Student News
On this page, you will find ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Student News, which every ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ student receives each week via their ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ email account. Student News is issued every Wednesday afternoon.
Want an item featured in Student News? You can find out how by reading our policy and procedure.
Don’t forget that we share lots of stories about the University, and our students and staff and things that interest them, on , , and. #¶¶ÒõÊÓƵCommunity
In this week's Student News:
Introducing the New ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ IT Chatbot – Your Virtual IT Assistant
We are pleased to announce the launch of the , a new virtual assistant designed to help staff and students quickly resolve common technology issues and access instant IT support.
The chatbot can provide immediate responses to frequently asked questions, for example:
- Password resets
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Remote access guidance
- General IT troubleshooting and support
Its knowledge base has been carefully developed using verified content from the ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ website, ensuring that all guidance you receive is accurate and consistent.
Accessing the Chatbot
The chatbot is available when you are connected to ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ remote systems or to Eduroam Wi-Fi.
Visit the Chabot .
Give it a try today and discover a faster, easier way to get the IT support you need!
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ IT
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Planned IT maintenance affecting VLeBooks and other Browns Books services
As a result of planned maintenance there may be short periods of disruption to VLeBooks and other Browns Books services from 10pm on Friday 6 February until 4am on Saturday 7 February.
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Free seminar - 26th Feb, Building Anti-Ableism Through Representation: Toys and Play.
A reminder of this event: Building Anti-Ableism Through Representation: Toys and Play. delivered in partnership by Queen ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵt University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Cambridge.
26 February 2026 Ìý | Ìý1300-1630 GMT (Hybrid vie Teams and in room 2156 on campus)
Open to all staff and students.Ìý
Registration is open untilÌý24 February 2026. Full details of registration and speakers are at this link:
This interdisciplinary series brings together researchers and practitioners working across psychology, education, and children’s literature to examine how disability is represented in children’s toys, books, film, and wider material culture, and how these representations can contribute to anti-ableist practice.
Whilst registration is required, all seminars are free to attend, either online or on campus, and open to anyone with an interest in anti-ableism, disability representation, inclusion, education, and children’s culture.
For more information please contact Clare Uytman (cuytman@qmu.ac.uk)
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Individual Learning Plan (ILP) exam adjustments: semester two 25/26 deadline
The latest date that ILP exam adjustments can be made in semester two is Friday 3rdÌýApril 2026.Ìý Any student requiring adjustments/review of adjustments forÌýexamsÌýcan book a Disability Adviser appointment via orÌýDisabilityAdvisers@qmu.ac.ukÌýin advance of this date.Ìý
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International Students: Join This Free Alumni UK Event!
Final year international students are invited to Scotland and beyond: Celebrating your global journey on Wednesday 11 February 2026 (14:00–19:00) at Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus.Ìý
Hear from global alumni, get practical career advice, meet employers and career teams, and enjoy free dinner, drinks and a ceilidh. It’s a great chance to build your network before graduation.Ìý
Register your interest by Friday 6th Feb 09:00 .
You’ll receive a confirmation email if selected.Ìý
Register here:
Queries: alumniuk.team@britishcouncil.org
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Turn Your Ideas Into Competition‑Ready Ventures with the Start‑up Factory (24 - 26 February)
The Start‑up Factory’s Industry‑Led Innovation Sprint is a three‑day (24 - 26 February), hands‑on programme designed to take early‑stage founders from idea to competition‑ready ventures.
Open to students, staff and recent graduates from universities and colleges across Central-East Scotland — including those without a venture idea — the sprint will focus on shaping sustainability‑driven solutions that meet real innovation funding and accelerator standards.
All academic backgrounds are welcome — from arts and social sciences to health, engineering, business, design and science.
Whether you’re working from an early‑stage idea or exploring how your expertise could create impact, this is your chance to collaborate, innovate and compete for up to £2,500 in prizes.
Dates: Tuesday 24 - Thursday 26 February
Time: 09:00 - 16:00 each day
Venue: Heriot-Watt University
For more information and to register, visit:Ìý
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Compassionate Assessment in HE Network Event: Scottish Tertiary Enhancement Project (STEP) - Transforming Assessment Practices and Policies in Scotland
Thursday 26th February 2026
3-4pm GMT/UTC Ìý
All staff and students are invited to join us for this session, part of the Compassionate Assessment in HE Network talk series.
This session introduces a sector-wide collaborative project which is part of Scotland's Tertiary Enhancement Programme (STEP) - Transforming Assessment Policy and Practice in Scotland (TAPPS) which Queen ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵt University are collaborating on. Focussed on advancing the current STEP topic - “Supporting Diverse Learner Journeys" - the project aims to drive transformation in assessment policy to support compassion, inclusion and flexibility in assessment practice to better recognise the needs of diverse learners across Scottish tertiary education and to remove harmful practices. The presentation will explore how inclusive, diverse, and optional assessment strategies can enhance student learning and success by enacting compassionate approaches to assessment. By embedding principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) that promote assessment choice and embracing innovative approaches that reflect and support the learning of our increasingly diverse learners, we aim to create more equitable opportunities for achievement whilst supporting students' development for life beyond study.Ìý
Join the Project Leads and Project Collaborator: ÌýDr Cameron Graham, AssociateÌýProfessor at Edinburgh Napier University; Alison Greenwood-Bell, Dean of the Faculty of Creative Industries at City of Glasgow College and Vikki Hill, Director of Learning Enhancement and Academic Development at Queen ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵt University.Ìý
Book and feel free to share across networks.
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Converge Challenges Competition and Drop-In Sessions
Converge is on the lookout for aspiring innovators to join their 2026 programme!
If you’re a Queen ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵt University member of staff, student or recent graduate (graduated in the past 36 months) looking to turn your research, idea or invention into a thriving business, then this is your chance to access the right skills, expertise and connections to make it happen. Ìý
Whatever difference you want to make – from tackling health and societal challenges to improving food safety – Converge can guide you every step of the way. And you don’t need any business experience to get started.ÌýÌý
Places on their programme – the only one of its kind in Scotland - are highly sought after with an application deadline of 2 April 2026.
Find out more atÌý or come along to a Converge drop-in sessions at the ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Startup Studio from 10am to 4pm on the following dates:
- Thursday 5th February ()
- Wednesday 11th March ()
- Wednesday 25th March ()
Come along to learn more!
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Planned Internet Migration rescheduled – Tuesday 24th February
IT Services will migrate ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ’s internet connection to new hardware after hours on Tuesday 24th February. This upgrade moves the connection from older equipment to Jisc’s updated network, improving resilience and reliability.
Key Details:
- At-risk period:Ìý5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Expected outage:ÌýAround 6:00 pm (kept as short as possible)
- Duration of work:ÌýApproximately 2 hours
During the outage, the entire campus will briefly lose internet access. Campus-hosted resources such as the Student Portal and App, Timetable, Horizon Remote Desktop, and ShibbolethÌýwill be unavailable externally.
Microsoft 365 services (email, OneDrive, Teams, etc.) will continue to work for users off campus or those using mobile data.
