Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024 

Olivia Warbey / / News

The Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) is open from Monday 8 April and will run until Thursday 13 June 2024 for eligible postgraduate students studying here at the University of Lincoln.

This is your best chance to share your feedback on your degree experience at Lincoln. It is easy to complete and only takes 10 minutes on average. By completing the survey, you will help shape the experiences of current and future postgraduate students.

If you choose to complete the survey, you can claim a free drink and sweet treat voucher from the Minerva Building Atrium between 8 April – 26 April. This is subject to a limit of 1,000 vouchers.

Keep reading for more details about the survey and why it is important, your eligibility, and the free drink and sweet treat voucher offer.

What is the PTES?

The Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) is the only UK higher education sector-wide survey run by AdvanceHE which invites postgraduate taught (PGT) students to comment on their learning and teaching experience. 

What does it cover?

PTES concentrates on your course and includes:

  • Teaching and learning
  • Engagement
  • Assessment and feedback
  • Organisation and management
  • Skills development

It will also include some additional questions about areas that are particularly relevant to us and to students at Lincoln.

Why does the PTES matter?  

PTES matters because it makes a tangible difference to the experience students have at university. By completing the survey, you can make it clear what you have enjoyed about your experience at Lincoln and what you think could have made it better. Your feedback is incredibly important to us, and we value the time you take sharing your thoughts.

As a result of previous feedback from PTES we have been able to improve various aspects of our students’ experience.

Eligibility

To be eligible all students:

  • must be studying a programme of at least 60 credits.
  • must be in their final year of study (where applicable).
  • must be enrolled PGT students: full-time and most part-time UK, EU, and international.
  • All eligible students will receive an email on 8 April inviting them to complete the survey from the JISC Online Survey System, as well as subsequent reminders from their lecturers.

Your email will contain a personalised link through which you can access the survey. 

Is it anonymous?

Your survey response is confidential to the team processing the results and no reporting outside of this team will identify any individual. Any results communicated to teaching staff will be anonymised.

The survey asks that any comments you make should not identify yourself or any specific members of staff.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at studentvoice@lincoln.ac.uk

Claim your free drink and sweet treat voucher

If you complete the survey before Friday 26 April, you can claim your free drink and sweet treat voucher from the Minerva Building Atrium. You will need to provide a screenshot/image of your survey completion message (at the end of the survey) to claim the free drink and treat voucher. Please note, the voucher will only be available for collection from the Minerva Building Atrium between 8 April – 26 April.
Opening times: Mon to Fri: 10am-2pm. The free drink and treat voucher can only be redeemed at the catering outlets based on the Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln:  Lindons (Minerva Building) OR Theorem (Isaac Newton Building) and must be used by Thursday 13 June.

International College – English for Dissertation Writing course

Olivia Warbey / / News

If you don’t know where to start, or end, your Master’s dissertation, this is the course for you!

The International College is designed to support all current international students and students for whom English is an additional language, so that they are better prepared to tackle assignments and complete all tasks that require a high level of linguistic competence.

The English for Dissertation Writing course will guide you through the process of writing a dissertation. Over eight lessons, you will explore different sections of a dissertation such as literature reviews, methodologies, results and discussions.

This course will be run both on campus and online. It is free and is designed for international postgraduate students (and home students for whom English is an additional language) but the course may also be available for third-year undergraduate students, dependent on space.

Online

  • Weekly classes on Wednesdays 10:00am – 12:00pm
  • Wednesday 15 May – Wednesday 3 July
  • Registration now open

On Campus 2

  • Weekly classes on Wednesdays 2:30pm – 4:30pm
  • Wednesday 12 June – Wednesday 31 July
  • Registration now open

For more information, visit our webpage https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/internationalcollege/in-sessionalsupport/

If you have any questions, please contact international college at internationalcollege@lincoln.ac.uk, or come and visit us in MB1100 (first floor of the Minerva Building).

Fancy a Pint – of Science? Return of Festival Brings Accessible Learning to Lincoln’s Locals

Hannah McGowan / / Events

A group of 18 researchers from the University of Lincoln, UK, will share their scientific discoveries in venues across Lincoln, with the return of the global science festival, Pint of Science.

