Supporting student
transitions through an
international joint degree
programme
Samantha Lister, Head of Academic Partnerships and International Experience
Bronagh Crosse, Student Mobility Officer
BA (International Honours): Overview
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Fully integrated undergraduate degree
2 years at each institution
Choice of pathways
4 subjects currently offered
Joint degree
Learning and Teaching Strategy
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Design and deliver an innovative curriculum
Move beyond traditional Study Abroad
Prepare students for global marketplace
Strengthen our collaboration
Institutional Approach
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Relationships
Communication
Flexibility
Ongoing review
Long-term commitment
Successes and Challenges
• Successes:
• Academic success
• Student engagement
• Teaching and research
collaboration
• Sharing best practice
• Challenges:
• Curriculum
• Institutional culture
• Student transitions
• The unexpected!
Transitions
• Two pathways:
– ABBA
– ABAB
• Types of transition:
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Academic
Social
Cultural
Personal
Types of Transition: Academic
• Challenges:
– Breadth versus depth
– Independent learning
– Academic culture
• Supporting transitions:
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Dedicated Pro Dean
Subject Advisers
Academic events
Online information
Social, Cultural and Personal Transitions
• Social:
– Leaving friends behind
• Cultural:
– Assumptions and preconceptions about life in the other country
• Personal development:
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Resilience
Independence
Adaptability
Confidence
Transition Support: Institutional
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Collaborations & Study Abroad team
Dedicated Student Intern
BA Int Hons Experience Group
Guarantee accommodation
Student Services
Online and other resources:
– Programme FAQs
– Student Experience
Transition Support: Institutional (cont.)
• Events schedule:
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Welcome
Academic
Well-being
Transition
Meet your cohort
Future
Transition Support: Student Led
• Cohort support
• WaMStA Partnership
• Staying in touch
Student Experience
‘The Joint Degree Programme is unlike any other
traditional university or study abroad experience.
Students get to fully immerse themselves in not only a
new culture but also a different style of teaching, and
university life. While it seems a daunting task,
Programme students benefit by being able to succeed
both academically and socially across cultures.’
Emily, third year International Relations student
The Future
• Expanding and formalising events schedule
• Newsletters for the cohort
• New subjects:
– Classical Studies
– Film Studies
Questions?
Samantha Lister
T:
01334 463317
E:
[email protected]
Bronagh Crosse
T:
01334 462128
E:
[email protected]