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RESEARCHER DEVELOPMENT FEBRUARY OPPORTUNITIES
Converge Drop-In Session
10:00am - 4:00pm, Thursday, February 5, 2026
The Converge drop-in and advice sessions offer support and advice to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey!Ìý
Converge work with Scotland’s universities to empower staff, students and graduates to transform academic research and innovation into real-world solutions. Through collaboration, we harness expertise, knowledge and connections to support the creation of impactful businesses that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Come along to hear more about how Converge can help you.Ìý
Facilitators:ÌýSam Trett and Lissa Herron, Converge
Location: ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Startup Studio
Ìý
Bright Red Triangle (BRT) Drop-In Session
10:00am - 11:00am, Thursday, February 12, 2026
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ staff, students and graduates can access free lifelong enterprise support from our partners at Bright Red Triangle (BRT), enabling development of enterprise skills that are invaluable for an entrepreneurial career.
It is the mission of BRT to equip our community with the skills and knowledge needed to progress from idea to business launch, to long-term growth and sustainability. Since their launch in 2005, BRT have supported more than 1,000 start-ups and freelancers.
The BRT team offer a variety of services to help our entrepreneurial community thrive, including:
Entrepreneurial Support: guidance, resources and mentorship to help turn innovative ideas into successful businesses. Enterprise Skills Development: workshops to enhance your skills in leadership, communication, time management, networking and more. Networking Events: connect with like-minded individuals and professionals, fostering valuable connections. Hot-desking Space: access dedicated workspace for collaborative projects and entrepreneurial endeavours. Funding Opportunities: learn about grants and sand funding options available to support your projects and initiatives.Ìý Ìý
Join us in the Startup Studio to learn more about their service and resources.
Facilitator:ÌýBright Red Triangle
Location: ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Startup Studio
Ìý
E-Research and Open Access Publishing
1:00pm - 2:00pm, Thursday, February 12, 2026
Find out about depositing your research in ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ's institutional repositories eResearch and eData and what you need to know about open access and publishing, including how to ensure that your research publications are compliant with REF 2029.
This interactive workshop will provide an opportunity to find out more about ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ’s support and policies, with an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.
Facilitator:ÌýHelen Muir, ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Research Support Librarian
Location: Online
The Ventures Lab by Challenges Group Drop-In
1:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday, February 24, 2026
The Ventures Lab by Challenges Group provides support for aspiring and early-stage social entrepreneurs in Scotland.
They offer a range of interventions to support new enterprises to understand their customer needs, develop their business model and value proposition, access financing, prepare their go-to-market strategy, design (and even trial) their core service or product offering. They can also support with legal incorporation and brand and website development.
Come along to this drop-in session and explore whether your idea for a product or service has potential to make a difference in Scotland and beyond!
Facilitator:ÌýRoss Isdale, Business Development Manager, Challenges Group
Location: ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Start Up Studio
Ìý
Please direct any queries to rkedu@qmu.ac.uk. Ìý
In this week's student news
Introducing the New ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ IT Chatbot – Your Virtual IT Assistant
We are pleased to announce the launch of the , a new virtual assistant designed to help staff and students quickly resolve common technology issues and access instant IT support.
The chatbot can provide immediate responses to frequently asked questions, for example:
• Password resets
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Remote access guidance
• General IT troubleshooting and support
Its knowledge base has been carefully developed using verified content from the ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ website, ensuring that all guidance you receive is accurate and consistent.
Accessing the Chatbot
The chatbot is available when you are connected to ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ remote systems or to Eduroam Wi-Fi.
Visit the Chabot
Give it a try today and discover a faster, easier way to get the IT support you need!
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Need a Short Term Laptop for use on campus?
The library now has 16 short-term laptops available for student borrowing. Each laptop can be borrowed for up to 4 hours, making it perfect for study sessions or quick tasks.
You’ll find the laptop issuing machine in the library between Rooms 1125 and 1126, in the area where library books are located.
To access a laptop, simply use your student card at the machine and follow the on screen instructions.
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Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2026/27
The Undergraduate tuition fees for 2026/27 are now available to view via the link below. Depending on your fee status, you may also need to refer to the separate table for Continuing Students at the bottom of the page.
2026-27 Undergraduate fees
If you have any questions regarding your fees for next year, please get in touch with Registry.
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Misinformation and disinformation session Tuesday, 3rd February 2-3 pm - online
In a polarised world of information overload where fake news, misinformation and disinformation travel many times faster than facts, how do we cope? How do we avoid falling prey to misinformation and disinformation when it becomes harder every day to tell fact from fiction?
We aim to raise awareness, discuss ways to cope with and avoid spreading misinformation and disinformation.
Registration is required for this online session.
Please follow this link:
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Planned IT maintenance affecting VLeBooks and other Browns Books services
As a result of planned maintenance there may be short periods of disruption to VLeBooks and other Browns
Books services from 10pm on Friday 6 February until 4am on Saturday 7 February.
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The International Office will be unavailable on Thursday 5th February
The International Office will be unavailable on Thursday 5th February as the team will be attending a conference.
If you have any queries, please contact them by email (international@qmu.ac.uk) and they will get back to you as soon as possible.
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Leisure Reading Collection
Please let the library know of any stock recommendations you have for the new Leisure Reading Collection. This collection consists of both fiction and non-fiction books.
The aim of the new collection is to combat stress, to increase wellbeing and a sense of belonging, to challenge existing worldviews and social injustices, and to be representative of our student population. In other words, everyone should be able to walk into the library and feel that they belong and that there are books on the shelves that represent their background and experience.
Please use this form to submit a recommendation.
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Invitation to attend ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ's Annual Nursing and Health and Social Care Career Fair (NHSCC) 2026 on 29th of January (in person)
We are pleased to invite you to attend our annual Nursing and Healthcare Career Fair on Thursday 29th of January on campus.
This event is designed for final year students, but it may be also relevant to students in other years of study who want to explore potential employers or career options/pathways.
Annual Nursing and Health and Social Care Career Fair (NHSCC) 2026 – Invitation
Thursday 29 January, 10:00am–2:00pm | The Atrium, ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Careers and Employability warmly invites staff, students, and recent graduates to attend ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ’s Annual Nursing and Health and Social Care Career Fair (NHSCC) 2026.
Fifteen of our partner organisations will be in attendance, offering information about graduate opportunities in Scotland, Ireland, and Australia. These organisations are particularly keen to engage with students and recent graduates from the following disciplines: Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Podiatry, Music/Drama/Art Therapy, Radiography,
Paramedics and Dietetics.
Participating organisations include:
Each organisation will be promoting specific roles and opportunities for students and recent graduates. Please refer to the for further details.
No registration is needed, but students can register for the event in Student Central using the following link:
If you require any further information, please contact Juan Garcia or email careers@qmu.ac.uk.
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PALS Feedback
As we starting our PALS sessions for this Semester, we would love to get your thoughts and feedback on PALS. We have a short survey for you to complete so that we can find out about your experience of PALS in Semester 1; this will help us improve PALS and make it a useful support resource for all ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ students.
You can also complete the survey if you did not attend any PALS sessions – you will only need to respond to relevant questions.
