University of Cumbria

I found the university a terrible place to study, the tutors had little idea about what they were teaching and they had limited experience. I had previously completed my undergraduate degree by learning from doctors and professors who conducted active research in the field, however these tutors could not compare to this.
They did not take criticism or advice on how best we learnt and instead continue to deliver sessions in a way that did not benefit the students. They advice and content of the lectures and seminars was appalling, and had no transfer to the education setting, it was embarrassing that the course claimed to offer a specialism in SEND & Inclusion and the tutor who delivered this sessions was a Geography teacher.... I think that sums it up really.
I would never recommend this University, in fact I would strongly advise rethinking and applying elsewhere. Most people who attend this university live locally and as I was not from the area, I do believe I was stigmaised.

I spoke to the student union on numerous occasions when I had some issues about my chosen course, while they did offer some helpful advice, they were slow in dealing with issues and had limited answers and opinions of moving forward and resolving issues.

I did not see many clubs or societies advertised around the Lancaster campus, the campus itself if small so I would assume the quantity of options would be limited.

I found while the campus looks relatively new, the factilities were very limited and scarce. The library was in desperate need of renovations and updating, there were hardly any computers available to work on- your nearly always had to bring in your own laptop to work from.
The lecture halls were cramped and uncomfortable- some didn’t even have desks so that made taking notes quite difficult.

The tutors weren’t supportive and did not take criticism of the course seriously, instead they turned and attacked student who brought up complaints and concerns.
Tutors were often unorganised and they lectures contained little to no information which could be transferred to the work setting.
The time spent across each module did not seem to be divided appropriately, so students may spend long hours on one area and then have one lecture on something which was seen as equality important.

The university is a short walk away from the town centre of Lancaster- where one of the campus is based (other two are in Ambleside & London).

My course was supposed to include assess to developing a specialism in SEND & Inclusion, however we were given the option of working in this section, and all our experience was mainstream school which was limiting. Furthermore, we were not allowed to go and seek our own work placements which may have been better suited to own needs, we had to accept the placements university gave use and often these were not appropriate, I think the work placement team needs serious work/retraining.

I raised concerns about the course, and I was attacked by my tutors and even the course leader which was very demoralising. The feedback was nearly always critical towards me but to my other students hey offered advice and help.
The tutors’ help definitely depends on who they like or dislike and it was clear from the beginning they did not like me as I spoke out about the discrepancies throughout the course and how I was not accessing the learning that had been stated in the course handbook and on application.