Supporting and enhancing the ‘student experience’ throughout the student lifecycle (from first contact through to becoming alumni) is critical to the success in higher education today for both the student and the institution. The student experience encompasses all aspects of student life (i.e. academic, social, welfare and support) with the academic imperative at the heart of it.

In recent years, undergraduate research and initiatives looking at the student experience have tended to focus on the ‘first year’ undergraduate experience (with subsequent years being neglected); learning and teaching or assessment and feedback. There is also very limited research and literature for supporting postgraduate/graduate taught students (those undertaking coursework based courses).

Frequently, good practice resides at a local level and does not get shared on a national or international basis unless it is showcased at a conference or via a journal article. Good practice and initiatives are often designed by colleagues who are at the coal face but do not have the time to attend conferences and present or write papers.

So this site has been designed to pull together information, guidance, support and practical advice in the undergraduate and postgraduate taught areas to assist managers, academics and members of the professional service teams within universities who are responsible for improving the student experience across the entire student lifecycle in an integrated whole institutional approach. Colleagues can contribute to the site by visiting the website and case study contribution pages.