We look forward to reading your feedback:
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¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Disability Service
At ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Disability Service, we help current students who have a disability to access the support they need. This includes everyone, whether you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate, EU or International student. You don't need a formal diagnosis to access our service.
To book an appointment, please visit Student Central, email DisabilityAdvisers@qmu.ac.uk or visit Student Services Reception
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Scottish Government Microfinance Enterprise Fund 2026 – FINAL CALL
Applications for the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 are now invited from current students and staff of ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ.
This fund is intended to support students and staff from Scottish universities in achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions by offering awards of £1,000 - £3,000 to help them test and progress their business ideas.
Current ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ students and staff are eligible to apply. Projects must be pre-incorporation without a business bank account and must have received less than £5,000 in financial support for business, commercialisation or enterprise activities to date.
Full eligibility criteria and application process details can be found on the , along with a link to the application form.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 1st February 2026.
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Turn Your Ideas Into Competition Ready Ventures with the Start up Factory (24 - 26 February)
The Start up Factory’s Industry Led Innovation Sprint is a three day (24 - 26 February), hands on programme designed to take early stage founders from idea to competition ready ventures.
Open to students, staff and recent graduates from universities and colleges across Central-East Scotland — including those without a venture idea — the sprint will focus on shaping sustainability driven solutions that meet real innovation funding and accelerator standards.
All academic backgrounds are welcome — from arts and social sciences to health, engineering, business, design and science.
Whether you’re working from an early stage idea or exploring how your expertise could create impact, this is your chance to collaborate, innovate and compete for up to £2,500 in prizes.
Dates: Tuesday 24 - Thursday 26 February
Time: 09:00 - 16:00 each day
Venue: Heriot-Watt University
For more information and to register, visit:
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Converge Challenges Competition and Drop-In Sessions
Converge is on the lookout for aspiring innovators to join their 2026 programme!
If you’re a Queen ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵt University member of staff, student or recent graduate (graduated in the past 36 months) looking to turn your research, idea or invention into a thriving business, then this is your chance to access the right skills, expertise and connections to make it happen.
Whatever difference you want to make – from tackling health and societal challenges to improving food safety – Converge can guide you every step of the way. And you don’t need any business experience to get started.
Places on their programme – the only one of its kind in Scotland - are highly sought after with an application deadline of 2 April 2026.
Find out more at or come along to a Converge drop-in sessions at the ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Startup Studio from 10am to 4pm on the following dates:
- Thursday 5th February ()
- Wednesday 11th March ()
- Wednesday 25th March ()
Come along to learn more!
In this week's Student News:
Head.Heart.Hand - a new Stef Smith play celebrating the history of ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ
19–21 February 2026 at the Traverse Theatre
Join our Acting and Performing students this February at the Traverse Theatre for a powerful new production by award-winning playwright and ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ graduate Stef Smith. This special performance marks the 150th anniversary of the University.
Head. Heart. Hand. is a story of perseverance, action, and the enduring belief in education as an act of hope. It promises to be an unforgettable celebration of ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ’s legacy - and the students, past and present, who shaped it.
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Need a Short Term Laptop for use on campus?
The library now has 16 short-term laptops available for student borrowing. Each laptop can be borrowed for up to 4 hours, making it perfect for study sessions or quick tasks. You’ll find the laptop issuing machine in the library between Rooms 1125 and 1126, in the area where library books are located. To access a laptop, simply use your student card at the machine and follow the on screen instructions.Ìý
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Thoughts and Feedback on PALS
As we starting our PALS sessions for this Semester, we would love to get your thoughts and feedback on PALS. We have a short survey for you to complete so that we can find out about your experience of PALS in Semester 1; this will help us improve PALS and make it a useful support resource for all ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ students.
Ìý
You can also complete the survey if you did not attend any PALS sessions – you will only need to respond to relevant questions.
Ìý
We look forward to reading your feedback:
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6-week ‘Compassionate Mind Training’ course
Mondays, 12 - 2pm starting on the 2nd February
Ìý
Do you ever feel that you are your own worst critic? Or find it hard to regulate your emotions? ÌýIf so, this course might be helpful!
This course is useful for anxious over-thinkers, perfectionists or students who struggle to know what to do with their anger/anxiety/ other difficult emotions.Ìý
It’s helpful for low self-esteem and self-criticism.
There is more information here, including comments from past participants:
Book a place:
If you would like to book a place, email Sophie on smacleod@qmu.ac.uk giving your name and matriculation number.Ìý
Spaces are limited.
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Looking to gain practical insight and experience within your area of study?
Careers and Employability’s Mentoring Programmes are now open for new applications to all Year 2 students and above.
All students are encouraged to apply and benefit from this opportunity to connect with experienced professionals in your field of study.
We have mentors in Marketing, PR, Business, Finance, HR, Hospitality, Tourism, Events Management, Psychology, Sociology, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Speech Therapy, Drama, Film, Theatre, and other Creative industries.Ìý
Explore Mentors and Mentoring Programmes
Take some time to review the and think about who you would like to work with. Consider what kind of mentoring programme best suits your personal and professional development goals. If you're unsure, you're welcome to discuss your options with Juan Garcia, Mentoring Coordinator and Careers Adviser. Please be aware that students will be allocated mentors as they apply, therefore your preferred mentor may not be available.
Apply today to have the best chance of getting the match you want!
Book a 15-Minute Appointment with Juan Garcia
To apply, schedule a short meeting with Juan to talk about your interest in the programme and what type of mentoring arrangement would work best for you.
Book an appointment .
Applications close on the 14th of February.Ìý
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ-online students have limited access to on campus student services and opportunities. If you are an online student, you can access information on the or by sending an email to oss@qmu.ac.uk to find out more
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Parking on Campus
We would like to remind everyone that the University car park is particularly busy at the start of the semester. Due to high demand, we cannot guarantee parking spaces for all users. To avoid inconvenience, please arrive early and be prepared for potential queues. You may also wish to consider alternative options such as the Park and Ride at Newcraighall, which is within walking distance of the campus and connected by direct bus services. Additionally, we encourage you to explore public transport and sustainable travel options.
For more detailed information on parking, public transport, and sustainable travel options, please visit our webpage.
Parking in Local Areas
It is important that staff and students respect our neighbours and adhere to parking restrictions in the local areas surrounding our campus. Please note that parking on Queen ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵt University Drive is not permitted, and enforcement is carried out by East Lothian Council on all roads surrounding the campus. Additionally, parking on kerbs, footways, and verges is not permitted as it is unsafe and causes damage.
Musselburgh Railway Station Car Park
Parking is only for ScotRail customers using Musselburgh Station. Non-customers using the station car park may be subject to enforcement action by British Transport Police under The Railway Byelaws. Those parking outside of marked bays, on double yellow lines, or in disabled bays without a Blue Badge will be fined.
Musselburgh Controlled Parking Zone
To ensure that our neighbours can access their homes, parking within the residential streets adjacent to the campus is controlled by East Lothian Council through limited waiting times and permits. To avoid receiving a £100 penalty charge notice, drivers should comply with the restrictions indicated by the signs and markings displayed on the streets. Further details can be found here. For the benefit of our neighbours, please respect these restrictions and refrain from parking in residential areas around the campus.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Campus Operations
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Introducing the New ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ IT Chatbot – Your Virtual IT Assistant
We are pleased to announce the launch of the , a new virtual assistant designed to help staff and students quickly resolve common technology issues and access instant IT support.
