Back to BucksSuccessful alumni are

offering Bucks students mentoring, lecturing, advice and guidance

World-class animation

An interview with Alex Williams on the

relaunch of the BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects degree

Harnessing community skills

Prof Shân Wareing discusses the future

of online learning and the impact of

technology on teaching

The magazine of Buckinghamshire New University

Issue 18Summer 2013

connectionThe magazine of Buckinghamshire New University

connection

Connection is produced by the Student Experience Directorate at Buckinghamshire New University. Every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate at the time of going to press.

If you have any questions or stories, please telephone 01494 601 636 or email connection@bucks.ac.uk.Contributions may be edited for length or style.

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Telephone: 01494 522 141Fax: 01494 605 023Web: bucks.ac.ukTwitter: @bucksnewuniFacebook: bucks.ac.uk/facebookLinkedin: bucks.ac.uk/linkedinYouTube: youtube.com/bucksnewuniversity

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© Buckinghamshire New University 2013

We will consider any requests for accessible formats. Please let us know what you need.

Issue 18Summer 2013

In this issue FeaturesNews A round-up of the latest University

news.

Creative news News from the Faculty of Design,

Media & Management.

Health news News from the Faculty of Society

& Health.

Sports news Sports news from the University.

What’s happening at Bucks Information on our open days and

other University events.

Back to Bucks Successful alumni are offering

Bucks students mentoring, lecturing, advice and guidance.

World-class animation An interview with Alex Williams

on the relaunch of the BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects degree.

Harnessing community skills Prof Shân Wareing discusses the

future of online learning and the impact of technology on teaching.

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11

17

22

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Front cover photo: students Jamie Leeming and Gemma Robinson with Prof Ruth Farwell, and Phil Massey, General Manager of Sennheiser, at the launch of the new ‘Sennheiser Sound Lab’. More on this story on page 11.

BackCover

ForewordMessage from the Vice Chancellor

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of talking to the High Wycombe Society about the value of universities to their communities. Universities make a significant contribution to the economy, but they also contribute in many other ways, not least through the efforts of their students. I am always struck by the many ways in which our students immerse themselves in the local community. This edition of Connection features students and graduates who have helped at the Wycombe Environment Centre, made an altar table for Wycombe Abbey School, and raised money for local charities.

Our students benefit hugely from interaction with businesses through activities such as our Creative Talent Showcase which is supported by regional organisations, and by undertaking ‘live’ projects which enable them to gain real-life work experience. Our Film and TV Production students have been working with organisations including

Watford Football Club and Beaver Water World. Our longstanding relationship with audio manufacturer, Sennheiser, has been formalised, with the company providing scholarship and internship opportunities for current students and supporting an open day through a panel debate. Industry experience is an invaluable part of the learning experience and we are very grateful to those organisations who contribute to our courses and in doing so enrich them. Please get in touch if you have an opportunity for a graduate, or a project that a student might be able to help with.

In the last edition of Connection, we announced the appointment of Shân Wareing as our new Pro Vice Chancellor: Learning & Teaching. The education landscape is ever evolving with private providers and new ways of learning such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) providing even more choice for prospective students. In this edition, Shân

explains how technology can be used to enhance learning, as an addition, but not a replacement, for dialogue and interaction with students.

We also hear from Alex Williams, the leader of our re-launched Animation and Visual Effects degree whose industry credits include The Lion King and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Alex aims to produce world-class graduates for the animation industry. We are proud of our graduates and will feature the successes of some of our alumni in our new advertising campaign that will be launched in August. In the meantime, you can find out about our alumni relations activities in our ‘Back to Bucks’ feature. You can also read about improvements that we are making to both campuses, new health care initiatives and our sporting successes.

Prof Ruth FarwellVice Chancellor and Chief Executive

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News

Bucks supports Wycombe MP in bringing Parliamentary message into schoolsBuckinghamshire New University has lent its support to a new event called Westminster to Wycombe, designed and led by Wycombe MP, Steve Baker, to encourage sixth-form students to find out more about political debate.

The event took place at Highcrest Academy in High Wycombe and involved sixth-form pupils from four other schools: John Hampden Grammar School; The Royal Grammar School; Wycombe Abbey School; and Wycombe High School.

The main hall at Highcrest Academy was transformed into a mock House of Commons and the sixth-form pupils took part in a simulation of Parliament, with Mr Baker acting as the Speaker, and the students as frontbenchers.

The Schools & Colleges Liaison Team at Bucks, which works with Highcrest Academy, helped the Parliament Outreach team to spread awareness of the work, processes and relevance of Parliament.

In preparation for the event, Davina Lacey, Widening Participation Schools Coordinator arranged for Bucks Senior Lecturers in Law, Peter Coe and Lars Mosesson, and LLB (Hons) Law students (members of the student Mooting Society), to give a debating class to the Highcrest Academy pupils.

Davina Lacey said: “We are pleased our partnerships with local schools enable

us to use the University’s expertise to enrich students’ experiences during these important activities.”

“It was evident that all the students involved had been conscientious in their preparation and they entered fully into the spirit of the event.”

“Opening and closing speeches were well-researched, and delivered with confidence. The students were lively and persuasive and Steve Baker kept excellent control and pace in his role as Speaker.”

Mr Baker said: “I hope that this experience will allow people to understand what we do in Parliament and encourage the next generation to take a closer interest in what is done in their name.”

Mr Baker presided as Speaker on a chair which had been restored and upholstered by Gregory Cupitt-Jones, an associate furniture lecturer and part of the National School of Furniture, based at Bucks. The chair was presented to Wycombe County Magistrates in 1927. It bears the name, Major Coningsby Disraeli, a Conservative politician whose father, Isaac Disraeli, was Benjamin Disraeli’s brother.

The Westminster to Wycombe event was filmed by Samuel Grimwade, Digital Media Officer at Bucks New University. You can see it at: youtu.be/KN-aHWbFRn8.

Steve Baker MP with sixth-formers at the Westminster to Wycombe event

Students clear land for orchard at Wycombe Environment CentreStudents put their backs into clearing an area of rubble and rubbish at the Wycombe Environment Centre, ready for the stretch of land to be replaced with an orchard.

The students, who are studying Foundation Degree (Arts) Policing, and who work as Special Constables with Thames Valley Police, spent a morning volunteering at the Centre, in West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe. They removed bricks, rubble, and rubbish from the 20-feet-long part of the site. They were joined by Bucks lecturers, Simon Hull and Bryony Harding.

The volunteering was a community engagement project linked to the students’ courses. It was undertaken as part of Green Impact Week, organised by Bucks Students’ Union as part of Student Volunteering Week 2013.

Student, Lewis Baber, said: “It was fantastic to be able to give something back to the community, do something a little different, and contribute to the creation of the new orchard.”

Henri Court, Disability Support Tutor at Bucks New University, who is the leader of the gardening group at the Centre, said: “The students were among the best volunteers we have ever had.

“They were amazing and we are extremely appreciative of their efforts. We have taken a giant stride towards being able to transform this area into an orchard which will be enjoyed by many people.”

Wycombe Environment Centre requires helpers. For more details, see its website at ecobuzz.org.uk.

Henri Court (centre) with student volunteers

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News

Exciting developments under way in raft of improvementsBucks has embarked on a raft of improvements at its campuses in High Wycombe and Uxbridge, including new student accommodation and a major enhancement to the external appearance of its main building (South Wing) opposite Wycombe Hospital.

The bulk of the work at the University, at Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe and Oxford Road, Uxbridge, is due to be completed by September 2014, as part of a four-year investment in upgrading its facilities.

The improvements include the addition of 108 bedrooms in two blocks at its three-acre Hughenden Park Student Village in High Wycombe, where it already has 234 student rooms in four blocks.

The ambitious programme includes glass panels in front of insulated walling on the side of the South Wing, to complement the award-winning Gateway building and present a more attractive face to Wycombe Hospital. This, along with the installation of new heating and cooling systems, will also help the University build on its commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2020.

The University is also redeveloping the top floor of the building for use by its Faculty of Society & Health, with new teaching rooms and other flexible space being created on the floor below. It is considering installing eco-friendly solar panels on the roof of South Wing, similar to ones successfully installed on top of its Timberlake building, which have saved 22,000 kWh of energy and reduced the University’s carbon emissions by over 11 tonnes.

Other plans at the High Wycombe Campus include the provision of a ground air operational suite, complete with aircraft cabin and check-ins, for use by Air Transport students. The social space outside Bucks Students’ Union’s Venue building near Lily’s Walk is also being expanded.

New toilet and shower facilities are scheduled for completion by September 2013 and the University’s Brook Street Halls of Residence will be home to more than 400 students.

At its Uxbridge Campus, the University is installing new childcare and mental health skills laboratories. There will also be new teaching rooms on the top floor of the four-storey building, which is the base for nursing and health care students.

In addition to these major building projects, the University will be undertaking a range of programmes to improve its online learning and IT capabilities, as well as providing additional student accommodation in Uxbridge through partnerships with private landlords.

Prof Derek Godfrey, Deputy Vice Chancellor, said: “We are excited by these developments which will help to meet the needs and expectations of our current and future students.

“It is four years since we opened our flagship Gateway building and we were delighted when we were given the green light to invest in further improving our facilities. This work will help the University continue to grow and improve the everyday experience for both students and staff.”

The colourfully repainted spiral staircase is one of many improvements

A barometer of our successBuckinghamshire New University achieved a 100 per cent satisfaction rating for our admissions team and 97 per cent satisfaction with our lecturers in the International Student Barometer (ISB) survey, completed annually by 60 universities worldwide.

