Undergraduate Prospectus 2021 - Queen Margaret University
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Undergraduate
Prospectus 2021
Check out our new course - BSc Paramedic Science:
Providing students with the necessary skills and competencies
to deliver out of hospital care, in a range of health settings.
Undergraduate Open Days Contents
26 September and 17 October 2020, 11am-4pm
Join us at our open At the open days you can: With our knowledgeable, friendly and
approachable staff and many current
- speak to academic staff about the
days to get a better courses that interest you; student helpers in attendance, we aim
for your open day experience to be really
insight into our range of - listen to subject area presentations;
informative and enjoyable. Step into QMU Step ahead: Your future
- attend talks which will be relevant
undergraduate courses to all potential students; and Please keep an eye on our website for Our courses 2 Graduation and beyond 52
and a real feel for - check out our great facilities on more information and to book a place. Welcome to QMU 3
a campus tour. Our courses 54
studying at QMU. MORE INFO:
www.qmu.ac.uk/open-days-and- Why QMU? See page 2 for full course list
meeting-us 10 reasons for joining us 4
A campus university with all the benefits of a capital city 6 Is QMU right for you?
All you need to know before
Your learning experience: applying
Giving you a step up Your next steps before applying 148
How we teach and how you’ll learn 8 The application process 150
Preparing you for employment: placements, careers and Writing a personal statement 152
employability 12 Application and access 154
Inspiring entrepreneurs 16 Terms and conditions 158
Your personal development: extracurricular learning Student fees and funding 160
opportunities and funding 20 International scholarships 164
Broadening your horizons: study abroad 22 QMU bursaries 165
Helping you succeed: student support services 24
Making the most of your time at university 28 Other useful information
The international student experience 30 How to get to our campus 168
Useful contacts and more information 170
Your individual needs Acknowledgements 171
“I was keen to study something in Joining us from college 34 Alphabetical course index 172
Associate students: an alternative way to get a degree 36 Our research 173
the arts and had
Your student lifestyle
looked at other City of Edinburgh, coast and countryside 38
Edinburgh — a city of events, attractions and festivals 42 At QMU you’ll be part of a thriving
universities, but after going Your accommodation 44
student community
Your Students’ Union 46
along to the open day, QMU Clubs, societies and sports 48 where you need never be lost in the crowd,
Budgeting and living costs 50
became my first choice.” based at a
modern campus with easy access
Charlotte Barron
BA (Hons) Drama to Edinburgh.
1
Our courses Welcome
Step into QMU
to QMU
Drama and Performing Arts 54 Health Sciences 104
Acting and Performance 56 Nutrition 106
We perform at the highest level in
Costume Design and Construction 58 Nutrition case study 108 Welcome from the Principal pioneering expertise that cuts across
Drama 60 Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing 110 our specialisms in health and
Thank you for considering Queen rehabilitation, creativity and culture and
Drama case study 62 Margaret as your university. sustainable business.
Theatre and Film 64 Management 112 QMU offers you the opportunity for an We were delighted to be named as the
Business Management/ Business Management with outstanding education founded on top ranked modern university in
Enterprise/ Business Management with Finance/ innovation and excellence. You will get
Film, Media and Business Management with Marketing 114 a warm welcome as a member of a
Scotland in the Times Good University
Guide 2020.
Communications 66 Business Management case study 118
thriving university community. Our
lovely, modern campus provides great Queen Margaret has an excellent
Film and Media 68 facilities in which to study and enjoy all
Business Management (Graduate Apprenticeship) 120 reputation for its distinctive approach.
Film and Media case study 70
Events and Festival Management 122 With a heritage going aspects of university life. And you can
also take advantage of all that
We promote an engaged and nurturing
Media and Communications 72 learning environment with students at
Public Relations and Marketing Communications 74
Events and Festival Management case study 124 back to 1875, Queen Edinburgh has to offer. the centre. Our campus, and our
International Hospitality and Tourism Management 126 approach to teaching, encourages
Public Relations and Marketing Commuications 76
International Hospitality and Tourism Management 128
Margaret University Queen Margaret is a university with an
open and inclusive outlook which
people to work together in a friendly,
supportive and stimulating way.
case study
case study has consistently warmly embraces people from all
backgrounds. Indeed, that openness – I wish you all the best with your studies
Health Professions 78 Psychology and Sociology focused on improving to people, to ideas and to working in and I look forward to welcoming you to
130 partnership – is fundamental to our
Dietetics 80
Psychology 132
the quality of the lives ethos. We are committed to social
Queen Margaret University.
justice and to helping our students
Dietetics case study 82
Psychology and Sociology 134 of individuals through make a positive difference in the world.
Sir Paul Grice FRSE
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Nursing 84
Nursing case study 86
Public Sociology 136 immediately relevant
Public Sociology case study 138
Occupational Therapy 88 education and
Paramedic Science 90
Teacher Education 140 research. We are
Physiotherapy 92
Podiatry 94
Education Studies (Primary) 142 committed to social
Education Studies 144
Podiatry case study 96 justice and to helping
Radiography: Diagnostic 98 our students make a
Radiography: Therapeutic 100
Speech and Language Therapy 102
positive difference in
the world.
2 3
10 reasons for Student statistics (2019/2020)
Total undergraduate student numbers* 3,111
Why QMU?
joining us Undergraduate students by school
Health Sciences 1,259
Arts, Social Sciences and Management 1,852
Undergraduate students by age
20 and under 2,105
21 and over 1,006
Thinking about studying at QMU?
Let us tell you why we think you Undergraduate students by location
should... Scotland
Rest of UK
72%
6%
EU 20%
Outside EU 2%
*excluding students studying with us at partners
1. QMU is ranked top modern university in Scotland in 6. We offer a variety of learning and teaching methods institutions abroad.
the Times Good University Guide 2020. to maximise your student experience: lectures,
seminars, tutorials, group work, placements, study
abroad, independent work and hands-on projects
with real clients.