The chatbot can provide immediate responses to frequently asked questions, for example:
• Ìý ÌýPassword resets
• Ìý ÌýMulti-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Ìý ÌýRemote access guidance
• Ìý ÌýGeneral IT troubleshooting and support
Its knowledge base has been carefully developed using verified content from the ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ website, ensuring that all guidance you receive is accurate and consistent.
Accessing the Chatbot
The chatbot is available when you are connected to ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ remote systems or to Eduroam Wi-Fi.
Visit the Chabot .
Give it a try today and discover a faster, easier way to get the IT support you need!
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ IT
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Annual Nursing and Health and Social Care Career Fair (NHSCC) 2026 – Invitation
Thursday 29 January, 10:00am–2:00pm | The Atrium, ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Careers and Employability warmly invites staff, students, and recent graduates to attend ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ’s Annual Nursing and Health and Social Care Career Fair (NHSCC) 2026.
Fifteen of our partner organisations will be in attendance, offering information about graduate opportunities in Scotland, Ireland, and Australia. These organisations are particularly keen to engage with students and recent graduates from the following disciplines: Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Podiatry, Music/Drama/Art Therapy, Radiography, and Dietetics.
Participating organisations include:
Each organisation will be promoting specific roles and opportunities for students and recent graduates. Please refer to the NHSCC booklet for further details. You can view the draft event booklet here:
Students/graduates may attend the event at any time between 10:00am and 2:00pm; however, we recommend attending at the following suggested times:
• Ìý Ìý10:00 – 11:00: Physiotherapy (postgraduate), Podiatry, Art/Music/Drama Therapy (postgraduate), SLT, Dietetics and - Allied Health
• Ìý Ìý10:30 – 11:45: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Art/Music/Drama Therapy, SLT, Dietetics - Allied Health
• Ìý Ìý11:45 – 12:30: Occupational Therapy undergraduate students; Paramedic Science students - Allied Health
Employer short presentations to groups of students
Ìý
• Ìý Ìý12:30 – 13:15: Nursing students – Group 1
• Ìý Ìý13:15 – 14:00: Nursing students – Group 2
• Ìý Ìý14:00: Event concludes
No registration is needed, but students can register for the event in Student Central using the following link:
If you require any further information, please contact @Garcia, Juan or email careers@qmu.ac.uk.
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Student Attendance and Engagement Policy update
There has been a small update to the . It clarifies the circumstances under which a student’s attendance may be manually recorded if they are unable to register their own attendance during class.
Section 6:
If a student is unable to register their attendance using the SEAtS App in class, they must notify the teaching team during or immediately after the class.
• Ìý ÌýThe teaching team can manually record a student’s attendance up to one calendar week after the class.
• Ìý ÌýThe Attendance Team (attendance@qmu.ac.uk) cannot verify that a student attended a class.
However, they can:Ìý
o Ìý ÌýAssist the teaching team with technical difficulties.
o Ìý ÌýProvide guidance and support on how to mark students as attended manually.
Section 9:
(Staff responsibilities)
b) Providing the QR code for students to log in with during each timetabled session. The QR code refreshes approximately every 20 seconds. If a student is unable to scan the code, they must notify the teaching team during or immediately after the class. The teaching team can manually record a student’s attendance up to one calendar week after the session.
Ìý
If you have any queries, please contact the Attendance Team at attendance@qmu.ac.uk
ÌýÌý
ÌýÌý
ÌýÌý
ÌýÌý
ÌýÌý
ÌýÌý
In this week's Student News:
6-week ‘Compassionate Mind Training’ course
Mondays, 12 - 2pm starting on the 2nd February
Do you ever feel that you are your own worst critic? Or find it hard to regulate your emotions? If so, this course might be helpful!
This course is useful for anxious over-thinkers, perfectionists or students who struggle to know what to do with their anger/anxiety/ other difficult emotions.
It’s helpful for low self-esteem and self-criticism.
There is more information here, including comments from past participants:
Book a place:
If you would like to book a place, email Sophie on smacleod@qmu.ac.uk giving your name and matriculation number.
Spaces are limited.
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Seminar invitation: Building Anti-Ableism Through Representation in Children’s Material Culture, 26th February
We are pleased to announce an upcoming British Psychological Society–funded seminar series, Building Anti-Ableism Through Representation in Children’s Material Culture, delivered in partnership by Queen ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵt University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Cambridge.
This interdisciplinary series brings together researchers and practitioners working across psychology, education, and children’s literature to examine how disability is represented in children’s toys, books, film, and wider material culture, and how these representations can contribute to anti-ableist practice.
Across the series, delegates will share research, practice, methodological innovations, and theoretical insights, exploring our understanding of how disability representations influence attitudes, educational practice, and children’s everyday experiences.
A core principle of the series is the centring of disabled voices. Grounded in disability justice, the seminars actively challenge the historical marginalisation of disabled people within academic, educational, and cultural contexts.
Seminar 1: Toys and Play (Queen ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵt University)
26 February 2026 | 1300-1630 GMT
Key Note Speaker: Rebecca Atkinson (she/her) - The power of representation and TV access for disabled children in early years
From sparking ideas to developing imaginative outcomes across children’s industries, Rebecca is an original thinker –adept at storytelling, production and the creation of compelling worlds. She is the founder of ToyLikeMe and creator of MixMups for Milkshake! including developing Ultra Access, a revolutionary interactive technology
Key Note Speaker: Christina Lee (she/her) - Representation Matters: Creating an Inclusive Future for All
is a Research Associate for Knowledge Exchange for Disability Matters at the University of Sheffield. She completed her PhD in English and Medical Humanities at King’s College London in 2023. Her current work focuses on how disability can expand equity, diversity, and inclusion, and drive transformative knowledge exchange in research.
Plus flashtalks, poster presentations and a panel discussion
The call for abstracts is now open until 26 January and registration is open until 24 February 2026. Full details of how to submit an abstract and register are at this link:
Whilst registration is required, all seminars are free to attend, either online or on campus, and open to anyone with an interest in anti-ableism, disability representation, inclusion, education, and children’s culture.
Further Seminar Themes & Dates
Building anti-ableism through books
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow | 21 April 2026 | 1300-1630 BST
Building anti-ableism through film and television
University of Cambridge | 11 June 2026 | 1300-1630 BST
Collaborators
Dr Katie Cebula – University of Edinburgh
Dr Charlotte Webber - University of Strathclyde
Rachel Milne – University of Cambridge
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Voi City Bike Hire Discounts
Voi is the new bike hire scheme available in Edinburgh and Glasgow - you may have spotted the pink bikes around town.
Students, apprentices and staff at higher education institutions qualify for a 50% discount on minute bundles and subscriptions.
To get your discount code, apply on the VOI website:
To hear more cycle related news in the local area you can sign up to the edi.bike newsletter or visit their website:
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Scottish Government Microfinance Enterprise Fund 2026
Applications for the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 are now invited from current students and staff of ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ.