The marks placed Bucks 22nd on the list of universities completing the survey. It was filled in by the University’s

international ERASMUS and Exchange students and asked questions relating to the service and support they are receiving at Bucks New University.

Other notable statistics included: a 95.3 per cent satisfaction rate with learning spaces; 95.8 per cent satisfaction with Bucks Students’ Union; 94.1 per cent with campus buildings; and 92 per cent with the ‘physical’ library.

The University’s response was coordinated by the International Office and the data will be used to strengthen all aspects of the international student experience and journey from the first contact with Bucks New University through to graduation.

The survey is compiled by the company i-graduate International Insight.

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News

Graduates’ flight business helps shape students’ choicesA trio of graduates, who studied Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training at Bucks, have put their experiences into practice by setting up their own company.

Futuris Aviation, in Berkeley Square, London, was founded by former Bucks classmates, James Ralph, Jay Yates

and Abdel Zou Zou, and offers advice on the best pilot training available. As one of its first projects, it worked with Bucks to deliver a scoping study on pilot training for the University.

Futuris Aviation specialises in corporate jet operations and flight training consultancy.

Abdel is the Managing Director, James is Marketing Director, and Jay heads up the helicopter section of the firm. Jay, from Ringwood, Hampshire, said the students had benefited from the industry links gained on the course, which had fired their ambition to set up their own business.

He added that the business was growing thanks to word of mouth. The trio have been attending industry fairs, air shows, and seminars, to network and talk about their work.

Jay said: “The modular training at Bucks offered an advantage over the different, integrated pilot training you may get elsewhere and gave us experience of a wide variety of training schools and locations. It provided a paper trail for my CV and stood all of us in good stead for the business we are now pursuing.

“Our business was launched on the back of an increase in flight training offered in Europe. We estimate that training is now offered in 27 countries, so there is a lot of choice. We want to help people decide on the best places to train.

“We are confident this venture will be a success, and our aim is to provide accurate information on current training and give advice on how best to learn how to fly anything from small to large aircraft.” The trio have remained pilots, and all three fly regularly in their own time.

Dr Jenny Tilbury, Head of Academic Department, Travel & Aviation, at Bucks, said she had been impressed by the work carried out for the University, by Futuris Aviation.

She said: “It is delightful to see how my three former students have become eloquent businessmen and have carried out work of a high standard for Bucks New University.”(L-R) Jay Yates, Abdel Zou Zou

and James Ralph

Vice Chancellor considers the value of universities to the local communityProf Ruth Farwell was the guest speaker at The High Wycombe Society’s first talk in its programme of events for 2013.

With the engaging title, ‘Are universities assets to their communities?’, Prof Farwell considered the role that universities play in their locality and whether this may change in the future.

It has been estimated that collectively universities contribute £59 billion to the

country’s economy and generate directly or indirectly nearly three quarters of a million jobs which contribute to the resilience of local communities and economies.

However, Prof Farwell posed the question, ‘Do communities view their local universities as making a positive contribution locally, or are they considered to be largely independent, invisible and irrelevant?’

People of High Wycombe who have seen a university spring up in their midst were invited to consider how they view this development in their town.

The High Wycombe Society brings together people who value the town and care about its past, present and future. It organises regular talks on topics of local interest which are open to members of the Society and the public. For further information, go to: highwycombesociety.org.uk.

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News

Fern Britton speaks at International Women’s Day event

TV presenter and local celebrity, Fern Britton, was among speakers at a talk and question-and-answer session held at Bucks. The event, which took place in the Gateway Lecture Theatre, was organised by Bucks Students’ Union to mark International Women’s Day.

Fern was joined by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Ruth Farwell, and former High Wycombe Mayor and now Chair of the Wycombe Environment Centre, Frances Alexander. The event was chaired by Naomi Franco, Vice President Student Involvement at Bucks

Students’ Union.

Fern, who received an honorary degree from the University in 2011, said: “I felt honoured to join such wonderful women for International Women’s Day at Bucks. I thoroughly enjoyed a great evening.”

Prof Farwell said: “I hope that my, Fern’s and Frances’ stories will encourage our women students to think very broadly about what’s possible for them in the future and to believe that they can achieve their goals. I think International Women’s Day is important in giving an opportunity for our Students’ Union to run events like this.

I’m so pleased that this was organised by Naomi, who is our current Students’ Union Vice President and will be taking

over as President next year.”

Naomi Franco said: “We were delighted to have Fern, Ruth Farwell, and Frances Alexander join us at this event. Everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and it was great to listen to such interesting and inspirational stories.”

International Women’s Day is a special annual celebration held since the 1900s and highlighted all over the world to mark the social, economic, and political achievements of women. Read more at internationalwomensday.com

(L-R) Fern Britton, Prof Ruth Farwell, Naomi Franco and Frances Alexander

Creative Talent ShowcaseThe Creative Talent Showcase took place at the Arts4Every1 Centre for Creativity and Enterprise. Current students and alumni could promote themselves, their work and the talents they have developed.

The Creative Talent Showcase is part of the year-round Enterprise Festival which encourages student enterprise, business engagement and career development. The event was sponsored by regional organisations BP Collins Solicitors, IonIT, Living Streams Consultancy, Packtypes, Red Gecko Group and Seymour Taylor.

Four judges watched 13 of our highly talented students who had been shortlisted for this final round. The standard across the Visual and Performance categories was extremely high and it was a very tough

decision to agree on the final three winners.

First prize of £500 in the Visual category went to second-year BA (Hons) Spatial Design student Joe Burgess for his piece, ‘The Grand Stand 2’, which was a beautifully crafted music stand.

A £500 prize in the Performance category went to second-year Audio & Music Production student Robert Fincham for his musical composition, ‘No Play’, which was confidently presented as both a studio recording and a live acoustic version.

Third-year Furniture: Design and Craft student Lizzy Ashworth won £300 with a piece called ‘Layers of Time’ which was an intricate wood carving which contained a cleverly concealed clock.

The Creative Talent Showcase was filmed and can be viewed on the Enterprise Bucks website at enterprisebucks.co.uk. The competition will run again in 2013-14. For further information on Enterprise Bucks please email enterprise@bucks.ac.uk.

Joe Burgess receives his prize from Neil Martin, Director of collaborative marketing organisation Made in Wycombe

News

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Alumni at Bucks

Every day, the Careers reception desk at Bucks bustles with activity. This is where students, at any stage of their time at Bucks - and for two years after leaving - can seek help with any aspect of their employability.

They can talk to experts in career planning, get help with their CVs, learn about interview techniques and psychometric testing – and, most importantly, they gain valuable information on how they can join the online job database. This resource gives local and national employers a forum on which to post their vacancies, and gives students the opportunity to post their qualifications and career choices.

Students may be looking for a variety of opportunities, including work experience, part-time or full-time jobs. Employers are looking for graduate trainees who match their job specifications.

“Some of the employers are former Bucks students,” said Ruth Gunstone, Director of Student Experience at Bucks. “It’s encouraging to see how keen our alumni are to employ today’s students. It’s an endorsement of the high standard of our graduates – and, from the alumni point of view, it’s a way for them to give something back to the students of today and the community here at Bucks,” she said.

Every year, the department holds an on-site ‘Jobs, Careers & Volunteers Fair’, which the students themselves help to organise. At the most recent of these, there were 80 employers on site, and over 1,300 students. Ruth said: “The event was an enormous success, as well as giving a unique

opportunity for Events students to gain real-life experience of running a major event.”

Helen Walters, Employer Engagement Consultant said: “We don’t ask our alumni to give donations, because there are other, more valuable ways in which they can ‘give back’ to the university – and particularly to their former faculty. They can become involved in mentoring, lecturing and giving advice and guidance – and of course, ultimately, by employing our graduates.”

The annual Jobs, Careers & Volunteers Fair is just one of many events that get the thumbs up from students and employers alike. These events become especially attractive when successful alumni come back to talk to students on the perils, pitfalls and opportunities within their specific industries.

Helen says: “It’s great to see our alumni standing there, with their company logo behind them, telling today’s students what to expect of a career in their industry. From the students’ point to view, these alumni are role models. They’re living proof of the opportunities out there. It’s a powerful message!”

A recent example of alumni involvement was at the Music Industry Management alumni event, held at the Gibson Guitar Rooms, in Soho.

Helen said: “Within minutes of posting the announcement about the event, my inbox began to fill up with responses. It was soon completely flooded! We could only accommodate 30 students, so it was a good thing that I could see the time of each application. It meant that I could offer the places on a ‘first-come first-served’ basis.

“The event was a huge success - very lively and noisy! It was a fantastic opportunity for final year students to network with over 80 alumni, including lecturing staff from previous years. The students loved it! I’d like to do many more of these events,” she added.

One attendee was Bucks alumnus Charles FitzGerald, Head of Artist Partnerships at [PIAS] Recordings. Charles says: “I studied Music Industry Management at Bucks. It was three of the best years of my life, where I learnt the key skills I still use today, found my

way into the industry and met some of my best friends and clients! During my time at Bucks, I made the most of every networking opportunity with students and alumni alike. By the time I left, I had a great

Successful alumni go ‘Back to Bucks’

■ “The event was a huge success – very lively and noisy! It was a fantastic opportunity for final year students to network with over eighty alumni.”

Julie Hadley

Helen Walters

6

Alumni at Bucks

contact list which was essential for getting my foot in the door.”

Charles attributes much of his early success to these useful contacts he made whilst at Bucks. His career took off.

Amongst other positions, he was Head of Marketing at Indie Mobile, creating campaigns for names like Dizzee Rascal, Fatboy Slim, O2 and Oasis. After four years he then moved over to ATM Artist Management to work with Swedish House Mafia. Today, Charles heads up the global Artist Partnership department at [PIAS] looking after artists such as Tiesto, Young Guns, Alt-J, Editors and Soulwax. In February, Charles featured in Music Week’s 30 Under 30 (the top 30 music executives under the age of 30).

