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Case studies

Details of hands playing different games

A game-making workshop to bring complex systems to life

Board games offer a powerful teaching tool to deepen understanding of complex dynamics such as climate. This analogue group task fosters the skills of systems thinking: setting boundaries, seeing multiple perspectives and holistic analysis

Adam Procter, Matteo Menapace

University of Southampton, Manchester Metropolitan University

Book, scales, gavel, fuzzy globe, environmental justice concept

Teaching ethics and sustainability through fiction

A novel offers practical ways for students to consider how theory and practice can come together in addressing climate challenges. Here, Denise Baden offers exercises across humanities and social sciences disciplines

Denise Baden

University of Southampton

Asian man with glasses looking at screen

From mind to market: how young academics can approach research commercialisation

Translating research to real-world impact can be daunting for early career researchers. Here, Tiam Lin Sze offers a road map and why early protection of intellectual property is vital, especially before publication

Tiam Lin Sze

Singapore Management University

Three students working from a laptop smiling to camera

Tips for co-creating education projects

Many co-creation projects fail not for lack of goodwill, but because power is never explicitly addressed. Learn practical ways to tackle hierarchy and empower students

Jenny Harris, Federico Palmisani, Greg Collinson, Zoe Mia

The University of Exeter

Students sitting at a table with their laptops

Why fixing student problems one by one does not work

When efforts to improve student satisfaction fall short, the problem is often design rather than speed. İlkay Karaduman reflects on planning a more coherent student journey shaped by key transitions and connections

İlkay Karaduman

Istanbul Aydin University

Developing a Kantian transnational clinical legal education programme

Enabling students to engage in supervised cross-border legal work bridges theory and practice while equipping them for a globalised landscape. Omar Madhloom and Martin Sticker outline the benefits, challenges and pathways forward

Omar Madhloom, Martin Sticker

University of Southampton, The University of Bristol

Three steps to sustainable university-industry-government alliances

A framework for building robust partnerships that embed real-world experience into the curriculum, moving from single-course innovation to full programme transformation

Qiong Ji, Junsong Chen

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Doing outreach with children? Start with bricks, questions and storytelling

When the climate crisis dominates headlines but often feels too large for meaningful action, how can university researchers invite the next generation to engage, imagine and lead? Here, Nadera Assim shares insights from a workshop on composting

Nadera Assim

University of Southampton

How compassionate spaces support career development for graduate teaching assistants

Bringing GTAs together in a safe space not only develops career identity, it fosters belonging, respect and care. Here, Kristy Campbell explains what a reading group offers those in the space between student and staff

Kristy Campbell

King’s College London

Happy multiracial group of college students

Reimagining the student experience using tips from start-up culture

Start-up principles such as rapid iteration, co-creation and agile teamwork can be used to transform the student experience, enabling faster, more effective responses to evolving student needs

Melissa Padfield, Sarah Wolgemuth

University of Alberta

Medical students in discussion around a table

Far from home, but not alone: peer mentoring to ease culture shock for international students

Upper-year student mentors can provide freshmen mentees with practical tools to settle into a new environment, manage their mental health, navigate the workload and stay grounded throughout their medical studies

Eden Friedman, Adrienne Stauder

Semmelweis University

Male Asian student working on a robot arm

GenAI as a research assistant: transforming start-up due diligence

Universities are not just centres of innovation, they are also platforms for promoting the commercialisation of research. As ‘research assistants’, GenAI can open the door for ‘under the radar’ start-ups that human evaluators may miss

Tiam Lin Sze

Singapore Management University

Turning a student-led initiative into a language-learning community

Simple steps to foster informal, institution-wide language learning can develop into a sustainable programme that builds confidence, encourages cultural exchange and strengthens student community

Viktória Sirokmány

Semmelweis University

A sound artist surrounded by equipment in a studio

Blend individual and group work to build creative confidence

Combining collaborative accountability with personal ownership helps students take risks, navigate challenges and reflect more deeply, writes Dane Taylor

Dane Taylor

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Why universities must step up their efforts as civic institutions

As major employers and civic bodies, universities have the opportunity – and responsibility – to work with local communities to drive meaningful change. Here are lessons from community organising

Farhan Samanani, Michael Bennett

King’s College London

‘We stopped talking at communities and started working with them’

From consultation to collaboration, a ‘new’ approach to building meaningful community-university relationships results in connection, trust and true partnership

Kimberley Simms, Luke Parmenter

Nottingham Trent University

How to build a bridge from adversity to university

In this video, academics explain the essential elements – initial outreach, support and an interdisciplinary approach – behind the success of the Adversity to University bridging programme

