Category Archives: Student Guide

Apply for funding to support unpaid work, training or a networking event

Are you planning to undertake some unpaid work experience this summer? Or, are you looking to complete a training course or attend a networking event? You could be entitled to funding to support the costs of your experience!

The Careers and Employability Service are able to provide funding to current students of at least £150, towards the cost of travel, training fees and work attire for opportunities that will support your employability.

This is open to current students, who’ll be returning to their studies for at least one term, after the opportunity has taken place. You can claim the funding against costs incurred in the first 3 weeks (or 120 hours) of your opportunity, which will be reimbursed after the experience has taken place.

Many students have already taken advantage of this; helping them to take part in valuable experiences, to develop their employability. Here are just a couple of the experiences students have undertaken with the help of the funding:

“The University of Kent Work Experience Bursary has allowed me to advance my experience, technical knowledge and professional skill-set, in the Heritage and Estate Management sectors. I benefitted from the Work Experience Bursary during a two-week period of professional-level work experience at Chiddingstone Castle in West Kent. My time at Chiddingstone Castle has significantly improved my professional skill-set and I believe will enhance my opportunities for employment in the future.”

“Thanks to the University of Kent Work Experience Bursary, I was able to afford travel to and from my unpaid extended work experience placement, along with appropriate work attire. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with established artists from varying backgrounds, see first-hand how seasoned curators organise an exhibition, while learning crucial knowledge about sales, the relationship between a gallery and its artists, how to interact with potential clients, how artwork is displayed within the gallery and on social media.”

“The University of Kent Work Experience Bursary has enabled me to continue on a two-month legal internship at Whitestone Chambers in London, a highly specialised commercial set of Chambers. Attending hearings made me realise that commercial litigation goes far beyond my assumption of big businesses bringing cases against each other, but in fact it is far more personal, and is now an area of the law I will consider for my own career more seriously than prior to my internship.”

To apply, you just need to complete a simple online application form. Requests for reimbursement need to be received by mid-July 2022.

Access the form and read the full terms and conditions see the Work Opportunities Fund webpage.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Summer vacation campus facility opening times

On campus? Here’s a roundup of the summer vacation opening times:

A love letter to Heartstopper

By Dr Lindsey Cameron, Kirsty Gravestock [PhD student], Hannah Bassom and Abigail Lugg [undergraduate students], School of Psychology.

We can’t stop thinking about Heartstopper.  

Heartstopper has opened a ground-breaking new chapter in LGBTQ+ representation. This beautiful, unapologetic, boy meets boy love story follows two 15- and 16-year-old boys as they become friends, fall in love, and discover who they are. The boys are surrounded by their close circle of friends, each on their own journeys to understand their LGBTQ+ identity.  But Heartstopper is much more than a love story – Dr Lindsey Cameron and Kirsty Gravestock research diversity in young people’s media, and can tell you that this new Netflix series, and the books it is based on, is nothing short of radical and just what the world needs right now.  

The characters refer to homophobic and transphobic bullying they have experienced in the past, and there are several instances of homophobic victimisation depicted in the series, but the show focuses more on the positive relationships and lives the characters are building for themselves. This fictional, and somewhat rose-tinted view of life for LGBTQ+ young people may bring about complicated feelings for some in the LGBTQ+ community, but Heartstopper provides a joy and hope-filled view of what life could be like for LGBTQ+ young people today.  

“Heartstopper is a breath of fresh air – a book and TV series specifically created for young viewers. When myself and my girlfriend were growing up, we were surrounded by dominant heterosexual norms, but perhaps greater exposure and diversity in relation to LGBTQ+ media would have helped me work out my sexuality a lot earlier.” – Abigail Lugg

So here is why you should stop what you’re doing and watch (and read) it now – not just because it’s wonderful, but because decades of psychological research help show why it’s essential viewing for everyone. 