The three-day annual celebration of science will take place between 13 and 15 May, and scientists from the University will discuss a range of thought-provoking topics from ghost stories to Lincoln’s famous swan population, and the science behind gambling.Kay Ritchie, Associate Professor in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Lincoln and Lincoln Pint of Science lead, said: “We’re really excited to bring Pint of Science back to Lincoln for our fourth year in our local venues. We’re looking forward to showcasing some University of Lincoln research in a fun and interactive way. With nine events across three nights, there’s something for everyone.”Professor at the University of Lincoln, Anna Wilkinson, will give a unique insight into gambling addition, at one of Monday night’s events, “Mind Control”. Commenting on her upcoming talk, Anna said: “As addiction develops, the brain changes in response to ‘highs’ and develops ‘cravings’. Research has shown that people who experience gambling addiction share similar alterations in the brain as people with drug addiction.“When hooked, a physical withdrawal occurs when individuals attempt to stop gambling. My talk will look at what happens in the brain when someone gambles and explore what it is about gambling games that make them so attractive.”In addition to the series of evening talks, members of the public will also have the unique opportunity to see original works of art inspired by the researchers’ talks, blending art and science at the exhibition, Creative Reactions, displayed at Lincoln Cathedral’s Chapter House between 5 and 16 May 2024.More details and tickets are available online: www.pintofscience.co.uk/events/lincoln.

University Wins National Best Accommodation Award – Voted for by Students

Hannah McGowan / / News

The University of Lincoln, UK, has won a national award for its student accommodation and is also placed in the top three universities in the UK to be recognised in the University of the Year category at the prestigious WhatUni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) 2024.

WhatUni is the UK’s largest source of real and honest reviews directly received from students. This year, more than 39,000 student reviews were collected from over 100 universities across the UK, making the WUSCAs the largest and only annual university awards in the UK, voted for exclusively by students.

Hosted by well-known comedian Sir Lenny Henry CBE, the WUSCAs ceremony took place on the evening of Wednesday 24 April in London. The University of Lincoln came first out of all UK universities for its modern, high-quality accommodation. The institution was also awarded bronze in the highly-sought after University of the Year award.

Lincoln student Kadie, gave her review of the University’s accommodation and campus: “Very convenient location, well maintained and modern-looking accommodation, great proximity from both high street and uni campus. Extremely beautiful campus and city, with everything in close proximity makes it an easy and enjoyable place to live and attend for uni.”

Student, Tia-Marie Cane, also reviewed her experience of living in University-managed accommodation, saying: “I love that it’s a two-minute walk to my lectures as the accommodation village is on site. This also makes me feel safer as I know I’m surrounded with students and staff from the uni and security gave me their number to keep saved in my phone.”

Another review from current student Alexandra Samson was: “Cygnet Wharf is in an excellent location and is approximately a 20 second walk from campus. We have amazing views and the rooms are very modern. I love the layout of the accommodation and how many people are assigned to the flats.”

The Global Student Living Index 2023 has certified Lincoln’s accommodation as GOLD, based on the condition and quality, value for money, care and support, recycling and environmental facilities, and overall management of University-managed residences. Lincoln is the third most affordable university city in the UK in the NatWest Student Living Index 2023.

A summary of the University’s awards from the event: 1st in the UK for Halls and Student Accommodation, 2nd in the UK for International, 2nd in the UK for Postgraduate, 3rd for University of the Year, 3rd in the UK for Student Life, 3rd in the UK for Facilities, and 4th in the UK for Student Support.

Lincoln vs Portsmouth tickets – Limited availability

Hannah McGowan / / Events

Tickets for the Lincoln City F.C vs Portsmouth F.C home league game are available in-person only from now until kick-off on 27 April 2024, on a first-come, first-served basis from the University’s Sports Centre.

The Sports Centre opening hours are Monday – Thursday: 7am – 10pm, Friday: 7am – 9pm and Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm.

Please note, there’ll be a high demand for tickets and there is a limited amount available. Tickets are priced at £10 per ticket at a maximum of six tickets per person.

The game will take place on Saturday 27 April, with a 12.30pm kick-off.

University ID will be required to complete the purchase.

If you have any queries, please contact the Sports Centre via email: sportscentre@lincoln.ac.uk.

Games Afternoon

Olivia Warbey / / Events, News

The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy are holding a Games Afternoon in Witham House (small white building next to the Sports Centre) on 10 April from 2-5pm. Meet us for chat and games including card and board games, large garden games and Carom.