Christopher Smethurst, Becky Edwards, Sandra Lyndon

University of Chichester

The power of breakfast to boost student attendance

Learn how a free weekly breakfast initiative has strengthened student belonging, improved attendance and proved surprisingly easy to sustain on a small budget

Jean O’Donoghue, Jessica Thackeray, Adrian Penny

The University of Edinburgh

Lessons from first-time festival planners

Co-creating a large-scale, impactful public event can seem more like a ‘would love to’ than a ‘must’, particularly in the face of resource pressures or lack of an established culture or calendar. Here’s advice learned from developing a four-day festival from scratch

Sarah Cameron, Jane Pearson, Hannah Perkins, Katherine Wilson

University of Chester

Mapping employability skills across curricula

A mandatory university-wide initiative shows how mapping professional skills against all programmes can tailor students’ work readiness no matter their career path

Katy Gordon

University of Southampton

Investing in futures: maximising legacy gifts in higher education

Legacy giving provides a valuable and sustainable source of income for charities but it’s still relatively untapped in the higher education sector. With universities and students under increasing financial pressure, now is a good time to make it a priority. Here’s how to get started

Carolyn Jones

University of Liverpool

Mind the gap: how an industry-university partnership brought theory into practice

Regular communication, flexibility in timelines, a willingness to look beyond academic disciplines and a shared commitment to the bigger picture kept this university-industry research collaboration on track

Xiaojun Zhai, Michael Hayes

University of Essex, Railscape

From lab to London Stock Exchange: six lessons for quantum tech founders who want to change the world

Deep-tech commercialisation requires different strategies from those that drive typical start-ups. Three university collaborators share six practical lessons from transforming quantum research into a public company with a £14.8 million valuation

Rob Young, Alan Gilchrist, Mark Rushforth

Lancaster University

Reflections on impact and co-creation in academic podcasting

What are researchers to do when conversations around vital topics such as the future of democracy are not reaching beyond academia? An academic podcast has proved effective in taking the conversation to the public and policymakers

Jessica Sutherland, Keith Hyams

The University of Warwick

Four hands each with a puzzle piece that together makes up an image of the planet

Empower students as co-creators in sustainability education

Co-creation in education for sustainable development empowers students to shape meaningful projects, build practical skills and drive institutional change, as demonstrated by a collaborative initiative between two London-based institutions

Multiple authors

UCL, Queen Mary University of London

How AI can drive tailored learning

GenAI should be implemented in a way that enhances business students’ problem-solving skills without eroding the human element of learning, writes Andreas Rausch

Andreas Rausch

University of Mannheim

Ease student climate anxiety through nature and community

As climate anxiety grows among students, connecting with nature and building supportive communities nurture resilience, purpose and well-being, say Mireia Bes and Vivienne Kuh

Mireia Bes, Vivienne Kuh

The University of Bristol

A screen with multiple participants on a video call

Virtual fellowships as ‘material solidarity’ against scholasticide, part 1

Gaza virtual research fellows and UK-based scholars share reflections, alongside a practical overview of the design, development and early implementation of a virtual fellowship

Ahmed Kamal Junina, Basma Hajir , Munawwar Najim, William W. McInerney

The University of Bristol, Al-Aqsa University, Islamic University of Gaza

Designing inclusive welcome experiences in creative education

In creative education, where students’ confidence in identity and self-expression are central, their question at induction might not be ‘Where’s my timetable?’ but ‘Do I belong?’ This consideration is key for universities welcoming diverse cohorts

Sachan Williams

University of the Arts London

An unseen woman doing sums with a calculator

How university financial support teams can bolster student mental health

Universities must treat financial support as central to student well-being. By fostering open conversations and offering proactive, tailored guidance, institutions can ease financial stress, build resilience and improve the student experience

Ian Ashley

University of Chester

Hand holding mortar board, digital credentials

How industry partnerships and digital credentials can close the skills gap

Industry-focused credentials allow candidates to highlight skill sets to potential employers and enable individuals who may not have access to traditional higher educational pathways to display skills acquired over time. Here are examples of how these can work

Veronica M. Godshalk, Janelle Simmonds

Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities, Siemens Digital Industries Software

A podcaster interviewing a guest speaker

The power of podcasts to enhance student support

A university podcast can help cut through the noise of traditional communications. By meeting students where they are, it can be a powerful way to build community, reduce stigma and ensure support services reach those who need them

Shaunagh Moss

University of Chester

Multiracial group of three university students

How student feedback and planning shape a high-impact orientation programme

Orientation week should not be about institutional formality but about human connection, writes Anusha Nataru. An engaging, effective programme requires careful pacing, warmth and inbuilt capacity to respond to student feedback

Anusha Nataru

Aditya University

How should assessors use AI for marking and feedback?