1.Representation matters – Heartstopper’s positive role models smash gay stereotypes and provide a much-needed shot of LGBTQ+ diversity, and we need more diversity in young people’s media. We need our young people, including LGBTQ+ young people, to see themselves reflected back in books, TV and film, to feel validated, valued, seen, and accepted. Mainstream shows featuring positive, life-affirming LGBTQ+ story lines send an important message: representation matters, equality matters, LGBTQ+ people matter.  

2.We need positive LGBTQ+ storylines for a younger audience –Whilst the show depicts 15- and 16-year-old characters, the storyline, characters and key messages will appeal to both younger and older audiences alike. It’s a show that younger adolescents, as well as older teenagers and their parents can watch together without too much cringe. And that is important: from a young age, parents are a crucial source of information for children as they learn about their social world. By watching Heartstopper with their children, parents will have an opportunity to talk about the LGBTQ+ community and identity (whether their child is part of the community or not), and maybe even inspiring their child to open up about their experiences. 

3.Challenging prejudice and stereotypes – Victimisation based on sexual orientation emerges mainly during early adolescence, when homophobic name-calling is common. Decades of research on diversity in books, films and TV tells us that that the simple but immersive act of reading and watching characters that are different to us in some way, and who we connect with, can reduce prejudice and stereotyping, build support for equality, and increase openness to diverse friendships. 

4.Being a good ally – Heartstopper models constructive ally behaviours by providing examples of how parents, peers and teachers can support and create comfortable environments for LGBTQ+ young people, as well as demonstrating potential ways of standing up for and supporting victims of LGBTQ+ bullying. Research tells us that viewing, and forming attachments to LGBTQ+ characters, as well as observing or engaging in cross-group friendships with LGBTQ+ peers, fosters empathy and constructive ally behaviours, helpful bystander reactions to homophobic bullying, and support for social change and equality.

“As a Gen-Z-TikTok-addicted-bisexual, it was shocking to see how accurately the plight of discovering one’s own sexuality was portrayed. From Nick’s confusion over suddenly liking a boy, to panic-searching BuzzFeed quizzes to determine his sexuality for him, to more serious topics such as homophobic bullying, Heartstopper truly shows people what it’s like to not be straight. Heartstopper works by showing us it’s okay to love who you love and be who you want to be unapologetically.” – Hannah Bassom

Heartstopper gives us a view of what life could and should be like for young LGBTQ+ people. And this is why Heartstopper is so important, and so radical: we need more unapologetic, joyful, positive stories like this for young people, filled with optimism, love and Pride.  

To see all the research references and find out more about the blogpost authors’ areas of study, please view the full blogpost on the Psychology website.

Birth Rites Collection exhibition at Kent

What is the Birth Rites Collection?

Birth Rites Collection (BRC) is the first and only collection of contemporary artwork dedicated to the subject of childbirth, and is being hosted at the University. It is the first time it is being hosted and exhibited in such an environment, which was chosen to reflect the fact that birth, commonly perceived as a medical affair, is also a social and cultural event.

The collection was established by artist and curator Helen Knowles following a touring exhibition at the Glasgow Science Centre and Manchester Museum in 2008 and has since expanded to over 90 artworks, which include tapestries from the Birth Project (1981-83) by internationally renowned artist Judy Chicago, amongst many others. All artworks are acquired through artist donation or commission and includes multiple art forms, including photography, performance, sculpture, painting, print, wallpaper, drawing, new media and film.

Where to find the exhibition on campus

Thanks to the generous support of the University’s Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries, Division of Arts and Humanities, and Professor Darren Griffin from its School of Biosciences, artworks will be on display at a number of locations across the University campus. These include The Wigoder Building, part of Kent Law School, The Templeman Library, Grimond Building and Gulbenkian Arts Centre.

Professor Catherine Richardson, Director of the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries, said: ‘The University of Kent is delighted to be hosting The Birth Rites Collection. This fascinating collection of art has the potential to spark debate, learning and awareness around issues as diverse as blockchain and reproductive technologies, the politics and practice of childbirth, and the relationship between art, health and social care.’

