Issue 14 June 2011

A much more complex world

The Vice-Chancellor discusses the future of higher education

Student Newsletter

London Connection June 2011 1 www.londoninternational.ac.uk

Contents

This issue features

Page 4
A truly global celebration

Talking about the University of London International Programmes in this issue of the newsletter, the Vice-Chancellor states how he has been impressed by the way in which our programmes are responding to the real challenges of delivering a UK university degree that is producing graduates who are thinking, challenging, imaginative, analytical.
Studying through the University of London International Programmes and the academic rigour which that entails requires an especially high degree of self-motivation, hard work and commitment. Over an extended study period, keeping your motivation high may sometimes prove quite a challenge. At dicult moments it may help to spur you on if you keep your long-term goal in mind: a University of London qualification is sought after and highly regarded worldwide. Our students have won Nobel Prizes, governed countries and written great works of literature. They have included great designers, engineers, industrialists, poets, teachers, lawyers and transformational political leaders. When you graduate you will join an expanding community of University of London alumni, with excellent career prospects. In a nutshell, your hard work will be well worth it in the end.

Page 7
Aiming high

Page 8
Staying connected

Page 10
Cover story: A much more complex world

Page 12
BSc International Development launching in 2011

Page 13
SIM 25th Anniversary

Professor Jonathan Kydd, Dean, University of London International Programmes

Contact us
We would welcome your letters and comments for future publication. Please email us at: newsletter@london.ac.uk This issue (and back issues) of the newsletter are available to download in the Current Students area of our website. You can also choose to receive them via email by visiting:

London Connection
London Connection is the newsletter for current students and friends of the University of London International Programmes. It is published three times a year by Design, Editorial & Production. EDITORIAL Peter Quinn newsletter@london.ac.uk DESIGN Antonia Bailey design@london.ac.uk CONTRIBUTORS Alice Mallick Holleigh Marsh Lisa Pierre Jack Stonebridge Sandra Tury

www.londoninternational.ac.uk/newsletter
If you have any general questions about your studies, please contact: programme.enquiries@london.ac.uk

2 London Connection June 2011

From the Dean

News bites

Student charter
Following extensive consultation with students and our Lead Colleges, the University of London International Programmes Student Charter has now been finalised. The Charter is intended to state key mutual obligations between the University of London International Programmes and our students. More specifically, the document is a guide to the service and behaviours which it is reasonable for students and the International Programmes to expect of each other. For further information and to read the Student Charter in full, please visit: www.londoninternational.ac.uk/

So you think you know the Online Library?

Did you know that the Online Library currently subscribes to almost five million academic journal titles and a growing collection of e-books? And thanks to the state-of-the-art library search engine, Summon, you can search the entire library collection, or refine your search to include results beyond our collections. You dont need any training to use Summon. To start using it go to:

study_ep/students/student_charter.shtml

www.external.shl.lon.ac.uk/summon/
You will need to log on with your Athens username and password to access the full-text content. Use Summon to discover a world of information! You can access the online library 24/7, either directly at: www.external.shl.lon.ac.uk or from the Online Library tab in the Portal. You can also keep up-to-date with the latest developments through our News Page. For further help and support please consult the guides on the library website, the journals A-Z list (http://bit.ly/e-journals) or contact the library team uolia.support@london.ac.uk The library resources are available to you from any internet connection. We are currently working on making the library smartphone compatible so that you will be able to access its contents from your mobile phone. We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Report by: Sandra Tury

New codes
New course and module codes are being introduced for all programmes. The codes will be standardised, intuitive and userfriendly. New and continuing students are using the updated codes from May 2011 and August 2011 respectively. The new codes replace examination numbers from previous years but do not affect the syllabus or content of any course or module. The new code for each course and module is shown next to the title in Annex A and Annex B of the Programme Specification and Detailed Regulations.

New registration cards

From the 2011-12 academic year onwards, all students registering with the International Programmes will receive student registration cards. Registration cards will also be given to all of our currently registered students. The cards are being introduced following student feedback about wishing to feel a greater sense of belonging to the University. The current prototype is pictured here. The cards are expected to be circulated as part of a welcome pack from the end of August 2011.

STUDENT REGISTRATION CARD 20102013

NAME: A Random PROGRAMME: Postgraduate Diploma in Organizational Psychology REGISTERED: SRN: 01/09/2010 753987123

75398

7123

London Connection June 2011 3

Feature

Top: HRH The Princess Royal shares a smile with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoffrey Crossick, and Professor Jonathan Kydd, Dean, University of London International Programmes ; (above) The Chancellor making her official entrance at the start of proceedings.

ith a cast of more than 2,600 graduates and guests, a member of the Royal Family, and friends and family gathered around 35,000 computer screens across the world the 2011 London Graduation Ceremony was a truly momentous occasion on an unprecedented scale for the University of London International Programmes. The days events, stretching from the Barbican Centre, to Senate House and the Hotel Russell, marked an extraordinary day for all concerned. To cater to the events rapidly growing popularity, two ceremonies were held, attracting 761 graduates. For many, the occasion was a once-ina-lifetime opportunity that they will never forget. The ceremony played host to guests from a vast spectrum of cultures and backgrounds, resulting in a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere. Our graduates and their guests were notably impressed by the splendour of our ceremonial traditions and the grandeur of the auditorium in which the ceremonies

took place. Many were said to be bursting with pride, having been congratulated on their academic achievements by a member of the Royal Family.

