Most Universities go through a process called curriculum reform – where Universities look at everything from course infrastructure, to what exactly is taught on courses in order to refresh what and how they deliver degrees.

For example, the University of Hong Kong completely reconstructed its curriculum putting 'experiential learning' at its core whilst embracing internationalism to realise its ambitions in creating 'global citizens' who could compete in the global job market. Swansea University’s ambitions are not too far off here.

The University of Southampton announced that it would reform its undergraduate curriculum to offer students "breadth and depth" to come in line with higher student expectations with the rise in tuition fees. The Vice Chancellor of Southampton University, Professor Nutbeam said that the reforms would be rolled out as quickly as possible to prevent the institution from succumbing to "analysis paralysis". "We're just going to try this to see if it works," he said.

I’m not being funny, but our degrees aren’t an experiment and we’re certainly not a focus group to determine the next best product for those to follow.

Last week was also the launch of the Swansea University Academy of Inclusivity and Learner Support. It reminded us all that Swansea University transforms lives – people come from many different backgrounds to achieve fantastic results. Simply put – you come here, you work hard and if you put the effort in, you do well. That changes lives and I don’t want to see that pattern of transformation eroded.

At the same time, I appreciate that we can’t stand still and that we need to keep moving. However, whilst I appreciate that Swansea University have gone for an enabling approach; students need to have confidence in the system.

My point here is that curriculum reform should and can be transformational. My argument is that you’ll only make this work when you bring students along with you. This can’t be something the institution decides behind closed doors to then unveil at a glossy launch event with the press and canapés – this is NOT ok. Students must be full partners at each and every stage of curriculum reform. Conception to end.  

Action taken: I made these points at University Senate (the highest body that looks at University Education in the institution) and I've also sent the paper back with questions to the Pro Vice Chancellor for Student Experience as well as the Academic Registrar.