Despite all these commitments, Charles still finds time to attend Bucks alumni events, and has come back to Bucks on many occasions, to give lectures to second and third year students.

Another Bucks alumni success story is that of mature student Julie Hadley, who took 18 months out of work to study full-time for a master’s degree in Human Resource Management.

In February this year (by which time she was back at work), Julie heard the results. She had achieved her MA, and been awarded ‘Student of the Year’, by the Chiltern Branch of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The award was in recognition of Julie’s achievement in gaining the highest dissertation mark in her year, 79 per cent. You can read more about Julie and her award on page 8.

Julie said: “Completing the master’s at Bucks gave me the academic underpinning for the practical experience I had gained over the previous nine years, working for small to medium enterprises (SMEs). It also encouraged me to focus on my own personal and professional development – which is often overlooked when your day job involves helping to develop others.

“My job at Beechdean Ice Cream Group involves all aspects of HR for the company, and I am hugely grateful to them for their flexibility in allowing me the time off, and for their support and encouragement.”

Julie plans to come back to Bucks for an HR conference in November, when she has been asked to lead a discussion group on employee engagement.

“When I was at Bucks, I found the help and support I received from alumna Cat

Fraser very inspiring,” said Julie. “She acted as a mentor and helped to get me started with my dissertation. “I would now like to give similar support and advice to those on the MA HRM course who are about to start on their own dissertations.”

Alumni involvement is greatly valued at Bucks. Ruth Gunstone has created an initiative called ‘Back to Bucks’. This is the umbrella message for a campaign to encourage more alumni to give a little of their time back to their faculty and to Bucks, in order to help and inspire current and future generations of students.

One alumna who plans to become more involved with the Back to Bucks initiative is recent Bucks graduate, Ruvimbo Katsholo, Care Coordinator/Social Worker. Formerly a teacher, Ruvimbo originally saw the course at Bucks as a route to a better understanding of her pupils, many of whom had social or behavioural problems. Instead, during her time at Bucks, she was inspired to make a career change.

Today, Ruvimbo works within a multi-disciplinary mental health team of nurses, psychologists and occupational therapists. Together, they care for people with severe and enduring mental illness, where Ruvimbo’s role involves identifying the needs of patients with severe mental illness, then identifying the service providers who are able to respond to those needs.

“I particularly enjoy being able to support service users and their carers when they are faced with a crisis” she says.

Bucks gave Ruvimbo the community environment she needed in order to build a network of social workers. “My contacts can be very helpful and supportive,” she says, “especially whenever I am faced with challenging situations.

“I would now like to do more to contribute to the Department of Social Work at Bucks. As a guest speaker or mentor, I believe I could help students to better understand some of the issues that come up in practice - especially in mental health,” she said. This is welcome news to the Student Experience team.

“Our alumni are a rich resource for mentoring, advising, and inspiring our students,” said Helen Walters. “Ultimately, they are also a resource for employing our graduates. They are a resource we greatly value and will continue to develop,” she added. To keep in touch, please visit bucks.ac.uk/alumni.

Successful alumni go ‘Back to Bucks’

Ruth Gunstone

Charles FitzGerald

7

University accredits new demand management coursesBuckinghamshire New University is to accredit qualifications in demand management delivered through specialist supply chain planning firm, Hughenden Consulting, whose clients also include BP and Heinz.

The 12-15 week-long courses will be run by the High Wycombe-based consultants at businesses four times a year. Bucks New University will enrol the students, validate assignments, and provide academic accreditation.

Demand management is about aligning an organisation’s needs with consumer demand so that it is selling or producing the right products at the most appropriate times. The course is aimed at helping British and European professionals and students develop highly competitive supply chain skills, applying theory to practical applications in actual business scenarios.

Hughenden Consulting, based in High Wycombe, works with firms in 25 countries, offering consultancy and education in English, French, Spanish and German, and its clients also include Callaway Golf, Kraft Foods, Marks & Spencer, and Young’s Seafood.

Hugh Williams, Managing Director of Hughenden Consulting, who set up the business 13 years ago, said the types of skills offered were much-needed in the modern business environment.

He said: “We are excited because we feel this is one of the first times that business delivery and academia have combined in the area of demand management and we hope to grow the range of qualifications offered.

“Not only will the course help supply chain professionals develop technical planning skills, but it will also arm them with the essential communications skills they need to carry out their roles successfully and with confidence.”

Mohammad Ali, Head of Academic Department, Business & Management at Bucks New University, said the qualification would help the University link up its research with everyday business. He said: “Research undertaken at Bucks is focused to have a direct impact on people and organisations, so this fits into our ethos. We are delighted to work with Hughenden Consulting on this innovative course that will help demand planners develop the knowledge of best practice in

this field.

Bucks New University also carries out research in demand planning and forecasting with other universities including Bangor, Bath and Cardiff. Its research is led by Prof John Boylan, Academic Dean of the Faculty of Design, Media & Management. Work also includes advising logistics organisations and presenting at industry conferences.

To learn more about the course, contact Hazel Stansbury at Hughenden Hazel Stansbury at Hughenden Hazel StansburyConsulting on 01494 535 649 or hazel.stansbury@hughendenconsulting.com.

Mohammad Ali with Hugh Williams, Managing Director of Hughenden Consulting

News

Award-winning student says career break is paying offA mature student, who gave up her job to study full-time for a degree at Bucks, was named Student of the Year for her course - and said she was looking forward to a positive future.

Julie Hadley took 18 months out of Julie Hadley took 18 months out of Julie Hadleywork, to study for a master’s degree in Human Resource Management. She was presented with an award for Student of the Year by the Chiltern branch of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), for achieving the highest dissertation mark in her year.

Julie has now returned to work at Beechdean Dairies in Speen Road, High Wycombe, where she is responsible for HR. She said: “I had always worked for smaller companies and hadn’t had the opportunity to commit the time to study for a further

degree and gain professional qualifications.

“I took the decision to invest in myself, so I left employment and paid for my master’s myself, and it worked out brilliantly. I joined Beechdean Dairies just as I was completing my dissertation and they were extremely supportive.

“Gaining this qualification boosted my confidence immensely. I already had plenty of work experience, but now it’s backed by the academic qualification to underpin that experience. The award was the cherry on the cake of what was a wonderful experience.”

Julie received the award for gaining 79 per cent in her dissertation, entitled ‘The consequences of economic recession on employee engagement in the construction industry: a case study’.

The award was presented by John McGurk, Advisor for Learning and Talent Development at the CIPD.

Jill Walters, MA HRM Programme Leader, said: “Julie thoroughly deserved this award. She was totally committed to her postgraduate studies, consistently demonstrating meticulous attention to detail, and never afraid to question or challenge.

“Julie was popular with academics and very supportive of her fellow students. I wish her every success with her career in human resource management.”

Find out more about Julie Hadley in the feature story, ‘Successful Alumni go ‘Back to Bucks’’ on pages 6-7. Find out about the course at bucks.ac.uk/hrm.

8

Students played prisoner to bring criminal justice to lifeStudents studying BSc (Hons) Criminology at Bucks, brought their subject to life when, during a University Open Day, they dressed in orange overalls and acted out the role of prisoners in a chain gang.

The brightly clad, second-year students, supported by Foundation Degree Policing students, were chained at the ankles, as they picked up rubbish outside the University. Other students played the parts of private prison correction officers in the stunt, which formed part of the group’s research into public opinion on punishment, rehabilitation, and deterrence.

Sean Butcher, lecturer in Police Studies and Criminology in the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Studies at Bucks, explained that the students invited people to fill in questionnaires on their thoughts about chain gangs and punishment.

He said: “The students did a very good job acting as convincing prisoners and correction officers, so we’re not entirely sure people appreciated that it wasn’t for real. It brought the subject to life in a

thought-provoking way and contributed towards forthcoming assessed work.

“Given the current economic climate and the reported need to cut the cost of the criminal justice system, cost-saving methods of exacting justice seem to take on an added popular appeal. The deployment of the mock chain gang represented a topical issue, in a way that was both interesting and engaging.”

Second-year BSc (Hons) Criminology student, Samantha Thompson, said: “People have seen this kind of punishment on TV or in movies or documentaries, but are not used to seeing it in the UK. It makes you wonder whether this kind of thing could happen here. I really enjoyed taking part in this different slant on the subject.”

Fellow student, James Cook, added: “Taking on the role of a prisoner in a chain gang was eye-opening, and a good way of making our research interactive with the public.”

The students intend to carry out further research in another similar stunt, in High Wycombe town centre.

BSc (Hons) Criminology second-year students played the parts of correction officers and prisoners

News

Students raise charity money by paying library fines Students at Bucks took themselves to account when they paid all their library fines in one week, to raise more than £800 for good causes.

A total of £810.28 was raised through fines paid to the libraries at the University’s campuses in High Wycombe and Uxbridge. This fund was then split between two charities: Rafe’s Place and the Pepper Foundation.

Rafe’s Place is a creative charity working with young people, and the Pepper Foundation funds home care for seriously ill children in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.

The initiative to prompt students to reach into their pockets and cough up their fines, was organised by Bucks Students’ Union, which has nominated the two charities as its chosen Raise and Give (RAG) good causes for the year.

Jane Bower, Societies and Volunteering Coordinator for Bucks Students’ Union, said: “This shows how much money can be raised for charity through something as simple as library fines. We spread the word and the students all paid their outstanding fines to ensure that any money due to be paid was in aid of two very deserving good causes.”