2. QMU is among all Scottish higher education
institutions in terms of employment of our
undergraduate leavers, with 97.1% of them in
employment or further study six months after
7. The campus is located less than six minutes train
ride from the centre of Edinburgh.
graduation (HESA, 2018).
3. Our range of undergraduate degrees focus on 8. Our staff are experts in their field and are actively
preparing you for a meaningful and interesting involved in research activities ensuring that our
career, and aim to provide the optimum balance of courses are up to date and relevant.
theoretical and practical training.
9. We are a socially responsible university that
4. We have a contemporary, student-friendly campus emphasises the importance of social justice and
with superb facilities for learning and teaching. have won numerous ‘green/sustainability’ awards.
10. We have an impressive range of career-enhancing
5. You need never be lost in the crowd — our size and extracurricular opportunities and our size means
campus environment mean it’s easy to get to know that a high proportion of students can easily take
lots of people, and to get support from staff. full advantage of these benefits. These include
awards, scholarships, internships, overseas travel,
special paid employment projects, community
MORE INFO volunteering opportunities — the list goes on!
W: www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/
4 5
A campus
Why QMU?
university with
all the benefits
of a capital city “Choosing to stay in halls at QMU is a great
move. You get to meet new people and make
lifelong friendships.”
Calum McEachern
BSc (Hons) International Hospitality
and Tourism Management graduate
QMU is an attractive Location Campus living
Sports facilities at QMU include a gym,
an impressive sports hall, as well as an
friendships. Our ResLife programme
offers a range of fun social, educational
campus university Located fewer than six minutes by train A campus university offers everything
astro turf pitch, weights room and a
dance studio — for more information,
and cultural opportunities for you to get
involved in. It’s a great way for you to
located to the east of from Edinburgh city centre, the position
of our campus affords spectacular
you need in the one place, and at QMU
everything is close to hand.
check out pages 48-49. relax, create a social life and settle into
your new university community. For
Edinburgh. The beach, views across Edinburgh, including
Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in the Our main academic building houses the
For students on our drama and more information on our
performance courses, there is a accommodation and ResLife, visit
countryside and middle of Scotland’s capital city, and
East Lothian’s attractive coastline.
core teaching areas including lecture
theatres, classrooms, seminar rooms,
dedicated theatre space, which is used pages 44-45.
for learning and teaching, as well as for
shops are all nearby, The campus is easy to reach by car
labs and clinics for our health courses.
It also includes our Learning Resource
public performances on campus.
Drama students also have access to
and it’s just six and public transport, particularly by Centre — the hub of our campus — rehearsal and workshop spaces within
train, from Edinburgh city centre. It also which, aside from library facilities,
minutes train ride from offers easy access to the coastal town offers numerous study spaces and a
this area of the campus.
of Musselburgh and beyond into East plethora of IT facilities to support your
all the amenities of Lothian. The N1 Cycle Route runs studies.
alongside the campus, making QMU
Edinburgh’s stunning also easily accessible by bike. The A1 Catering facilities are also located
Student accommodation
city centre. is located next to the campus, which
ensures quick access to the east, west
within the main academic building.
Our food court offers a wide variety of
Less than a one-minute walk from the
academic building is our Student
and south of Edinburgh and beyond. eating options. There is also a shop on Village, which has 800 study bedrooms
Less than half an hour’s drive away is campus offering basic groceries and each forming part of a self-contained
Edinburgh International Airport which snacks, and a Starbucks outlet. flat. These flats accommodate three,
offers flights across the UK, Europe four, five or six people sharing. Each
and many international destinations. Across University Square, a central shared flat is well equipped with all the
outdoor space with tables and benches facilities that you need for ‘home life’.
for you to enjoy during the summer Importantly, 24/7 security on campus
months, are the sports centre, drama means you can feel safe, and relax and
and performance spaces, the Students’ enjoy your time as a student.
Union (SU) bar/cafe area (Maggie’s)
and the SU office area. For more If you choose to live on campus, you
information on the SU, see pages will quickly become part of a
46-47. welcoming and friendly community.
Living on campus is a great way to
meet people and make lifelong
6 7
How we teach
Your learning experience: Giving you a step up
and how you’ll learn
Our teaching is Course length Modules
focused on building Many courses at QMU offer the All of our courses follow a modular put the knowledge and experience
Class sizes
You can find staff profiles by subject on
gained in the classroom into practice in our website at www.qmu.ac.uk/
your knowledge and opportunity to study over three (Ordinary
level) or four (Honours level) years. The
pattern. Core modules, and examples of
optional modules, if relevant, are listed a real-life environment and better
Class sizes at QMU vary according to
schools-and-divisions/. Please note that
prepare you for your future career. In our staffing is subject to change.
confidence, four-year degree system in Scotland is
different from that offered in the rest of
on each course page in this prospectus.
While modules listed are correct at the addition to your classes, you will also be your course. However, the relatively
required to undertake self-supported small size of the University means that
developing your the UK (although qualifications are
recognised and accepted both across
time of print (February 2020), they may
differ slightly from those offered in 2021 learning, making use of online resources you can quickly get to know our staff
and fellow students on your course, External review
problem-solving skills the UK and internationally). The and later years. Where optional modules and those in the Learning Resource
Centre to complete independent while also experiencing a range of
four-year honours degree is designed to are listed, please be aware that not all teaching and learning opportunities
and preparing you for allow students to study their chosen options may run in an academic year. research or work on group projects.
aimed at enhancing your overall student
All Scottish universities, including QMU,
are subject to regular periodic external
subject in greater depth and breadth. A Placements are considered as modules. experience. You need never feel lost in a
a successful career. number of our healthcare courses offer
Assessment will take place in a variety
of ways, including written, oral and crowd of students in a huge lecture
review. This is undertaken by the Quality
Assurance Agency. The review process
only a four year honours degree option. theatre.