While much attention has focused on students’ use of GenAI, its potential to support assessors has mostly been overlooked. Here, Isabel Fischer shares draft principles co-created at a cross-institutional workshop to guide its responsible use in assessment, marking and feedback.

Isabel Fischer

The University of Warwick

The evolution of student onboarding

On-demand, just-in-time digital onboarding can help students filter the vast array of information they receive when they start university, and set them up for success

Cory Elfrink

University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

Two language students reading a physical document

Content is king in EAP teaching

Content-based instruction is reshaping English for academic purposes teaching by making subject matter central to language learning. Garth Elzerman and Catherine Sari share four strategies for creating deeper, more purposeful engagement in the classroom

Garth Elzerman, Catherine Sari

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Easing students into higher education at the shallow end

The culture shock of starting university can be acute for those who left school early or who are returning to study after years in the workforce. Here, Gareth Morgan explains a programme that sets students up for success

Gareth Morgan

University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

Teach business students to write like executives

Many business students struggle to communicate with impact. Teach them to pitch ideas on a single page to build clarity, confidence and work-ready communication skills

José Ignacio Sordo Galarza

Tecnológico de Monterrey

Build foundations for university-industry partnerships in 90 days

Graduate employability could be transformed through systematic integration of industry partnerships. This practical guide offers a framework for change in Indian universities

Raul Villamarin Rodriguez, Hemachandran K

Woxsen University

Medical students working on a project together

How reflective remediation can set medical students up for success

A workshop designed to help struggling students reflect on their mid-term assessment shortcomings led to 86 per cent of participants passing their end-of-year exam. See how it worked

Ellen Lowry

The University of East Anglia

Questions to ask when designing collaborative online learning experiences

Practical steps for designing meaningful online learning experiences with external collaborators that help students develop essential competencies

Bárbara Regina Granados Guzmán , Luis Gerardo Rojas Solorio

Tecnológico de Monterrey

An abseiler catching a falling colleague

A proactive approach to retaining nursing students

Read about a multi-dimensional retention strategy designed to reduce nursing student attrition by combining data, feedback and early intervention

Rebekah Hill, Lorraine Randlesome, Rachel Lewis

The University of East Anglia

Using social media to connect cohorts

A digital poster competition that encouraged comments on social media can spark conversations between under- and postgraduate students. Here’s how it works

Sam Perry , Robert Clarke, Lucy Mannie

University of Southampton

How to get your students writing stellar social policy analysis reports

Policy analysis equips social work students with the skills to critically assess, influence, and advocate for equitable policies. Read how to demystify the process

Adrian Man-Ho Lam, Mathew Wong Yee Hang

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Young Asian female students giving presentation

Machine v human skills: what do we teach now?

Human-centred abilities such as curiosity, adaptability and self-reflection are rising in importance as AI threatens to automate routine tasks. Here are ways educators can prepare students for the workforce of the future

Lynda Wee

Nanyang Technological University

How to run a bursary scheme for your students with no admin support

How one lecturer launched and ran a career development bursary with no administrative support, using digital tools and smart workflows to keep the process efficient and effective

W. Victoria Lee

The University of Edinburgh

Two teachers at the front of a class full of students

‘Here’s what not to do’: a participatory method to develop interview skills

See what happened when educators used role plays to dramatically demonstrate poor interview practice, encouraging students to analyse and suggest improvements

Multiple authors

The University of East Anglia

How partnerships with business are evolving to support student employability

‘Intrapreneurship’, interdisciplinary degree pathways, student-led projects and early engagement are all ways universities can move industry collaboration from partnership to co-building

Saurabh Sinha

University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

Airport arrival sign with welcome in English, French and Italian

How to strengthen onboarding and integration for international scientific talent

Welcoming faculty from another country requires more than adding visa information to the domestic induction process. Joanna Daaboul shares how her institution helps international researchers settle into life in France

Joanna Daaboul

Université de Technologie de Compiègne

A student with a guitar surrounded by others smiling

Make your Freshers’ Week activities sing

Songwriting sessions, treasure hunts and biscuit decorating are among the creative Freshers’ Week activities that help students build self-confidence, connect with others and ease the transition to university life

Helen Eadon-Sinkinson

University of Chester

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