career choice you know – family, friends, peers and even Employers, especially in the current climate, or job role has obvious crossover, eg sales, colleagues from part-time employment. will Google you ahead of shortlisting, so before administration or management. Having the confidence to ask your existing you’ve even started an application form or sent network for a career move can be challenging, Step Three - Making applications off that CV, check yourself out. Embarrassing but this may give you an early heads-up in personal photos, questionable status updates and terms of upcoming roles and a personal controversial tweets can present a version of Many companies favour online applications contact can give you a quick win in terms you that might not be the one you intended. nowadays and often the only space you have of shortlisting. Check and change your privacy settings on to be ‘you’ is through the, often dreaded, The other areas that often get neglected social media outlets and take down what Personal Statement; think of this space as are open business breakfasts and networking you can that’s even slightly dodgy from the the best way to get across your personality, events such as conferences and showcases. perspective of an employer. alignment to the role and overall career Make the time to attend these if you can, have Remember, the web search is often ambitions. Analyse the job specification and a business card and CV at the ready, and be the first impression you’ll make (beyond ensure you have the relevant experience; if prepared to introduce yourself to strangers – the application form, of course) – make it a this isn’t the case, be honest and gently broach it’s a brave move but at the very least, you’ll professional one! There are also people who the subject, placing this in the context of your have gathered some contacts to follow up advocate, and use, NSFW (not safe for work) willingness to learn new skills. and add to your network. Finally, where you STUDENTwww.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate CITY, GLOBAL OUR DOORSTEP CIT Y, INVESTMENT CITY

New milestones are being reached all technology quarter, with a multi-billion pound the time during our City Centre Campus investment in new buildings and facilities. development, with the opening of the Project director Peter Cochrane said: “The adjacent Eastside City Park recently wider redevelopment of Eastside will bring the providing cause for celebration. The city centre much closer to us, which will bring park – the first new public urban park advantages in terms of business engagement, in the city for 130 years – will be right access to social and welfare services, and retail on the doorstep of our City Centre and leisure opportunities. At the moment we’re Campus, providing both an outside on the cusp of the central core, but that core space for students to enjoy and a is growing and moving towards us.” setting for future events. Other measures designed to enhance the attractiveness of the new city centre development Work began in August 2011, with the site include the restoration and refurbishment of being formally opened in December last year. the listed Moby Dick pub – which will revert to Covering some 6.75 acres, it features its original name of the Eagle and Ball – and landscaped green space with over 300 trees, the opening up of the adjacent canal. a 188 metre canal and a public square with Attending the opening ceremony for the 21 jet fountains. park, Vice-Chancellor Professor Cliff Allan It will be lit up 24 hours a day, with the aim said: “This is an important and proud of ensuring it is well-used around the clock and milestone for all Eastside stakeholders – is safe for all park users. It will also be closely but it is particularly exciting for Birmingham The Bullring The Mailbox monitored by CCTV cameras and has been City University. assigned two designated park keepers. “This new City Park provides superb The park will provide a focal point for one of open space which fully integrates our the biggest urban renewal schemes in Europe, flagship buildings with the rest of this Eastside City Park. Join us for postgraduate study at Over the past 60 years, the ethnic makeup Station and a £128 million expansion of the with 420 acres of former industrial land fast-changing district.” Photo by Timothy Soar. Birmingham City University and you of the city has become increasingly diverse with city’s tram network. surrounding the City Centre Campus having will not only be joining an innovative immigration from around the world, particularly Much of this redevelopment is part of the been designated as the city’s learning and and forward-thinking institution - you the Indian sub-continent, Africa and the £10 billion Big City Plan, which sets out how the will also be living and working in one of Caribbean, further strengthening its links centre of Birmingham will be enhanced over a Europe’s most lively and vibrant cities. with communities across the globe. 20-year period. This includes the multi-billion Its friendly population is what makes pound regeneration of Eastside, in which the Millennium Point Home to over one million people, including Birmingham the dynamic, multicultural city University is playing a major part with its some 65,000 students, Birmingham offers a that is – and also one of the largest cities in expanded City Centre Campus. fascinating history and heritage, a world-class Europe offering a heady mix of galleries, music, restaurants and bars. cultural scene – and incredible nightlife Library of Birmingham and shopping. Birmingham’s physical environment has Birmingham is a global city with a strong been transformed over the last 30 years, with history of forging international links. At the developments such as the National Exhibition moment, some 875 international businesses Centre, the International Convention Centre, are operating in Birmingham (source: Marketing Brindleyplace and the Bullring shopping Birmingham), with investors including Indian centre. However, the city is not standing still industrial giant Tata, owners of Jaguar Land and further investment in its infrastructure Rover, and China’s SAIC Motor, which has includes a new £188 million library, the £600 million transformation of Birmingham New Street revived the historic MG sports car brand. Eastside City Park. Photo by Peter Flynn.