practical examinations, depending on is called Enhancement-led Institutional
Location your course of study. Most courses will Review (ELIR). ELIR focuses on the
From 2020 entry onwards we will also
Academic year and timetables also include forms of continuous University’s arrangements for managing
offer a four-year integrated
Teaching mainly takes place in our assessment such as essays, group work academic standards and enhancing the
undergraduate master’s degree in our Staff expertise providing real-life
QMU’s academic year is divided into two academic building on campus. However, and presentations. Our assessment quality of the student learning
health profession specialisms. Students learning
semesters. Semester One runs from if you are following a course that regulations, which include our policy on experience. QMU’s most recent ELIR
will commence their chosen course with
September to December with includes a practical placement (see assessment turnaround times, can be visit was in 2018. The outcome was a
a view to graduating with a master’s We take pride in ensuring that our
assessments taking place before the individual courses), this will normally found on our website at www.qmu.ac. judgement of effectiveness. This is the
degree in four years. Year’s Three and teaching is relevant to today’s
Christmas break. Semester Two runs take place off campus. More information uk/about-the-university/quality/ highest of three possible outcomes. The
Four will be taught alongside workplaces and prepares students for
from January to May, also culminating in regarding placements can be found on committees-regulations-policies-and- full ELIR report is available at www.qaa.
postgraduate students studying on the their chosen careers. You will be taught
assessments. The majority of our the individual course pages. Some procedures/regulations-policies-and- ac.uk/reviews-and-reports/
relevant Pre-Registration* postgraduate by academic staff with in-depth
undergraduate degree courses are courses also offer a study abroad option procedures/ provider?UKPRN=10005337#.
course. Students have the opportunity knowledge and experience of their
modular with most students undertaking — please see the individual course Wl3D25q7KJB
to exit with a BSc (Hons) at the end of subject area. Our staff ensure that they
six modules each academic year (three pages and page 22 for further For more information on teaching,
Year Four and will still be eligible to are up to date with the latest knowledge,
in each semester). information on this. learning and assessment activities for
apply for registration with the Health and thinking and developments in their field
individual courses, please visit the
Care Professions Council (HCPC). and have strong links with industry and
The Academic Calendar will be available relevant course entry on our website (the
URL is noted on each course page in professional bodies. Some continue to
to view at www.qmu.ac.uk/about-the- *Pre-Registration postgraduate courses practise professionally in their own areas
university/quality/committees- are for students who already have an Teaching and learning activities and this prospectus) and refer to the
‘Teaching, Learning and Assessment’ of expertise, while others are involved in
regulations-policies-and-procedures/ undergraduate degree in a relevant area assessment methods
section. world-leading research, shaping future
academic-calendar/. During term time, who want to gain a health professional discussion and methodologies in their
teaching is usually between 09:15 and qualification. As a student at QMU you will benefit
profession. You may also be taught by
18:15 Monday to Thursday and 09:15 from a range of teaching methods
visiting lecturers from across the globe,
and 17:15 on Friday, with undergraduate ensuring you have the opportunity to
attracted to the University and its
teaching normally ending by 13:15 on make the most of your chosen course.
location in Scotland’s capital. Doctoral
Wednesdays to allow participation in Part-time study students with a relevant and current
sports and societies activities. Teaching methods include lectures
(some of which may feature interactive research focus make an important
Timetables are available from mid-July Our undergraduate courses are contribution to teaching on some of our
(but subject to change), with continuing designed to be studied full-time, approaches including live voting
systems), and seminars and tutorial undergraduate degrees. QMU provides
students able to see their personal although it may be possible to study initial training and ongoing development
timetables around this time. While efforts some on a part-time basis. Please groups allowing for more in-depth
discussion of the topics being studied. A opportunities for doctoral students
are made to make the timetables as contact Admissions (admissions@qmu. acting in this role.
student friendly as possible, teaching ac.uk) for advice on part-time study number of our courses also include
can take place at any time during the options. practical placements. These allow you to
teaching week, and may not be
consistent on a week-to-week basis.
8 9
Our teaching aims We aim for our graduates to be: Teaching and learning facilities on campus
Your learning experience: Giving you a step up
Based on student and employer - Traditional lecture theatres and smaller seminar-style classrooms
feedback, we have identified a number Confident and self-reliant with the Creative problem-solvers who can Teaching
of qualities that will put you in a great academic, professional and bring together skills of enquiry, spaces - Specialist teaching facilities for students on some of our health courses, including: clinical skills
position to take advantage of future personal skills for successful research evidence and critical laboratories; biochemistry laboratories; and a fully functioning podiatry clinic used by the public
opportunities. These qualities are personal and career development. analysis to investigate problems and
- Film and video editing suites, including a one of only two ‘infinity’ green screen facilities in Edinburgh
known as our ‘Graduate Attributes’ and propose solutions.
are set out opposite. Through our - A drama studio and spaces
teaching, we aim to help you develop - A nursing simulation suite
these attributes. Positive contributors to building a Adept at using many sources of
- A range of technology facilities including a TV studio, photographic and graphic studios, and a video
just and sustainable society. information to sift, create and share
conference suite
knowledge.
Learning - Open 24 hours a day and forms the heart of our campus
Resource - Contains resources and facilities which are an essential support to your learning and teaching at QMU
Professional and ethical employees Lifelong learners who can reflect Centre
- A combined facility for directed and independent study, based on integrated library and information
with an understanding of how other and build on their experiences to service provision
fields relate to and work with their achieve success.
