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.

Academic Essentials – Feel Uni-Ready

This session will introduce you to the Learning Development team, outlining the academic support and services we offer. You will be guided through our Skills Hub and have an opportunity to explore what online learning resources are available to you. You will take part in a short, interactive workshop, exploring one key convention of Academic Writing. Finally, you will be given an opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding the expectations of writing at university level.

This will be a relaxed, friendly session which we hope will encourage you to feel a little more prepared as you begin your studies. All sessions are an hour, come to one of the sessions below.

• 20 August 2024 at 5pm. Join online
• 21 August 2024 at 5pm. Join online
• 28 August 2024 at 5pm. Join online

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

Student Futures is here to support you every step of the way with their 3-pillar model: Explore, Experience, and Connect. They’ll help you discover who you are, figure out where you’re headed, and guide you through the various experiences available while studying at UON – like paid part-time jobs on campus through Unitemps. Plus, they’ll show you how to highlight your skills and experiences, ensuring you get the most out of your degree and secure a rewarding future.

Whether it’s volunteering opportunities, setting up your own business, applying for jobs, polishing your CV, coaching, or mock interviews, Student Futures has you covered. And the best part? You’ll have career support for life! So don’t wait – get started as soon as you can!

January 2025

Undergraduate welcome packs

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

Postgraduate welcome packs

• Advanced Clinical Practice MSc and Apprenticeship route
• International Marketing Strategy MSc
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc
• Master of Business Administration MBA
• Physiotherapy MSc (Pre-registration)
• Project Management MSc
• Public Health MSc
• Social Work MA

September 2024

Undergraduate

• Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)
• Acting BA (Hons)
• Acting for Contemporary and Devised Performance BA (Hons)
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Science BSc (Hons)
• Advertising and Digital Marketing BA (Hons)
• Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
• Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
• Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
• Business Computing BSc (Hons)
• Business Management BA (Hons)
• Computer Networks Engineering BSc (Hons)
• Computer Science BSc (Hons)
• Creative Film, Television and Digital Media Production BA (Hons)
• Criminal and Corporate Investigation BA (Hons)
• Criminology BA (Hons)
• Criminology with Psychology BA (Hons)
• Dental Nursing FdSc
• Early Childhood Studies ​BA (Hons)
• Early Years Childhood and Family Studies (Top Up)
• Economics BSc (Hons)
• Education Studies BA (Hons)
• Engineering BSc (Hons)
• Engineering Top-Up BSc (Hons)
• English BA (Hons)
• Environmental Sciences BSc (Hons)
• esports BSc (Hons)
• Events Management BA (Hons)
• Fashion Marketing and Promotion BA (Hons)
• Fashion, Textiles, Footwear and Accessories BA (Hons)
• Film and Screen Studies BA (Hons)
• Finance BSc (Hons)
• Fine Art (BA (Hons)
• Fine Art, Painting and Drawing BA (Hons)
• Games Art BA (Hons), Games Design BA (Hons) and Games Programming BSc (Hons) 
• Geography BSc (Hons)
• Graphic Communication Design BA (Hons) and Graphic Communication Design (Top-Up) BA (Hons)
• Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Stage and Screen BA (Hons)
• Health and Social Care Practice BA
• Health Sciences BSc (Hons)
• History BA (Hons)
• Human Resource Management BA (Hons)
• Illustration BA (Hons)
• Integrated Foundation Year 
• Interior Architecture and Spatial Design BA
• International Accounting (Top-Up) BA
• International Banking and Finance (Top-Up) BSc
• International Business Management BA (Hons)
• International Finance (Top-Up) BSc
• International Tourism & Hospitality Management (Top-Up) BA
• International Tourism Management BA (Hons)
• Law with Criminology BA (Hons)
• Learning and Teaching (BALT)
• Learning and Teaching (FDLT) and Learning and Teaching (SEND and Inclusive Provision Pathway) Foundation Degree
• LLB Law and LLB Law Accelerated
• Marketing BSc (Hons)
• Marketing Management (Top-Up) BA
• Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Midwifery BSc (Hons)
• Multimedia Journalism BA (Hons)
• Multimedia Sports Journalism BA (Hons)
• Music Production BA (Hons) 
• Nursing BSc (Hons) all pathways including Adult, Children and Young People, Learning Disability, and Mental Health
• Nursing Associate FdSc
• Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons)
• Paramedic Science BSc (Hons)
• Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
• Photography BA (Hons) 
• Physical Education and Sport BA (Hons)
• Podiatry BSc (Hons)
• Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)
• Popular Music BA (Hons) 
• Primary Education 5-11 BA (Hons)
• Professional Accounting (Top-Up) BSc
• Professional Policing BA (Hons)
• Product Design BA (Hons)
• Psychology BSc (Hons) including Psychology (Counselling) and Psychology (Developmental and Educational)
• Social Work BA (Hons)
• Sociology BA (Hons)
• Software Engineering BSc (Hons)
• Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN) BSc (Hons)
• Sport and Exercise Psychology BSc (Hons)
• Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)
• Sport Coaching BSc (Hons)
• Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning BSc (Hons)
• Sport Management and Leadership BSc (Hons)
• Web Development and Cybersecurity BSc (Hons)
• Working with Children, Young People and Families BA (Hons)

