Alumni News Summer Edition 2023

ALUMNI NEWS

Summer Edition 2023

WE HAVE RECENTLY ACHIEVED THE FOLLOWING:

GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2023

TOP 10 FOR UK UNIVERSITIES FOR WASTE AND RECYCLING

(People and Planet 2022)

TOP 10 FOR LECTURERS AND TEACHING QUALITY

(WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2022)

RANKED 69TH

(Guardian University Guide 2023)

1ST IN THE EAST OF ENGLAND FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN

(Guardian University Guide 2023)

6TH IN THE UK FOR HISTORY

(Guardian University Guide 2023)

7TH IN THE UK FOR SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL POLICY

(Guardian University Guide 2023)

11TH IN THE UK FOR CRIMINOLOGY

(Guardian University Guide 2023)

TOP 10 FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDY

(WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023)

WELCOME

Welcome to the latest edition of Alumni News, the Alumni newsletter, providing you with all of the latest information on University of Suffolk. We are thrilled that our university has seen so many accomplishments this year and as we grow and evolve, we hope that you have pride in your institution. With so many successes in various league tables, achievements in research and numerous events and conferences receiving global recognition, it is important that you feel updated and involved with the success of your alma mater.

In this issue we are delighted to bring you news of our first ever Alumni and Supporters event, Connection Week, and all the latest opportunities in postgraduate qualifications at the University of Suffolk.

We hope you enjoy reading about our latest courses and the breadth of postgrad study which we offer. We also hope you enjoy hearing about some of our latest updates and some of the fantastic success stories from our Alumni community.

As we head towards the end of another academic year, we look forward to a new cohort of alumni joining our community and we hope you will continue to stay in touch with us.

Alumni Relations and Development team uos.ac.uk/alumni alumni@uos.ac.uk

CONNECTION WEEK

The University was very proud to host Connection Week, our inaugural event to celebrate our Alumni and Supporters. Running from 17 to 21 April, it focused on providing opportunities for our Alumni and Supporters to connect, reconnect and reunite with the University, staff, and friends.

The event comprised of a full week of activities, offering a range of ways for our graduates to reconnect with us: Campus tours, Careers sessions, local discounts and drop-in sessions were all on offer, as well as online ‘Lunchtime Lives’ each day that reached an audience of over 4,500 during the week alone and this number is still climbing as the sessions continue to be watched.

We hosted an Honorary Graduates and Supporters’ Drinks reception where fifty guests were able to meet with several of our student/alumni authors of ‘Suffolk Arboretum’ and receive signed copies of the anthology. Thanks to the generosity of our guests, this event raised nearly £7000 to support students most in need.

The week concluded with our first ever Alumni Reunion, where over 70 graduates came back to the University to celebrate their achievements, reminisce, and reunite with old friends. With live music and drinks and canapes, the event was held surrounded by stunning and inspiring art as we also celebrated and showcased the final day of our first large scale Alumni Fine Art

Exhibition, featuring works from 42 Fine Art graduates from 2007 to 2022 and curated by some of our Alumni, friends and Fine Art team.

We received overwhelmingly positive feedback both internally and externally about each aspect of the week. One graduate, visiting us from London, said “I would not be in my dream job right now if it wasn’t for University of Suffolk, I’m so proud to still be a part of it”.

This inaugural event took place both online and on our Ipswich Campus.

Connection Week was a true collaborative effort, and huge thanks go out to all our Alumni, Supporters and our colleagues who supported the event.

More information and photos from the event can be found here.

“We were delighted to see so many of our Alumni join us, either online or in person, during Connection Week. It was fantastic to see so many of you coming back to the Ipswich campus and enjoying all the events which were available during the week. We can’t wait to run more events and provide more opportunities for you to connect with your university.”

— Kate Burgess Alumni Relations and Development Manager

POSTGRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

Postgraduate study

By continuing your study with the University of Suffolk you could be part of a growing postgraduate and research community that is increasingly making an impact on a changing world — a place where research, enterprise, innovation and scholarship are flourishing in many areas. The university has a large number of postgraduate courses and in this edition of Alumni News we want to tell you about all of the amazing opportunities which are available to you.

Whether you are looking to use postgraduate study as a platform to a specialist role or industry or if you are looking to progress in your existing career, we offer a diverse range of opportunities including Masters, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates and Postgraduate Research Degrees.

During Connection Week we offered two lunchtime live sessions on postgraduate study and PhD study. You can view these online sessions here:

„ Postgraduate study — Applying for a Masters

„ PhD study

Why choose postgraduate study?