This fund is intended to support students and staff from Scottish universities in achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions by offering awards of £1,000 - £3,000 to help them test and progress their business ideas.
Current ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ students and staff are eligible to apply. Projects must be pre-incorporation without a business bank account and must have received less than £5,000 in financial support for business, commercialisation or enterprise activities to date.
Full eligibility criteria and application process details can be found on the , along with a link to the application form.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 1st February 2026.
In this week's Student News:
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ’s Dissertation Festival 19 - 23 January!
Developing your dissertation is a unique opportunity to bring your own research interests to life and can be one of the most exciting parts of your degree programme! However, undertaking such an independent research project can also feel like a big challenge with new skills to learn along the way.
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ’s Dissertation Festival from 19 - 23 January is here to help!
The dissertation festival brings together support from across ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ to help you nurture your project into a piece of research you can be truly proud to submit when the time comes. With a programme of online workshops, the festival combines support from ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ’s Liaison Librarian team and the Effective Learning Service. With several sessions on most days, you can choose which topics are of most interest for you, and join us to boost your skills.
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Monday 19 Jan |
Tuesday 20 Jan |
Wednesday 21 Jan |
Thursday 22 Jan |
Friday 23 Jan |
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Literature reviews with ELS 11 - 12 |
AI and academic integrity |
Getting the most out of Google Scholar |
Looking ahead to your dissertation with ELS |
AI: Trust, truth and hallucinations |
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Finding journal articles |
Cited reference searching |
Literature reviews with ELS |
Advanced Google searching |
Looking ahead to your dissertation with ELS |
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Developing search strategies |
Using Zotero to manage your references |
Introduction to SAGE Research Methods |
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Creating references using Cite Them Right |
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Essential electrical maintenance work on campus:
Friday 9th Jan – Monday 12 Jan
Dear students and staff
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ’s Estates team will carry out essential electrical maintenance on campus over the weekend of Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th January. This work is part of our annual statutory inspection of the electrical distribution network and is vital to ensure the safety and reliability of our systems for all students, staff and visitors on campus. The work will involve the testing of low voltage and high voltage systems throughout the weekend.
What you need to know
• POWER & LIGHTING LOSS - The work will result in loss of power and lighting across all non-residential buildings.
• CLOSED - Academic (Main) Building, including the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) - Closed from 9pm on Friday 9th January and reopening 6am on Monday 12th January.
• CLOSED - Sports Centre, ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s, and Students’ Union Offices - Closed from their usual closing times on Friday 9th January and reopening Monday 12th January.
• IT SYSTEMS – ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ’s IT systems will be powered down and taken offline during the evening on Friday 9th January, including Wi-Fi.
• WI-FI UNAVAILABLE - Residences will not lose power, but Wi-Fi will be unavailable on Saturday 10th January and at risk on Friday night (9th Jan).
• The estates team will check essential supplies (eg freezers) after the work is finished, but please inspect your area from Monday 12th January to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
We appreciate that there is no ideal time for this work, but these inspections are essential for the safety of all and the reliability of our electrical systems for the year ahead. We thank you for your patience and understanding while this important work is carried out.
Thank you for your cooperation.
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Estates Team
In this week's Student News:
GrantsNow Research Ethics Platform – NEW URL LINK – UPDATE
Further to previous moderator messages regarding changes to the URL for accessing GrantsNow platform, it has been confirmed that the changeover will take place from 27th December. The system will be unavailable to all users from Tuesday 23rd to Thursday 26th December (inclusive) whilst the providers make necessary system updates.
As this change will take place whilst the campus is closed, the existing link accessed through the Research Ethics Canvas site (or bookmarked) should continue to be followed. When following this link, a message will be displayed that includes the new URL to access the system.
The URL will be updated on the Canvas site to reinstate direct access to the platform when the campus reopens on the 5th January 2026.
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Scottish Government Microfinance Enterprise Fund 2026
Applications for the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 are now invited from current students and staff of ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ.
This fund is intended to support students and staff from Scottish universities in achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions by offering awards of £1,000 - £3,000 to help them test and progress their business ideas.
Current ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ students and staff are eligible to apply. Projects must be pre-incorporation without a business bank account and must have received less than £5,000 in financial support for business, commercialisation or enterprise activities to date.
Full eligibility criteria and application process details can be found on the , along with a link to the application form.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 1st February 2026.
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Printer Upgrade Complete
The replacement printers have been successfully installed across campus.
The new devices operate in a very similar way to the previous printers, with no significant changes to printing, scanning or copying processes.
If you have not already done so, you may wish to restart your computer to ensure it fully recognises the new printers.
User guides for printing, scanning and copying are available under Printing Services section of ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ website.
If you experience any issues or have questions relating to the printers, please contact the Helpdesk for support.
Thank you for your cooperation during the upgrade work.
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¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Food Outlet - Opening times
³Ò³Ü³Ù³ó°ù¾±±ð’s Food Court  
• ³Ò³Ü³Ù³ó°ù¾±±ð’s will be closed after lunch service on Friday 12 December, and will reopen on Monday 12 January with a reduced lunch offer from 11.30am - 2pm.  Full service will resume on Monday 19 January.   
The Hux  
• The Hux closes at 3.30pm on Friday 19 December, then reopens again on Monday 5 January from 8am - 3pm. Full opening hours (8am - 4pm) will commence from Monday 12 January.
²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s  
• ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s closes on 5pm on Sunday 21 December, reopening on Monday 5 January from 9am - 6pm. There will then be reduced hours in ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s operating until Sunday 18 January.  Normal opening times commence from Monday 19 January.
• Please note ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s will be closed the weekend of the 10 & 11 January to allow for an essential power shutdown.
The Nook  
• The Nook closes on Friday 19 December at 3pm and reopens on Monday 5 January.
All information on ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ food outlets, including opening times, can be found on the ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ website:
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Getting a new phone for Christmas? Remember and update MFA first
Christmas and January sales are a popular time for getting a new mobile phone.
If you do get a new device then has instructions to ensure you are not locked out of ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ resources, as multi-factor authentication (MFA) is associated with your older device or phone number.
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The 2026 International Forum for Peer Learning and Support
The is a free to attend in-person event where you can explore various peer learning and support initiatives in higher education and connect with students and colleagues who share a passion for this area of work. Each year, the Forum welcomes delegates from across the UK, Europe, and beyond.
This is the 9th Forum to be held, and we were pleased to be asked to host at ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ.
The 2026 International Forum for Peer Learning and Support
Queen ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵt University, Edinburgh
Friday, 22nd May 2026
and closes on 5pm on Friday, 27th February 2026.
The main Forum will be held on Friday, 22nd May with an option to join an additional afternoon workshop on Thursday, 21st May.
Call for Contributions
If you would like to for the 2026 Forum for a presentation, creative workshop, lightning talk, or round-table discussion, please complete this .
The forum aims to offer informative sessions, with themes covering, but not limited to:
• Technology
• Terminology (is ‘peer’ limiting?)