own. - More than 1,000 study spaces are available with a variety of social, quiet and silent study areas and
bookable group study rooms
- Access to a range of books and journals, both print and electronic, other electronic resources and
audio visual material to support your studies
- Help and support for users is provided
- Liaison librarians make sure you are trained in accessing the wide range of electronic resources
available to support your learning
Assistive - Designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities
Technology - Contains a range of assistive software, ergonomic and accessible peripherals, and adaptive furniture
Room
Computing - Study spaces offer access to the QMU networked IT and research facilities via cutting-edge
facilities thin-client technology
- Each terminal provides access to up-to-date software including the Microsoft Office applications suite,
subject-specific specialist applications, and internet and email access via our own high-speed network
- Access to high-quality printing, copying and scanning, and a variety of academic and research software
- All rooms in our student accommodation offer high-speed wireless internet access
- Our ‘Remote Desktop’ service enables you to access the majority of applications and electronic
resources
off campus wherever an internet connection is available
Effective - Supports you in developing and enhancing your learning strategies and skills for university study
Learning - Offers informal workshops as well as one-to-one appointments offering individual guidance and advice
Service on a range of topics including essay writing, referencing and exam preparation skills. Provides
specialist English language support for international students
- Offers easily accessible study resources
Personal - You will receive guidance in producing a PDP which encourages students to carry out key learning
development processes, including reflecting on what you are learning, planning and recording your personal
plans (PDPs) objectives, and communicating these to others
- Plans help you develop the key skills you require for learning and employment, and prepare for your
future career
- The process is used to support student learning in different ways, according to the course of study
10 11
Preparing you for employment:
Your learning experience: Giving you a step up
placements, careers
and employability
With the jobs market Our courses aim to enable you to have a
positive impact on people’s everyday Placements
becoming ever more lives and the type of careers that our
graduates enter are ones which will Many of our courses include an integral
competitive, we want bring job satisfaction and the placement as part of the curriculum. This
can range from a few weeks to several
opportunity to contribute to society.
to ensure that our months of each year depending on the
course, and some courses offer
We are one of the leading providers of
graduates are fully courses allied to medicine, and the opportunities in the UK and overseas.
Our placements are set up to provide
professional accreditation, approval and
equipped with the registration provided by these courses students with an environment for
allows our graduates to begin working practical learning, utilising what you
knowledge and skills immediately, often in the National Health have learnt in the classroom in a
real-world setting and offering the
to compete Service, as, for example,
physiotherapists, podiatrists, opportunity to learn on the job, within access to part-time jobs, seasonal work, attractive to future employers and
the supportive environment of the Careers and employability
successfully in the occupational therapists, radiographers
and dieticians. Our other health sciences University.
voluntary work, internships and graduate
opportunities.
equipping you to compete in the jobs
market.
You may have clear ideas about what
jobs market. courses can lead graduates into
commercial research work, further Not only are placement opportunities an career you are heading for. On the other
As a QMU graduate you can continue Another great way to strengthen your CV
invaluable tool in the learning process, hand, you may be uncertain which
academic research and to receive support from us throughout and enhance your time at QMU is to get
they can also help students towards direction to take or even what your
entrepreneurship. your career. involved with the Students’ Union –
their future career. By gaining real-world options are.
Our employment rate whether it be as a Class Rep, part of the
Our range of business courses produce experience, our students are more For more information about Careers and student officer team who run the Union
prepared for the working world and can The Careers and Employability team at
97.1%* of those graduating from a graduates who go on to very successful Employability, visit our website at or by joining a sports team or society.
often find their placements help them QMU assists all students regardless of
full-time undergraduate degree course at careers either running their own www.qmu.ac.uk/campus-life/careers-
with job opportunities. Getting a ‘foot on degree discipline, level of study or stage
QMU go on to employment or further businesses or working in the marketing, and-employability Paid internships and other
the ladder’ while at university can help in career planning. Our team of
training within six months of graduating, retail, events, hospitality and tourism extracurricular opportunities (see pages
secure a job in the future, and the professionally qualified advisers work
which demonstrates that our graduates sectors. Our arts and social sciences 20-21) can develop your skills and
network of contacts you build can prove closely with each subject area to ensure
have the skills and knowledge that graduates also go on to have successful confidence, helping you stand out from
invaluable over time. that support is tailored to your needs. Strengthen your CV
employers value. QMU’s graduate careers in a variety of fields, with many the crowd and enhancing your
employment rate is well above the now carving out self-employed careers, employability.
More information on the placement Our Employability Centre provides a We recognise that it is not just your
Scottish university sector average of for example, establishing their own
opportunities in each course can be comfortable space to conduct your qualifications that employers will take
95.3%. Indeed, we are third in Scotland theatre companies.
found on the individual course pages in career research and to chat with into account when interviewing and
for employment of our graduate leavers. members of the careers team on a
There are also great career opportunities this prospectus. Many of the student selecting candidates. We have worked Part-time or holiday employment
case studies in this prospectus and on drop-in basis. You can attend seminars hard to ensure that our courses also
*Source: HESA, July 2018 for our education graduates.
our website also mention placement and workshops on topics such as CV enhance your employability by providing Many students choose to obtain
Examples of the variety of jobs in which experiences. writing and preparing for interviews. Our opportunities for you to reflect on your part-time work throughout their studies
our students have found employment annual recruitment fair puts you directly learning and skills, recognising your key sometimes with more full-time hours
are provided on the individual course in touch with employers, and our strengths and developing areas you wish over the summer break. Whether you
Courses designed for a satisfying
pages and case studies in this Employer Mentoring Programme helps to enhance. Many of our courses also want something specifically related to
career
prospectus, and on our website. Internships you gain an invaluable insight into the provide opportunities to engage actively your studies, or just some extra cash,
QMU provides a range of professionally graduate world of work. with employers not only through formal our Careers and Employability team can
We offer a number of internships through practical placements, but also through provide you with information on
relevant courses, at both undergraduate
Santander Universities which give You can access the Careers and guest lectures or other informal part-time jobs and seasonal work. Due
and postgraduate level, and produces
students and recent graduates the Employability Team online through the opportunities. to the location of the University, there
graduates who are well prepared to
opportunity to gain invaluable work University’s learning intranet platform, are numerous opportunities for
enter a career after graduation.
experience — see pages 20-21 for more and their Facebook and Twitter At QMU there are countless employment for QMU students.
information. accounts. In addition, our online opportunities for you to hone your skills
vacancy service provides you with and experience, making you highly
12 13
“We benefited greatly from the Business
Your learning experience: Giving you a step up
Innovation Zone. Aside from free access
to office space and equipment, we have also
received advice from experts from the Business
Gateway, as well as academic and support staff
at Queen Margaret University.”