Former Mayor of High Wycombe, Jane White, an ambassador for the Pepper Foundation, said: “I hope the young people who have raised this money realise the difference they are making to a child who is ill and to their families. We would like to say a massive thank you from the Pepper Foundation to everyone involved in raising this money.”

Jim Dudley, Electronic Music Manager for Rafe’s Place, who is studying BA (Hons) Music Management & Studio Production, said the donation was a ‘fantastic effort’ by the students and the University’s Library Service.

Front row (L-R) Students Joseph McCrudden, Cyndi Richardson, Rachel Bowerman and Jim Dudley. Back row (L-R) Jane White, Jane Bower and Systems & Research Librarian Elizabeth Chamberlain

9

Respected educationalist gives free public lecture at BucksMuriel Pilkington, a well-known educationalist and former County and Regional President of the Buckinghamshire Association of Secondary Heads, gave a free public lecture at Bucks. The lecture was chaired by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Ruth Farwell.

Muriel’s presentation was part of a series of free public lectures, which seek to discuss subjects of interest to the community, both locally and nationally. It was held at the High Wycombe Campus, and was open to anyone on a ‘first come, first served’, basis.

In her lecture entitled ‘Past, Present and Future’, Muriel spoke about the educational story of High Wycombe, why Bucks New University came to be situated in the town, and how it developed from a small science and arts school, established in 1893, into the modern institution it is today.

Muriel is a leading authority in education. Now an educational writer, speaker and consultant, she is a former head of Wycombe High School. She also held a number of school governorships and was Vice Chairman of the Council of Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College. The author of a number of educational publications, Muriel wrote Past, Present and Future, published in 2010, a book on the history of Bucks New University.

For future lectures, please visit bucks.ac.uk/public_lectures. To buy a copy of Muriel’s book, visit store.bucks.ac.uk.

Muriel Pilkington (centre) with Brian Tranter, Deputy Chair of Council and Prof Ruth Farwell

Students say dance competition puts Bucks on the mapMore than 300 students from nine universities took part in a dance competition held at Bucks. They were judged by a panel which included a judge from the Sky 1 show, Got To Dance.

The competition, organised by the Dance Society, featured a range of dance styles including ballet, tap, freestyle, contemporary, jazz, Latin, ballroom and street. Our dancers achieved great results, winning both the Advanced Contemporary and Street Dance categories and coming second in the Jazz and Latin categories.

The judging panel comprised choreographer Del Mak, Creative Director of Got To Dance, Luke Sabatini, who has appeared in the West End show, Thriller Live, and Bruno Perrier, who was a choreographer and dance captain at the Olympic Opening Ceremony.

A proportion of the money generated from ticket sales was donated to Bucks Students’ Union’s Raise and Give (RAG) charities, The Pepper Foundation and Rafe’s Place. Students from Bucks were joined by students from the universities of Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire,

Kent, Kingston, Imperial College London, Southampton and the West of England.

Dance Society member, Laura Winnan, studying BA (Hons) Dance and Fitness, said: “Bucks was placed higher than some of the best and most well-known dance crews and teams in the country, so we feel the event has really put Bucks on the map!”

A month later the dancers picked up more awards at the Inter-university Dance Competition at Loughborough. The competition spanned two days with more than 1,000 dancers from 30 universities, all competing for dance glory. Our dancers finished first for Best Choreography out of 200 routines performed on the day, and also picked up third place for the Advanced Street category.

Find out more about our dance portfolio by visiting bucks.ac.uk/dance-performance.

Bucks dance students

News

10

Creative News

Top music industry names in panel debateBuckinghamshire New University and education partner, Sennheiser UK Ltd, hosted a panel debate featuring top music industry specialists. The debate, held in front of around 40 prospective students and parents, was part of an undergraduate open day at the University.

The panel included live sound engineer, producer, and promoter, Sean Ôramptonõ Cranny, known as Sean Rampton, who works with DJs Chase and Status, and has enjoyed a 30-year career working with names like Basement Jaxx, The Libertines, and Razorlight.

It also included producer, designer, and engineer, Chuck Knowledge, who has produced three award-winning albums for Dizzee Rascal, and worked with Taio Cruz, Calvin Harris, Jay Sean, and Tinchy Stryder, as well as Bush, The Divine Comedy, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Stereophonics.

The third panellist was Chris McCarron, who is front of house engineer for Razorlight and works as Director of the firm Silentgig Ltd. Phil Cummings, Sennheiser’s Marketing Projects Manager, rounded off the panel.

Frazer Mackenzie, Head of the School of Applied Production & New Media, said: “Applicants and parents enjoyed

the chance to meet leading industry professionals, and had plenty of time to ask about our courses and hear about how building a career in this industry really works. They were also able to see and hear some of Sennheiser’s cutting-edge digital audio technology that is revolutionising the way in which audio and music is recorded and distributed.

“At Bucks, we want to give the best possible insight into what it’s like to be a student here. The open day music industry panel, sponsored by our long-term partner Sennheiser, was a perfect platform for this.”

Phil Cummings said: “Sennheiser was proud to be involved in organising three key professionals from our industry to talk to prospective students. This is a great way for us to engage more with the University and I hope our words of wisdom went down well with the attendees. We certainly gained some brilliant feedback!”

Panellists used Sennheiser’s recently launched Digital 9000 wireless system for the event and gave away a pair of Sennheiser MOMENTUM headphones, worth £300, to a raffle ticket winner.

(L-R) Sean Rampton, Chris McCarron, Gemma Robinson, Frazer Mackenzie and Chuck Knowledge

Bucks launches education partnership with leading audio manufacturerBucks New University has launched an innovative education partnership with leading audio manufacturer, Sennheiser UK Ltd, which will create new industry-linked opportunities for students. Prof Ruth Farwell, Vice Chancellor, and Phil Massey, General Manager of Sennheiser UK Ltd, were guest speakers at the event.

Sennheiser is one of the largest microphone, headphone and in-ear monitoring manufacturers in the world. The partnership provides a range of educational benefi ts for students, and includes the renaming of the University’s main recording studio to ‘The Sennheiser Sound Lab’, with the company providing a range of equipment for use in the studio, including state-of-the-art digital microphones.

Sennheiser will also provide a scholarship, starting annually from September 2013 and

worth £3,000, to a talented second-year student studying BA (Hons) Audio and Music Production. The company is also providing two, six-month student internships.

Third-year BA (Hons) Music Management students, Jamie Leeming and Gemma Robinson, have already taken up the roles at the firm’s headquarters in Century Point, High Wycombe, working as a marketing executive and a consumer channel executive, respectively.

Other elements to the partnership include an ‘industry insider’ day, in either the live or broadcast market, for the second-year BA (Hons) Audio and Music Production student with the best academic performance in a year. The partnership will also facilitate work with current students, staff, and alumni, to develop a wide range of online media assets for the company.

Sennheiser’s Marketing Projects Manager, Phil Cummings said: “Sennheiser has worked with Bucks New University for nine years but we were keen to formalise our relationship. This partnership is dedicated to investing in the future, and to passing on our knowledge and expertise to students. We will gain from their enthusiasm and willingness to learn and contribute new ideas.

“We are keen to share our latest technology and developments with Bucks and feel the partnership will be beneficial to both of us. We are very proud to be an official partner of Buckinghamshire New University and are looking forward to an exciting future and to growing this partnership.”

Frazer Mackenzie, Head of the School of Production & New Media, said the partnership was a ‘hugely exciting development’ for the University.

“This agreement will bring a wide range of benefits to both the University and our students, including providing students with a wealth of opportunities to gain employability skills.”

11

World-class animation

WORLD-CLASS ANIMATION AT BUCKS

12

World-class animation

Bucks New University is currently recruiting students for the relaunch, in September this year, of its BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects degree.

The course has been put together by a The course has been put together by a ‘crack team’, with industry experience, ‘crack team’, with industry experience, including Course Leader Alex Williams including Course Leader Alex Williams and his co-course leader, David and his co-course leader, David Creighton. Together they have brought Creighton. Together they have brought a new, more focused approach to a new, more focused approach to animation and the skills needed to bring animation and the skills needed to bring characters to life.

The course content is closely aligned The course content is closely aligned to the Core Skills VFX handbookCore Skills VFX handbook, produced by Creative Skillset, which produced by Creative Skillset, which seeks to address the skills gap within the seeks to address the skills gap within the current workforce and the shortage of current workforce and the shortage of homegrown talent available to animation homegrown talent available to animation employers. Currently, only seven out of employers. Currently, only seven out of around 80 UK animation courses have around 80 UK animation courses have approval from Creative Skillset, and approval from Creative Skillset, and few have emerged as internationally few have emerged as internationally recognised leaders in the sector. recognised leaders in the sector.

Kevin Spruce, Head of Animation at , Head of Animation at Framestore, is one of many employers Framestore, is one of many employers who has experienced difficulties in finding who has experienced difficulties in finding graduates who can tackle complex graduates who can tackle complex animations. His input, as one of the course’s animations. His input, as one of the course’s external reviewers, has been invaluable. external reviewers, has been invaluable.

Kevin said, “At Framestore, we are Kevin said, “At Framestore, we are constantly on the lookout to hire the best constantly on the lookout to hire the best animation graduates. The skills we need are animation graduates. The skills we need are in the field of animal and creature animation, in the field of animal and creature animation, with a strong focus on photo-realistic with a strong focus on photo-realistic motion and performance. I very much look motion and performance. I very much look forward to seeing what the students from forward to seeing what the students from Bucks can deliver.” Alex WilliamsAlex Williams, Senior Lecturer in Animation, Games & Visual Lecturer in Animation, Games & Visual Effects at Bucks, seeks to address this skills Effects at Bucks, seeks to address this skills gap by delivering the best animation and gap by delivering the best animation and visual effects course in the country, turning visual effects course in the country, turning out world-class graduates.out world-class graduates.

