What are the views of general studies students?

Students studying combined, general, or negotiated studies frequently express frustration with the organisation and structure of their course. Many feel that the curriculum is too rigid, leaving little room for exploring personal interests within their chosen subjects. The lack of clear guidance and support from academic staff exacerbates this issue, leading to feelings of confusion and disorientation.

The effectiveness of teaching staff varies significantly across different departments. Some students praise their lecturers as excellent and engaging, while others criticise them for being unenthusiastic and unhelpful. Slides during lectures are often seen as boring, and seminars can be poorly managed, leading to unequal participation among students.

Students also struggle with the assessment process, citing unfair marking procedures and inconsistent feedback from academic staff. This not only affects their academic performance but also impacts their mental health and overall well-being.

In addition, students highlight issues with contact hours, particularly for language modules, which they feel are insufficient. The lack of group projects and individual presentations is also seen as a limitation, hindering the development of essential teamwork and public speaking skills.

Furthermore, students express disappointment with handling strikes and industrial action, which can significantly disrupt their learning experience. The lack of clear communication and support from university staff during these periods adds to frustration and isolation.

Despite these challenges, many students praise the wellbeing team for being helpful and supportive. However, some students feel that the university's response to student concerns is often inadequate, with promises of change not being followed.

Students studying combined, general or negotiated studies face various challenges related to course organisation, teaching quality, assessment procedures, and support services. Addressing these issues is crucial to enhancing the learning experience and promoting student success.