• Evaluation
• Budgets & making PAL/SI-PASS/other peer learning and support programmes work on a low budget (value for money)
• Inclusivity in sessions
• Novel approaches to peer learning and support
We welcome proposals from staff working in peer learning but also from students involved in peer learning programmes. Call for Proposals closes 5pm on 16th February 2026.
Webinar to support new presenters
This year, we are offering a webinar in January 2026 to support any students who would like to submit a proposal to present, and any staff who are thinking about submitting a proposal for the first time. At this webinar, the Forum organisers will provide advice and guidance on how to develop a proposal idea and structure the proposal for submission. In the true ethos of peer support, part of the session will be split, with students being giving an opportunity to work with other students who have previously presented at the Forum, while staff will continue discussions separately.
Webinar to support new presenters
Online via MS Teams
Monday, 26th January 2026 2pm (UK time)
If you are interested in attending the webinar, please complete this .
Please visit our website page for details and updates, and should you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch at PALS@qmu.ac.uk.
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Feedback on PALS sessions
Now that we are at the end of Semester 1, we would love to get your feedback on PALS sessions. We have a short survey for you to complete so that we can find out about your experience of PALS in Semester 1; this will help us improve PALS and make it a useful support resource for all ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ students.
You can also complete the survey if you did not attend any PALS sessions – you will only need to respond to relevant questions.
We look forward to reading your feedback:
In this week's Student News:
To Absent Friends Festival/Records for Remembrance on Spotify â–¶ï¸
As part of the in November, ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ held a Records for Remembrance Event where many people wrote a message on a vinyl record or CD about a song title, a lyric or a piece of music that connects them with memories of someone who has died.
We are grateful to the many people who shared a musical memory and some very poignant messages. This captured the aim of the To Absent Friends Festival, as a people's festival of storytelling and remembrance - because dead ordinary people live on in the memories and stories we share.
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ has a long-standing partnership with . The music, songs and artists have been collated into a playlist and added to the St Columba’s Hospice Care Spotify account. The To Absent Friends Week 2025 Playlist can be found .
Enjoy!
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GrantsNow Research Ethics Platform - NEW URL link
We have been advised that the URL website link for the GrantsNow platform will be changing after Dec 15th as they will be changing servers. This new link will be updated within the Research Ethics Canvas site, but please note that if you have bookmarked the page, you will need update the URL after that date.
Any questions, please contact the UREC Secretariat: researchethics@qmu.ac.uk
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Upcoming Ebook Central maintenance
0300 to 0500 on Sunday, 14 December.
Clarivate will be carrying out maintenance on the Ebook Central platform between 3 am and 5 am on Sunday 14 December and have advised that the platform will be unavailable for the duration of this work.
In this week's Student News:
Would you like to spend a semester abroad as part of your degree?
If you are a student in one of the following subjects, you may be able to take a semester abroad at one of our selected exchange partners in Europe, Canada, USA, Hong Kong, or Australasia:
Subject Current Year Time of Exchange
Business Management (with Analytics, Digital Marketing, 1st 2nd
Finance, Human Resource Management) 2nd 3rd (Semester 2)
International Hospitality, Tourism & Events Management 2nd 3rd (Semester 2)
Drama 2nd 3rd
Theatre & Film 2nd 3rd
Film & Media 2nd 3rd
Digital Marketing & PR 2nd 3rd
Psychology 1st 2nd
2nd 3rd
Psychology & Sociology 1st 2nd
2nd 3rd
Sociology 1st 2nd
2nd 3rd
Education (not Primary) 1st 2nd
2nd 3rd
Nutrition 1st 2nd
2nd 3rd
Funding support is available of £5000+ for students who could not otherwise afford an exchange semester.
If you would like more information about the exchange opportunities available, please email StudyAbroad@qmu.ac.uk. Closing date for applications is 31 January 2026 to go on exchange in the 2026/27 academic year.
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Upcoming Ebook Central maintenance
Clarivate will be carrying out maintenance on the Ebook Central platform between 3 am and 5 am on Sunday, 14 December, and has advised that the platform will be unavailable for the duration of this work.
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Individual Learning Plan
You can now view your Individual Learning Plan (ILP) on the Student Portal – If you require any changes to your Individual Learning Plan (ILP), please book an appointment on Student Central or email DisabilityAdvisers@qmu.ac.uk
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Update to Catering Christmas Opening Hours
Due to the recent announcement that the University will be closed on the 22nd and 23rd of December, the opening dates of the campus food outlets have been updated to the following:
The Hux
• Closes: Friday 19th December
• Reopens: Monday 5th January
³Ò³Ü³Ù³ó°ù¾±±ð’s
• Closes: Friday 12th December
• Reopens: Monday 19th January
²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s
• Closes: Sunday 21st December
• Reopens: Monday 5th January
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Students as Workers: the experiences of working alongside studying
Monday 8th December 1pm Room 3106
Please come along to this research conversation seminar delivered by our students and recent graduates, and publicise amongst your students
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ sociology students and recent graduates will talk about the results of research into the experiences of students who work alongside their studies.
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The Association of British Theatre Technicians Virtual Ideas Platform - Competition
The (VIP) is a competition which celebrates the creative ingenuity of those working behind the scenes in theatre, by spotlighting and supporting the innovations, tools and processes developed every day by production professionals.
The competition is open to anyone who studies or works in the theatre and live events industries. If you have a technical, conceptual or practical idea that could positively impact the future of theatre production, they want to hear from you!
Winning submissions will receive £1,500 seed funding to support early-stage development or prototyping, support from ABTT and its partner networks to develop the idea, and the opportunity to be showcased at the ABTT Theatre Show.
Submission Deadline: Friday 5th December 2025, 11.59pm
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Scottish Government Microfinance Enterprise Fund 2026
Applications for the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 are now invited from current students and staff of ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ.
This fund is intended to support students and staff from Scottish universities in achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions by offering awards of £1,000 - £3,000 to help them test and progress their business ideas.
Current ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ students and staff are eligible to apply. Projects must be pre-incorporation without a business bank account and must have received less than £5,000 in financial support for business, commercialisation or enterprise activities to date.
Full eligibility criteria and application process details can be found on the , along with a link to the application form.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 1st February 2026.
In this week's Student News:
STEKAskills Charity stall in GuthriesÌý
The ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ based charity STEKAskills is holding a stall in Guthries’ dining are on November Thursday November 27thÌýand Tuesday December 2ndÌýDecember (12-2pm) selling Christmas gifts which make a big social impact. Everything being sold is made by poverty experienced people in Malawi where only 1%Ìý can go to college.Ìý All the profits fund education for some of the world’s poorest people.Ìý It's been a busy year for this grassroots charity which is challenging power dynamics with its ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ developed critical dialogueÌý approach -come and find out more about how ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ has helped this charity achieve great things for women and girls in Malawi as well as for young Scots Ìý
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The Association of British Theatre Technicians Virtual Ideas Platform - Competition
The (VIP) is a competition which celebrates the creative ingenuity of those working behind the scenes in theatre, by spotlighting and supporting the innovations, tools and processes developed every day by production professionals.
The competition is open to anyone who studies or works in the theatre and live events industries. If you have a technical, conceptual or practical idea that could positively impact the future of theatre production, they want to hear from you!
