Partner Article

Learning with purpose beyond the classroom: Northumbria University

Northumbria University
www.northumbria.ac.uk
LinkedIn: Northumbria University

In a fast-moving commercial world, access to talent with the ideas of tomorrow has never been more valuable. Helping develop that next generation of innovators is a key focus for Northumbria University. Through ventures such as The Business Clinic and a scholarship programme delivered alongside the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust, the university is forging partnerships that are boosting business progress while equipping students with the experience, skills and confidence needed to build successful careers. Here, N magazine looks at the impact of the university's real-world approach to education.

Real-world experience doesn't just enhance a student's education – it transforms it.

At Northumbria University, learning happens beyond the lecture theatre through facilities such as The Business Clinic and Student Law Office, where learners work alongside organisations, charities and communities to address genuine challenges that shape their careers and deliver real impact.

That commitment is brought to life through partnerships with organisations across the region, including a special collaboration with the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust.

Students in the boardroom

The Business Clinic has delivered more than 870 consultancy projects involving over 3,500 students since it was founded in 2013.

Organisations of all sizes – from local SMEs to multinationals – receive pro-bono consultancy support, while students gain the kind of real-world experience that sets them apart as graduates.

Dr Ed Cottam, The Business Clinic director, says: "The clinic gives students an experience that no classroom alone can replicate.

"Working with a real client on a real challenge builds the kind of confidence and commercial awareness that employers notice immediately.

"We are proud to work with organisations that understand the value of that exchange."

Honouring a legacy

On May 22, 2017, Liam Curry, a Northumbria University sport and exercise science student, and his 17-year-old partner Chloe Rutherford tragically lost their lives at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.

Their families established the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust in their memory, driven by a determination to honour the couple through their shared passion for sport and performance.

That mission has found a natural home at Northumbria University.

Through the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust Scholarship, young people from the North East receive support with the costs that can stand between them and their potential, from auditions and coaching qualifications to equipment and travel expenses.

This year's recipient, Tom Gwilym, is studying an MSc in Sport Performance and Analysis while gaining valuable experience as a performance analysis intern at Newcastle United Football Club's academy.

The collaboration, though, runs deeper.

Students at The Business Clinic are delivering free consultancy on website development, digital marketing and fundraising, while students from the School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries are creating branded clothing to raise the charity's profile.

Richard Clark, trust chair and Northumbria University graduate, says: "The scholarship is a fitting legacy, bonding the charity with the university at which Liam was a successful student.

"It holds a very special personal significance for me as a graduate too.

"Students are also bringing fresh perspectives and thinking to the genuine challenges we face as a charity through their consultancy work."

Richard is part of the university's Alumni Mentoring Programme, bringing his experience as a director at Barclays Private Bank directly to students who could one day follow in his footsteps.

Dan Monnery, Northumbria University pro vice-chancellor for external affairs, adds: "The generosity of partners like Richard, who give their time, expertise and support, makes this kind of collaboration so powerful.

"Experiential learning is central to the university's ambition to power an inclusive economy, and the depth of this partnership – from scholarships and student consultancy to alumni mentoring – is testament to that.

"There is so much more we can achieve together, and we welcome organisations and supporters across the region to be part of that journey."

Northumbria University

Northumbria University partners with alumni, businesses and charitable supporters to provide a range of financial initiatives, mental health and wellbeing services, and community-based projects to make participation and progression in higher education more achievable for academically talented students, regardless of their social or economic circumstances.

To find out more and support its work, email james.wilkinson@northumbria.ac.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by N Magazine .