Michal Korzonek
BA (Hons) Film and Media graduate
Business Gateway and the Business Further study
Innovation Zone (BIZ)
Once you have completed your
QMU is the first Scottish university to undergraduate studies, you may be
have an on-campus Business Gateway interested in undertaking a postgraduate
service. Located within QMU’s Business qualification. Dedicated to lifelong
Innovation Zone (BIZ), the Business learning and continuing professional
Gateway offers advice and support to development, QMU offers a range of
students who are interested in postgraduate qualifications to enable
developing as entrepreneurs and setting you to expand your knowledge and
up their own business. perhaps specialise in a specific area of
your chosen field. With an
BIZ provides business incubation space undergraduate degree in a relevant area,
for QMU’s start-up companies, including you would be able to progress to a
desk space, meeting facilities and easy course at master’s level either
access to Business Gateway services. immediately upon completion of your
BIZ tenants have won a number of undergraduate degree or after a period
entrepreneurship awards and you can in employment. Graduates of the
read about a few of our ‘inspiring University who hold a verified QMU
entrepreneurs’ on the next few pages. undergraduate or postgraduate award
and who are admitted to a postgraduate
For more information on BIZ, visit our award at QMU will be eligible for a 10%
website at www.qmu.ac.uk/services-for- discount on the published fees. You can
business-and-industry/business- check out our range of postgraduate
innovation-zone-entrepreneurship/. Also courses on our website at www.qmu.
see pages 16-19 for stories of our ac.uk/study-here/postgraduate-study
student start-ups.
14 15
Your learning experience: Giving you a step up
Amy Elder, BA (Hons)
Drama and Performance
Company name: Elderberry
Arts
At Elderberry Arts we believe
in creating memorable
moments! Our goal is to
Inspiring Jake Elliott-Hook and Amee Ritchie, BA (Hons) Psychology
& Sociology
Company name: S’wheat
spread passion and
enjoyment for performing arts
across generations. We
deliver fun and stimulating
entrepreneurs
S’wheat is an ethically and sustainable minded brand, which experiences during our
produces eco-friendly reusable water bottles. The S’wheat interactive musical theatre
Bottle is pure, practical and made from plants, making it fully classes. Our early years ‘adult
biodegradable and ensuring that it will never end up in landfill or and me’ programme has been
the oceans. specifically designed to
provide adults and their little
We began our journey after adopting a healthier lifestyle, which ones the chance to bond
included drinking more water. We purchased many re-usable while developing their
water bottles but found they did not last as long as we had creativity, imagination and
hoped due to unwanted smells, lack of practicality and poor confidence.
quality. This presented to us a great business opportunity where
we could create a bottle which would meet our needs while also The support I received during
benefiting the environment.” my time at QMU and
thereafter when joining the
BIZ helped to reassure me
We are passionate We are incredibly proud to support our
BIZ membership of over 40 start-ups in
flavour of the enterprising spirit that
abounds in our staff, students and
that I do have the necessary
skills and knowledge needed
about developing film and media, costume design, arts
and festival management, drama and
alumni. We hope it will inspire you. to build a business in my field.
My previous training in
entrepreneurial skills performance, food and drink, business
musical theatre meant that I
and physiotherapy. Their businesses
and attributes in our may be diverse but they share a passion was fortunate enough to gain
lots of experience working for
to drive forward their ideas, taking
staff, students and control of their professional and creative a variety of different
lives and learning the key entrepreneurial companies as a performing
graduates. skills and attributes that are essential for arts and musical theatre Eadaoin McCormack, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
success. teacher while studying at Company name: Mums Empowered Mums
Our commitment to this is exemplified
university. These work
through the wide-ranging services we Our aim is to create an ecosystem that
offer to support innovation and opportunities as well as Mums Empowered is an innovative pre- and post-natal healthcare app that
nurtures creative, innovative and
enterprise in our Business Innovation placements I went on during offers mothers easy access to advice and education from healthcare
entrepreneurial ideas with a focus on
Zone (BIZ) and the unique partnership health innovation, creative university modules gave me professionals, as well as safe and tailored exercises they can do in the
that we have established with East entrepreneurship and social enterprise. the chance to build up my comfort of their own home to improve their physical and mental health.
Lothian Business Gateway. We are very skills and confidence, and
proud to be the only university in These four pages bring together a helped me to realise not only The first pre- and post-natal healthcare app of its kind, Mums Empowered
Scotland to have a Business Gateway selection of our student and graduate my ambitions as a business aims to revolutionise women’s health, helping mums regain control of their
office on campus and our entrepreneurs supported by BIZ. These woman but also where there body and embrace motherhood.
groundbreaking collaboration has been reflect the breadth of talent and ambition was a gap in the market.
pivotal in establishing QMU on the at the University and our aim is to give a
entrepreneurial map in Scotland.
16 17Tess Whittaker, BSc (Hons) Speech and Language
Your learning experience: Giving you a step up
Therapy
Company name: Teresa-May Whittaker Voice-Over
I’m a voice-over artist and am registered as a sole trader. My
voice has been used for audiobooks, adverts, corporate
videos, animation films and much more! Clients have
included HSBC, Nivea, Royal Mail and many different
authors. I have a home recording studio, which allows me to
create the final, polished audio tracks.
After a serious accident in 2009, I plucked up the courage to
return to university to retrain in a career that I was really
passionate about. During my first year, the voice-over world
exploded and with new technology emerging it became
possible for me to utilise my previous acting skills from
home.
The Senior Experimental Officer for the Speech and Hearing
Department at QMU was a fountain of knowledge in getting
my home recording studio up and running. My Speech and
Language Therapy (SLT) training helped me to safely
develop character voices and accents.
Due to university contacts, I’m now in the amazing position
Hannah Gordon, BA (Hons) Film and Media to also be part of Fitvoice, a community interest company,
Company name: Crossroad Games which allows me to combine my skills as an actress and SLT.
Crossroad Games is a Community Interest Company
(CIC) that provides a client-based, visual novel games
development service with tailored illustrations and
interactive, dialogue-driven storylines that are highly
informative and engaging. Our aim is to construct
compelling storylines to motivate players to develop
emotional connections and engage with the messages
being portrayed.