Winning submissions will receive £1,500 seed funding to support early-stage development or prototyping, support from ABTT and its partner networks to develop the idea, and the opportunity to be showcased at the ABTT Theatre Show.
Submission Deadline: Friday 5th December 2025, 11.59pm
Apply here:
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Scottish Government Microfinance Enterprise Fund 2026
Applications for the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 are now invited from current students and staff of ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ.
This fund is intended to support students and staff from Scottish universities in achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions by offering awards of £1,000 - £3,000 to help them test and progress their business ideas.
Current ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ students and staff are eligible to apply. Projects must be pre-incorporation without a business bank account and must have received less than £5,000 in financial support for business, commercialisation or enterprise activities to date.
Full eligibility criteria and application process details can be found on the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 webpage, along with a link to the application form.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 1st February 2026.
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In this week's Student News:
Estranged Students Solidarity Week
Next week ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ will obeserved Estranged Students Solidarity Week. An estranged person is someone who no longer has contact with their parents or legal guardians. QMCares —the University's dedicated service for care experienced students, student carers, and estranged students— ensures students receive the support they need to thrive. QMCares offers year-round advice, tailored guidance, and support whenever needed.
QMCares is collaborating with our Careers Service to offer a drop-in session, providing more information about the support available – including job search, volunteering, CVs, and applications. Come and meet the team!
📆Tuesday, 25 November 1-3 pm
📠Room 3106
This event will focus on creating a safe and supportive space for estranged and/or care-experienced students to connect with each other, but all are welcome.
Learning more about QMCares
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Semester 1 Examination Timetable Published
The Semester 1 Examination Timetable has been published and can be viewed at: Exams and Assessment | Current Students | Queen ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵt University (qmu.ac.uk)
Students who have separate arrangements for exams as part of an Individual Learning Plan will be contacted in due course.
Best wishes,
Examinations
Examinations@qmu.ac.uk
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¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Entrants' Survey prize winner
We’re thrilled to announce that a student studying Dramatherapy won the ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Entrants’ Survey prize draw. Congratulations!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Entrants’ Survey, where new students shared their experiences of applying to and beginning studies at ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ. Your feedback is invaluable and has been reviewed by the Transition and Induction Working Group, which includes staff and student representatives from across the University. Your feedback helped us identify what went well and areas for improvement.
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Funded summer research opportunity – applications now open (Carnegie Trust)
Applications are now open for the 2026 intake of the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland (CTUS) Vacation Scholarship scheme.
This allows enables eligible undergraduate students to design and carry out a self-led research project with living costs funded.
It is an opportunity to test an idea of your own, work closely with an academic supervisor, and experience research without the pressure of term time obligations.
Previous projects have investigated whether face emojis help readers detect sarcasm in Chinese, worked to improve the longevity of batteries in electric vehicles and targeted enhancements to make the production of ammonia fertilizer less energy intensive.
Why this might interest you:
you want to build in-demand, transferable research skills (project design, data collection, analysis, academic writing);
you are considering postgraduate study or a research career and want to demonstrate that you can structure and deliver an independent, impactful project;
you would like experience to set your CV apart and the chance to make a difference.
Eligibility
• The scheme is open to undergraduate students who are:
• Scottish-domiciled;
• from a low-income household;
• in the second to last year of their degree (i.e. year three of a four year course).
• Applications from mature and/or care-experienced students are welcome.
If you meet the criteria and have an idea you would like to develop, please read the guidance carefully and begin preparing your application.
Full eligibility criteria and application guidance are available on the Carnegie Trust website. Click the link below to apply: https://carnegie-trust.org/award-schemes/vacation-...
If you need help with your CV and statement, please contact careers@qmu.ac.uk or make an appointment.
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Designing for Impact: A Workshop for Purpose-Led Start-Ups
Got a brilliant idea that's doing good, but not sure how to prove your impact?
Join us for a hands-on, jargon-free workshop that makes "impact planning" simple and practical.
In this workshop, delivered by Bright Red Triangle and Firstport, you'll learn how to:
• Map out your vision
• Stay focussed on what really matters
• Communicate your impact clearly and confidently
Open to all - particularly useful for social enterprises, community projects, third sector organisations, and anyone building a purpose-led business.
Date: Thursday 13th November 2025
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ (room 3155)
Register:
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Sustainability Workshop for Small Businesses
Barclays are running a workshop to help Founders and Entrepreneurs build more sustainable, profitable and resilient businesses.
Whether you are looking to begin your sustainability journey or to accelerate your actions, this workshop will enable you to develop strategies to:
• Reduce your environmental footprint
• Build more efficient and cost-effective operations
• Communicate impact in a way that resonates with customers
• Tap into new opportunities with sustainable innovation
When: Tuesday 18th November 2025, 09:30 - 14:00
Where: CodeBase, Edinburgh
Register: Small Business Workshop: Sustainability Tickets, Tue, Nov 18, 2025 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite
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New Converge Impact Challenge – closes November 25!
The world needs more than just innovation – it needs innovation with purpose. That’s why Converge is launching a new Challenge to help mission-driven entrepreneurs to take the first steps towards starting a business. Launched with The Ventures Lab this Challenge comes with a £10k prize pot and is open to staff, students and recent graduates.
Closing date 25 November! For more information, visit:
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To Absent Friends Festival 2025
A huge thank you again to the many people who took part in the Records for Remembrance event last week as part of the To Absent Friends Festival 2025. This is held across Scotland from 1-7 November each year, is a people's festival of storytelling and remembrance - because dead ordinary people live on in the memories and stories we share.
If anyone would like to take the record that you wrote a message on, please do so from Monday the 17th Nov. The display will be dismantled on the morning of Wednesday 19th.
There are several events and ways to engage with the festival alongside online resources and ideas for individuals or groups of people/friends/families to use to remember an absent friend.
Find out about To Absent Friends Events in Scotland in 3rd-7th November 2025 go to
Creative space resources:
DIY Cafe of Reminiscence: -https://www.toabsentfriends.org.uk/content/diy-cafe-of-reminiscence/
How to make a To Absent Friends tribute wall: -
To Absent Friends event ideas: -
In this week's Student News:
Come & Try Tandem Cycle Event
Come by University Sq on Tuesday 25th Nov between 12:15-13:30.
Try out a tandem bicycle for free and hear more about the local cycling group In Tandem.
Open to all staff and students, including those who are confident cyclists and those with disabilities who may find cycling on a solo bicycle a challenge.Ìý
Register for a FREE space using this link:
Email cycleconnections@qmu.ac.uk if you have any questions.
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Free to Attend Small Magician Event 11th November 2025 5pm - 7pm Room 1044 Student Union Building.Ìý
Join the Advanced Forensic Practice Programme Team and Students as they explore using the voice and sound as an element of Trauma Informed Practice. Led by Lea Shaw and Jess Davidson MBE, this interactive and inspiring workshop will explore how we can use our voices, imagination, empathy, and creativity to enhance our practice!Ìý
The Small Magician created by Lea Shaw and supported by Scottish Opera, originates from the idea that working with voice, and developing its connection to the body and mind can be a magical experience. It encourages participants to approach their own voice with curiosity, and to get messy with it! Every voice is valid, and every method of engaging with voice is valid. Ìý
Lea Shaw is a Mezzo Soprano & Trauma Informed Educator, Jess Davidson MBE is the National Lead Nurse SARCS Network & Associate Lead for Advanced Forensic Practice at ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ.
