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Institution reviews are only shown if they contain student comments
The university and lectures have really adapted well in online lectures. They’ve created new and alternative apps to support us online. I’ve answered no for the second question as even though the university is handling it well, online classes still cannot give the same stimulation as face to face classes. We also do not have unlimited access to facilities such as the library which makes it a bit more challenging when we want a space to do work.
Online class has been surprisingly okay. Lecturers have been extra supportive and have really adapted to online class and has giving extra efforts to make sure our cohort is well supported.
No
Initially they struggled to prioritise different pathways during the pandemic but have improved and dealt with the situation providing a good year.
Well thought out programs that are challenging and interesting and Albert applicable to the work place
8
Always on hand
Yes
The experience that I have had at the university has been excellent, even with the current situation the support and content for the course available is amazing
With the situation being as it is, the way the courses and lecturers have adapted to the, let's say, changeable nature of the government restrictions is astonishing, although sometimes there are timetabling issues, the university still provides excellent content and support for the modules. Even with my course being largely practical based, it still feels as if I am gaining relevant knowledge and how to apply it to field work, even with the limited ability to prove it at this time. This however has not effected the assignments for the course because of how well they have been adapted to this blended learning.
Even with the pandemic closing most of the services available on campus, most if not all have got a counterpart online with relevent information on how to access them freely available. The labs that we have access to are always kept clean and relevent PPE (for the current situation)is provided as well as instruction on how to act in both a normal lab environment and this modified one.
Student support provided is excellent, almost every question can be answered either straight from the website or with one email.
Yes
My overall experience has been great and I would recommend the university to anybody looking into it. I’ve received more than enough support throughout my degree and learnt so much beyond the course content. The uni is approachable, friendly and genuinely wants the best for their students and to feel valued in such way is a massive benefit! Whilst education is a frustrating time currently with lockdowns and lack of face to face contact, the situation is unavoidable and still colleagues and students thrive together with effort from both sides. Yes, it’s a lot of money to not be accessing on site services, but the support has still been the same, albeit virtual.
I’m currently still continuing my education and masters level with the university, and undoubtedly without the support I had during my undergraduate this would not have been the case. Through both degrees we have had careers weeks, student conferences and a range of guest speakers from a range of career paths and sectors. The careers service provide great support both for seeking graduate jobs and part time work during your degree and offer interview practices and proof reading of CVs as much as you need. Whilst my course didn’t specifically have placements, we had many volunteering workshops, letting us know what was out there and that volunteering could lead to a job within that sector so it’s always worth having a go.
Throughout my time at the university of Cumbria over the past 4 years, I have received so much support from the whole team both academically, related to course content and also personal issues and interests. Online lectures are far from ideal for me, but the whole team manage the situation well and do the best they can. Online lectures are still engaging content and there are points for discussion both as a group and individually which I find valuable. It’s not easy being off campus but the team make this transition as seamless as possible with their office hours and accessibility to chat through email and calls.
90
On campus facilities are more than adequate. With the campus being quite small I still find I can access everything I need easily. If I can’t easily access something I need to theres always somebody you can ask for help/direction whether a fellow student or colleague. I have never had a problem with cleanliness or hygiene on campus and find the majority of students respect the communal spaces and share where possible. I particularly benefit from the laptop borrowing on campus as it saves me bringing my heavy laptop with me! The 24hr nature of the learning gateway means whichever time you work best, there is a space for you to study whether it’s 2am or 7pm.
Whilst I haven’t had much experience of personal support other than my tutors and course team, the whole uni is so friendly and approachable to anyone, I can’t imagine there being a problem. The university and SU in particular are always advocating and advertising provision for disability access and wellbeing and mental health support with the counselling service. .The wellbeing hub online is a great point of information for students.
Yes
Severely disappointed. Not worth time/money wasted. Course co-ordinators are continually changing content so you'll no doubt be subjected to some trail and error (aka poor decision-making).
Overwhelmingly disappointing. Academic work is nowhere near appropriate for MSc level, clear intellectual uncertainty amoung some staff members and continual contradicting information. Would 100% not recommend. Do yourself a favour, go elsewhere.
Limp. Outdated. Inadequate.
POOR.
Inadequate
I found the university a terrible place to study, the tutors had little idea about what they were teaching and they had limited experience. I had previously completed my undergraduate degree by learning from doctors and professors who conducted active research in the field, however these tutors could not compare to this. They did not take criticism or advice on how best we learnt and instead continue to deliver sessions in a way that did not benefit the students. They advice and content of the lectures and seminars was appalling, and had no transfer to the education setting, it was embarrassing that the course claimed to offer a specialism in SEND & Inclusion and the tutor who delivered this sessions was a Geography teacher.... I think that sums it up really. I would never recommend this University, in fact I would strongly advise rethinking and applying elsewhere. Most people who attend this university live locally and as I was not from the area, I do believe I was stigmaised.
