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New College of the Humanities Jane Phelps describes how it goes from strength to strength It is now four years since New College of the Humanities (NCH) opened, offering undergraduates the opportunity to study humanities subjects within the framework of a liberal arts-inspired curriculum, and be taught by one-to-one tutorial and small group lectures, the gold standard of undergraduate teaching. I left Rugby School to help Professor A C Grayling found NCH because I wanted there to be another option for able students who were in love with their subject. As a housemistress and head of HE I got to know sixth formers
Jane Phelps. well, and was saddened when they returned to school after a term at university thrilled with the extra-curricular and social activities but disappointed and demotivated by their academic experience. The study of science, languages, many social sciences and vocational courses requires teaching, and therefore inspiration from academics. However, students of the humanities tend to be given a reading list, shown where the library is, and told to attend around four non-compulsory lectures a week along with hundreds of other students. As one boy from an
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independent school, who joined NCH after dropping out from LSE, said: “no one cared if I lived or died”. Now this can sound very precious, but for those who benefited from the outstanding teaching they enjoyed in the sixth form of their independent school, the reality can be devastating. Many students have joined NCH in the last four years, from UK and US universities, seeking more engagement with academics and real intellectual challenge rather than feelings of anonymity. It has been very rewarding to see dispirited students thriving in an environment where they can become immersed in the subjects they love, and excited by the inspiration they are receiving from the high calibre academics at NCH. Indeed, this was recognised last year by the WhatUni award for the best courses and lecturers. Our first cohort of students, who graduated in 2015, landed great jobs at organisations including Clifford Chance, Deloitte and Diageo, and are now taking on competitive Masters courses at Russell Group universities. They provide proof that NCH’s unique approach to undergraduate education is delivering on its promise to produce well-informed, astute and rounded graduates who are in demand. The NCH curriculum comprises major and minor courses chosen from art history, creative writing, economics, English, geography, history, philosophy, and politics & international relations; a single honours Law LLB; or a philosophy, politics & economics BA. These degree studies are complemented by courses in applied ethics, critical reasoning, and science literacy, as well as LAUNCH, a professional development programme that equips students with the competencies and behaviours they need to succeed in the working world, whatever they decide to do. LAUNCH has been welcomed by employers, who find NCH graduates to be confident and more ‘work ready’ than graduates from other universities. Now that NCH is well established, housed in its stunning Grade I-listed Georgian town house in Bedford Square in London, it is evolving. Our first Masters programme, the historical research & public history MA, commences this September. NCH joined UCAS last year and applications can now be made through UCAS or directly to the College. Moreover, NCH now offers its own degrees, meaning that students can get government-backed student loans, and the College can sponsor Tier 4 visas for international students. As a result of the College achieving these milestones well in advance of its original plans, the annual tuition fees have been changed to £12,000 for home students, which we continue to define as those from the UK, EU, EEA and Switzerland. Students who would be unable to attend NCH without additional financial support can apply to the NCH Trust for a means-tested bursary. Indeed, in the first couple of years the College has funded four HMC Scholars, as well as students who were scholars during their time at independent schools. Our admissions process includes the submission of a piece of written work, an in-depth reference from the school, and
Autumn 2016
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