The QMUL Model

What is the QMUL Model? New teaching and learning initiative: Broadens opportunities for students Develops new skills Curriculum grounded in core QMUL values: Respect for/engagement with local communities Enabling you to make positive societal impact Description for above: WHAT IS THE QMUL MODEL? New institutional curriculum – innovative teaching & learning initiative Intention is to broaden opportunities for students Embed new skills and opportunities supporting development by studying subjects beyond your discipline Model is grounded in QMUL’s core values: Respect for and engagement with local communities Enabling students to make positive societal impact

Why are we introducing the Model? To deliver higher education that values a broad range of characteristics. Model modules will offer students professional and transferable skills and a wide range of opportunities. WHY ARE WE INTRODUCING THE QMUL MODEL? QMUL strongly believes there is a need for higher education that values a broader range of characteristics, in addition to those linked to specific subject knowledge. QMUL students are diverse and talented – the Model is designed to support all our undergraduates to recognise, develop, enhance and apply skills that will help them flourish after graduation.

How will I experience the Model? The QMUL Model is designed around four themes: Networking Multi- and inter-disciplinarity International perspectives Enterprising perspectives QMUL MODEL THEMES – The QMUL Model has four themes, and each Model module will incorporate teaching and assessment related to at least one of the Model themes. Networking – skills that will enable students to develop own networks, engage with employers or work with local communities Multi- and inter-disciplinarity – fostered by studying across a range of areas beyond the boundaries of the degree programme International perspectives – insights gained from international and multi- cultural experiences, and from considering your discipline in a global context Enterprising perspectives – insights gained from having the opportunity to be enterprising, e.g. innovative and creative thinking and problem solving The learning outcomes you are expected to achieve upon successful completion of the module link directly to at least one of these themes.

How will I experience the Model? Integrated and credit-bearing part of your degree programme. In year one, you will study QMUL Model module(s) to the value of 15 credits. Year one (level 4) Model modules will be core or compulsory

How will I experience the Model? HST4602 History in Practice Follow the history of the East End, the fascinating and ever-changing location of Queen Mary University of London! In your 1st year, all home students in the School of History will take HST4602 History in Practice as their Model module. This module takes you out of the seminar room to explore the historical environment around Queen Mary. You will be introduced to some of the range of approaches that historians use to conceptualise their study of the past, and schooled in the specific practices you will need to make the most of your time as History students at QMUL. The Novo cemetery, the UK’s second oldest Spanish and Portuguese Jewish burial ground, dating back to 1733.

How will I experience the Model? In subsequent years of study, you will take Model modules to the value of at least 10 credits. These Model modules may be within your degree programme or within a different QMUL School/Institute or other area of QMUL. They may also take you out into the workplace or overseas. You will be encouraged to take at least one Model module beyond your home discipline. How will I experience the Model? In future years, you’ll take at least one Model module each year. Model modules will offer opportunities to work with students from across QMUL, develop skills and knowledge to help you succeed in your future career or future study ambitions, and broaden your horizons. They will either be a core/compulsory module as part of your programme’s module diet, or may be an elective delivered by either your home discipline or from another part of QMUL. Students are strongly encouraged to take at least one Model module outside their home discipline, at least once during their undergraduate studies. Get ready for the workplace – e.g.: apply for placements and work experience volunteer in the community or support advice centres develop management, leadership and entrepreneurship skills Broaden your horizons – e.g.: travel overseas and study abroad choose modules from other academic subjects Build new skills – e.g.: explore languages, communication, research and writing skills take on consultancy or project work with local businesses, charities and other organisations work with other students on projects linked to the research of one of our academics Modules electives are being developed now. College will approve these pathways in spring 2018. Programme Director will provide more information about electives in future years as soon as these are approved.

How will I experience the Model? Model modules from outside your home discipline would cover topics such as: Getting ready for the workplace – e.g. volunteering, placements, work experience Broadening your horizons – e.g. study abroad, or modules from other disciplines Building new skills – e.g. languages, communication, research, leadership, problem solving, consultancy projects with local organisations Model module electives are being developed currently, and the College will approve these pathways in spring 2018. Which options are being considered? Here are some indicative examples: Get ready for the workplace – For example: apply for placements and work experience volunteer in the community or support advice centres develop management, leadership and entrepreneurship skills Broaden your horizons – For example: travel overseas to study abroad choose modules from other academic subjects Build new skills – For example: explore languages, communication, research, leadership and problem solving skills take on consultancy or project work with local businesses, charities and other organisations work with other students on projects linked to the research of an academic staff member

What is the Skills Review? Skills Review is designed to: Identify your existing strengths in relation to the QMUL Model themes. Identify areas you would like to further develop. Support the most appropriate Model module selection in subsequent years of study. The Skills Review will provide you with a benchmark of your current development in the skills set out in the themes of the Model (networking, inter- and multi-disciplinarity, international perspectives, enterprising perspectives) Results will: show you where your existing strengths lie and will indicate areas you might want to consider developing in the future. give you information about your own personal development help with the selection of future Model module electives

What is the Skills Review? The Skills Review will be in the form of an online questionnaire in QMPlus. To be completed initially in Semester B. You will be invited to discuss results with your Personal Tutor/Advisor. WHAT IS THE SKILLS REVIEW? Completed online in QMPlus All first year students will be invited to take Skills Review in Semester B Once you receive your Skills Review results, you can discuss these with your Personal Tutor/Advisor in a meeting in second half of Semester B. Students will continue to complete the Skills Review periodically through each year of study.