1 Learning Futures

What is Learning Futures? Vision for Learning Futures: “We will strengthen the competitive position of the University of Westminster by transforming the learning and teaching experience for students and staff. We will deliver a transformative and inspiring learning experience for students, with a streamlined, forward looking and engaging curriculum, innovative, interactive and accessible learning and teaching and effective assessment. We will empower staff and students to create and support distinctive, innovative courses, optimising the use of technology and engagement with research and practice, to enrich the curriculum and academic culture of the institution.”

Learning Futures projects Curriculum and assessmentTransforming learning and teaching Improved courses – simpler structure to encourage more engagement with subjects, more flexible, accessible and inclusive Reduced over-assessment and increased use of formative and synoptic assessment to increase connectedness and give students opportunity for greater focus on learning Simpler academic regulations More opportunities for work placements, internships, study abroad  Excellent, innovative learning and teaching  Flexible, dynamic learning environment  Students as co-creators in learning, teaching and research  Learning communities which foster collaboration and best practice  Continuous development for academics  New learning and teaching strategy Westminster distinctivenessAcademic support  Graduate attributes embedded across the curriculum- skills and competencies making graduates highly employable  Globally engaged, ethically aware, entrepreneurial, and socially responsible graduates  Graduate attribute student resources  Westminster electives- opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning and teaching  WD awards  Accessible and well-signposted academic support for the whole of the student journey to enable students to achieve full potential  Skills and support for students to become lifelong learners  Support and training for academic staff

How we developed Learning Futures Asking students and staff what needs to change Students and staff involved in planning the changes Continuing consultation with students and staff

Curriculum and assessment - priorities for 15/16 5 Continue communications with students who started their course this year (2015) about course changes and how these will affect them Support students through the transition from the old to new curriculum

Transforming learning and teaching - priorities for 15/16 6 Student-led event held on 14 October 2015 (Innovate! Co-create!) showcasing first round of students as co-creators projects Develop the students as co-creators model further and launch second round of projects

Westminster graduate attributes 7 Critical and creative thinkers Social, ethically and environmentally aware Global in outlook and engaged in communities Entrepreneurial Literate and effective communicator

Westminster distinctiveness - priorities for 15/16 8 Prepare to introduce 14 new cross-disciplinary electives in September 2016 Students currently in their first year (Level 4) will make their module choices for next year (2016/17 academic year) in March They will be given the opportunity to choose from the new set of electives at this point* New electives will be taught at Level 5. Develop a resource to support students in developing their graduate attributes Develop and introduce open digital badges – a means of recognising non-credit bearing achievements Westminster Distinctiveness Awards included on the HEAR – formal recognition for extra-curricular activities

Academic support – priorities for 15/16 Map academic support provision across the student journey from enrolment to alumni. The aim of this is to give all students consistent access, regardless of what year of study or faculty they are in. New personal tutoring policy – making clear what students can expect from their personal tutors and what personal tutors expect from you

Benefits 10 1.Stronger competitive position for the University of Westminster and improved reputation 2.Increased graduate-level employability 3.Improved student experience 4.Improved staff experience 5.Revised undergraduate courses from September 2016

More information UoW website: students/your-studies/learning-futures-improving-the- student-experiencehttp:// students/your-studies/learning-futures-improving-the- student-experience Students as co-creators site: as-co-creators/ E:

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