Welcome Packs

Learning and teaching at the University of Northampton is designed to help you take control of your own learning, using small group teaching, team-working and one-to-one tutorials that allow learning to take place in face-to-face environments and using carefully crafted digital experiences. To help you prepare for this personalised approach to learning, our welcome and induction activities are designed to introduce you to our learning technologies so that you are ready to go for the start of term. Through engaging in some preparatory work before our live sessions, you can think about some of the questions you might have and have opportunities to explore the many ways in which you are supported. You can also meet the other students on your programme.

Understanding your Qualification

You can view your Award Map online and will help you find out more about each module which comprises your qualification, the module co-ordinator and how you will be assessed.
The University’s Skills Hub provides you with the tools you need to succeed including access to the University’s library, reading lists, referencing, the development of academic skills, tips how to study and research and information about the one-to-one support we provide to students.

Timetables

Once you have enrolled and your modules have been confirmed, you’ll be able to access your timetables, this can be done online (username and password required). Please be aware, timetables are subject to change, so we would encourage you to subscribe to your module timetables, so you are kept informed of any changes.

Technology is a key part of all learning and teaching for students at Northampton. Some of you may have more experience than others in this area. The University provides a range of support whatever your skill level. Some of the technology will become available when you are fully enrolled whilst others may be accessible at an earlier stage.

Before Enrolment

As part of our welcome and induction, we would like you to engage with us using our online tool, Blackboard Collaborate. It is broadly similar to using Skype or Zoom, which you may have come across before. You will be able to join your Welcome and Induction sessions as a guest, meaning that you do not need to create an account in order to participate.

Using Collaborate

• Test whether your browser will work with Collaborate 
• Review the student guide to using Collaborate 

Test Collaborate by visiting our test ‘classroom’ to address any technological challenges. This classroom will be available 24/7 from now until the end of September. You can join the classroom now and follow the instructions to test your audio and video functions.

If you are still experiencing difficulties, please call our on-site team for further help: +44 (0)1604 893333.

After enrolment

All key University systems will become available to you once you are fully enrolled

1) NILE (Northampton Integrated Learning Environment)

NILE is the University’s digital campus. It is a collection of online tools provided by the University to support your learning and assessment. NILE is an essential part of your studies, and you will find yourself using it frequently during your time with us at Northampton.

Each of your modules has its own NILE course, and you will also have a NILE course for your programme too. The NILE courses for your modules will contain all the key information about the modules you are taking, including information about your assignments. In your NILE courses you will find module guides, resources which have been uploaded by your lecturers, and online activities for you to take part in. You will also find other important information in your NILE courses, including reading lists, and, importantly, your assignment submission points. The NILE courses for your modules will contain information about each specific module, whereas the NILE course for your programme will contain wider information about the programme of studies you have enrolled on.

When you first login to NILE you will see Organisations on the left side of the page. There will be an introduction to NILE in there which gives you all the information you need to get started.

2) Rate your digital fitness / digital capability using the Discovery Tool

Whilst we are getting familiar with different technologies, we don’t always step back and have a look at the big picture of our digital capability profile. Doing this allows us to pick out areas where we may need to spend a bit more time for self improvement – working smarter and not harder. The University Discovery Tool will provide guidance on areas you may wish to focus on in addition to useful links to resources which will help you.

3) LinkedIn Learning and the University Skills Hub

Once you become a student at the University of Northampton, you will have access to a wealth of online expert videos through LinkedIn Learning so you can improve your key study skills, digital skills, business skills, and lots more – any time, any place. You also have full access to the University Skills Hub which provides a range of tailored academic support.

4) Useful free Apps and tools to download

There are a number of free apps which are available for Apple and Android devices : Blackboard, LinkedIn Learning, MyNorthampton, and Safezone

Also look at our student software page for all the software that is free to University students including Microsoft Office and software to help with some subject areas. (Username and password required)

If you do not have a laptop then you may wish to take the student offer of a device where possible (course depending).

5) Open sessions and support on site

These will be advertised on the screens around campus and will be available for any student. In addition, staff will be available at a range of service desks who can provide help and support depending on your needs.

Student Futures

In addition to the University’s Academic Skills Hub, the University’s Student Futures will help you develop other skills and attitudes employers value.

Student Futures aims to help students:

• Develop personal awareness, community understanding, and ability to collaborate with others;
• Develop abilities for catalysing social change such as civic engagement, social innovation, social justice, and philanthropy;
• Practice changemaking by taking action and activating others around a societal challenge.

In addition, the University of Northampton Students’ Union has clubs and societies, sports and other social activities which you can join, as well as provide support, information and guidance.

If your course has any extra activities students can do, please provide any information, including links, below. Please specify whether an activity is compulsory or not.

Supporting your career aspiration

We are committed to developing graduates who are not only qualified to get their first graduate job but who have also developed the skills and attributes they need to progress their chosen career.

Student Futures works with students before, during and after their studies to develop and enhance employability through our extensive network of relationships with business and community organisations. Finishing university with a good degree is great; graduating with a well-rounded and complete set of employability skills is even better.

September 2024

Undergraduate

• Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)
• Criminal and Corporate Investigation BA (Hons)
• Finance BSc (Hons)
• Health and Social Care Practice BA
• International Finance (Top-Up) BSc
• Learning and Teaching (FDLT) and Learning and Teaching (SEND and Inclusive Provision Pathway) Foundation Degree
• Midwifery BSc (Hons)
• Nursing BSc (Hons) all pathways including Adult, Children and Young People, Learning Disability, and Mental Health
• Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons)
• Paramedic Science BSc (Hons)
• Primary Education 5-11 BA (Hons)
• Professional Policing BA (Hons)
• Social Work BA (Hons)
• Sociology BA (Hons)

Master’s and Postgraduate Welcome Packs

• Accounting and Finance (Top-Up) MSc
• Business Analytics MSc
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) MSc
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc
• Public Health MSc
• Special Educational Needs and Inclusion MA

June 2024

Postgraduate Welcome Packs

• Master of Business Administration MBA
• Project Management MSc
• Psychology MSc

January 2024

Undergraduate Welcome Packs

• Business Management BA
• Commerce & International Business (Top-Up) BA
• Global Business Management (Top-Up) BA
• Midwifery BSc

Postgraduate Welcome Packs

• Advanced Clinical Practice and Apprenticeship
• Computing MSc
• Doctor of Professional Practice in Health and Social Care
• Education MA
• International Business Management MSc
• International Marketing Strategy MSc
• Physiotherapy MSc (Pre-registration)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties and Inclusion
• Public Health MSc
• Social Work MA