BRC has an established record of working within an academic context, having previously been housed at the University of Salford and King’s College, London, where the collection was used as a creative research tool to support interdisciplinary teaching practices.

Helen Knowles said: ‘We are excited to be moving the Birth Rites Collection to the University of Kent and embarking on a new partnership with an innovative and creative institution. It is important that the artworld moves outside of London and connects with wider communities across the UK. This opportunity to be based in the southeast of England is very prescient, in light of maternal health inequalities and the unequal access to contemporary art regionally. We hope to contribute to a wider debate on the subject of birth and engage with the people of Canterbury, Kent and beyond.’

Birth Rites Collection Summer School

As part of the collaboration with Birth Rites, Kent will also host a Birth Rites Collection Summer School this September. The unique programme of lectures, workshops, seminars and one-to-one tutorials will introduce participants to the collection and facilitate a dialogue between them, their practice and the artworks.

Led by Helen Knowles and Hermione Wiltshire, artist and Co-Head of the Photography Programme at the Royal College of Art, the course will appeal to a range of individuals – from midwifes and health professionals to artists and policy advisors. Bursaries this year are offered to staff and students at the University of Kent and KMMS only. See more information about the summer school.

Summer vacation support from Student Support and Wellbeing

Student Support and Wellbeing continues to be open throughout the summer vacation - our offices are only closed on weekends and bank holidays, including Monday 29 August. 

Booking appointments with Student Support and Wellbeing staff

You can still book online or face to face appointments with specialist support staff from 9.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00 throughout the summer, both in person and online, as long as you’re a registered student at Kent. Contact us at KentSSW@kent.ac.uk for Canterbury students, and MedwaySSW@kent.ac.uk for Medway students to arrange support during the summer vacation.

Mental health crisis support

If you’d like to speak with support staff urgently in office hours, Monday to Friday, 9.00-17.00, please phone on 01227 826573 for the Canterbury campus or 01634 888474 for Medway.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need emergency wellbeing or counselling support outside of office hours, our external partners Spectrum Life can offer you online, text, and telephone support from qualified counsellors and therapists.

Spectrum will work with you in getting initial support and help during your crisis and the University Student Support and Wellbeing teams will contact you on the next working day. Spectrum Life is available on Monday to Friday evenings from 20.00 till 08.00, and on weekends and Bank Holidays. Telephone: 0800 0318227 and press option 1, or Text ‘Hi’ to: 00353 87 369 0010. Search for the Spectrum Life app from your app store and follow the log in instructions

If you need emergency support on either Canterbury or Medway campus, Campus Security staff are on duty 24 hours per day, 365 days per year and can always be contacted on their emergency number: 01227 82 3333.

More mental health support providers

For 24/7 free online support from peers and trained professionals, all Kent students can access Togetherall.
If you’re having a difficult time and want to talk to someone, you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org. 
If you would prefer to receive support via text message, Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope, simply text 85258.

Together with our partner organisations, we’re here to support you over the summer.

If you use Instagram, follow @UniKentSSW for information any wellbeing support groups or opportunities over vacation, and inspiring articles and information to help you stay well and connected to yourself and others, whatever you’re doing during vacation.

Industrial action goodwill payment scheme

From Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience

Thank you for your continued patience during the periods of industrial action this academic year. We have been working hard to assess the impact of the industrial action on each of you across all our academic Divisions. We appreciate this process has taken some time. However, it was important to ensure that the effect of the industrial action on all our students was assessed fairly and equitably.

Goodwill gesture payments for eligible students

Based on the information that we have about teaching events impacted by the industrial action from Divisions, and in conjunction with Kent Union, the University’s Executive Group has now approved a goodwill gesture payment scheme. Through this scheme, eligible students whose teaching activities were disrupted will receive payments directly to their bank accounts based on the impact in their areas.