Everyone in the ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Community is welcome across all schools to participate in this immersive event. Early booking recommended as places are limited and advance booking is required. Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý
Reserve your place with ABacigalupo@qmu.ac.ukÌý
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Designing for Impact: A Workshop for Purpose-Led Start-Ups
Got a brilliant idea that's doing good, but not sure how to prove your impact?
Join us for a hands-on, jargon-free workshop that makes "impact planning" simple and practical.
In this workshop, delivered by Bright Red Triangle and Firstport, you'll learn how to:
• Ìý ÌýMap out your vision
• Ìý ÌýStay focussed on what really matters
• Ìý ÌýCommunicate your impact clearly and confidently
Open to all - particularly useful for social enterprises, community projects, third sector organisations, and anyone building a purpose-led business.
Date: Thursday 13th November 2025
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ (room 3155)
Register:
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Sustainability Workshop for Small Businesses
Barclays are running a workshop to help Founders and Entrepreneurs build more sustainable, profitable and resilient businesses.
Whether you are looking to begin your sustainability journey or to accelerate your actions, this workshop will enable you to develop strategies to:
• Ìý ÌýReduce your environmental footprint
• Ìý ÌýBuild more efficient and cost-effective operations
• Ìý ÌýCommunicate impact in a way that resonates with customers
• Ìý ÌýTap into new opportunities with sustainable innovation
Ìý
When: Tuesday 18th November 2025, 09:30 - 14:00
Where: CodeBase, Edinburgh
Register:
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New Converge Impact Challenge – closes November 25!
The world needs more than just innovation – it needs innovation with purpose. That’s why is launching a new Challenge to help mission-driven entrepreneurs to take the first steps towards starting a business. Launched with this Challenge comes with a £10k prize pot and is open to staff, students and recent graduates. Closing date 25 November! For more information, visit:
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INSIGHTS Talk - Masculinity and Health Care - Challenging Gender Stereotypes | Dr. Glyn Morris, Suzanne Ewing, and Dr. Joseph McIntyre | 12-1pm | Thursday 13th November, 2025Ìý
All staff and students are welcome to join us for an inspiring INSIGHTS talk that challenges the status quo!Ìý
Dr. Glyn Morris, Suzanne Ewing, and Dr. Joseph McIntyre will share how colleagues at ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ are breaking down gender stereotypes and opening doors for boys in health care professions. Historically, men seeking roles as Allied Health Professionals were shunned—and sometimes even barred—from careers like nursing since the 1800s. Today, the gender divide remains stark, with some professions over 80% female. Suzanne and Glyn will present their Guardians of Healthcare project, exploring barriers faced by Scottish boys entering caring professions, while Joe shares his approaches to recruitment and teaching in Podiatry. Don’t miss this thought-provoking session on equity, diversity, and the future of health care. All are welcome to join the conversation.
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In this week's Student News:
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Black History Month Student Social Event
The Students' Union is Hosting a Community Gathering to mark the end of Black History Month!
• Ìý ÌýWednesday 29th October
• Ìý Ìý6-8pm
• Ìý ÌýMaggie's Bar and Cafe
Hosted by our BME Officer, Goodness Ojo-Solomon, we're excited to welcome BME students and staff, as well as allies, to build community and have a great night!
There will be:
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💬Feedback opportunitiesÌý
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To Absent Friends Festival 2025 / Records for RemembranceÌý
As part of the , members of the ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Bereavement Charter working group have organised a creative opportunity for students and staff within the university to remember those important to them who have died.
To Absent Friends Festival, held across Scotland from 1-7 November each year, is a people's festival of storytelling and remembrance - because dead ordinary people live on in the memories and stories we share.Ìý
From the 3rd to 7th November, you are invited to visit a 'pop-up record shop' (in the lower-level atrium) and write a message on a vinyl record or CD. The message could relate to a song title, a lyric or a piece of music that connects you to memories of someone who has died or reminds you of an Absent Friend. There may be a record in the 'record shop' that brings back additional memories!Ìý
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ and St Columba's Hospice Care have a long-standing relationship. The songs and music will be collated and added to the Spotify playlist.
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📢 Exciting Opportunity: Join the Robertson Trust Student ChangeMaker Project!
We’re pleased to share an exciting new opportunity to take part in the Robertson Trust Student ChangeMaker Project — a Scotland-wide initiative aimed at creating more inclusive, trauma-informed, and supportive learning environments across colleges and universities.
This collaborative project, involving Queen ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵt University, Edinburgh Napier University, and City of Glasgow College, will run from December 2025 to December 2026.
You can find more details in the job description. Please follow this link: Ìý
If you’re interested in getting involved, please complete this short form by 30th October:
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Free Small Magician Event 11th November 2025 5pm - 7pm Room 1044 Student Union Building.Ìý
Join the Advanced Forensic Practice Programme Team and Students as they explore using the voice and sound as an element of Trauma Informed Practice. Led by Lea Shaw and Jess Davidson MBE, this interactive and inspiring workshop will explore how we can use our voices, imagination, empathy, and creativity to enhance our practice!Ìý
The Small Magician created by Lea Shaw and supported by Scottish Opera, originates from the idea that working with voice, and developing its connection to the body and mind can be a magical experience. It encourages participants to approach their own voice with curiosity, and to get messy with it! Every voice is valid, and every method of engaging with voice is valid. Ìý
Lea Shaw is a Mezzo Soprano & Trauma Informed Educator, Jess Davidson MBE is the National Lead Nurse SARCS Network & Associate Lead for Advanced Forensic Practice at ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ.
Everyone in the ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Community is welcome across all schools to participate in this immersive event. Early booking recommended as places are limited and advance booking is required. Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý
Reserve your place with ABacigalupo@qmu.ac.ukÌý
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Wednesday, 26 November 2025 Postgraduate Online Open Day
Are you currently in Year Three or Four of an undergraduate degree? Have you thought about postgraduate study? Postgraduate study could help you reach new heights in your future career, so why not come along to ? Further your studies in your current field to enhance your knowledge, skills and employability OR change career direction.
*20% discount to all ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ students and graduates progressing onto postgraduate level study**. Further funding may be available from SAAS. Full-time, part-time, online and single module study options may be available. **T&Cs apply
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Sustainability Workshop for Small Businesses
Barclays are running a workshop to help Founders and Entrepreneurs build more sustainable, profitable and resilient businesses.
Whether you are looking to begin your sustainability journey or to accelerate your actions, this workshop will enable you to develop strategies to:
• Ìý ÌýReduce your environmental footprint
• Ìý ÌýBuild more efficient and cost-effective operations
• Ìý ÌýCommunicate impact in a way that resonates with customers
• Ìý ÌýTap into new opportunities with sustainable innovation
When: Tuesday 18th November 2025, 09:30 - 14:00
Where: CodeBase, Edinburgh
Register:
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