This dynamic course begins by presenting This dynamic course begins by presenting each student with a new laptop, ready each student with a new laptop, ready loaded with all the professional software loaded with all the professional software they will need in order to become their own they will need in order to become their own animation studio.

“They need the tools to do the job,” “They need the tools to do the job,” explains Alex. “It would be no good trying explains Alex. “It would be no good trying to teach students who didn’t have the to teach students who didn’t have the right kit. They would find it impossible to right kit. They would find it impossible to keep up. They need a professional level keep up. They need a professional level of equipment, because we are taking our of equipment, because we are taking our students from beginner, right through to students from beginner, right through to a professional level of competence. Our a professional level of competence. Our

course is modular. Each session stretches the students a little bit more, so that they become aware of their own progress. It’s important to keep the course quite challenging, so that each lesson builds on the last and gives our students the skills and confidence they’ll need for their future employment. They need never worry about keeping up, because we have an additional online resource, so that if there’s anything they’re unsure about, they can recap and practice on their own until they are confident and proficient. The online resource is very popular,” he added.

The three-year course is designed to prepare students for the challenges of working in a rapidly evolving digital environment, both as employees and as independent entrepreneurs. Bucks aims to give them the skills they need either to start their own animation and visual effects production company, or to work within one of the major animation companies.

“Most of the big UK production companies are based in London, and we often collectively refer to them as ‘Soho’,” said Alex. In fact the name ‘Soho’ is almost as iconic within the animation industry as ‘Fleet Street’ is within the newspaper industry. Unlike Fleet Street, Soho can at least claim that it is still the hub of many of the UK’s leading animation and visual effects companies. It’s where animators want to work. Once our students have the skills, backed by a great show reel, they’ll have a real career choice.”

The students at Bucks are certainly in good hands. With a career that spans 25 years in the animation industry, Alex has worked with DreamWorks, Disney, Fox, Sony and Warner Bros. His movie credits as an animator, designer and storyboard artist include: The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion King, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, and the last three Harry Potterfilms. He has taught animation at schools including CalArts, Gnomon, Escape Studios, The Animation Workshop, and many others - and he still finds time to write and draw the weekly cartoon strip, ‘Queen’s Counsel’, in The Times.

WORLD-CLASS ANIMATION AT BUCKS

A selection of visual effects work by Bucks students

13

World-class animation

“The digital world is not something that’s about to happen in the near future,” said Alex. “It’s here, now – all around us. It’s in TV advertising, the movies we see, YouTube and our ever more sophisticated mobile devices. All of these applications demand animation and visual effects – and the demand is growing almost as fast as the technology is evolving. Soon people will be demanding animated logos and animated promotions. It’s a great time to be an animator and, at Bucks, we are offering a superb opportunity to get the skills needed to build a career in this dynamic environment.”

He went on to say: “There may be students out there who are creative and have an aptitude for digital technology, yet they are unsure which direction to take. We want them to consider a career in animation and VFX, so that they can harness all that talent and work in one of the most exciting industries on the planet. What we are offering at Bucks, is an opportunity to work in the dynamic world of movies, games and TV,” he added. “What could be better than that?”

The new course has a blend of lectures, seminars and pre-recorded online content, as well as guest lectures from the industry and workshops. The focus on cutting-edge technical and creative skills will ensure strong emphasis on character and creature animation. Elements of the course will follow best practice from leading European and North American animation schools such as CalArts in LA and the Animation Workshop in Denmark.

There are strong links with leading animation and VFX houses, so that students get as much industry experience as possible, and the department has formed a partnership with Centroid, allowing opportunities for students to use a leading

industry facility.

Students will also gain from collaboration with complementary

disciplines and departments at Bucks. These include film, TV, audio production and other creative courses. There will

be flexibility to explore digital arts beyond animation,

such as pre-visualisation, concept art, virtual

studios, modelling, rigging, texturing and lighting.

The course will set real life challenges for the students. By partnering with industry, Bucks offers opportunities for students to work on live projects, so that they can have the satisfaction of seeing their finished work in its final, commercial environment, and have industry experience to add to their portfolios.

“We dirty our hands with commerce and we’re proud of it,” said Alex. “It all helps to turn out world-class graduates.”

The students seem to agree. “Great tutors, great equipment and a great course,” said Michael Swan

“I think teachers really help with and encourage the most effective time management, which is a huge part of a successful project - especially a finished one,” said Monika Dzikowicz.

“I came to Bucks New University from doing a HND at college. Although I was

meant to go straight to the third year at the beginning, I realised after reading about this course, that joining in the second year would allow me to grasp a much better understanding of what the digital industry was about and what would be specifically required from me as a future 3D artist.

“The second year of this course enabled me to expand my knowledge within the animation and VFX industry, but at the same time it helped me narrow down my chosen career path. I am now on my third year and have chosen to be an animator. We have lecturers who are experienced and have been working in the industry for years - and that, coupled with the amazing facilities available on campus, will surely further help me achieve my potential,” said Alan De Leal.

Bucks believes that this new course will emerge as a market leader, competing with the highly regarded schools in France, Denmark, Germany and North America.

Alex Williams said: “We want our students to graduate with such impressive demo reels that they’ll be snapped up by the industry. We want them to be world-class, so they get all the best jobs in the animation and visual effects industry – and then we want them to go on to inspire the next generation!”

For more information check out the course blog at bucksanimation.blogspot.co.ukvisit bucks.ac.uk/courses, telephone 0800 0565 660 or email advice@bucks.ac.uk.

■ What we are offering at Bucks, is an opportunity to work in the dynamic world of movies, games and TV,” he added. “What could be better than that?”

Alex Williams

14

Chapel at Wycombe Abbey school gets new altar table from BucksStudents using the chapel at Wycombe Abbey school have been enjoying the use of their recently commissioned oak altar table, made by furniture lecturers and graduates at Bucks.

The altar table, which was designed to incorporate features of existing chapel furniture, has hinged leaves and purpose-made rubber-tyre brass castors in the bottom of two legs so it can be easily moved when not in use. It also has a dressing rail and handle with plates representing a feature of the school’s crest. Two wrought iron crosses, in the pattern of the crest, are attached to the front legs of the table.

The Right Reverend Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham, blessed the table before using it in a Confirmation service at the chapel, where it has been placed for Communion each week.

School Chaplain, Reverend Jane Chaffey, said she had been impressed by the amount of care, effort, and attention to detail that had gone into making the altar

table. She said: “This is a perfect fit for the chapel and is both beautiful and useful. Wycombe Abbey school and Bucks New University are near neighbours, so it was fantastic that we could work together to produce something like this.”

The altar table was designed and made by Lecturers in Furniture, David Gillett and Alex Hellum, and BA (Hons) Furniture: Conservation, Restoration and Decorative Arts graduate, Sam Hutchings. Mr Gillett said: “It was a pleasure to work closely with Wycombe Abbey school on this

project. The design and construction of the altar table captured principles that are central to the place of worship and the school as a whole.”

Wycombe Abbey school has agreed to pay a £100 annual bursary for five years, for use by the BA (Hons) Furniture: Conservation, Restoration and Decorative Arts course at Bucks (part of the National School of Furniture, a partnership between Bucks New University and Oxford & Cherwell Valley College).

(L-R) Sam Hutchings, Reverend Jane Chaffey and lecturers David Gillett and Alex Hellum with the altar table

Creative News

Graduate benefits from furniture business Graduate Sam Hutchings said he had enjoyed a ‘brilliant stepping stone’ into his career, after completing his studies at Bucks, thanks to working for an innovative new company set up by the University.

Sam, from Bristol, gained a first-class honours degree in Furniture: Conservation Restoration & Decorative Arts and is now working for Bucks Conservation, based at the University. He has use of the workshop and facilities at the University, allowing him to work on a number of commissions, at the same time as setting up his own company, Love That Furniture.

One of his commissions was an oak altar table, which is now a feature in the chapel at Wycombe Abbey school, in High Wycombe. He has since enjoyed private commissions from The National Trust’s Waddesdon Manor, in Buckinghamshire.

He said: “This was a great opportunity for me to take advantage of the facilities and equipment at the University. It has provided a bridge between graduating and getting my own business off the ground. The National School of Furniture has a lot of contacts who need my skills, so I am in the perfect position to be able to take on that work, whilst also working on private commissions.”

Bucks Conservation was set up in partnership with Oxford & Cherwell Valley College, under the banner of the National School of Furniture. It channels commercial conservation and restoration projects to recent BA (Hons) and MA Furniture Conservation, Restoration and Decorative Arts alumni.

Under the guidance of the University’s furniture conservation experts, graduates gain valuable experience in a commercial environment and are employed for 12 to

18 months, developing their conservation skills and expertise.

To find out more, email Julie Catlow, Business Coordinator for the National School of Furniture, at julie.catlow@bucks.ac.uk.

Sam Hutchings

15

Christopher Lynch

No meer-student!Intrepid Bucks student Christopher Lynchgot to grips with his Attenborough side when he went to film a clan of meerkats at an animal rescue centre for a documentary.

Chris, from Warwickshire, is a third-year BA (Hons) Film and Television Production student. He filmed the furry creatures for his dissertation on animal hospitals and rescue centres featuring non-domestic animals.

The final documentary will be 10-12 minutes long and will be accompanied by several promotional videos which Chris said he hoped the rescue centre, Beaver Water World, based in Kent, could use. He also hopes to put it online and enter it in festivals and competitions.