Royal address
The morning ceremony began with a speech from our Chancellor, Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal, who warmly congratulated our graduates on their achievements: I acknowledge that your journey in getting to this point has been far from easy and I know that for all of you, it represents a long and sustained commitment to a programme of study. The Princess Royal continued: Some of you have had to remain in full-time work while studying; others have had family or dependents to look after. And we must not forget those of you who have had to study completely by yourselves, with little or no tutored support. I know that our students invariably always complete their study programmes against the pressures of juggling a family and career and it is for this reason that I, on

A truly global celebration

Jack Stonebridge and Holleigh Marsh report on the 2011 London Graduation Ceremony.
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Feature

The most enjoyable thing was in seeing such a wide range of nationalities involved at the ceremony, truly a global array of students, as well as the evident delight of the graduates in being presented for their degrees.
behalf of all those at the University of London, am particularly proud to see you all here today ready to graduate. Between the morning and afternoon ceremonies, a small cross-section of students had the privilege of attending a special reception with The Princess Royal. Oliver Jayasuriya, an LLB graduate from Sri Lanka, said: It was an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. The Princess Royal inquired as to what the future holds for me I spoke of my passion for the legal profession and my desire to continue studying. Oliver added: The LLB degree I completed through the University of London International Programmes has inspired me to such an extent that I plan to start my LLM with the University. a great honour to meet The Princess Royal, who clearly holds the interests of the students and the University in high esteem. Having HRH as Chancellor brings an even greater respect for the students and what their achievements mean. Julie added: The Princess Royal was keen to know how Kaplan, as a training institution, could ensure that the University of Londons high level of academic quality is retained. I explained that the courses themselves commanded this quality as, in order for the students to achieve success, the support we give has to be of the highest calibre.

A tour of our iconic home

Following the ceremonies, and a champagne reception for our graduates, the days proceedings continued with a tour of the University of Londons iconic home, Senate House. Around 100 graduates and their guests joined the two guided tours, led by senior staff from the University of London International Programmes, including our Associate Director of Assessment and Awards, Tim Wade. The tours welcomed the new graduates to their home campus, which most had not seen before. Staff provided facts and figures, as well as a selection of informal stories surrounding the development and history of the now beautifully restored art deco building and its surroundings. The tour also allowed guests to explore the many portraits and artefacts that bring Senate Houses history to life, including portraits of our former Chancellor, The Queen Mother, our current Chancellor, HRH The Princess Royal, and our former Vice-Chancellors. Many of those who attended the tour had also booked for the evening Student Dinner, which meant a short walk across Russell Square to the Hotel Russell. This prestigious hotel was frequented in the early 20th Century by the Bloomsbury Set, a group of writers, intellectuals and artists, including the

Top: A graduate captures her moment outside the Barbican, London. Middle: The Chancellor at the special reception. Bottom: Graduates and guests attend the Student Dinner at the Hotel Russell

A truly global array

A number of representatives from our supporting institutions also attended the reception, including Dr John Cribbin, School Secretary & Registrar for HKU SPACE. He said: The nice thing about the reception was that it was principally student-focused, and HRH took a genuine interest in all of the student groups. In our session we talked a little about our role in supporting students of the International Programmes. I had met HRH before and indeed her late grandmother (Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother) in her time as Chancellor, when I was a student at UCL, so it was interesting to see the family continuity as well as the different styles. Speaking more generally about the occasion, Dr Cribbin added: The most enjoyable thing was in seeing such a wide range of nationalities involved at the ceremony, truly a global array of students, as well as the evident delight of the graduates in being presented for their degrees. It certainly felt like a happy occasion. Also in attendance at the Chancellors reception was Julie Noone, Head of Kaplan Business School, who spoke of her pride at meeting HRH: It was of course

celebrated English author, Virginia Woolf. At the Hotel Russell, our guests were treated to an evening of excellent food and fine wine, accompanied by the music of a string quartet. The dinner, attended by nearly 400 graduates and guests, provided an opportunity to meet fellow graduates and Programme Directors from the University. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoffrey Crossick, and the Dean, Professor Jonathan Kydd, both gave speeches at the dinner, in which they congratulated our graduates once again for their achievements and reflected on what had been a remarkable day for the students of the University of London International Programmes.