Master’s and Postgraduate Welcome Packs

• Accounting and Finance (Top-Up) MSc
• Advanced Clinical Practice MSc and Apprenticeship route
• Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc 
• Business Analytics MSc
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) MSc
• Computing MSc (all pathways including placement, Software Engineering Internet Technology and Security and Computer Networks Engineering)
• Counselling MSc
• Counselling Children and Young People MSc
• Digital Marketing MSc
• Education MA
• English – Contemporary Literature MA
• History MA 
• Human Resource Management MA and PGDip
• Independent and Supplementary Prescribing (Level 6 and 7)
• International Business Management MSc
• International Hotel Management MA
• International Relations MA
• International Tourism Development MA
• Master of Business Administration Finance MBA
• Molecular Medicine MSc
• PGCE (Top-Up) Primary / Early Years / Secondary
• Post Graduate Certificate in Practice Education
• Primary Education 5-11 QTS PGCE
• Public Health MSc
• Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN) including MSc Top-Up and PGDip
• Special Educational Needs and Inclusion MA
• Strength and Conditioning MSc 

June 2024

Postgraduate Welcome Packs

• Psychology MSc

The Students’ Union would like to invite you to meet the Sports and Societies at their Welcome Fairs:

• Sport Clubs Welcome Fair: Wednesday 18 September 2024 10am-3pm
• Society Welcome Fair: Thursday 19 September 2024 10am-3pm

The Students’ Union is all about improving your University experience, we have sites in the Learning Hub ground floor and in the Engine Shed on the Waterside Campus. We are led by students, underpinned by volunteers and staff, seeking to ensure that your time at the university is the best it can possibly be; that it is rewarding, fulfilling, and memorable.

All students automatically become members of the Students’ Union for FREE, you don’t have to do anything to become a member! As a member, you are entitled to all of their services and opportunities, including sports, societies, volunteering, welfare, advice, and support; representation, retail outlets, and student club nights.

Looking to get involved?

• Student Groups: The SU has a wide variety of student groups that you can join! Ranging from Rugby to Archery, Art to Artificial Intelligence, Crochet to Pole Fitness. All of these groups are run by student volunteers and will be looking for new members.
• Course Representatives: Nominate yourself to be a Course Representative who gathers feedback from their cohort and meets with staff to discuss how to make the student experience even better. Our course representatives give you the chance to shape your own education. To nominate yourself to become a Course Representative please speak to your lecturer who can recruit you.

For more information about Welcome Events and the range of services we offer head to the SU website.