Coming to QMU has restored my confidence and
self-belief. While rediscovering my skills and creativity, Anton Winters and Louise Duncan, BA (Hons) Film and Media
I realised the potential use of gamification in certain Company name: Naka Media
areas of business, particularly community
engagement. I have always loved creating visual novel At Naka Media we work to create innovative media products, primarily for advertising,
video games and I’m now passionate about how it with a focus on videography, photography and graphic design. Our goal is to
has the potential to help young people in Scotland as empower local businesses and charities by using our understanding of digital culture
well as changing the perception of video games. to deliver content with a contemporary look and mindset.
For several years, we have been working diligently on our own freelance work,
however, we both recognised that our skillsets were complementary and that by
combining our talents we could work on more ambitious projects. This also allows us
to spread our time collaboratively across a wider array of projects, giving us space to
continue to be creative.
We established Naka Media with the goal of creating new engaging products, larger
than the sum of its parts, developing our current skills to create videos for business
that have heart and soul. We wanted to step away from traditional, corporate ideas,
and work towards a brighter, more personal future that everyone involved is proud of.
18 19Your personal development: Harry Jackson (pictured right)
BSc (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen graduate
Graduate Harry is Artistic Director for Amplify Time Productions, which was awarded
Your learning experience: Giving you a step up
extracurricular learning
funding from the Student Development Fund.
This funding helped Harry’s theatre projects get off the ground, allowed his company
to support 30 students in a classical production of Doctor Faustus by Christopher
Marlowe and to perform Antigone by Anne Carson at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
opportunities and funding These productions allowed the students to widen their personal skill sets, get
company experience, and have an opportunity to show what they can do and
market themselves for future work outside of the University and in industry.
Harry said: “Amplify is bringing arts into Scotland and supporting students. By
producing shows open to the public, we are contributing to the culture of Edinburgh
part in activity that enhances their
Initiatives, including elective physiotherapy placement. Lucy
said: “My course required me to learning and their understanding of the
and showing friends, family, professionals and other creatives what we have
achieved, alongside an amazing show experience which can be enjoyed by all. I
internships and complete a self-arranged elective
placement in my final year, anywhere I
sector. Funding from the Crerar Hotels
Trust and the Lord Forte Foundation
cannot put into words my gratitude and thanks to the Student Development Fund.
The support it gave helped students such as myself and all those in Amplify Time
special funds, enable chose. Being able to do an acute
placement in Singapore was a great
ensures that restricted finances do not
limit students’ personal development
Productions opportunities to shine and show our skills and talent in their individual
rights”.
our students to learning opportunity. My communication opportunities.
was greatly challenged as I interacted
enhance their learning with a wide range of ages, cultures and Megan Gillis was the University’s first Harry’s company is now based within the Business Innovation Zone at QMU, where
he benefits from access to small business start-up support and guidance from the
nationalities”. recipient of the Crerar Hotels Trust
experience, build their Access Bursary. she said: “I’m really campus-based Business Gateway, as well as QMU’s rehearsal facilities.
grateful to The Crerar Hotels Trust and
confidence, improve QMU for their support and for helping
Become a Producer me secure my place at university. I now
their employability and feel able to achieve my full academic
The Become a Producer Fund provides and career potential without the financial
broaden their support for students on the BA (Hons) constraints. My hope is that this course knowledge into practice and work on
The Student Development Fund
real-life projects and build professional
horizons. See some Film and Media course. The grants cover
the costs of producing your final year
will allow me to not only progress
towards my career, but also gain networks. For further information about
Grants from QMU’s Student
Santander Internships, please see our
examples below. piece of work — this can be costumes,
travel, hiring professional actors etc.
valuable insight into how the hospitality
industry works”. website at www.qmu.ac.uk/alumni-and- Development Fund are designed to
friends/opportunities-to-give/santander- support specific student-led projects,
universities/ initiatives and activities which have a
Beth Hendy received £440 towards her positive benefit for the student and/or
The Vice-Chancellor’s International film. She said: “As a young female the University.
Travel Fund creative in Scotland, I am acutely aware Santander Universities Support
of the limited arts funds and the Whether students are continuing their
intensely competitive nature of funding. Santander Universities provide a range The Saltire Scholarship
The Vice-Chancellor’s International personal development, building on their
Travel Fund was set up with the sole aim Therefore, I genuinely do appreciate of outstanding opportunities for QMU knowledge or expanding their horizons,
students through a variety of The Saltire Foundation provides paid
of supporting students who wish to take knowing that the University is willing to the Student Development Fund helps
scholarships and awards. These include internships in international businesses to
part in study or research abroad. These provide support for someone starting them to take advantage of a unique
generous scholarships and bursaries for Scotland’s most talented students – an
overseas projects enrich students’ out in this industry. With this film, I am opportunity. The Fund is designed to
new and existing students, awards for opportunity to which they may not
academic experience, broaden their hoping to be accepted for a support only those projects, initiatives
overseas exchanges or research and otherwise have access.
outlook on the world and help them to postgraduate course to further my and activities which would not happen
make a real contribution to their field or portfolio and understanding of the grants for community projects involving without additional financial support. The
In 2018, three QMU students were
to serving society’s needs. industry to enable me in my filming students. For further information about Student Development Fund is an
selected to take part in summer
career. With these funds, I will be one the funding available from Santander ‘opportunities fund’ supported by
internships as part of this competitive
With funding from the scheme, BSc step closer to achieving my goals and Universities contact santander@qmu. donations from QMU graduates and
programme.