www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate ProGress 2013 ProGress 2013 24 Outstanding support Outstanding support 25

see a role advertised, make contact with OUTSTANDING How do I gain work experience? the employer. Discuss your experience with Work experience can provide the chance to them, check for values alignment, give them STUDENT SUPPORT gain a real insight into an industry and boost a sense of yourself and then say when you’re skills and knowledge. It’s also a chance FIVE STEPS FOR applying – include their name in your personal to ‘road test’ a job and see if it’s right for statement and/or any covering letter/email. Our award-winning support services you. Many postgraduate courses have work Make it personal! ensure that the help you need to placements as part of the curriculum, FINDING NEW succeed is available at every stage allowing you to gain real experience with real Step Five - Think outside the box of your journey with us. Our friendly employers, while the University also boasts OPPORTUNITIES Right on the tail of ‘making it personal’ for an Student Services team offers expert a dedicated online jobs board, exclusively advertised role comes the next level – creating advice on a wide range of practical available to students and graduates. contact where there is no current vacancy. and personal issues including money OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus is a A QUICK HOW-TO Contacting HR departments and/or the area matters, childcare, health and wellbeing, new project which ensures that students are within a company you would like to work with a careers and job prospects, visas given an opportunity to fill many temporary FOR POSTGRADUATE simple phone call seems a little old fashioned, and immigration and complaints and positions within the University. especially in the modern age of email! But appeals. They answered a few questions making a quick, concise, well-planned phone about postgraduate support. What should I be looking to gain when STUDENTS call highlights your initiative and opens a line choosing work placements/experience? of communication that didn’t exist before. Why do people choose to undertake If you have an idea of the type of role or Follow these up every four to six weeks; postgraduate study? organisation you would like to work in, have remember, don’t pester but do be persistent From an employment perspective some people a look online and research what seem to be and consistent. choose to study at postgraduate level to boost the main attributes they look for. Look at job What can postgraduate students profiles which might be worth considering It’s also important to emphasise the As a postgraduate, there is an expectation their employability, hone and develop those descriptions and person specs for similar do to stand out in the job market? if you’re happy to manage several versions type of person you are and what you value; that you will somehow know exactly what it is skills learnt at undergraduate level, and to roles. The thing to remember is any work Birmingham City University’s Sonia of ‘you’ – just be careful not to mix these up, for example, if you claim to be a generous you want to do and how to get yourself there – climb the career ladder in their present/ experience is valuable, as long as you evidence Hendy-Isaac, Senior Lecturer in ramp up the privacy settings and ensure you character, how does this manifest itself? How but carving out a career can be a tough task! another organisation. It can of course also the transferable skills you have gained. If there Curriculum Design for Employer limit things like email account crossover! would this characteristic benefit your potential Analyse your values and ambitions carefully, boost potential salary! is a particular employer you would like to work Engagement, offers an expert employer? More often than not, employers and check you are looking for the right type of for, approach them to see if they have any perspective. Step Two - Who do you want to work for? love to see their own values reflected in yours role for you. Remember, opportunities don’t How can a postgraduate qualification opportunities such as paid employment/work People often focus simply on the job pages or so make sure you think about how you might happen by accident, so use as many tools as enhance my employability prospects? shadowing or simply an office visit. There is so much advice for students on maybe sign up with recruitment agencies to do that. The other key thing is to make sure possible to create them! For some careers, a postgraduate raising their employability profile to improve seek out vacancies. This is obviously a logical your Personal Statement is readable, not only qualification is a requirement. For others it What techniques should I employ their opportunities, from CV top tips to place to start, but try to think a little deeper in terms of grammar and spelling, but also may boost career prospects by giving access when looking for work? interview techniques, and all of them are than that – make a list of your ideal employers in terms of storytelling – does it construct a to industry contacts. Some postgraduate The Careers and Job Prospects team continues to designed to support your ambitions. In a and then hit the social media outputs for all of coherent narrative? Does it get across your courses are professionally accredited and provide support after you have completed your challenging economic climate, it’s difficult them. Create a ‘hotlist’ of their online vacancy personality, alignment to the role and overall so reflect industry’s ever-changing needs. studies. We can support you with where to to find new ways to stand out from the crowd pages and check them daily; some employers career ambitions? Obvious, but well worth A postgraduate course can also help with look for suitable job vacancies, how to market when applying for opportunities and root out reserve the right to withdraw