Story submitted by Alicia Armsworth
AArmsworth@lincoln.ac.uk

Student Charter

Olivia Warbey / / News

Lincoln Academy of Learning and Teaching (LALT) and Lincoln Students’ Union have revised the Student Charter.

The Student Charter sets out the general principles of a partnership between students, the University of Lincoln, and the Students’ Union.

This includes the University’s commitment to delivering a high-quality learning experience to all of our students. It is a statement of mutual expectations and aspirations, setting out our respective responsibilities and what we can expect of each other.

Jointly created by LALT and the Students’ Union, the Charter is reviewed every year to reflect the developments and changes of the University.

Vice Chancellor Professor Neal Juster says, “This Charter sets out how the University of Lincoln is committed to delivering a high-quality student experience that not only meets, but hopefully exceeds expectations, enabling students to realise their hopes, aspirations, and ambitions.”

The University and Students’ Union work to create a community where students are part of our University, regardless of who they are, or where they come from. Founded on the values of our One Community, the Charter reflects who we are and helps us to ensure that in everything we do, we always have our students’ best interests at heart.

For more information on the Student Charter, and how we support students during and after their studies, please visit lncn.ac/stucharter.

Discounted bikes for sale at the Sports Centre

Hannah McGowan / / News

The Sports Centre is selling past stock of cycle-hire bicycles, at the reduced price of £50 per bike. There’s currently a stock of 16 bikes available, on a first-come-first-served basis, one per person.

Staff and students can purchase a bike, while stocks last by visiting the Sports Centre during open hours (Monday – Thursday 7am-10pm, Friday 7am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm).

For more information, please email Heather Robinson: herobinson@lincoln.ac.uk.

LAST CHANCE to Win £1000: Santander Brighter Futures Grant

vsimons / / Events

It’s your last chance to apply to win one of ten £1000 Brighter Future Grants courtesy of Santander. Applications close on 29 March.

To enter, just complete the short application form on the Santander Scholarships website before the closing date.

Ten successful students will be selected at random, and the winners will be contacted via email on 17 April 2024.

To be eligible, you must: 

1.         Be enrolled as a current student (part-time or full-time) in any year of your degree at the University of Lincoln.

2. Know your student ID number and provide it via the application form. 

3. Create an account on the Santander Scholarship Platform (if you’re not registered already)

For your chance to win, view this link: https://lncn.ac/santander24

Microsoft Copilot Now Available for Students

Olivia Warbey / / News

The University’s Digital Services team is pleased to introduce Microsoft Copilot, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning companion now available to all students. Copilot is here to support the way you learn, research, and create. The benefits of using Microsoft Copilot include:

  • Study support: Copilot is like having a learning companion by your side 24/7. It can help you:
    – Answer questions or explore complex ideas
    – Discuss and debate topics
    – Summarise content
    – Get AI feedback on your work.
  • Creativity and innovation: Be inspired by generating new ideas.
  • Content Generation: Copilot generates content while respecting copyright rules, including image generation.
  • Safe: Copilot is run on ethical guidelines, ensuring a respectful and safe environment.
  • High quality AI engines: Copilot uses ChatGPT 4 for text responses and DALLE-3 for image creation.
  • Equal access to AI tools: Copilot is a free AI service that is comparable to premium ChatGPT.

Before using Microsoft Copilot as a learning companion, you should familiarise yourself with the guidelines for AI use, including the potential misuse within academic offences at the University of Lincoln. This includes how to acknowledge appropriate use of AI in assessments.

Guidance:

How to access Microsoft Copilot:

  • A helpful video can be accessed via the link here: https://youtu.be/PYFYIVaV3Co
  • Microsoft Copilot can be accessed in two ways:
    – Via the Microsoft Edge browser (available for Mac and PC) by choosing the Copilot logo in the top right-hand corner.
    – Use any browser to visit copilot.microsoft.com
  • Sign in with your University username and password, making sure that the green shield ‘protected’ logo is visible  to ensure your data is secure.
  • Start chatting with Copilot! 

Important Note: While Copilot is a valuable support tool, it does not replace your own critical thinking, research, or assessment submission. Always follow guidance on when use of AI is authorised within your assessments. If authorised, you will be given specific guidance on what can be created using AI for the assessment. Outside of assessments, Copilot should only ever be seen as a starting point for developing original work, conducting research, or as a useful framework for evaluating your own work. Anything you create using AI is your responsibility to verify and refine outputs to ensure accuracy and originality.