Learning and Teaching Strategy

1. Vision

We will

  • build our international reputation as a leading UK provider of research-informed education
  • provide diverse opportunities for all students to develop qualities of critical enquiry and independent learning within a supportive and intellectually stimulating learning environment 
  • expand our portfolio of activities in order to equip Loughborough graduates for the challenging opportunities of a rapidly changing global environment
  • continue to work with our students to listen to their needs and encourage their participation in enhancing the quality of learning and teaching

2. Strategic Aims

  • To foster a broad disciplinary profile that complements and enhances institutional strengths in research and enterprise
  • To build on the University’s outstanding reputation in learning and teaching in order to increase the attractiveness of Loughborough as a place to study for a diverse student community
  • To expand our national and international partnerships in order to remain a leader in the provision of education that engages with external agencies, business, industry and the professions
  • To enrich the learning environment in order that all students have the support to succeed in their studies
  • To promote an ethos that expects and encourages the enhancement of teaching and learning with a focus on the desired capabilities of our students
  • To support, recognise and reward excellence in learning and teaching in ways that advance our exceptional reputation

3. Strategic Objectives

In fulfilling these aims, the following strategic objectives relate to our key areas of activity: 

(i)         Curriculum profile

We will develop a strategic approach to programme and subject development that enhances Loughborough’s distinctive profile and anticipates changes in national and international student demand

  1. Continue regular evaluation and development of UG and PGT provision
  2. Diversify the University’s subject mix in order to broaden our portfolio of programmes at UG and PG level
(ii)        Student Recruitment

We will strengthen the quality and academic potential of the student body, continue to diversify its composition, and build our postgraduate community

  1. Manage full-time UK/EU undergraduate population in line with the University’s overall strategic objectives
  2. Develop current strategy to maintain or increase full-time recruitment to PG programmes
  3. Develop a strategy that supports diverse modes of programme delivery, and raises the profile of part-time opportunities, notably at PG level
(iii)       Widening participation

We will refine out approach to outreach and widening participation in support of our Access Agreement targets

  1. Produce and agree a revised and focused widening participation strategy and associated action plan, which complements mainstream recruitment 
  2. Maintain at current levels our Science and Engineering Foundation programme
  3. Strengthen collaborative links with key FE partners to support progression through LLNs
(iv)      Student learning opportunities

We will expand and diversify opportunities for students to enrich their international learning on campus; study in different settings in the UK and internationally; and engage with external organisations

  1. Continue to build an explicit international dimension in the curriculum and student experience
  2. Build a small number of sustainable partnerships with leading institutions overseas through which to deliver collaborative study programmes, and ‘transnational education’
  3. Enhance the engagement of external professional organisations and businesses in the curriculum, as appropriate
(v)       Student learning resources and support

We will increase investment in learning and teaching infrastructure in order that all students benefit from access to excellent resources and support

  1. Expand provision by support sections for generic and study skills
  2. Support student ‘buddying’ schemes in academic departments
  3. Enhance library and IT resources,  teaching rooms, and campus-wide network of flexible learning spaces
(vi)      Learning and Teaching Enhancements

We will develop and implement an institutional strategy for systematically enhancing quality of provision

  1. Enhance support for the continuing professional needs of all staff involved in learning and teaching
  2. Continue to support learning and teaching projects and research that are of national and international repute
  3. Critically appraise quality management processes and procedures to ensure they are fit for purpose
(vii)      Staff recognition and reward

We will strengthen and refine our academic practice approach to learning and teaching

  1. Make more explicit in current systems of reward, scholarly and innovative approaches to teaching, learning and assessment
  2. Ensure that teaching and learning responsibilities in academic departments are regularly reviewed and given appropriate recognition
  3. Support a rigorously managed and flexible approach to staffing in teaching and learning that, where appropriate, draws on external professional expertise

4. Critical Success Factors

  • Continued recruitment and professional development of outstanding academic and support staff
  • Effective and efficient student recruitment activities
  • Availability of professionally skilled support staff to assist academics with learning and teaching developments
  • Coordinated learning support network for students on taught programmes, and well-established Graduate School
  • High quality student information system and VLE covering student progression and support from application to alumnus