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Accelerated Degrees: Head Start or False Start?
The practice of ‘Accelerated’ or ‘Fast Track’ two year-long degree courses has been in the news again this month, as former universities minister Jo Johnson sought to further increase their frequency across the higher education sector. However, despite having been available at certain universities for nearly 10 years, they continue to prove divisive. For some they provide a cheaper option with a potentially fast transition into employment, whilst for others they create an unnecessary burden on resources without allowing enough time for students to develop. How does an accelerated degree programme work? Typically they offer the opportunity for learners to reduce the time taken to complete a BA/BSc course (360 credits) full-time from 3 years to 2 years or part-time from 6 years to 4 years. This is done by utilising the traditional student summer vacation as a third ‘semester’ to cover an additional 60 credits (for full-time students) or 30 credits (for part-time students). So the intensity of study within a semester is not increased, instead students study continuously through the calendar year. In theory this should allow some full-time students to reduce their costs whilst at university by only needing to incur 2 years of rent and living costs and, potentially begin earning a year earlier. Should you choose an accelerated degree course? For those who like to get things done quickly accelerated degrees probably sound ideal, however, Dr Robert Boast - Executive Dean: Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) – advises prospective students take caution before diving in: “Accelerated degrees are not for all students as has been shown by the limited take-up of these programmes where they have been offered. Most students see their time at university as a 3 year experience giving themselves time to develop, acquire skills and reflect on what careers they are best suited to move in to.” Lecturers and indeed the courses themselves also face potentially adverse consequences from an increase in accelerated degrees. The summer period is a time for academics to conduct research, undertake staff development and plan and develop existing and new courses which then informs and enhances the student experience for the next academic year, maintaining and improving the quality of the degree programmes. Do BGU offer two year degrees? Although accelerated degrees are not currently part of the portfolio of programmes at BGU Dr Boast adds this is always under review: “With all programme developments we always ensure that we understand what the learners require so that we can give them the best learning and teaching experience as possible. We are also looking to develop work-based learning/apprenticeship programmes with businesses, which might be more attractive to people in work who want access to degree level qualifications whilst earning.” Make sure you are up to speed Far from the finished article, the concept of accelerated degrees will continue to be honed and evolved over the next few years. Wherever your opinion on them falls, when it comes to choosing your degree, understanding the facts is of the upmost importance. Our Enquiries Team are always happy to answer any of your questions to ensure you have all the information you could need. You can find more about our current portfolio of degrees and begin your university adventure here. -
Winner Announced for BGU Care Award for Outstanding Learner
Representatives from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) attended the Lincolnshire Care Awards to present the BGU Outstanding Learner Award on Thursday 22 February 2018. The provision of care in the Health and Social Care sector is becoming increasingly demanding due to the constantly changing needs of individuals and the communities served. The Lincolnshire Care Awards (Developed by Lincolnshire Care Association) recognise and applaud the daily achievements of individuals and businesses throughout the Health and Social Care sector within Lincolnshire. They celebrate the tireless work of outstanding care workers, teams and organisations in a challenging sector. Now in their second year, the awards continue to grow, seeing a significant increase in nominations from across the sector, as well as a brand-new award recognising the contribution of support staff, for example domestic staff, transport staff and gardeners. The Awards were presented at a gala evening in Lincoln Assembly Rooms by BBC Radio Lincolnshire's Melvyn Prior. They consisted of several categories such as Community Care Awards, Residential Care Award, social care award, Leadership award as well as recognizing special achievements, rising stars and BGU’s very own Outstanding Learner Award. Education and learning is one of the key elements that ensures care is delivered in the right way, to the right people, in a timely manner. The Outstanding Learner Award recognises individuals who have made the most of their learning opportunities either in a residential or community care setting, enthusiastically embracing their learning and going above and beyond to improve their knowledge and skills. Nicki Walsh, Programme Leader for Health & Social Care at BGU, judged and presented the award and stated that she was both honoured and humbled by all the individuals nominated. She was proud to present Stacey Mason with the award, having been impressed with her commitment to continued development and training. BGU Outstanding Learner Award Finalists and Winner in full: Finalists – Linda Morris, Kimberley Care Home Renee Persinger, The Royal Mencap Society Susie Neupane, Cedar Falls Care Home Isobel Morrison, Thera East Midlands Stacey Mason, Walnut Care Winner – Stacey Mason, Walnut Care (pictured receiving her award from BGU's Nicki Walsh) Photo credit: Shaun Smith, Kamara Photography. Find out more about Health & Social Care at BGU. -
BGU Theology Students Provide Uniforms for School Children in India