„ Advance your career

„ Get the competitive edge

„ Advance in academia

„ Gain a broad strategic knowledge

Postgraduate study equips you to contribute at a high level within commercial situations and research environments, through the broadening of your knowledge and or development of expertise.

To apply for postgraduate study, call the Admissions team on 01473 338348 or email them on admissions@uos.ac.uk.

To find out more on how to apply visit, uos.ac.uk/how-apply

POSTGRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

Alumni Postgraduate Loyalty Scheme

All graduates of the University of Suffolk and UCS are entitled to a loyalty reduction on postgraduate course fees. The Alumni Postgraduate Loyalty Scheme has been developed to support our graduates to progress onto further study with us in their chosen fields, including PhD study, with a 25% discount on fees (Students who are alumni only of SCITT or PGCE courses at the University of Suffolk, and are paying full postgraduate tuition fees, will be eligible for a 10% discount).

Apply for the Loyalty Scheme at uos.ac.uk/alumniloyaltyscheme

To be eligible for the loyalty scheme you must meet all the following criteria:

„ Be a University of Suffolk graduate or a graduate of one of our current or former partner institutions;

„ Be paying full postgraduate tuition fees;

„ Have been offered and accepted a place on a Masters degree or postgraduate research degree at the University of Suffolk;

„ Have cleared any outstanding debt with the University of Suffolk;

„ Be in continued attendance for the duration of the postgraduate programme.

For more information on fees and financing visit, uos.ac.uk/pgfinance

Leadership and Management Academy

The Leadership and Management Academy is home to the University of Suffolk’s Postgraduate Business Programmes and research into Leadership and Management. Our portfolio of degree programmes uniquely benefit from bringing local business leaders, innovative technology and industry networks into the forefront of your learning experience.

„ Suffolk Executive MBA

„ International Business and Management

„ Strategic People Management

The Leadership and Management Academy’s research prioritises areas that have impact and public benefit through collaboration with students, academics, business and local community leaders to tackle social and economic challenges, both regionally and internationally.

Our research specialisms lie in the following six areas:

„ Future of leadership

„ Entrepreneurship HRM/employee relations

„ Individual/institutional behaviour and policy-making

„ Work identity: individual / organisational Consumer behaviour: non-profit organisation marketing

„ Methodologies for organisation research and evaluation

Health

We offer a huge range of high-quality Postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for individuals and organisations working within the Health and Care sector. All of our courses are practice-based and impact-driven in order to support high quality teaching and learning, providing opportunities to improve health and care delivery in the region and beyond.

„ MSc Advanced Clinical Practice

„ MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Degree Apprenticeship)

„ MSc Community Nursing (Progression Route)

„ Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Imaging

„ Postgraduate Certificate in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

„ Postgraduate Certificate in Computed Tomography

„ PgC/PgD Enhanced Clinical Practice

„ MA/PgD/PgC Professional Practice: Integrated Care

„ MSc Professional Practice: Advanced Radiography Practice

„ MSc Diagnostic Radiography (Pre-registration)

„ MSc Adult Nursing (Pre-registration)

For more information visit, uos.ac.uk/HWIC

— Lizzie Mapplebeck Master of Business Administration (MBA)

“The broad curriculum of the MBA appealed to me; a wide breadth of learning that touches each part of the business world. The course has provided me with the additional skills, knowledge and understanding to enable me to take a more wholesome and systematic approach to work.”

Integrated Care Academy (ICA)

The ICA is the first of it’s kind in the country: it is an exciting partnership between the University of Suffolk, the local Integrated Care System, Suffolk County Council, Healthwatch Suffolk and others from the voluntary and community sector such as Suffolk Mind and local hospices. The ICA offers co-production programmes to assist local services in providing the best possible joined-up care to keep people healthy and independent for as long as possible. The ICA enhances quality of care, quality of life and health equality through its core programmes which includes education, training and workforce development.

Find out more visit, integratedcareacademy.org.uk

Social Science and Humanities

Our School of Social Sciences and Humanities is all about exploring and understanding human relationships, societies and culture: fact and fiction, past, present and future. Whatever your course, you will be part of an academic community which is exploring and defining how we understand human society and culture, and how we might make a positive contribution to its development.

„ MSc Applications of Psychology

„ MA Childhood Studies

„ MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Counselling

„ MA Creative and Critical Writing

„ MA History

„ MSc Psychology

„ Post Graduate Certificate in Social Work Practice Education

“During the MA, I was encouraged to pursue external writing opportunities which allowed me to experiment with playwriting. I am considering further postgraduate study, with hopes to return to Suffolk to complete a PhD

with the amazing English team who have supported me during my five years of study and beyond. Without such a great university and team behind me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I owe a lot to Suffolk, and I’m sure I will find myself returning to it for many years to come.”