(Hons) Nursing student, Ross hopefully be able to fulfil my aspirations ac.uk friends. The Fund can help students
Macdonald, travelled to Uganda with once I leave university”. For more information on the Saltire make the most of their time at QMU. All
First Aid Africa to provide first aid Scholarship, visit www.scotland.org/ students are eligible to apply.
training to local communities. Ross study-in-scotland/scholarships/
Santander Universities Internships
commented on the experience: “I found saltire-scholarships For more information on the Student
my time here to be very beneficial. It Industry Support Development Fund, visit our website at
Through the Santander Universities SME
made me more confident in my skills in www.qmu.ac.uk/alumni-and-friends/
Every year QMU students are fortunate Internship Programme, QMU offers a
communication and presentation. I also opportunities-to-give/our-funds/
to have the opportunity to apply for variety of paid internships with SMEs
learned about health in a different
financial support from the corporate (small to medium-sized enterprises) from
environment”.
sector. Funding from the hospitality and across a wide range of sectors. These
tourism industry, from companies such internships give our students and
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy student, Lucy
as Apex Hotels, Dakota Hotels and the graduates the chance to secure valuable
O’Brien, received funding to travel to
Kitchin Group, enables students to take workplace experience, gain insight into
Singapore to complete a four-week
the relevant industries, put theoretical
20 21Broadening
Your learning experience: Giving you a step up
your horizons:
study abroad
Studying abroad With great links across the world, you
can choose to study part of your QMU QMU courses which offer an exchange
Current exchange partners
through our exchange degree in Europe, Australia, New include:
Zealand, Canada, the USA or Hong
programmes can be Kong. Living in another country, and • BA/ BA (Hons) Business
Management (all routes) Erasmus+ Metropolitan University College, Denmark
“I chose to study at
studying at another institution, will allow
one of the most you to make new friends from across the • BA/ BA (Hons) Drama
Europe Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Finland
Saxion University of Applied
world and acquire invaluable life skills. ESCE International Business School, France
exciting and rewarding Importantly, it will also help you develop
• BA/ BA (Hons) Events and Festival
Management ETOS Osnabrück, Germany Sciences. While on my exchange
a greater feeling of independence and
challenges for a confidence. Not only does an exchange • BA/ BA (Hons) Film and Media Kempten University of Applied Sciences, Germany
I experienced a different
Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary
student to experience. programme allow you to stretch your
wings, it will undoubtedly bring you
• BA/ BA (Hons) International
Hospitality and Tourism Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands learning environment, different
The opportunity to benefits for years to come. Management
Escola Superior de Saude do Alicoitao, Portugal cultures and had the opportunity
• BA/ BA (Hons) Media and
travel and live in Where exchanges are available, students
can spend a semester at an overseas
Communications
Lulea University of Technology, Sweden
Malmo University, Sweden
to travel to many new places.
another country, learn university. Care has been taken to select •
•
BSc/ BSc (Hons) Nutrition
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
I gained so much from studying
appropriate international partnerships,
different customs and ensuring that a period spent on • BSc/ BSc (Hons) Psychology Worldwide Griffith University, Australia abroad — from increasing my
exchange gives QMU students credit La Trobe University, Australia
traditions, meet new towards their studies.
• BSc/ BSc (Hons) Psychology and
Sociology Acadia University, Canada
independence and confidence to
people and build a A number of scholarships up to the • BSc/ BSc (Hons) Public Sociology Brock University, Canada broadening my mind
value of £5,000 exist to help fund study MacEwan University, Canada
future career, draws abroad for students facing financial
• BA/ BA (Hons) Public Relations
and Marketing Communications Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
and enhancing my employability.”
many students into difficulties.
• BA/ BA (Hons) Theatre and Film AUT University, New Zealand
Kevin Thomas
the exchange Please note that exchange opportunities
are subject to availability. In addition,
California State University, USA
Central Connecticut State University, USA
BA (Hons) International Hospitality
MORE INFO:
programmes. please note that where exchange
opportunities are arranged in the EU, E: studyabroad@qmu.ac.uk Eastern Connecticut State University, USA
and Tourism Management
Erasmus+ funding is available subject to W: www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/ Southern Connecticut State University, USA
the UK remaining in the Erasmus+ international-students/exchanges-and- Slippery Rock University, USA
scheme. study-abroad/ St Edward’s University, USA
UMass Amherst, USA
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
22 23“The support I received from QMU’s
Helping you Disability Service team has had one of
the most positive influences
Your learning experience: Giving you a step up
succeed:
on my experience at QMU. The help
I’ve had has given me a huge
confidence boost and has allowed me
student support to reach my academic potential,
as well as opening doors to new
career opportunities.”
services Annie Fowden
BA (Hons) Events and Festival Management
We provide high- Pre-entry services or meeting, please contact a Disability
Adviser (see contact details on page
If you are considering joining the
University, having studied an HNC or Support for care leavers QM Cares
quality facilities in If you are contemplating going to 27). HND programme at college, we will be
able to provide guidance and We recognise that care leavers who QM Cares is our student-led support
university, we recognise that it’s not only
which to study and information about the course that you It is helpful to contact a Disability information on opportunities to enter the have spent time in local authority care,
either in residential accommodation,
group for students with caring
responsibilities, care experience and
need. Everybody’s circumstances are Adviser as soon as you have firmly University directly into Years Two or
excellent support different and new students may have to accepted an unconditional offer of a Three of our degree courses (often foster care or under supervision orders
at home, may require additional advice
those who are estranged from their
families.
place on a course at QMU. This helps referred to as articulation, direct entry or
services, to ensure consider issues such as finance,
childcare or disability. We are well aware to provide us with useful information so advanced standing). Direct entry and support during both the pre-entry
period and during the transitional As part of QM Cares you will have
we can begin to put support students will also benefit from the Direct
you have an all-round that you will require information on these
areas before making your final choice. arrangements in place for you as soon Entrant Induction programme which period. We offer all care leavers access to:
as possible. includes a range of activities in local individual support through our
positive experience The Admissions team, Student Funding
Adviser and Disability Team are available colleges and a designated induction Widening Participation and Outreach • advice and guidance to support
team. We can work with care leavers your application;
during your student to ensure you obtain all the information event for direct entrants at the start of
the academic year. For more information and their social workers to ensure that
you need before and during the applicants are supported appropriately • access to our pre-entry and
journey. decision-making process to come to
Funding on joining us from college, see pages
34-35. through their time at QMU. mentoring support programmes;
university. Our Student Funding Adviser provides
information on the funding that will be • the chance to become a paid
You can make contact with any of the available to you to support your studies student ambassador;
services highlighted on this page by — for example student loans, Mentoring
phone, email or in person to discuss bursaries, tuition fee loans and • help with accommodation options
issues in a confidential and accessible childcare funds. For more information QMConnect, our mentoring scheme, and
manner, before or during the application on funding and how to contact the offers new students the opportunity to
process. • funding advice guidance.