London ConnectionJune 2011

Feature

More from the day

Our live webcast attracted an audience of 105,000
Friends and family back home shared the occasion via a live webcast, which was streamed on the day to 35,000 individual computers. This translates into an audience of around 105,000 individuals across the world. Our live ceremony was witnessed by audiences as far afield as Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Singapore, Australia, the USA and Hong Kong, amongst many others. The webcast featured an array of interviews with graduates and staff, the Princess Royals student reception, and coverage of both presentation ceremonies. If you missed out first time round, the video is available to watch on-demand via the graduation section of our website: Professor Jonathan Kydd, Dean, University of London International Programmes, being interviewed for the webcast.

www.londoninternational.ac.uk/graduation

What our graduates had to say

Very grand is an understatement; it was awesome The whole thing was enjoyable, not least having so many people from all over the world The whole staging of the event was astonishingly magnificent I left the ceremony with a great sense of pride and my family enjoyed the ceremony too It was a ceremony that I will never forget. Congratulations for a ceremony well executed Our table had such a good time at the Student Dinner that we may have very easily been the last to leave Brilliant and a dream come true

Our new name and the Be More campaign

With a new name, the University of London International Programmes, and a new advertising campaign entitled Be More, the 2011 Graduation Ceremony provided an ideal opportunity to display our branding materials at the Barbican Centre. The branding was applied to posters, a stage backdrop, the ceremony programme, the webcast, and free-standing exhibition panels, which provided an ideal background for personal photography. The Be More campaign, which is currently in the process of being rolled out, was used to highlight what some of our alumni have achieved since graduating with us. Our exceptional alumni include: Charles Kao, Nobel Prize-winner in Physics, 2009; Derek Walcott, Nobel Prize-winner for Literature, 1992; and Rolph Payet, Joint Nobel Peace Prize-winner, 2007. Binda Rai, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communication stated: The images of our alumni, coupled with what they have achieved, sent out a very powerful message about the quality of our students. As part of our programme for the Graduation Ceremony this year, graduates were given a message from our Chancellor, HRH The Princess Royal, which I hope they will use as part of their portfolio, when attending job interviews. This can only help raise our profile with prospective employers.

Our post-event survey showed

99% were satisfied or very

satisfied with the ceremony. 92% rated their overall experience of the day as good or very good. 95% would recommend the University of London International Programmes to friends, family and colleagues, as a result of their ceremony experience. 84% signed up for the Alumni Association on the day.

6 London Connection June 2011

Prole

Aiming high
Sinduja Jayaratne is a second year BSc International Relations student studying at the Royal Institute of Columbo, Sri Lanka. She talks to Lisa Pierre about balancing her studies with an active volunteer life, her hopes for a future Sri Lanka, and an unlikey source of inspiration.
How did you nd out about the University of London International Programmes?
From an advertisement which Royal Institute placed in the newspaper. Authority of Enviroment in Sri Lanka which works closely with the UK and Australian governments and other main stakeholders such as National Geographic. I will hopefully be playing the role of project coordinator. These are the latest developments with me right now.

How are you enjoying the course so far?

Oh I enjoy it to the maximum. The course is fantastic due to its content and the variety of subjects which are relevant to todays context.

Above: Sinduja helps out at the International Programmes Open Day in Sri Lanka this year, and left, her professional profile picture.

How do you nd studying with an Institution? Does it suit your nature?

Well, I love being in the institution since my lecturer, Mr Hasalaka Apampola, is excellent in teaching and presenting the information coherently. But I do a lot of extra stuff parallel to the degree which will help my career. My lecturer and the institution both help me to balance my time. Therefore, I would conclude that being at an institution is great when there are people to encourage you not only with studies, but also in future prospects.

Do you think being a University of London International Programmes student has opened doors for you?
Oh, very much! The above mentioned two opportunities have come to me due to my degree with the International Programmes, and Arbeiter Samariter Bund specially mentioned it.

What do you hope the future holds for you?

Well, I have four dreams when it comes to studies and career. I always wanted to be a graduate from the University of London (definitely attached to the London School of Economics and Political Science). Then I want to get into Harvard University for the PhD. Then I want to work in the United Nations Switzerland and Africa. Then I want to become the first woman President of the USA (which is highly impossible but I would at least try!). There is a saying If you shoot to the moon at least you will fall on the stars! Therefore, lets see how the future works for me!

Sri Lanka is now at a new point in its history. What would you like to see happen in the new Sri Lanka?
I would like to see a new Sri Lanka become a diplomatic hub to balance the relationships between China, India and Pakistan. As an International Relations student I believe that nationalism is not the only way to handle issues. Relationships with the international community matter a lot for your existence. And the international community means not just one country! So I would like to see a Sri Lanka developing new ties with all countries.

Would you consider any postgraduate study?

Yes, I would love to do a Masters in Climate Change / International Relations

Fact file:
Name: Sinduja Umandi Wickramasinghe Jayaratne Age: 22 Studying: Bsc International Relations Voluntary work includes: Project secretary of Sri

You are a very active volunteer, how do you nd time to balance your life and study?
Well, balancing time and studies is an art I would say. I maintain a diary where I write everything that is to be done on different days. According to that, I allocate time for studies and I study six hours per day somehow.

Tell us about your new role with Arbeiter Samariter Bund?