A group of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) Theology students have successfully raised enough money to supply over 100 school uniforms to pupils in India with special needs. Carried out in aid of the SDETLAND Project (www.lincswithindia.org.uk), who work with several Lincolnshire rotary clubs to support some the most deprived and disadvantaged children in the world, the students have been working hard over the past year to raise enough money to fund both the uniforms as well as their travel to visit the centre. Georgina Foxcroft, one of the students involved, was delighted to have the opportunity to support the project so effectively: “We asked the SDETLAND Project what they wanted and they said a uniform for the children would be amazing. They receive no government funding, everything they get is from donations and it was the one thing that the school really needed so we were more than happy to provide them. "Being able to take the uniforms out ourselves and meet some of the children was fantastic. It made that connection more personal and proved to us that our efforts were worthwhile.” Returning from the trip, BGU Theology lecturer Mark Plater highlighted why the hard work carried out by the SDETLAND Project was so important: “SDET do a wonderful job of caring for those who generally get left out of Indian society. Tribal people and the disabled are not well provided for by government agencies, so SDET (Social Democratic Education Trust) was developed as a charity to fill in the gaps. "They provide hostels and special schools for children of such communities, and occupational training to help them move on to skilled jobs. I am really impressed with the dedication and commitment of their staff.” Along with the SDETLAND Project, the team of BGU students visited primary, secondary, international and specialist SEN schools along with a selection of sites of religious significance across India to get a wide aspect of education and culture in the country. The students would also like to thank Lincoln business Eliza D Memory, whose daughter is one of their fellow students at BGU, for printing the uniforms. Find out more about studying Theology & Ethics at BGU. -
Bishop Grosseteste University Celebrates New Apprentices
Earlier this year Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) launched their first cohort of apprentices on Higher Management and Higher Business courses. As part of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) BGU took the opportunity to celebrate their new apprentices as they looked back on the first month of their programme. Joining the apprentices to discuss their exciting new projects were BGU Vice Chancellor Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Ben Kinross from the National Society of Apprentices as well as representatives from Lincoln Council. Speaking at the event Peter Neil said he was excited to see apprenticeships gaining a greater reputation: “It is fantastic that apprenticeships are now being recognised for their importance and relevance to professional progression. Continued personal and professional development is highly valued at BGU and I’m delighted to see my colleagues embracing this opportunity”. The new cohort of apprentices are all undertaking Higher Apprenticeships in either Management or Business with Professional Administration. As current BGU staff they are building the placements around their existing roles but Jayne Ellis, on the Business with Professional Administration Course, was keen that the idea of balancing the two responsibilities shouldn’t deter prospective apprentices: “This has been a great opportunity so I would encourage anyone else who is thinking about undertaking an apprenticeship at BGU to go for it as the support so far has been very good” BGU plan to run a full suite of different apprenticeships in the coming months, all designed to upskill people within the Lincolnshire area aiding them in their professional development and have begun linking up with local employers to offer a range of exciting opportunities. Apprenticeships offer a range of exciting benefits to potential participants including: No course fees A salary allowing you to earn while you learn An industry recognised qualification, along with valuable experience If you are interested in becoming an apprentice, either as the first step in a new career or to further your development in your current one, you can contact the Enquiries Team at BGU to discuss how an apprenticeship can change your life. Alternatively, if you are an employer keen to offer your team the chance to upskill, contact Emily Hughes, Partnership Developments Manager at BGU. -
BG Futures Football Networking
Staff from BG Futures, BG Futures tenants, Teenage Market traders, and students from BGU's Business (Team Entrepreneurship) course came together to watch Lincoln City Football Club v Cheltenham at Sincil Bank last month. The event on 13 February 2018, which was made possible thanks to the sponsorship of Lincolnshire based firm Pilgrim Foodservice and the commercial team at Lincoln City, saw over 50 individuals brave the cold for some informal business networking! The BG Futures team holds regular networking events for both BG Futures tenants and students and we would love to see some new faces at our future events. If you would like to come and join us then please email cassie.rainey@bishopg.ac.uk and we will add you to our mailing list. -
BGU shares research and forges new connections in the Czech Republic
Dr Maria Efstratopouliou, Senior Lecturer in Special Education & Inclusion (SENI) at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), was invited to deliver a two day workshop seminar in Research Methodology to International Doctoral Students at Masaryk University. Part of an International visit at Brno, Czech Republic the Seminar provided the Doctoral students and Academic Staff from the University with the opportunity to discuss the future of international research cooperation between the two Universities. Further meetings also took place with Masaryk University’s Faculty of Education, allowing staff from both institutions to share good practice on systems of teaching practice and professional competencies of student teachers. In addition the trip provided Clare Davey, International Administrator, the opportunity to meet with Masaryk University’s International Office, sharing ideas on their functions within the University, as well as collating information for BGU students who wish to undertake an Erasmus Study Programme. You can find more information on our SENDI courses and growing international links on our website or by contact our Enquiries Team. -
BGU Academics Share Practice and Advice with Chinese Nursery Head Teachers