— Kay Saberton MA Creative and Critical Writing

MA Education Studies

The MA Education Studies programme at the University of Suffolk offers routes for practicing professionals and leaders in educational settings. Masters level study in education is viewed by many as being vital in supporting career progression and supports continuing professional development in education and related fields.

The MA Education Studies will give you the opportunity to focus on areas of particular interest while you follow a range of modules, all of which give you the chance to research and write assignments relevant to your own experience, context, and practice. Throughout the course you will develop your critical thinking and research skills. It is a flexible and exciting course that features:

„ A distinct progression route for students with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

„ Block teaching rather than weekly sessions alongside an online element making it suitable for busy professionals

„ Practice related study that allows students to integrate their assignments with their practice

„ A strong and experienced course team with extensive experience of supporting postgraduate study

For more information visit, uos.ac.uk/education-studies

MA Criminology

The MA Criminology addresses contemporary issues within the study of crime, community safety and criminal justice.

It will enable you to develop specialist knowledge of the current trends and historical debates surrounding crime causation, crime control and regulation in the UK and internationally.

A distinguishing feature of criminology at the University of Suffolk is the interplay of theory, policy and practice as the course is led and taught by professionals with crime and community safety backgrounds who apply criminological theory in the real world.

Dr Paul Andell has more than 25 years of experience working in the criminal justice field. As a British Academy Research fellow, Paul shares with MA students cutting-edge research on the rapidly expanding and fast-changing field of UK youth gangs. The MA examines the contours of the academic debates, explores and explains the origins and evolution of violent street gangs in the UK against a backdrop of globalisation, and discusses the factors surrounding the emergence of these gangs and their involvement in criminal exploitation across several modules.

Paul's work examines the relationship between gangs and wider issues relating to gender, ethnicity, class, and how these may manifest in drug distribution and organised crime. It critically assesses the potential and limitations of policy approaches to gang violence reduction and gang interventions.

For more information visit, uos.ac.uk/ ma-criminology

Creative technologies

Our dynamic learning and innovation environment is an ideal place for people with curious minds and a passion for solving problems. Our Creative Technologies programmes provide stronger integration of Arts, Science, Engineering and Creative Technologies to equip our graduates with the skills they need to meet the demands of the ever-changing societal needs.

„ MSc Advanced Computing

„ MSc Applied Cyber Security

„ MSc Data Science and Artifical Intelligence

The DigiTech Centre is a brand new £9.6 million research and engineering facility and offers students the opportunity to study industry connected educational courses, in our new world-class specialist laboratories. Our students can experience more projectbased learning opportunities where they can practice learning by doing, interacting with businesses and other organisations alongside their studies.

The DigiTech Centre is a collaboration between University of Suffolk and BT, with funding from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The centre is part of the School of Engineering, Arts, Science and Technology (EAST) at the University of Suffolk and is based at the heart of Adastral Park, one of Europe’s largest science and technology business parks. Adastral Park is home to BT’s Applied Innovation Labs, and an exciting cluster of over 100 other high-tech digital and technology companies based at Martlesham Heath.

PhD Study and Suffolk Doctoral College

We have a thriving Postgraduate Research student community here at the University of Suffolk. Working in partnership with the University of Brighton, we provide PhD courses in a range of research areas. Working closely with academics and supported by our Suffolk Doctoral College, you can have an excellent experience as a PhD student. Our current areas of excellence for PhD study are:

„ Architecture

„ Business Management

„ Childhood Studies

„ Criminology

„ Computer Science and Informatics

„ Education

„ English, Creative Writing and Critical Theory

„ Fine Art

„ Forensic Psychology

„ Health and Biological Sciences

„ Heritage

„ History

„ Law

„ Psychology

„ Social Policy and Social Work

„ Sport and Exercise Science

„ Sustainability

Did you know?

The University of Suffolk made it’s first submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2021, with outstanding results. The REF evaluates both quality and impact of research in UK Universities. 12 percent of the University’s research outputs were rated as 4* quality, i.e. ‘world-leading’ in terms of originality, significance, and rigour; and 56 percent received a 3* rating, i.e. of a quality that is ‘internationally excellent’ in terms of originality, significance, and rigour. Overall, the University’s research impact was rated as having considerable impact in terms of both reach and significance. Since the 2021 submission, the University has invested over £1m to transform its research environment and infrastructure to lay the foundations for a significant submission into the next REF exercise.

