I'm Graeme Kirkpatrick, Depute President of NUS Scotland. It’s crucial that you receive a high quality learning experience in the classroom - one that is responsive to your needs.

NUS Scotland works on issues such as improved feedback on assessments and exams, greater contact hours with your tutor and increasing opportunities to study abroad in order that students get the best possible education. Three areas NUS Scotland focuses on are:

Class representative training

Having lobbied and won funding for the creation of a dedicated training agency for class reps, NUS Scotland works together with Student Participation in Quality Scotland (sparqs) to ensure that student reps for courses have the support they need to improve and shape their class’s education experience.

Student-led learning and teaching awards

NUS Scotland has received funding to develop student- led learning and teaching awards, allowing students to reward quality teaching and celebrate educational excellence.

Students Without Borders

The Students Without Borders project aims to overcome the barriers of studying abroad through European roadshows which bring students together with study abroad veterans. It also works with international students to improve their student experience in Scotland.

And it’s not all about other people! With an incredibly competitive graduate market, the experience gained by getting involved in outside-the-classroom activities may mark you out from other applicants and get you the job you’re looking for.

What can you do?

• Stand as a class rep and improve learning and teaching for you and your peers.
• Widen your horizons by taking part in a study abroad society such as Erasmus or get involved with one of your college or university’s international students societies.
• Check out sparqs for information on class rep support and training
• Contact NUS Scotland for details on how to get involved in your institution’s student-led learning and teaching awards event, or help in starting one at your college or university.