Last week Alison Riley – Programme Leader Early Childhood Studies (ECS) – and Mary-Louise Maynes – Senior Lecturer ECS – of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) met with a group of Chinese Nursery Head teachers to discuss the practice and provision of Early Years Education. The visiting Heads were viewing nursery schools across the Lincoln area, exploring different options and methods of provision with the meeting at BGU offering a chance to talk informally and for the teachers to understand how Early Years education is taught. The work carried out on the ECS course at BGU facilitating the training of teachers to work in the Early Years sector was of particular interest to the delegates. With staff in their nurseries mostly untrained in education provision they were keen to find out about the different forms of training for early years professionals in the UK. With educational provision for under twos increasing in China, the Head Teachers were also very keen to hear about the work BGU does with its students to develop their understanding of the needs of young children in the 0-2 age range as encouraging this sector is an important objective for them in China. Mary-Louise Maynes was delighted with the success of the visit and excited at the prospect of further collaboration in the future: “They were full of enthusiasm for making links with BGU and we hope to create some opportunities in the future for us to share ideas about practice. At the end of the session they gave us a number of gifts made by staff and children in their nurseries which we are looking forward to sharing with our students“ You can find out more about our Early Childhood Studies degree along with our full portfolio of degrees on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
BGU Academics Visit Unique School to See an Alternative Way of Learning
Last week academics from the School of Teacher Development and the School of Social Sciences at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) visited the Michaela Community School in London to experience their unique pedagogical approach first-hand. The Michaela Community School is a free school dedicated to turning their students into engaged and informed citizens through a focus on traditional academic subjects along with social and etiquette skills. This singular approach has made it well-known in education circles and in the media as well as an excellent case study opportunity for the BGU academics involved in our BA Education Studies and MA in Education courses. Dr Abigail Parrish, Dr Yvonne Hill and Jean Wood from the School of Teacher Development along with Dr Helen Hendry and Dr Adam Hounslow-Eyre from the School of Social Sciences enjoyed a guided tour of the school, before joining in with lessons to see its teaching methods in action. They also took the opportunity to join the staff and students for their ‘family lunch’ which aims to teach the pupils the art of fine dining along with conversation skills. For Dr Parrish, it was a fascinating experience: “As teachers of future educators it’s really important to us that we gain as much experience of different teaching methods as possible. We saw a lot of unique practice that isn’t happening in any other schools and it offered us a new starting point for critical analysis and debate about current pedagogical approaches as part of Undergraduate and Postgraduate teaching.” Dr Hill added: “Visiting Michaela community school was in many ways an eye-opening lesson about the development of free schools and the contribution that education may make to social mobility in England.” Our academics are dedicated to ensuring all our courses are supported by cutting edge knowledge and research to provide first class education to our students. You can find out more about all our courses have to offer on our website. -
BGU supports Mansions of the Future arts programme
A new cultural programme supported by Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is bringing celebrated national and international artists to Lincoln. Launching this week, Mansions of the Future is a new cultural platform bringing a variety of art forms to Lincoln. The theme will explore culture, power and democracy in Lincoln. A new cultural centre will open in Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter on Friday 11 May, a space which will offer opportunities for the public to collaborate directly with artists. Local artists and creative people can apply to occupy the studio space for free. Information on how to apply can be found on the Mansions of the Future website. Dr Andrew Jackson, Head of Research at BGU, spoke of his excitement over what the programme could offer the city: “Bishop Grosseteste University is very excited to be supporting ‘Mansions of the Future’. This programme will see world-class artists and events coming to Lincoln through 2018 and 2019. “It will be one of the most radical and impressive set of arts activities that the city has seen. We look forward to the involvement of BGU and its staff and students, and it is a great opportunity for local venues, groups and practitioners over the months ahead.” The programme commences this week when artist Kathrin Böhlm occupies the new cultural centre and asks the people of Lincoln ‘What culture do we want?’ There will be a series of free maker-workshops where the public are invited to work together. Visual artist Bridget Smith will present her work ‘Now It Is Permitted’ on hoardings and billboards across the city. The installations will include statements from invited artists, writers, musicians, playwrights and filmmakers. Later in May Bonnie Wright, famous for playing Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films, brings her short-film ‘Medusa’s Ankles’ to the city. The premiere will be uniquely displayed as a free public installation in a hair salon on Sincil Street. The film explores the shifts in power and visibility of middle aged women. 2019 highlights include actor, playwright and director Steven Berkoff staging his Lincoln-inspired play ‘Ritual in Blood’ with local amateur actors. Mansions of the Future is supported by Arts Council England’s Ambitions for Excellence fund, Bishop Grosseteste University, the University of Lincoln, Lincoln City Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Lincoln BIG and Lincoln Cathedral, along with other members of the Lincoln Cultural and Arts Partnership including Visit Lincoln, The Lincoln College Group, Open Plan and Lincolnshire Co-op. -
BGU travels to the Czech Republic
Three members of staff from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) are in the Czech Republic this week for a series of meetings and visits. Clare Davey, International Administrator, Dr Smaragda Kampouri, Programme Leader in TESOL & Linguistics and Dr Maria Efstratopoulou, Senior Lecturer in Special Educational Needs & Inclusion, are visiting partner institution Mazaryk University during their visit to the Czech Republic. Meetings will be taking place with Mazaryk University’s Faculty of Education, sharing good practice on systems of teaching practice and professional competencies of student teachers. Clare will be meeting with the University’s International Office, sharing ideas and their functions within the University, as well as collating information for BGU students who wish to undertake an Erasmus Study Programme. School visits will include a mainstream primary school and an inclusive primary school with a high percentage of Roma children. Maria will also be teaching two workshops to PhD students on Research methods in Education. Find out more about studying at BGU.
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