I have been selected for an internship with Arbeiter Samariter Bund which is the oldest voluntary organisation in the world and happens to be a German Institution. I have work in one of their projects in Matara (down south) regarding community governance. In addition to this, I have been selected for a Coral Reef project by the Central

You have expressed an interest in politics and the world of diplomacy. Sri Lanka had the worlds rst female prime minster (Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike). Did she inspire you? Any other inspirations?
To be honest, she never inspired me. But the so called Iron Lady former UK Prime Minister Margret Thatcher, influenced me a lot. I know most of the British people didnt like the way she crushed the unions, but I liked the way she put Britain back on the world map! Also, I like President Barack Obama for being the first black President in a white country! It definitely proves the fact that Impossible Odds-Yes We can!

Lanka Saukyadhana Movement since August 2010; Student assistant for Education Fair UK 2011 under British Council Sri Lanka from 19-20 February 2011; Volunteer for the Warehouse Project from February 2011; Committee member at Green Lanka Youth Platform, writing a climate change report to submit to the Youth Leadership Summit (Singapore, July 2011); Assistant consultant for Management for Development Foundation, in the process of building up a manual for community governance in Sri Lanka under Care International; Team member for the Youth Legal Movement since 2009. Freelance writer for CHOKOLAATE magazine since 2008 and to Asia Digest since 2010 (international and national political column). London Connection June 2011

Report

Staying connected
The University of Londons online presence has developed over the past 12 months, providing our students with great ways to connect with each other and keep up to date with academic and general news from the University. Report by Alice Mallick.
YouTube academic inspiration
Since our YouTube channel relaunched in January 2010 it has been going from strength to strength, generating over 100,000 video views. Our aim with the new channel is to keep content relevant to our student audiences. One of our most common requests from students has been can we have online lectures? Responding to this, we have been developing a selection of short online videos with our academics discussing key developments in the world today and how these events relate to our key courses. As part of our undergraduate academic inspiration sessions, we recently released a video for the LLB programme with Dr Adam Gearey from Birkbeck, University of London. This focused on current developments in the Middle East. Dr Gearey examines the recent Egyptian Revolution from a legal angle and discusses how legal theory can help us understand the Dr Jill Marshall is the author of our study guide for the LLM course Human Rights of Women. You can listen to Dr Marshalls podcast at: http://tinyurl.com/62xso5b

How to study more effectively: advice from our students

Over the past year the popularity of our student blog has grown steadily, with the blog itself now gaining just under 3,000 views monthly. Students have posted on a range of topics with study tips being one of our most popular topic areas. Below our bloggers share their thoughts on the best ways to keep organised while you study and ways of improving exam performance. One of our bloggers shares her knowledge of the best online tools to help you keep organised whilst you study. Edited extracts of her post are below. On the road to being organised Software applications are helping me achieve a new found state of order. Ive found Dropbox, Evernote and Remember The Milk (all three have free versions). Now I must offer up a disclaimer, I did not stumble upon these myself, I hang onto my husbands technological coat tails...

at: http://tinyurl.com/6gfq96u As part of our postgraduate academic inspiration sessions, we recently released a video for the MSc Information Security with Professor Keith Martin, Director of the Information Security Group at Royal Holloway, University of London. He looked at the Blackberrys on-going problem of how to provide privacy for phone users whilst addressing national security needs. You can view this video on our YouTube channel at: http://tinyurl.com/6ynpbgq You can see a full range of academic inspiration sessions for our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at:

http://tinyurl.com/6596zwx The launch of Podcasts

We have also been looking at new ways to share academic content to our student audiences around the world beyond video. March 2011 marked the launch of our first academic podcast for the University of London International Programmes. To tie in with International Womens Day on 8 March 2011, we produced a podcast for the LLM with Dr Jill Marshall from Queen Mary, University of London, speaking about international legal developments aimed at protecting women from violence.

Dropbox: this is cloud storage so you are able to access your files from any computer or smart phone, and share files with others should you be that way inclined. Ive been using Dropbox for over a year, and I love it. It has eliminated the tiresome need for email documents back and forth to myself if I happen to be working on a different machine, plus I have the comfort that copies of my documents are being stored on the cloud so should something happen to my laptop I wont lose all my work. Evernote: Ive had this installed on my laptop (and iPhone) for a while but I only really started using it this month, and I feel such a luddite for ignoring it. Evernote allows you to capture and organize data (lists, ideas,

implications of the revolution. Dr Adam Gearey is a co-author of the study guide for the LLB course Jurisprudence and Legal Theory. You can view this video on our YouTube channel

8 London Connection June 2011

Report

recipes, URLs, etc) as you would if you were using a physical notebook. Its your e-notebook that you never have to worry about forgetting because you can access it from different computers and/or smartphone.

Another of our bloggers shared her thoughts on how simple techniques from the business world could be used to help exam performance. Advice from the business world Last week I turned to the business world for advice about key performance indicators and process goals. Many colleagues say they do not set specific goals. To me certain goals are evident even if unstated; attempting a course implies the goal of passing Remember this piece of advice from the business world, you can manage what you can measure. But what must be measured and managed to be successful? Measurement comes at exam time; analysing the exam experience is the first place I look to establish process goals.