My course was supposed to include assess to developing a specialism in SEND & Inclusion, however we were given the option of working in this section, and all our experience was mainstream school which was limiting. Furthermore, we were not allowed to go and seek our own work placements which may have been better suited to own needs, we had to accept the placements university gave use and often these were not appropriate, I think the work placement team needs serious work/retraining.
The tutors weren’t supportive and did not take criticism of the course seriously, instead they turned and attacked student who brought up complaints and concerns. Tutors were often unorganised and they lectures contained little to no information which could be transferred to the work setting. The time spent across each module did not seem to be divided appropriately, so students may spend long hours on one area and then have one lecture on something which was seen as equality important.
25
I spoke to the student union on numerous occasions when I had some issues about my chosen course, while they did offer some helpful advice, they were slow in dealing with issues and had limited answers and opinions of moving forward and resolving issues.
I found while the campus looks relatively new, the factilities were very limited and scarce. The library was in desperate need of renovations and updating, there were hardly any computers available to work on- your nearly always had to bring in your own laptop to work from. The lecture halls were cramped and uncomfortable- some didn’t even have desks so that made taking notes quite difficult.
The university is a short walk away from the town centre of Lancaster- where one of the campus is based (other two are in Ambleside & London).
I did not see many clubs or societies advertised around the Lancaster campus, the campus itself if small so I would assume the quantity of options would be limited.
I raised concerns about the course, and I was attacked by my tutors and even the course leader which was very demoralising. The feedback was nearly always critical towards me but to my other students hey offered advice and help. The tutors’ help definitely depends on who they like or dislike and it was clear from the beginning they did not like me as I spoke out about the discrepancies throughout the course and how I was not accessing the learning that had been stated in the course handbook and on application.
Excellent. I've previously studied with other universities and by far University of Cumbria is the best. The overall experience is very satisfying and I feel nurtured and supported.
Uni is pro-active
Lectures are very interesting and interactive, not death by powerpoint
0
I think they are very active and involved in activities and student opportunities
Very good
YES
Very good, lots of opportunities
I have regular meeting with my PT and good support from well-being team
So far uni has been very fun and has taught me a huge amount of skills and information that will be useful in the future but has also made me more confident in day to day life
My uni allows me to go out on trips and learn how do use the skills they teach me about in lectures
My course is great, the trips and lab sessions are the best. Some lectures can be a little confusing sometimes
10
The facilities and student reps are great and are very accomadating for student needs
The university has amazing facilities all around the campus
It's very close to several shops and the shopping centre
There are many societies and sports around the campus, however there could be more variety in them
There is lots of support offered by my uni, in both academic and personal sense, any issues can be heard and dealt with by several different people at uni
I am really enjoying my university experience, I am loving my course and I cannot wait to finish my first year and carry on with my journey of becoming a teacher. I would recommend anyone to come to the university of Cumbria as I feel like they care about their students and will push you to do your best.
It is really great, I have placement for my teaching degree and it is a 10 minute drive from my house it is great and also they put a huge emphasis on teaching you the skills you will need for future work.
Most - I love how small the groups are, there are 50 people doing our course and we are in 2 groups of 25 which is amazing. Many other universities have hundreds of people and I feel that having such a small knit group you really get a lot of support off of the tutors, they are always trying to help. Least - Nothing. I love my course it is taught amazingly.
It is excellent, if there is any issues I know I could go to them for anything, they are also in an easy to find place right in the main reception building which is very handy also.
They are great, very modern and clean, can't fault them.
Yes, my university is just a 10 minute walk into the town centre and to food shops. The accommodation, although I don't live there, is a 1 minute walk from the university, it is on the universities grounds which is so so handy.
The university has so many sports and societies with a huge range, anyone will find something they enjoy.
Academically the support is great, all of my tutors are ready to help whenever I need it and we also get specific feedback which helps a lot with improving your work. The emotional and personal support, although I've not had to use it yet, sounds very good and they have a good system in place.
Good experience, average university - very small. Small class sizes, tutors get to know you personally. I've enjoyed my time here and the course is a good one.
Very good work placements throughout the course with different opportunities available. Huge opportunity to develop your transferable skills
Good amount of lectures planned weekly- around 3/4 sessions a week. I didn't like the format of the lectures - classroom based and constantly doing group work and presenting to the class etc.
20
Poor, no decent student bar on site.
Average, nothing special. Good library but limited 'private' study spaces to book.
Yes
Poor selection of societies, limited range and not a lot available
Counselling services are good. Some tutors are excellent, others are really difficult to get in contact with/ get a reply over email from. A lot of my emails are not replied to - having to email a couple times before you get a reply. In 3rd year this is very stressful.
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