Because the University does not hold students’ bank details, we will work with Western Union to ensure safe, secure payments can be made to students’ bank accounts allowing all eligible students to receive the payment they are entitled to.

When will I find out if I am eligible?

If you are eligible for an industrial action goodwill payment, we will contact you via your Kent student email by the middle of July to arrange payment.

Final year students’ email accounts will remain active until 12 August 2022* to allow time to complete the payment process. Reminder emails will be sent before Finalist email accounts are closed.

For further information, you can contact industrialaction@kent.ac.uk.

Best wishes,

Professor Richard Reece | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience

*this date has been extended until 12 September 2022.

Have your say on our University brand! First 15 students to feed back will get a £10 Amazon voucher

Watch the videos online to understand the thinking behind our brand work, see mock-ups and give us your feedback.

Feed back on new brand ideas

Be quick! The first 15 students to feed back will get a £10 Amazon voucher.

Kent Star: Meet Activities Advocate Lewis

This month’s Kent Star is Lewis Powell, who has been involved in a wide range of activities during his time at Kent. From football to esports, President of the Poker Society to Peace Ambassador. Hear from our Activities Advocate Lewis about what he’s been up to:

“I’m Lewis Powell and I’m a final year student studying Economics with Econometrics. I have many hobbies which take up most of my free time. I love football (playing and watching), although Southampton’s end of season form have been testing that love. My other interests include esports and poker as well as travelling. Last September I was a Peace Ambassador for an organisation called Peaceline where we travelled through Germany, Latvia. Lithuania and Poland. A fun fact is that I qualified and played in the €1150 Irish Open Main Event poker tournament in 2019 in Dublin when I was 19.”

Tell us about some of the activities you have been involved with during your time at Kent.

“I have played 6-a-side football with my team every week at Football Frenzy which has been great fun and fuelled my competitive spirit. I had always loved supporting my football team but hadn’t played much during secondary school. Getting involved, improving as a player and having my own team is one of the best things I’ve done during university and it is an activity I look forward to every week.

During the various lookdowns, I decided to fuel my competitive spirit by joining one of the university Counter Strike Global Offensive online teams in my third year at Kent. I hadn’t played hardly at all in the two years prior but soon got super invested in my team and loved competing against other universities twice a week in NUEL and NSE (Esports platforms). As our team evolved through various changes to the roster I decided to step up by becoming the captain and in-game leader. We had a team who were willing to practice, on the same page and whom we had good synergy. Shoutout to Ethan, Max, Tommy and especially Jamie (who I’ve teamed with for 2 years) for all the hard work they put in.

I have also been President of Kent Poker the last two years. I am extremely proud of building back the society after the pandemic to build a loyal community of poker lovers. I am sure the community will continue to thrive going into next academic year.”

What advice would you give to other students?

“Your input is your output. Get involved! There really is a society for everyone at Kent and I would encourage anyone to pursue their hobbies in your spare time. You don’t want to look back on a university experience where you only studied and partied. Some the best time I’ve had at university have been within my various teams and societies and meeting many different people. I would also encourage students to do things over summer; whether that is working, spending time on a side project or participating in programs abroad. This will give you lots of stuff to talk about with potential employers.”

What are your plans for the next year?

“As soon as I finish my exams I am off to Las Vegas for 7 weeks. I will be working as a tournament reporter at the 53^rd World Series of Poker from 31 May-19 July for PokerNews. There I will be covering the action from the most popular poker tournament series in the world. I am also hoping I will have some time to relax after a really intense academic year. When I return to the UK I will evaluate my options and see what direction I want to go in next.”

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

Events roundup: 13-19 June

It’s the final week of term (and the undergraduate academic year!) Here’s a roundup of our top events this week, with plenty of opportunities to get outside and celebrate with friends.