Remember The Milk (RTM). RTM allows you to manage tasks, and share/assign them to others. To be honest I am still feeling my way with RTM. Ive been using it to manage personal tasks, and have only just started using it for study. I guess that for me RTM has replaced the Post-it Notes that I would use to remind me which chapters I need to read, when I need to send in my exam entry form, and to buy more milk.

Time management is an annoying issue in exams. I need to understand how much time I use to write an essay, and why that amount of time is required before I can change the outcome. These are process issues that I can measure, manage and change to produce a better outcome. I need to produce performance criteria then implement my plan and evaluate results. I can move forward confidently by understanding that outcome goals are driven by process and operational goals.

So there you go, three software applications that allow you to get more organized which in turn frees up more time for studying! By Leah Hung, BA Classics Student Blogger name: Lost in Footnotes You can read this article in full at:

http://tinyurl.com/6fpouua

For example; I think about what an academic essay needs to contain and how much time I need to write an essay. I analyse my process for clarifying questions and how I produce a thesis statement.

Remember one last piece of advice from the business world, break complex issues into pieces you can take control over. Setting goals make that possible. By Catherine Olteanu, BA English Student Blogger name: Caowrites You can read this article in full at:

http://tinyurl.com/67gwnyn
You can hear more from Leah and Catherine, and our other bloggers at

www.londoninternational.ac.uk/blog Want to blog? The University of London needs you!

Being one of our student bloggers allows you to connect with others and get feedback from our global community of students. Why not volunteer as a student blogger? To gain further information about becoming a student blogger contact: alice.mallick@london.ac.uk Please include your student number and course name in your email.

London Connection June 2011

Cover story

A much more complex world

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoffrey Crossick, talks to Peter Quinn about tuition fees, opportunities, and the totality of education.
hile the worlds leading thinkers regard the UK as having better universities than any other country apart from the US according to a league table published by the Times Higher Education magazine (http://bit.ly/jtFGTk) the sector itself is experiencing a time of unprecedented change. Following a review of higher education funding in England by the former BP chief executive, Lord Browne, the government is taking away over 80% of the higher education sectors teaching money and replacing it with student fees. Of the 90 or so universities in England that have revealed their tuition fees for undergraduate students in 2012, more than two thirds intend to charge the maximum of 9,000 per year. For a full-time student, that represents a rise of more than 170 percent from its current level of 3,290. Apart from underscoring the exceptional value of taking a degree with the University of London International Programmes a three-year undergraduate degree typically costs less than 4,000 in total this exponential increase raises the question of whether there is a real danger of creating a two-tier system in England where the well-off go to the top tier universities and the less well-off go to a second tier? There shouldnt be, Professor Crossick tells me, because how well off you are when you go to university is irrelevant to how you pay back your fees you only pay back your fees when youre earning over 21,000 per year. And whenever youre not earning that amount you dont pay back any fees at all. So, in theory, it shouldnt be a problem. However, in practice it is obvious that people who come from lower-paid backgrounds are likely to be much more anxious about

taking on what they will see as debt. It is a debt, but its not like a credit card debt or a mortgage debt, because its a debt that may never be repaid if you never earn enough through your life. But I can see that people from disadvantaged financial backgrounds are likely to be more cautious about taking on such a debt. I should say that the new student support system proposed by Browne if it happens will give much more financial support to students from poorer backgrounds, Professor Crossick

Lord Browne suggested that spending on teaching grants would be cut from over 3 billion to 700 million. The remainder would be targeted at priority subjects such as sciences, medicine and engineering, so that other subjects will have to be funded entirely by fees. The Governments Spending Review confirmed that direction of travel, and as we speak were awaiting a White Paper that might provide more of the detail. The scenario that Browne presented immediately raised alarm bells about

I have been impressed by the way in which a lot of the programmes are responding to the real challenges of delivering a UK university degree that is producing graduates who are thinking, challenging, imaginative, analytical not just whove learnt stuff.
continues, so that should be helpful. In the context of the severity of the cuts the government has imposed on universities, there is no other way of keeping our university system viable than having these fees. But I do think we have to work our very hardest to make sure it doesnt disadvantage people who are already less likely to go to university. Another, even more troubling, question comes to mind. Isnt it the case that, in an unregulated tuition fee market, some institutions will inevitably struggle and possibly go under? Yes, I think thats the case. I suspect that the current Secretary of State might like to see that happen. He appears to believe that some universities will go out of business if they fail rather than being rescued. the future of the arts, humanities and social sciences in the UK. As someone who is passionate about the importance of these subjects he is a former Chief Executive of the Arts and Humanities Research Board Professor Crossick sees this perception as a real danger. The challenge here is not actually the money, because the arts, humanities and social sciences are not set to lose any more teaching funding than are the sciences. The latter will get some teaching funding because they are more expensive to teach. To the outside world, however, what the language of the Browne Report seemed to say is: we dont think the arts and humanities, or the social sciences, are a priority. We think theyre a luxury, and if people want to study them they should pay for it