Creative News

Graduate made a Freeman by furniture bodyAn MA Art and Design Practice: Furniture Design graduate from Bucks has been made a Freeman by The Furniture Makers, a body established in 1951. Dennis Keeling was admitted, alongside three other Freemen, by Charles Vernon, the Master of The Furniture Makers, in an admissions ceremony at The Furniture Makers’ Hall in London.

The Furniture Makers, which is the City of London livery company, is the British furnishing industry’s central organisation, charity and patron. It fosters and supports the craft and the industry, the education of students, and the industry’s needy.

Dennis Keeling, who owns his own studio at his home in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, is already a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Turners. As well as being a furniture maker, he is one

of the UK’s few turners that specialise in segmented turning. He is also a Director of the Segmented Woodturners Association, which is a chapter of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW).

Dennis said: “I am really proud of this honour. The Furniture Makers are vibrant and enthusiastic about their industry, and especially in encouraging new students to join it, so I greatly appreciate their support.”

Dr Lynn Jones, MA Course Leader at Bucks New University and a Furniture Makers Liveryman, said: “This honour will help develop Dennis’s reputation even further and reflects very

well on the standard of graduates from Bucks New University.”

Dennis has a website at dkeeling.com.

Dennis Keeling and Charles Vernon

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Health News

Professor of Mental Health appointed to drive research agendaProf Colin Martin has been appointed Professor of Mental Health to help drive the University’s research agenda.

Prof Martin, a registered mental health nurse, has made the move to Bucks from his role as Chair in Mental Health at the University of the West of Scotland, where he worked for five years.

The experienced academic, who trained in analytical biochemistry, has been involved in more than 150 research papers and book chapters. He is a chartered health psychologist and chartered scientist. He said: “I am very much looking forward to pushing the mental health research agenda at Bucks, as well as aiming to provide an international presence in the research arena. My focus is on developing applied research, which we hope will become clinically meaningful, and impact on patients and service users.

“I feel I have helped to grow the research culture at the University of the West of Scotland and aim to have a similarly dynamic effect at Bucks. I look forward to the challenge.”

Prof Martin is an Honorary Consultant Psychologist to The Salvation Army (UK and Eire Territories) and has worked to formulate its addictions policy to develop clinical care and services.

He is also a keen author and editor, and his work includes Handbook of Behaviour, Food and Nutrition and Nanomedicine and the Nervous System.

Prof Martin has a longstanding interest in perinatal health and is editor of the Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychologyand the books, Perinatal Mental Health: A Clinical Guide and Scientific Basis of Health Care: AIDS & Pregnancy.

Prof David Sines, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean: Society & Health at Bucks, said: “Bucks New University is privileged to have been able to attract such an eminent and accomplished clinician and academic leader in his field.

“We are looking forward to working with Prof Martin to assist in developing an even closer working relationship with our NHS mental health providers and commissioners.”

Prof Colin Martin

Nursing graduate looking forward to internship with leading international organisation

Bucks graduand, Arphaphun ‘Joy’ Tay, 56, has completed a Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing, which she will collect at a graduation ceremony in September. Now, following a three-month selection process, she has been chosen for a three-month internship, starting in July, with the International Council of Nurses (ICN), in Geneva, Switzerland.

Nursing marks a total career change for Joy, who was formerly a flight attendant, working

for Delta Air Lines in the United States. She was sponsored to study at Bucks by the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council. In return, she has regularly returned to Thailand to promote nursing education.

In Geneva, Joy will be working alongside international nurse leaders, including nurse consultants and health professionals, visiting partner organisations and attending conferences. She said: “This opportunity with the ICN really is a fantastic chance to learn from professionals. I feel very honoured to have been selected.

“ICN is involved in so many great areas advancing the work of nurses, so there will be plenty for me to learn. This is a fantastic chance for me to gain a first-hand view of international health issues and to learn health policies and regulations. It will help me to provide the best possible service when I move on in my career.

“Ultimately, my ambition is to work in a busy cardiac setting. I am also very

interested in working in the areas of compassionate leadership, emergency response, patient advocacy, and public health sectors.”

Prof David Sines, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean: Society & Health, said: “Bucks has been proud to support Joy Tayduring her three-year undergraduate nursing programme. She is an accomplished role model and respected ambassador for Bucks. We are delighted that Joy has been considered by the ICN - an accolade that many aspire to, but few achieve.”

Jean Barry, Consultant, Nursing and Health Policy at ICN, said: “We look forward to working with Joy during the summer months here at our headquarters in Geneva. Our mission is to represent nursing worldwide, to advance the profession, and influence health policy. We greatly value the fresh perspectives and insights that international interns bring to our work.”

Read about the ICN at icn.ch.

Joy Tay

17

Health News

New Dean of Enterprise & Business Management Dr Rebecca Chandler-Wilde has been appointed as Dean of Enterprise & Business Management for the Faculty of Society & Health.

Dr Chandler-Wilde’s focus is on providing strategic leadership of the Faculty’s enterprise, international and business management activities.

She took over from Crystal Oldman, who recently became Chief Executive Officer of the community nursing charity, The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).

Dr Chandler-Wilde joined Bucks from Henley Business School, where she held the position of Client Director, Executive Education. The role involved working closely with a wide range of organisations to design and deliver programmes of development for senior executives.

Her areas of expertise include organisational learning, qualification programmes, and information systems management.

Having gained a physics degree from Imperial College London, Dr Chandler-Wilde initially trained in chartered accountancy, before going into technical computer sales with IBM and then becoming a management consultant with KPMG. She moved to Henley Business School in 1996 as a lecturer, then subject area leader, before working her way up to Client Director in 2005. She gained a Doctor of Business Administration from Henley College in 2006.

Speaking about her appointment, Dr Chandler-Wilde said: “Bucks is a dynamic and growing institution, with an excellent reputation, so I was delighted to be able to take up the post of Dean of Enterprise & Business Management. I came from a very different background, so I had a lot to learn, but I was given a very thorough induction, and found the environment friendly and supportive.

“This is an exciting time to have joined Bucks. The changes to health care enshrined in the new Health and Social

Care Act pose both challenges and opportunities for Bucks, and I am enjoying working with the University and helping to shape its response.”

Prof David Sines, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean: Society & Health, at Bucks, added: “We were delighted to welcome Rebecca to her new senior leadership role within the Faculty. Rebecca has brought a wealth of experience to the University and is already contributing significantly to the strategic direction of the Faculty.”

Rebecca Chandler-Wilde, Dean of Enterprise & Business Management

Nursing students filmed for ITV TonightThe Faculty of Society & Health played host to ITV Tonight when second-year ITV Tonight when second-year ITV TonightAdult Nursing students were filmed taking part in a skills lab session led by senior lecturer Deann Cox.

Afterwards, four first-year students were filmed during their ward placements at Hillingdon Hospital.

The footage was featured as part of an hour-long programme, which looked at the overall picture of nursing and health care today.

At a time when the nursing profession was receiving criticism in the media, the University was approached to help portray the next generation of nurses, their compassion in their work, and the positive future for nursing.

Head of School Carol Pook said: Carol Pook said: Carol Pook“The students and staff were excellent ambassadors for both organisations, and we were delighted to be able to provide what we hope is an accurate representation of contemporary nursing education.”

ITV Tonight films second-year Adult Nursing students at the Uxbridge Campus

18

Health News

Work on university-led health technology project boosted by £75,000 government grantA project led by Buckinghamshire New University is looking to get ahead of the game in identifying telehealth care needs, funded by a £75,000 government grant.

The ITALIA (Innovative Telehealth and Assisted Living Ideas and Applications) project is among 12 university and NHS recipients of grants totalling £750,000 from the Intellectual Property Office to create products and services for business and society.

The grants have been awarded by the government body in its annual Fast Forward Competition, where universities and public sector research bodies are encouraged to work on projects that would benefit from research.

Telehealth involves health-related services and information, which range from health professionals talking over the telephone to complex surgery being completed remotely.

The ITALIA project runs over 12 months and will use workshops and events to develop innovative new ideas in the area, to in turn help health services in the future.

The project will be run by the Centre of Excellence for Telehealth and Assisted Living (CETAL) at the University, along with other bodies belonging to Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (BTVLEP), a business-driven partnership of private sector and local government organisations.

These are: Aylesbury Vale District Council, Buckinghamshire Business First, Buckinghamshire County Council, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, The National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, and the organisation, GrowthAccelerator.

CETAL Director Firas Sarhan said: “This project will be a great opportunity to have private and public sector round-table discussions to address key issues related to how technology, in particular telehealth, can be used to remotely manage patients, including those with a range of long term conditions.

“The essence of our project will be the development of telehealth solutions to address key health issues encountered by clinicians and help them collect and analyse essential patient-related clinical data, permitting effective management

through efficient interaction between clinicians and patients at home.

“A classic example will be the use of ‘telemonitoring’, which involves remotely monitoring patients who are not at the same location as the health care provider. This is an expanding area for patients with chronic conditions as it enables clinicians to detect patients’ symptoms earlier. This can lead to improved clinical outcomes, greater patient self-management and less costly interventions by other health bodies.”

CETAL works with the organisations in BTVLEP providing education for carers and health professionals, and consultancy to private companies and health care providers.

It has developed packages to provide consultancy and educational and technological support to help deal with long-term conditions such as diabetes and dementia, care of the elderly, and neurological and mental health conditions.

It focuses on research, evaluation and teaching and learning, and is aimed at

helping people continue to live in their own homes by using technology to detect a deterioration in their medical condition and give a better picture of their progress to medical professionals, reducing the need for hospital and GP appointments.

The Fast Forward Competition has run for three years and awarded £2 million in funding to 35 projects.