Complete the Race Equality Charter Student Survey by 17 June

Make sure you complete the survey by Friday 17 June to help shape the University’s anti-racism strategy. Plus, you’ll be in with the chance of winning one of three £50 shopping vouchers.

Monday: Community litter pick and reducing waste

Give back to your local community by joining the College and Community Life Team and other students for litter picking, 12.00-15.00. Meet new people, help the environment and earn Employability Points.

And while we’re on the topic of waste… if you’re moving out and don’t want to take everything with you, you can donate it on campus. See the StuFF and BHF donation points. Find out more information about moving out of accommodation or your student house.

Tuesday: Get outdoors with mindfulness and live music

Learn about the basics of mindfulness practice and how it can help us to deal with stress, while relaxing in the Rutherford Commemorative Garden from 11.00-12.00 on Tuesday.

It’s the final week of the Gulbenkian Summer Festival. Chill out listening to live music from Pearl Hannaford outside the Gulbenkian. Plus, you can purchase food and drink to enjoy while you listen and catch up with friends.

Wednesday: Explore Kent Community Oasis Garden

Explore the Kent Community Oasis Garden (Kent COG) in Park Wood College with an introduction to mindfulness practice. Meet up outside Woody’s at 13.45 to walk over to the garden. Emily Mason and Debi Adams from the Kent COG will tell you about different activities you can join in and how you can use the space for relaxation and wellbeing, followed by a guided outdoor meditation by Miriam Zapp from the College and Community Life Team.

Thursday: Outdoor cinema sing along and see Kent’s new brand

We’re developing a new look and feel for how we talk about Kent. Come along to the brand roadshow in Templeman Library Foyer on Thursday and Friday, 10.00-15.00 or the Medway Student Hub social space between 11.00-14.00 on Thursday. See the thinking behind the updated brand, alongside mock-ups that you can feedback on. There’ll be an online version too so watch out for the link later this week.

The final outdoor cinema showing for the Gulbenkian Summer Festival is Rocketman sing along, an epic musical fantasy about the fantastical human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years. The film starts at 21.00 but you’re welcome to join earlier to get comfortable and order some snacks.

Saturday: Pride Picnic

Join the Kent and Medway Network of LGBT+ Networks for their Pride Picnic in Coleridge Gardens (at Canterbury Christ Church University) and Rochester Building Lawns (Medway campus). Friends, families and allies welcome. Bring your own picnic and blankets and any Pride flags and decorations.

Sunday: Aqua Park Trip (Medway)

Enjoy this great summer day out at Kent’s Aqua Park on Sunday, 11.00-14.00. Have fun slipping and sliding around all the obstacles and slides. Tickets cost £10 per person. Transport will be provided from Pembroke building.

Browse all student events

Access skills development training and quizzes for free

Over the years, The MTD Training Group have provided several courses as part of the Employability Points programmes.

These have included Management Training Courses, Sales Training Courses and also access to an Online Learning Platform.

They are now giving all Kent students access to several FREE resources to help them with their studies and to also help prepare them for the working world.

Leadership Test

Benchmarks your management and leadership skills against 12 competencies and 96 key skills. Learners receive a personalised report with the findings and tips on how to improve.

Coaching Skills Assessment

Just how good are you at coaching? Answer 36 questions and receive a personalised report of the results and areas to work on.

EQ Test

How emotional intelligent are you? We’re talking EQ not IQ here. How good are you are recognising and then managing your emotions? This 50-question diagnostic will reveal all.

Sales Skills Test

Answer 64 questions and receive a personalised report on your sales and influencing skills.

Management Apprenticeships

Further information on management and leadership apprenticeships.

Management Blog

Over 1,000 quality articles and blogs on leadership and management theories and models.

Sales Blog

Over 1,000 tips and techniques on how to improve your sales and marketing.

Sales Techniques & Free Sales Training Material

Videos, audios, and cheat sheets to help you improve your sales and sales management skills.