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Cover story

The International Programmes will be an even stronger version of what it is today. It will do what is has done in every decade throughout its history, and that is astonish us by new developments that we hadnt thought were going to happen
themselves. The tax payer doesnt need to help them. I think this will be seen by the wider world as a downgrading of arts, humanities and social sciences and I think that would be tragic. Scientists, as much as arts and humanities people, believe in the totality of knowledge, the totality of education. But there is now a perception out there that arts, humanities and social sciences need to address. With the cost of the traditional university experience set to rise considerably, there is an expectation that more students will opt for the flexibility that distance learning offers. Professor Crossick concurs. I think that is likely to happen, for two reasons. One is that whatever the realities of how fees will be recouped, a good proportion of students will think twice, three times, four times, before signing up for it. They will see alternatives: you can do work-based learning and simply accumulate modules. You can do distance learning to get a degree in its entirety, or study individual modules. And in the years ahead you will also be able to do higher learning with private, for-profit providers, who are going to be much more numerous in the future. They would have been anyway, because there was no stopping it, but this government actually wants to see it. These providers will enter into competition with traditional universities, undercutting their prices quite probably. And so I think there will be a greater variety of options. I think its going to be a much more complex world. As the worlds oldest provider of degrees through distance and flexible learning, the University of London International Programmes seems well placed for any additional take-up. Indeed, this very subject has already been discussed in an adjournment debate held in the House of Commons in October last year. And, in purely financial terms, the fact that part-time students will be given proportionate access to student funding may be especially valuable to UK students wishing to pursue their studies with the University of London International Programmes. But while Professor Crossick sees opportunities for growth in the UK, he also sounds a note of caution. Yes, I think there are opportunities. The current government is very interested in it. What we need to be careful about is that we react to the opportunities provided by the wider market and by government initiatives, while being careful that the sheer quality and value of a University of London degree is maintained through this process and we do it in ways that we think are the right ways for the University. But I think, within that context, theres lots we can do. Since taking up the post of ViceChancellor of the University of London in September 2010, Professor Crossick has attended graduation ceremonies in Moscow, Hong Kong, Singapore and London. This first-hand experience of meeting International Programmes graduates has provided him with certain insights into their singular qualities. I have been impressed by the way in which a lot of the programmes are responding to the real challenges of delivering a UK university degree that is producing graduates who are thinking, challenging, imaginative, analytical not just whove learnt stuff. And we now have the capacity which we didnt have in 1858, which we didnt have even in 1998 to actually recreate a lot of the dynamic, interactive experience of learning thats so special to higher education in this country. On the subject of whether more of the University of Londons constituent Colleges could develop programmes for study by distance and flexible learning, Professor Crossick declares himself agnostic. While opportunities for new programmes are something which he would very strongly support, he reflects that whether that needs more Colleges, or more to be done by the existing Colleges, is up

to the Colleges themselves. If more Colleges want to get involved, that would be great and the current signs are that they do. The important thing is to expand the programmes. At a time of increasing diversification of the higher education sector, the distinct model of the International Programmes centred upon its vision of a life-changing, high quality university education available to all who will benefit seems more relevant than ever. I feel sure that the International Programmes has the capacity to grow even further in the number of its students, Professor Crossick says, their geographical range and, above all, their impact on their own country and the global society that affects us all. The world in the years to come will be driven by its knowledge economy, and those with education and skills will excel in it. The International Programmes will be an even stronger version of what it is today. It will do what is has done in every decade throughout its history, and that is astonish us by new developments that we hadnt thought were going to happen.

London Connection June 2011 11

Feature

BSc International Development launching in 2011

e are pleased to announce the launch of a new BSc in International Development. Developed by the London School of Economics and Political Science, the programme combines social science approaches from disciplines such as economics, politics, sociology and demography. The field of International Development attempts to understand and to shape processes of social and economic change in order to reduce poverty and to create a better life for poorer people, and the countries where they live. Typical themes of International Development include poverty alleviation; economic growth; aid and assistance; the management of local and global environmental problems and the political economy of social change. It also covers the processes of democratisation inside countries and within international development organisations. The Programme Director for the new BSc is Dr Tim Forsyth, from LSEs Department of International Development. Tim comments that the programme responds to the increase in demand worldwide for training in matters of development studies, which includes attempts by governments, international organisations

and non-governmental organisations to try and increase economic growth and reduce poverty in ways which are socially inclusive and environmentally safe. The core course, Introduction to International Development, provides an introduction to the meaning of development, the way in which the definition has changed over time, and some of the controversies about it. While a BSc in International Development would certainly be useful for anyone pursuing a career within aid agencies or

international organisations, Tim remarks that its also relevant for people who want to work in any political or economic development role. It talks about managing economies, policy processes and also very localised problems such as housing and humanitarian crises, which can be useful for anybody dealing with public management or businesses which deal with issues of public management. To find out more about the programme, please visit: http://bit.ly/lR8Uz9 Dr Tim Forsyth, Programme Director for the BSc International Development, pictured in Sumatra, Indonesia.