For further information on CETAL, email firas.sarhan@bucks.ac.uk.

CETALCentre of Excellence for Telehealth

and Assisted Living

Delivered by

CETALCentre of Excellence for Telehealth

and Assisted Living

Delivered by

(L-R) Jim Sims, of Buckinghamshire Business First; Firas Sarhan, of Bucks New University; and Rosa Wilkinson, Director of Innovation, Intellectual Property Office

19

Community skills

Prof Shân Wareing, Pro Vice Chancellor: Learning & Teaching, has a vision for delivering the best possible learning experience to Bucks students. Her appointment, last November, came at a time when the global environment for higher education was facing some of its most serious challenges. The increase in student fees coincided with publicity about a variety of online learning resources, all apparently boasting cheaper, digital alternatives to conventional teaching and learning, and with some of them offering a route to graduation. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) were offering home study for a fraction of the cost of a conventional university degree course.

However, on closer examination of the experiences of students taking these courses, results have been disappointing. Non-completion rates have, in many cases, been as high as 90 per cent.

The reason for this appears to be that the online teaching experience lacks the community and the resources (in other words, the people) to offer the kinds of assessment, feedback, mentoring and engagement which underpin learning. This means that only the most confident and self-motivated students feel able to complete their courses.

By contrast, the university experience offers a more supportive environment. At Bucks, this includes Bucks, this includes induction events, a timetable of activities, timetable of activities, facilities for study, socialising and sport, as well socialising and sport, as well as opportunities for formative as opportunities for formative assessment and feedback, assessment and feedback, and provision for learning and provision for learning development. The complete development. The complete ‘package’ of resources at Bucks ‘package’ of resources at Bucks enables students to engage in enables students to engage in collaborative, supportive ways of working that are motivating and inspiring.

Shân explains: “During their studies, many students may have times when they wonder if they will complete their course successfully. It can make all the difference for them, between staying and going, if they hear a friendly word from a tutor, or guidance at just the right moment. For the student, this support is priceless.

“It’s a popular assumption that the expansion of online teaching technology replaces conventional teaching and is a threat to jobs,” said Shân. “I believe that the opposite is true. Technology may change the way we do things, but it won’t replace people. People will simply be doing things differently – and better, and the learning experience for students will be enhanced.

“I’m all for the technology. It’s a very important element of the course delivery and all our systems are utterly reliant on it,

but the danger comes when technology is seen as an end in itself. The course must always come first, rather than the ever-evolving technology. The tutors must have a clear idea of what they are trying to achieve with their students, ideally in terms of transformational learning, and a sound pedagogic model underpinning the course. Technology has an important place as part of this vision. When used in this way, it is a very different proposition from that of the often rather traditional, content-focused, online courses available on the internet, which offer no real dialogue with the student.”

Shân has discussed the importance of dialogue in education on her blog: ‘To allow the teacher to understand the student’s viewpoint and obstacles, and to allow the student to understand the teacher’s expectations, there must be dialogue, a back and forth of stating and quantifying, explaining, setting tasks,

HARNESSING COMMUNITY SKILLS FOR THE BEST STUDENT EXPERIENCE

20

Community skills

attempting them and

receiving feedback. This is a model of engagement by

both the student and the tutor.’

Shân’s blog goes on to give an example of what goes wrong with education when this doesn’t take place:

“Students who attend lectures, have superficial recall of some facts as a result, but fail to grasp underlying principles which allow them to apply their knowledge to anything outside their narrowly defined lectures and exams. A specific example is a physics student who can’t explain which of Newton’s laws applies to a box falling off a table, or the relationship between the seasons and the earth’s rotation.”

“So these are two ways of thinking about engagement in the curriculum. One is that students must be active to learn in a deep way, that transforms them, and allows them to apply their learning in real life, outside a to apply their learning in real life, outside a text book and an exam. The other, is that teachers and students must both engage,

to come to a mutual understanding which allows the teachers to be effective, and teach, and students to learn.”

Shân believes that this dialogue between teachers and students is crucial to the success of education. She describes her priority, at Bucks, as ‘the community’, and to illustrate the importance of that community she offers the idea that students and their course tutors sometimes have complementary skill sets, and each can learn from the other.

“Many of our students have advanced technical skills,” she says. “They may have far greater confidence in using computers than their tutors. Yet course tutors, who may lack some of the most up-to-date social media skills or sense of ease with technology, have a lifetime of expertise and professional networks in their specialisms. If both parties recognise each other’s skills and strengths, and can support one another in appropriate ways, the community works for the benefit of all.”

Shân believes that tutors do not always need to be experts or early adopters of the technology, so long as they can pick it up as they go along, on a ‘need to know’ basis. She believes that they need to be allowed to play, and fail, and ask for help – and try again.

She goes on to say: “I’ve been working in this area for 20 years, and it has all been one long learning curve – at times rather daunting. I certainly wouldn’t describe myself as an early adopter of technologies.

“I remember when, only about a year ago, I needed to learn to use Twitter. I didn’t have a clue where to start, and I was slightly dismissive of it. Yet I knew that it would be a superb way of joining in conversations

and meeting people at a conference I was due to attend.

“Fortunately, one of my colleagues was a bit of an expert at Twitter. He was generous enough to take the time to show me how to use it, so that, by the time the conference date arrived, I was reasonably competent at Twitter and Tweeting.

“I made a lot of contacts at the conference via Twitter, finding like-minded people amongst the 300 or so delegates. I will

never forget how quickly I went from feeling incompetent to feeling confident as a result of my colleague’s help. That’s what I mean by ‘community collaboration’. It really works!”

Shân’s aim now is to create this kind of collaborative supportive community approach at Bucks.

Her vision comes at a time when students - using apparently free facilities in cyberspace (such as Google) - face the

dangers of data security issues, and a confusing array of products and companies vying for their attention - and their cash!

“What I hope to achieve,” she says: “is a seamless system where students can find everything they need to study and access University services and provision - where they don’t have to worry that their work could be lost, or that strangers will access their personal data to build profiles of

them for marketing purposes.

“It’s very exciting to be working on this at Bucks, partly because of the sheer volume and variety of very different courses in the University portfolio. Nursing students might have a specially developed online simulation; art and music courses may be using specialist industry standard applications. The delivery of all this is far from simple, but I am confident that it is achievable.

“The result will be a richer and more rewarding experience for both students and teachers alike - and because we will have worked harder to engage students, they are more likely to stay and succeed. They’ll get better value for money, better employability and better life chances.”

You can read Shân’s blog at bucks.ac.uk/whoswho/vc_office/blog

■ “I’m all for the technology. It’s a very important element of the course delivery and all our systems are utterly reliant on it.”

Prof Shân Wareing,Pro Vice Chancellor:Learning & Teaching

21

Wembley Stadium is home to football college supported by University Bucks is to validate degrees for a new second campus at Wembley Stadium, for UCFB, an institution devoted to the study of the business side of football and surrounding industries.

Recruitment, managed through the UCAS system, commenced in March 2013, for the first intake of students at UCFB Wembley. Up to 300 students will be admitted in September 2014, with the opportunity to study three-year BA and BSc degrees in a range of subjects, including finance, international football business, law, sports psychology and stadium events management.

Within five years of opening, UCFB Wembley will have around 1,500 students and will offer a range of degrees relating to football and sports administration and business. The institution has taken over some 60,000 square feet of existing space on the first four floors of the stadium’s south-west quadrant. Students’ lecture theatres and tutorial rooms will overlook the pitch and UCFB will have its own dedicated entrance.

Courses have been created for aspiring professionals who wish to work within the football and sports business and surrounding industries, gaining skills which could be transferred into other business sectors.

Advisory board members include former FA boss Brian Barwick, Neil Doncaster, Chief Executive of the Scottish Premier League, Alastair Campbell, and Gordon Taylor OBE. The Professional Footballers’ Association Chairman Clarke Carlisleand Football TV Pundit Sue Smith are also ambassadors for UCFB. Representatives of the PFA, Premier League, and Football League are active supporters of the higher education institution.

The University already validates degrees offered by UCFB at its base at Burnley Football Club’s Turf Moor stadium. UCFB currently offers three degrees in: Football Business and Finance, Football Business and Marketing, and Football Business and Media.

Prof Ruth Farwell, Vice Chancellor of Bucks New University, said: “We are delighted to be part of the expansion of UCFB into the home of English football, Wembley Stadium. It makes perfect sense for the second campus to be at such a prestigious and well-loved venue as Wembley and we look forward to many successful years ahead.”

Philip Wilson, provost and chief executive of UCFB, said: “Our institution has attracted professional and student interest from across the world and it was always apparent that, from our relatively small

beginnings at Turf Moor, our institution would quickly develop.

“Wembley Stadium is the natural – and, in some respects, only - choice for expansion. It is a global brand in its own right and in many ways the spiritual home of the global game. We look forward to building an institution which, in the eyes of many, is long overdue.

“Football impacts upon the lives of millions. UCFB is about ensuring we are equipping the future leaders of the game with the right skills to manage it in the best interests of everyone.”

Melvin Benn, Chairman, Wembley National Stadium Limited, said: “Wembley National Stadium Limited is excited to commit to this project. We see this as an exciting opportunity for young people to learn and develop at a university within the inspired environment of Wembley Stadium.

“The football industry has grown at an incredible rate in the last 20 years and now, more than ever, it needs to be catered for from a business point of view. UCFB allows undergraduates to get an early foothold within this industry and provides not only qualifications but first-hand experience of working in the football industry.”

Read more at ucfb.com.