Funding Adviser, see pages 160-161. be matched with a trained mentor. This
service is open to all new students.
For more information about QM Cares,
Mentors are current students in Years
please contact wpo@qmu.ac.uk
Disability Two, Three or Four who have
Mature students and college leavers volunteered and have been trained to
We aim to support all students in our support other students. We aim to
If you are returning to education after a recruit mentors who are studying the
diverse learning community to long gap you may feel a little anxious
participate fully in their studies and same or a similar subject to you, but
about learning and studying again. Our we cannot guarantee this. Mentors and
university life. For students with Widening Participation and Outreach
disabilities such as sensory mentees meet regularly to discuss a
team can answer queries that you may variety of issues, both social and
impairments, medical conditions, have on studying at higher education
mobility issues, mental health academic, which can help make that
level. Eligible students will be invited to first year of study at QMU a more
difficulties and specific learning join QMAdvance — a short pre-
difficulties such as dyslexia, we offer a enjoyable experience.
induction course that helps ensure that
wide range of support. If you would like new students have a smooth transition
to find out more information, or arrange into QMU, as they embark on their
a personal and confidential phone call chosen course.
24 25“I gained a wide range of experience while undertaking an
internship through QMU’s Careers and Employability Service.
Your learning experience: Giving you a step up
The opportunity has been an integral part in my successful achievement
of a graduate role and has further enhanced my employability.”
Callum Shearer,
BA (Hons) Public Relations and Marketing (now ‘PR and Marketing Communications’)
Post-entry services Funding Health Personal Academic Tutor Personal Development Planning Useful contacts/
If you decide that QMU is the right Our Student Funding Adviser provides QMU works in partnership with local Each student is assigned a Personal Our Personal Development Planning more information
choice for you, there are further services information on funding to support you medical practices to ensure you can Academic Tutor (PAT) who will help (PDP) process aims to help all our
and facilities available once you while you are studying. In addition, access NHS services when you need guide you through your studies. Your students develop the key skills they
commence your studies. The majority of College Partnership Manager
advice can be given to students them. All students are advised to PAT will normally be your main source require for learning and employment,
these are located in one central area regarding support that may be available register with a local medical practice of advice and guidance relating to your and to prepare for their future careers. E: wpo@qmu.ac.uk
within our main academic building, if they encounter financial difficulties after they arrive at QMU. academic studies and can also refer PDP is used to support student
providing a one-stop shop for all your — for example, childcare funding and you to other support services if needed. learning in different ways according to Student Services
needs. discretionary and hardship funds. For the course of study. It is a guided W: www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/
more information on funding, see process which encourages students to student-services/
pages 160-165. Worship and reflection regularly carry out key learning
School Office processes. It can involve reflection on Careers and Employability
Careers and Employability There is a contemplation room on what you are learning, planning and W: www.qmu.ac.uk/campus-life/
campus which is open to all students QMU’s School Office provides a bridge recording your personal objectives, and careers-and-employability/
Our Careers and Employability Service Counselling for prayer and quiet contemplation and between you and your academic
can provide information, advice and communicating these to others.
is designed to reflect the multi-faith subject area. Staff in the School Office Counselling
guidance on all matters related to your The Counselling Service offers nature of the staff and students at will be able to assist with timetabling or
career. Armed with information on confidential one-to-one, professional, W: www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/
QMU. We also work closely with St general subject area queries, receive
part-time jobs, seasonal work, voluntary brief counselling for any emotional or Albert’s Catholic Chaplaincy at the and return assignments and make student-services/counselling-service/
work, internships and graduate psychological issue affecting your University of Edinburgh, which is contact with lecturers or tutors on your
opportunities, the service assists you in academic work or your general health located at 23-24 George Square, behalf. Disability Service
finding employment during your degree and wellbeing. Edinburgh and is open all day. W: www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/
and after graduation. Advisers are student-services/disability-service
pleased to help you make decisions E: disabilityadvisers@qmu.ac.uk
about your career and support you in
making successful applications. The aim Wellbeing Learning Resource Centre and Effective Student Funding
is to see you make a successful Learning Service W: www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/
transition into the graduate world of Our Wellbeing Service offers support for
work or on to further study. See pages your mental, emotional and physical student-services/funding-advice-
The Learning Resource Centre and
12-15 for more information on careers. wellbeing and facilitates building up Effective Learning Service provide a service/
resilience and healthy living to support range of facilities and services to support E: studentfunding@qmu.ac.uk
you on your journey through university. your learning needs. These include
We can offer advice on help and support 24-hour access to printed and electronic Effective Learning Service
Disability for mental health issues. In addition, our resources and access to group and W: www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/
Stay-on-Course Programme provides individual help on enhancing your study student-services/effective-learning-
Working closely with a network of key rapid support to students identified as techniques. service-els/
academic and non-academic staff, we needing help through monitoring
can offer reasonable adjustments and academic engagement and referrals Learning Resource Centre
assessment arrangements, as well as from staff and students.
providing guidance for eligible students W: www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/
about Disabled Students’ Allowance learning-facilities/library/
(DSA) funding. DSA Needs Assessments
can be arranged, as can specific Wellbeing
one-to-one support such as note-takers W: www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/
or individual dyslexia tutors where student-services/wellbeing-service
appropriate. For more information about E: wellbeing@qmu.ac.uk
DSA please contact the Disability
Advisers (see contact details on poage Worship
27). W: http://scotland.op.org
26 27You can also read