Watch our academic inspiration video about the new BSc on YouTube
and Political Science, provides an introduction to Global environmental problems and politics, a key course on the new programme. Mr Campanaro poses several dicult questions relating to humanitys impact on the natural world. For instance, he asks: Do we expect states to limit economic growth in order to maintain their ecological sustainability? Should developed states sacrifice some of their present auence to offset rising levels of consumption in developing regions of the world? And finally, Who can or should determine the appropriate balance between consumption and conservation? These are just some of the dilemmas that students will be grappling with from this autumn. To watch the academic inspiration video in full, please visit:

One of our academic inspiration videos gives prospective students a flavour of what to expect from the new BSc International Development programme. In the video, Richard Campanaro, from the London School of Economics

http://bit.ly/ijHbA2

12 London Connection June 2011

News bites

SIM 25th anniversary

Pictured: The Vice-Chancellor and University of London International Programmes staff together with SIM staff celebrating a successful 25-year relationship.

On Friday 8 April 2011, the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) and the University of London International Programmes celebrated their Silver Jubilee year, following a 25-year relationship that has seen more than 15,000 students graduate with a University of London degree. The occasion was marked by a special dinner at The Regent Hotel in Singapore, attended by

more than 100 people. At the dinner, the University of Londons Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoffrey Crossick, presented SIM with a special certificate. He attributed their academic success to remarkable foresight that has been responsive to the needs of the local and regional economy. The dinner was also attended by Professor Jonathan Kydd, Dean, University of London International Programmes, who on

his return, reflected on the success of a flourishing partnership driven by academic excellence and quality. Among the other guests at the dinner were Mark Howard, Director of the British Council Singapore; Professor Lee Kwok Cheong, CEO of SIM Pte Ltd; Rosie Gosling, Director, University of London International Programmes at LSE; and Sarah Rauchas, Acting Programme Director at Goldsmiths.

Facebook page for LLM students

Current LLM students now have a dedicated Facebook page. The aim of the page is to be a community-facilitating web page to encourage conversation among current students and to provide an insight for prospective students and members of the public into the University of London LLM Programme. We will be posting news updates about the LLM Programme and its contributing academics; information about Directors seminars; and other legal news of interest to LLM students to encourage discussion and debate. Please visit: www.facebook.com/University.of.London.LLM

London Connection June 2011

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News round up

Points to note
In print...
Below is a selection of new publications currently in print
Undergraduate programmes in Computing and Information Systems and Creative Computing. Academic direction: Goldsmiths

Undergraduate programmes in Economics, Finance, Management and the Social Sciences. Academic direction: The London School of Economics and Political Science

Come and meet us

Below is a list of forthcoming exhibitions we will be attending. If you know someone who might be interested in studying with us, please let them know they can meet us at these events. If you have a question about any of our events please email:

Undergraduate programmes in Law. Academic direction: Birkbeck, Kings College London, The London School of Economics and Political Science, Queen Mary, School of Oriental and African Studies, UCL.

exhibitions@london.ac.uk
Country Event title University of London International Programmes Open Day Event details 9 July 2011 09:30 12:30 and 14:00 17:00 British Council Auditorium 5 Fuller Road Dhaka 1000 13 July 2011 18:30 20:00 Room 16 British Council Siam Square 254 Chulalongkorn Soi 64 Siam Square, Phyathai Road Pathumwan, Bangkok 23 July 2011 09:00 12:30 Royal Institute of Colombo 189 Havelock Road Colombo 05 24 July 2011 14:30 18:00 Taj Samudra Colombo 25 Galle Face Centre Road Colombo 03

Postgraduate study programmes in Education. Academic direction: Institute of Education.

Bangladesh

Postgraduate study programmes in Information Security. Academic direction: Royal Holloway, University of London.

Thailand

University of London Information Seminar

Postgraduate study programmes in International Management and International Business. Academic direction: Royal Holloway, University of London. Building Futures: a guide to the University of London International Programmes

University of London and Royal Institute of Colombo Open Day Sri Lanka University of London and CFPS Open Day

14 London Connection June 2011

Points to note

Top tips

Think SMART
A number of studies on distance learning have shown that students who are well-motivated and organized are normally the most successful. SMART objectives can be particularly useful when it comes to planning your studies: Specic Be precise about what you are going to achieve. For example, I will study from 6pm to 8pm every day (rather than I will study 14 hours a week). Measurable Quantify your objectives. For example, I will read five chapters per week. Achievable Make the objective challenging, something which stretches you, but not so difficult that its impossible to accomplish. For example, I will consult online resources three times a week (rather than five times a day). Realistic Do you have the necessary resources needed to achieve the objective? Timely Set a target date for when you will achieve the objective. For example, I will finish this essay by Saturday. In order to set effective objectives, its important that you develop a clear understanding of what is required. The best way of doing this is to make sure that you take a really close look at the exam criteria.