For more information visit, uos.ac.uk/phd-study

ALUMNI RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM

We’re here to help create an active and engaged community of graduates, maintaining lifelong relationships and building a strong society of loyal supporters and ambassadors.

We aim to continue to support our alumni, helping you to continue to benefit from the institution with a flexible and helpful offer.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or have been out of education for some time, we would love to hear from you. Your stories can inspire current and future students, sharing your expertise and skills to encourage and motivate the next generation of graduates. Contact us today to find out more about how you can continue to be involved in our thriving University community.

Take a look at our events pages for conferences and opportunities available to you at uos.ac.uk/event-list

To check out our lastest news visit, uos.ac.uk.news-list

Coming soon

Get involved and have your say — The Alumni Survey 2023

Did you know?

As a graduate of the University of Suffolk you can:

„ Continue to access the library on the Ipswich campus for just £15 per year!

„ Get free, lifelong support from our Careers, Employability and Enterprise Team

„ Get discounted membership rates for the Innovation Labs at the University of Suffolk

OUR AMAZING ALUMNI

They also decided to enter Transfuzer, a UK Games Fund programme, and continue their work on a now award-winning project.

Through Transfuzer they continued to improve and grow as developers and push Kingdom Run VR into a showcaseready state which showed off at EGX London 2022.

Alarming Ladder Studios

Alarming Ladder started as a collaboration between graduates Daniel Wiltshire and Hannah Bull. They worked as a team during multiple ‘game jams’ whilst studying and found that their skills complimented each other.

During the beginning of their final year, Hannah collaborated with Dan on Kingdom Run VR which started as a concept they pitched to their lecturer Steve Harris. Throughout the module, they focussed on perfecting their skills in their individual disciplines. They received such positive feedback from peers it encouraged them to continue working on the project.

They submitted Kingdom Run VR to the Games Innovation Challenge 2022 and won the Gameplay Award. Through this, they had the opportunity to work with Barclays at their game frenzy event where people played and left great feedback on the experience they had.

In 2023 their team expanded and now includes more game design graduates from the University of Suffolk. Alarming Ladders took part in DunDev: a programme that supports their business work intensely on their own-IP video games. This has been an amazing opportunity and boosted their profile in the world of video games. Networking with other graduate-based studios and getting funded to help development on their next title which was showcased at WASD — London-based game convention.

The University of Suffolk is proud of our Alumni and will continue our support to Alarming Ladders, the team has been able to live out their dream career and put themselves on the map for the video game industry.

Check out this DunDev Documentary

Find out more about Alarming Ladder Studios

Dominic Noble Founder of Keyframe Creative BA (Hons) Games Design, Class of 2014

I graduated from University Campus Suffolk (now the University of Suffolk) in 2014 with a BA (Hons) degree in Computer Games Design. It feels surreal to think back on how much I've grown since those days, both professionally and personally. My journey since graduation has been a blend of art and technology, culminating in founding my creative agency, Keyframe Creative, in 2023. Choosing to study at the University of Suffolk was a decision that I came to for a few reasons. The course content was very interesting to me, the hardware in the gaming labs was impressive, and the lecturers I met were all enthusiastic. It was also the location of the university and student accommodation, right by the quayside, that helped seal the deal. One of the best aspects of my course was the sense of community; my course mates were all like-minded people who were equally obsessed with games. I spent countless hours with them, both during lectures and at the weekends. I also joined the Board Games society, where I met even more fantastic people. After graduating, the University's Careers Department was instrumental in my first steps into the professional world. They helped me land a placement at Orbital Media, a local marketing agency, where I began as a junior designer and animator. Over the next seven

years, I climbed the ranks to become a team lead, managing a team of developers and designers.

However, the itch to create art pushed me towards freelancing, and soon after, I joined Charco Neurotech, a biotech startup in Cambridge, as their Creative Lead. The experience at Charco Neurotech was challenging and rewarding, but eventually I decided to start my own venture in 2023 — Keyframe Creative. Today, I am proud to provide animation and design services to various clients in the healthcare and FMCG markets.

For those considering studying at Suffolk, my advice is to be discerning about the course content and think about its alignment with your future goals. Remember that the skills you learn can be transferred to various industries. I studied games design but found my niche in marketing and creative design. Be ready to put in the effort, as the more you invest in your learning, the more you'll gain.

To current students, I'd advise you to network as much as you can. Establish your LinkedIn profile and connect with people. The relationships you build in university can open many doors in the future. Most importantly, enjoy your time there! It's a period of exploration, learning, and growth. Make the most of it.

Find out more about Keyframe Creative

uos.ac.uk/alumni