vacancies as repeating. a change of career direction as conversion yourself, how to make use of social media to jobs that aren’t advertised through traditional soon as they have sufficient applicants who courses allow you to specialise in a different promote yourself and look for work, effective means! So what can you do about it? How meet the criteria. Step Four - Making contact sector. networking, accessing the hidden job market, can you go about creating your postgraduate The other trick here is to think laterally – OK, so we all know about the Old Boys interview tips and techniques. career opportunities? what is it about the company that makes you Network, but the majority of us don’t actually How can I develop my employability skills? want to work for them? Identify these values have access to it. My advice – create your own! Gaining work experience, becoming involved in What about opportunities to become self-employed? Step One - Who are you? or attributes and then seek these out in other Networking is crucial when times are tough, extracurricular initiatives such as mentoring, Students may consider self-employment for First things first: who are you? No, really companies from different sectors – this is and the easiest way to start is to explore who and joining in with Students’ Union activities. any number of reasons but the biggest hurdle – check who you are according to the web! especially important if your career choice you know – family, friends, peers and even Make use of the Careers and Job Prospects they may face is how to turn their ideas into Employers, especially in the current climate, or job role has obvious crossover, eg sales, colleagues from part-time employment. Team, plus many postgraduate courses also reality. There are a number of extracurricular will Google you ahead of shortlisting, so before administration or management. Having the confidence to ask your existing offer work placement opportunities. programmes designed to help students tune you’ve even started an application form or sent network for a career move can be challenging, What support do we offer our students up their entrepreneurial skills, including off that CV, check yourself out. Embarrassing Step Three - Making applications but this may give you an early heads-up in wanting to improve their employability? access to finance, enterprise, events and photos, questionable status updates and personal terms of upcoming roles and a personal In addition to the wide range of support networking, training and mentoring, and controversial tweets can present a version of Many companies favour online applications contact can give you a quick win in terms available as part of your course, we offer a support and guidance. To find out more you that might not be the one you intended. nowadays and often the only space you have of shortlisting. wide range of provision to help you develop about this and other opportunities that are Check and change your privacy settings on to be ‘you’ is through the, often dreaded, The other areas that often get neglected your skills. Mentoring a first year student to available to you within the University, please social media outlets and take down what Personal Statement; think of this space as are open business breakfasts and networking help them settle into university life develops send an email to [email protected] with you can that’s even slightly dodgy from the the best way to get across your personality, events such as conferences and showcases. leadership and communication skills, while ‘postgraduate magazine: self-employment’ perspective of an employer. alignment to the role and overall career Make the time to attend these if you can, have being mentored yourself by an employer in the title and a brief description of the Remember, the web search is often ambitions. Analyse the job specification and a business card and CV at the ready, and be can provide industry insight to develop your information that you are looking for. the first impression you’ll make (beyond ensure you have the relevant experience; if prepared to introduce yourself to strangers – commercial awareness. Our team of qualified the application form, of course) – make it a this isn’t the case, be honest and gently broach it’s a brave move but at the very least, you’ll and experienced career professionals are Support is available face-to-face, by phone professional one! There are also people who the subject, placing this in the context of your have gathered some contacts to follow up committed to providing impartial advice or online. For more information contact us advocate, and use, NSFW (not safe for work) willingness to learn new skills. and add to your network. Finally, where you and guidance to support you in your career at www.bcu.ac.uk/askus or phone choices, and this help continues after you +44 (0)121 331 5588. www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate complete your course. www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate ProGress 2013 ProGress 2013 26 Preparing to arrive Preparing to arrive 27 MaKIng yoUR hoW to sECURE aPPlICatIon FIVE THINGS FUnDIng sUCCEss Most postgraduate applications should be made direct to the University via the relevant faculty admissions office. YOU’LL BE While getting a full scholarship to postgraduate students. Tracking these Where there are exceptions, such as cover the cost of your study and living down can be time-consuming, but can PgCE or law, this is detailed on the expenses can be difficult, there’s no bring valuable return. Check out the relevant course information page on GLAD TO limit to the amount of smaller bursaries FindAMasters.com alternative guide to our website. you can apply for. Whatever type of postgraduate funding which tells you funding you’re trying to secure there how to apply to charities and trusts: Most postgraduate applications can be made KNOW AS YOU www.FindAMasters.com/funding-guide. tends to be a lot of competition, so at