David Thomson, Group Events Director, Wembley Stadium; UCFB Advisory Board member Brian Barwick; Prof Ruth Farwell; Philip Wilson, provost and chief executive of UCFB; and Melvin Benn, Wembley Chair

Sports News

22

Ex-England cricket coach speaks at Graduate Jobs in Sport LIVE eventFormer England cricket coach, Peter Moores, was among the key speakers at the inaugural Graduate Jobs in Sport (GJS) live event in the Gateway Events Hall at Bucks New University.

The Lancashire County Cricket Club Head Coach was taking part in ‘The Playing Field’ conference, running alongside a busy exhibition hosting around 40 prospective employers in the sports industry, including Nuffield Health, SkillsActive, and YMCAfit.

Peter shared his understanding and experience of a career in sports coaching, offering first-hand advice to students and graduates with career ambitions in the practical world of sport.

Following a successful 13-year career keeping wicket for Sussex, Peter was elected captain before taking on a player-coach role. He retired midway through the 1998 season, turning his attention to coaching. Under his direction, Sussex won the second division of the Championship in 2001 and the main title itself in 2003 (Sussex’s first title in their 164-year history).

Peter was then approached by the England and Wales Cricket Board where he was coach for the England A tour in 2000-01, before being appointed director of the ECB Academy. In 2007, Peter succeeded Duncan Fletcher as England coach, before moving to Lancashire County Cricket Club as Head Coach in 2009. He led Lancashire to the County Championship title in 2011 and has since signed a new contract with them.

Alongside Peter at ‘The Playing Field’ conference, were other high profile guest speakers, including Mark Saltmarsh, Head of Education Development at the Rugby Football Union, and Tom Bates, Peak Performance Coach at Premiership football side West Bromwich Albion.

Attendees were invited to a second conference session, entitled ‘The Office’, where industry experts, including Paul Morgan, Communications Director from Premiership Rugby, and Sky Sports News presenter Vicky Gomersall, provided an unrivalled insight into working in sports marketing, media, events, and sponsorship.

For more information go to graduatejobsinsport.co.uk or email graduatejobsinsport.co.uk or email graduatejobsinsport.co.ukenquiry@graduatejobsinsport.co.uk.Former English County cricketer Peter Moores

Sports News

Bucks students are on the ball for Watford Football Club

Bucks students are filming a monthly studio-based discussion programme for Watford Football Club at the University. The students, studying BA (Hons) Film and TV Production, Audio and Music Production, and Animation, Games & Interactive Media, are taking the lead on the club’s online magazine programme, The Hornets Show. The shows are filmed on a green screen background in a studio at the High Wycombe Campus, and also using an outside broadcasting unit belonging to the University.

As part of the show, past and present Watford FC stars are filmed in the studio at Bucks New University, and the programme is then broadcast on Watford FC’s website. The virtual set used as the backdrop for the show has been designed by the Animation, Games & Interactive Media students. Additionally, Audio & Music Production students manage the audio for the interviews. The Film and TV Production students involved are studying a Sport & Events Broadcasting pathway in their degrees. The students are also enjoying work elsewhere in Watford FC’s media

operation and some have also gained positions with Sky Sports, filming presenters on its Soccer Saturday programme.

Former Watford and England star Luther Blissett is one of the people who has visited Blissett is one of the people who has visited BlissettBucks New University and been interviewed on The Hornets Show. He said: “I go into studios regularly and there is no difference between what I see elsewhere and the standard of equipment and expertise here. Considering the students are in a learning environment I think filming programmes like this can only be beneficial.”

Luther Blissett and former Watford midfielder Derek Payne (right) with Bucks students

23

Sports News

Student praises Bucks for industry links that are ‘on the ball’A first-year student studying BA (Hons) Sports Management with Rugby Studies said he had an ‘astonishing’ start to life at Bucks and has since enjoyed a host of opportunities through the industry links offered by the course.

Sam Verralls has worked with London Wasps Rugby Club (which has a community partnership with Bucks), on tag rugby coaching, learning refereeing skills and has even been the match day mascot, Sting, at the Club’s home games.

At the three-day long Rugby Expo 2012 event, which attracted around 800 delegates, Sam and fellow students were guiding and advising visitors, and meeting stars including Rugby World Cup winner, Phil Vickery.

Sam said: “Rugby has always been my passion in life, and that passion has been enhanced twofold whilst studying on the Sports Management with Rugby Studies course at Bucks. I’m only half a year in, and my knowledge surrounding sports marketing, sociology and, above all, coaching, has expanded dramatically.

“Alongside work with London Wasps and opportunities which I feel no other University has to offer, this course has been the making of me and my fellow students.

“Being both academic and vocational, I’ve found the course to be the perfect balance. I have had the option to develop my coaching through practice, in parallel with learning about how to be most effective. It has all been invigorating and eye-opening.

“Personally, I’ve been most excited about the outside opportunities and networking potential. I’ve already networked with the likes of Phil Vickery at Rugby Expo 2012, spoken to Rugby stars, Tom Varndelland Ollie Lindsay-Hague, and mingled with sporting greats like Rob Andrewand Bill Beaumont, who were also at Rugby Expo 2012.

“Grasping all opportunities with both hands has already helped me begin to ascend the job ladder and, ultimately, get my name out there. I’ve had the most astonishing time and have been enjoying the course immensely!”

Course Leader, Hugh Mannerings, said he was delighted with Sam’s progress and

pleased that he was making the most of the industry links afforded through the course, which include a link-up with Premiership Rugby club, Harlequins.

He said he was also pleased that students were benefiting from the experience of alumnus Ben Smiley, who graduated from Bucks with a BA (Hons) Sports Management with Rugby Studies in 2006. Ben now works as a Community Rugby Coach at

London Wasps and has been coaching Bucks students as part of the partnership between the Bucks and the club.

Hugh added: “It is fantastic to hear that Sam has settled in so successfully and is taking advantage of our networking opportunities. Our industry links help to set us apart from similar courses.”

If you would like to learn more about the course, visit: bucks.ac.uk/courses.

Sam Verralls

Varsity 2013

24

Sports News

Bucks enjoys its first Varsity match against the University of RoehamptonSports teams from Bucks have taken part in their first annual Varsity match against students at the University of Roehampton, in London.

Students took on their counterparts in 21 fixtures across nine sports, including football, hockey, netball, and rugby, at facilities based at the University of Roehampton, in south-west London. A close contest ensued, with Roehampton becoming the eventual victors, winning by 12.5 points to 8.5.

Bucks teams, supported by around 150 students, won: men’s badminton; men’s and women’s basketball; one of five men’s football matches played (drawing two others); men’s hockey; and one of three netball matches played. The University also secured a victory in cheerleading, and drew a women’s football match.

Vice Chancellor Prof Ruth Farwell, who went along to cheer on the teams, said: “This was our first official Varsity competition with the University of Roehampton. It was a terrific day, well-supported by Bucks students who helped create a fantastic atmosphere.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Roehampton to Bucks for next year’s Varsity, when we hope to be celebrating victory!”

Ross McLaughlin, Student Activities Manager at Bucks Students’ Union, who helped coordinate the event, said: “Bucks may not have won, but everyone, from supporters to people taking part, thoroughly enjoyed it, and it has helped foster a good relationship between ourselves and the University of Roehampton.”

Student Jade Anderson, who studies BSc (Hons) Sports Science and Coaching Studies, competes for the ball in the women’s football team’s 1-1 draw with the University of Roehampton

25

Indigo Paris 2013

17-19 September 2013

A selection of our graduating students will be presenting their creative textile and surface designs at this show. To find out more, please visit indigo-salon.com.

Graduation Ceremonies

9-13 September 2013

A week of ceremonies, celebrating the achievements of all of our graduating students. To find out more, please visit bucks.ac.uk/graduations.

Enterprise Festival

The Bucks Enterprise Festival will run over the whole of November, and will include the Enterprise Challenge, the Creative Talent Showcase and the Bucks Innovation Lab. For further information email enterprise@bucks.ac.uk or go to enterprise@bucks.ac.uk or go to enterprise@bucks.ac.ukenterprisebucks.co.uk.

Open Days

Our open days are open to everyone and are a great opportunity to sample the Bucks experience. Visitors and their guests will have the opportunity to talk to our staff and our students, to find out more about our courses and to look round our facilities.

For further information on all of our open days and to register, please visit bucks.ac.uk/opendays.

University Open Days

High Wycombe Campus: 11am-4pm

Saturday 12 October 2013Wednesday 20 November 2013

Nursing and Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) Open Days and Open Evenings

Uxbridge Campus: Saturday Open Days run from 11am-2pm and Wednesday Open Days run from6pm-8pm

Saturday 17 August 2013Wednesday 16 October 2013Saturday 30 November 2013

Engineering Open Evenings

High Wycombe Campus: 5pm-7pm

Monday 5 August 2013Monday 19 August 2013Monday 2 September 2013Monday 16 September 2013Monday 30 September 2013Monday 14 October 2013Monday 28 October 2013Monday 11 November 2013Monday 25 November 2013

To find out more, please visit bucks.ac.uk/engineering.

Postgraduate and Professional Open Evenings

High Wycombe Campus: 5pm-7pm

Wednesday 11 September 2013Wednesday 6 November 2013

To find out more, please visit bucks.ac.uk/openevenings.

Furniture Conference

Current issues in global furniture

The Furniture Research Group’s eighth biannual conference, in association with the National School of Furniture (NSF).

Morning keynote speaker: Johnny Grey

Afternoon keynote speaker: Gareth Neal

With five further speakers representing furniture studies from a global perspective (China, Greece, Jamaica, Malaysia and Romania). To register your interest please contact: julie.catlow@bucks.ac.uk.

High Wycombe Campus: 9.30am-5pm

Wednesday 20 November 2013

What’s happening at Bucks