Top five student FAQs

Our Information Centre deals with a huge amount of enquiries from students regarding their study with the University of London International Programmes. session. You will be able to pay your continuing registration fees online this year. Further information and instructions will be sent to you in August concerning this new process.

Here are the current top ve student FAQS:

1. Are units and subjects equivalent to courses?

3. Do I have to attend the Graduation Ceremony to receive my certicate?

No, all certificates are sent to the graduates postal address upon successful completion of their studies (as is the case when studying on campus). All new graduates are invited to attend a graduation ceremony in March to celebrate their achievement but certificates are not presented on the day.

You may notice in your new undergraduate programme Regulations the terms subjects and units have been replaced by the term courses. This is just a change in terminology and has no effect on the value of the unit or subject (now known as course) studied. The same is true of postgraduate programmes and a change to the term module.

123 45

4. How many students are currently studying in my country?

We have over 50,000 students studying in over 190 countries and you can see where they are using our interactive map. It is available on our website at: www.londoninternational.

2. I didnt sit examinations this year. Do I still need to pay a continuing registration fee?
Yes, undergraduate students need to maintain their registration each year whether they have chosen to enter for examinations or not. This allows you to be sent any necessary updates to your study materials and ensures you are eligible to be examined at the next available examination

ac.uk/maps/students.html

5. Is my University of London degree accredited?

In order to award a degree in the UK, a University must have permission from the Secretary of State, Act of Parliament or a Royal Charter. This

means that all degrees offered in the UK must adhere to a strict set of national guidelines. The University of London International Programmes is subject to regular Institutional Audits by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). The QAA safeguards quality and standards in UK higher education, checking how well universities and colleges meet their responsibilities. The last audit was in May 2011 and we received the judgement of confidence, the highest judgement awarded.

London Connection June 2011

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Media

Media watch
The University of London International Programmes is frequently mentioned in the media. The following is a selection of some recent examples:
8 February 2011

Wider choice of professions through SEGis quality law programmes

from The Borneo Post online (Borneo) Article which references SEGi College Sarawaks long-standing relationship with the University of London.

5 April 2011

Distance learners get law degrees from London

from The Trinidad Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)

June 2011
A new proposed college in London, New College of the Humanities, hit the headlines in June 2011, generating extensive media coverage involving the University of London International Programmes. Below are just a few examples:

http://www.theborneopost. com/2011/02/08/widerchoice-of-professions-throughsegi%e2%80%99s-qualitylaw-programmes/ 25 February 2011

http://www.guardian.co.tt/ news/2011/04/05/distancelearners-get-law-degrees-london May 2011

The Changing Face of Online Learning

from uni-mag.co.uk (UK) The Dean discusses the role of ICT in distance learning provision.

7 June 2011

Graylings Folly is falling down

from The NewStatesman (UK)

Students could earn university degrees without studying there

from The Telegraph (UK) Article which cites the model of the University of London as offering students the chance to obtain a degree without studying at the institution.

http://bit.ly/lD7Xz6 5 May 2011

http://www.newstatesman.com/ blogs/david-allen-green/2011/06/ college-humanities-students 7 June 2011

Degrees go the distance

from The Telegraph (UK) Interview in which the Dean talks about the expansion of the International Programmes.

Private college challenged over university label

from BBC News (UK)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/ educationnews/8349014/Studentscould-earn-university-degreeswithout-studying-there.html 6 March 2011

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ education-13676006 9 June 2011

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ education/expateducation/8487609/ Degrees-go-the-distance.html 25 May 2011

Anthonys Dream School

from Times Higher Education (UK)

RIC Outstanding in Tertiary Education

from The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) News piece about Royal Institute of Colombos graduation ceremony and its high achieving University of London graduates.

LSE degree on city campus

from The Telegraph (India) News piece about the Calcutta School of Economics which will offer LSE-led programmes.

http://www.timeshighereducation. co.uk/story.asp?c=1&sectionco de=26&storycode=416438 13 June 2011

http://www.sundaytimes. lk/110306/Education/ed25.html 3 April 2011

http://www.telegraphindia. com/1110525/jsp/calcutta/ story_14024284.jsp June 2011

Plans to Found Pricey New College Raise Eyebrows

from The New York Times (USA)

Events and ceremonies

From the Office of the President, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Digital games development strategy being finalised PM

from timesofmalta.com (Malta)

http://www.nytimes.com/ 2011/06/13/world/europe/13ihtEDUCLEDE13.html?_r=2 21 June 2011

http://www.thepresident. tt/events_and_ceremonies. php?mid=189&eid=845

http://www.timesofmalta.com/ articles/view/20110614/local/ digital-games-development-strategybeing-finalised-pm.370588#

A new UK private university institution: maybe...

from Inside Higher Ed (USA)

http://www.insidehighered.com/ blogs/the_world_view/a_new_uk_ private_university_institution_maybe

A statement issued on the New College of the Humanities by the University of London International Programmes can be viewed here:

http://www.londoninternational. ac.uk/media/press_releases/ new_college_humanities.shtml

Published by: University of London International Programmes Design, Editorial & Production. Copyright University of London, 2011.