any time of the year although some may you should apply as early as you can. close early due to popular demand or some think long-term may have earlier application deadlines. Again, EMBARK ON If you’re unable to secure funding don’t start at the beginning the online course information page will have Your starting point should be the universities despair. You could take out a professional this information. you’ve applied to. They will be able to tell and career development loan from your POSTGRADUATE you about any funding available through bank, combine your study with part-time University application forms are available from scholarships or studentships from UK work to ease the pressure, or, if you the relevant faculty admissions office or can be research councils. have them, use your savings – after all, downloaded from the relevant course page via STUDY postgraduate study is an investment in www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate. your future! Be competitive International students should see There are many competitions to win Master’s You can register for the FindAMasters.com www.bcu.ac.uk/international/discover-bcu/ funding, often offered by course directories how-to-apply for details on how to apply. such as FindAMasters.com. Make sure you Scholarships now at www.FindAMasters. The TARGETcourses website recently you, but getting it right first time is a better, your field. Go on research trips or conferences read the entry details carefully and tailor com/scholarships. Good luck! Further support can be found at surveyed students on what they would less stressful, more straightforward way of and open lectures if they’re offered. All these your response to the criteria; you’ve got to www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/how-to-apply/ do differently if they were starting over going about things. things will expand your breadth of knowledge be in it to win it! Andy Pritchard making-your-application. again. They have compiled the following and create a network of contacts for your advice based on their findings, to Make yourself a personal timetable future work. think creatively help you get your funding, course of deadlines There are a large number of charitable and studies right from the outset. Though it may be too soon to apply for some Take up a hobby and take breaks trusts and societies that offer grants to courses and too late to apply for others, Whether you start swimming, cake baking so, yoU lIKE Do your own research before you apply there’s no harm in creating a personal or gardening, do something to relax that has It may be the perfect place to start, but don’t timetable so you don’t miss out on scholarship nothing to do with your area of study. The What yoU’vE rely solely on a university’s own website for or bursary opportunities, or find that all the reading and research required for a PhD information about a course and its associated places on the course you’d set you heart on or Master’s can be stressful, especially if REaD anD funding and scholarships. Go to postgraduate have been filled. Once your course starts, set you’re combining it with work and/or family Want to FInD open days and fairs, where you can speak to a timeline for research and writing, depending commitments. Even serving in a pub may feel former or current students, and check out on the type of course structure you’re expected challenging at the end of a tiring week. Your oUt MoRE? respected independent websites and funding to follow. There may be a lot to pack into a brain will function more effectively if you take short space of time or you may be expected an occasional rest and make sure you’re not data sites such as TARGETcourses.co.uk. You can keep up to date with the latest to attend lectures and produce coursework as overloading it 24/7. Compare university employability statistics postgraduate news and information relating you go along. and email the tutors taking the courses you’re to the University at www.facebook.com/ Sandra Kessell interested in. Making direct contact states your bcupostgrad or follow us on Twitter at Get to know people intention to get in and gets answers straight @mybcu. from the horse’s mouth. A tutor may also be “If you’re not actually living in halls, or able to point you in the direction of a specific sharing a house with fellow students, it can TARGETcourses is offering five £2,000 We hold a postgraduate open evening award or funding if they know your personal be hard to exchange ideas and information bursaries to help pay your fees for a every year, usually in spring, and several circumstances. as a postgraduate. Setting up a Facebook postgraduate course at a UK university other all-encompassing Open Days throughout group might help, but there’s no substitute for in 2013/14. For details of how to enter the year. If you want to meet our academics Make sure you’re taking the right interaction with people on your wavelength,” visit targetcourses.co.uk/bursary- and see our facilities then please come course says Kym, who is studying for a PhD in competition. along to one. Details can be found at “Starting the wrong course is an expensive law. Join societies, or create one, for those www.bcu.ac.uk/opendays. mistake to make,” says Simon, who isn’t researching or studying in similar areas as 97.9% of our 2011 postgraduate convinced his postgraduate degree progressed you. Though it may seem obvious, do go along leavers from the school of In the meantime course information is Education who went into either his career in the direction he had hoped. You to the meetings or evenings arranged. Get to available at www.bcu.ac.uk/postgraduate employment and/or further can switch courses, if your university supports know your tutors, professors and experts in and our excellent Course Enquiries team are study achieved a graduate always available to talk to you on level destination. +44 (0)121 331 5595.

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