Kent Law School’s commitment to internationalisation has been recognised with a Gold Award in the University of Kent’s inaugural International Impact Award scheme.
Internationalisation covers the recruitment and student experience of international students at Kent, the international mobility of students and staff, and the development of effective research links and partnerships with other research intensive universities around the world.
In its submission for the award scheme, the Law School showcased a rich variety of research, education and engagement activities that have had an international impact over the last 18 months. Examples submitted by the Law School included: research grants for projects taking place around the world; a vibrant programme of visiting academics; support for international student societies (including a student-run conference on migration and refugee law); an integrated International Welcome Week for international students; the provision of postgraduate law programmes at Kent’s centre in Brussels and postgraduate intensive modules at Kent’s centre in Paris; the provision of undergraduate law programmes with opportunities to study at partner institutions in Europe, Hong Kong, Canada, China and Japan; international conferences and competitions hosted at Kent; a partnership between Kent Law Clinic and a law clinic in Sierra Leone; international mooting competitions; developing connections with international alumni for work placements and mentorships; an annual programme of international recruitment visits; and funding for a number of taught postgraduate scholarships for international students.
Director of Internationalisation Lisa Dickson said: ‘We’re so pleased to have won this Gold Award – it’s very much testament to the international focus and ethos of the School and to the way in which we value our international student and staff community. The prize money of £5,000 attached to this award will enable more of our students – whether Home, EU or international – to participate in an increasing number of international competitions and trips in the coming year.’
The award scheme attracted 19 entries in total, with each submission asked to show how schools or departments at Kent were meeting five key requirements of the University’s central internationalisation strategy:
- Raising the profile and increasing the international esteem of the University of Kent and its research
- Embracing, learning from and responding to cultural diversity and embedding cross-institutional internationalisation
- Championing and extending the University’s unique position as the UK’s European university
- Further developing and enhancing partnerships and networks in the wider international world
- Continuing to increase and support international student recruitment
In addition to the Gold Award given to the Law School, 10 Bronze Awards and eight Silver Awards were also awarded.