Coventry University

We're celebrating International Day of Education by sharing a snapshot of how our colleagues and students across Coventry University Group have helped to shape and develop exciting education and learning initiatives around the globe over the past 12 months:

◼️ We celebrated the opening of Coventry University Kazakhstan which has been hailed as a “major step forward” by leaders in the country: https://bit.ly/4fdtYdS

◼️ We celebrated a decade-long collaboration with Singapore’s PSB Academy . The anniversary is a significant landmark for Coventry University’s international approach, helping to share best research practices and change lives across the globe: https://bit.ly/47dr0Du

◼️ Two Singapore Civil Defence Force officers graduated with a Master’s degree in Emergency Management which helped prepare them for a variety of potential disasters or events: https://bit.ly/4hXeooL

◼️ We have been selected by Indonesia’s Ministry for Higher Education to deliver an eight-week doctoral bridging programme, equipping the country’s academics with essential research skills and PhD preparation: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/about-us/research-news/2024/coventry-university-prepare-indonesian-academics-phd-studies/

◼️ We have celebrated the successful first year of our Women in STEM scholarships, delivered in partnership with the British Council, which welcomed six women from South Asia to study at our campus in 2023/24: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/news/2024/coventry-university-celebrates-success-of-research-scholarships-for-women-in-stem/

◼️ We are supporting up to 250 female scientists in India through our Women in Science Leadership Programme, delivering training and workshops to help early-career researchers in STEM achieve leadership roles, in collaboration with the Indian Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, the British Council, and the UK-India Education and Research Initiative: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/news/2024/women-in-science-leadership-programme-coventry-university/

◼️ We are collaborating with the University of Central Oklahoma with the hope of establishing the Joint Centre for Security and Counter-Terrorism, combining expertise to research and address global security threats, enhance risk management, and prepare for future counter-terrorism challenges: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/news/2024/coventry-university-central-oklahoma-centre-security-counterterrorism/

◼️ Our history students collaborated with an indigenous community in South America to create 8-Bit Rainforest, a video game that educates players about Amazonian culture, beliefs, and the impacts of deforestation on tribal lands: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/news/2024/8bit-rainforest-coventry-university-indigenous-rainforest/

◼️ We are helping reshape student learning globally through the iKudu project, a five-year collaboration with universities in South Africa and Europe to develop inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum practices and advance international online learning: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/primary-news/coventry-university-supports-global-effort-to-transform-learning-through-collaborative-international-experiences/

◼️ We are reinforcing our commitment to international academic partnerships through the Transforming Staff Doctorate Research programme, hosting ten South African doctoral students for an eight-week sabbatical in collaboration with Stellenbosch University and Walter Sisulu University: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/about-us/research-news/2024/sa-transnational-programme/

◼️ In collaboration with Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUCA), we have agreed to explore KNUCA offering Coventry University degree programmes, as well as online summer schools and potential joint research between the two institutions: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/news/2024/coventry-university-kyiv-university-construction-architecture/

◼️ We are leading a UK-Indonesia initiative to increase disability inclusion in higher education, providing benefits not only to Indonesia but potentially extending to other Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) countries and the UK.: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/about-us/research-news/2024/coventry-university-leads-uk-indonesia-initiative-to-increase-disability-inclusion-in-higher-education/

Could studies on the world’s newest volcano in Spain shed light on eruptions on Venus and how life began on Earth? That's what Associate Professor Dr Matt Blackett has been finding out!

Dr Blackett has been investigating a volcano called Tajogaite on the Spanish island of La Palma, alongside an international team of researchers who hope their work, which began almost a year ago, can help better understand volcanoes on Venus which scientists are beginning to believe are active.

Dr Blackett said: “Imagery from Venus is very scarce – we only get snapshots but it has many similar features to volcanoes on Earth.

“We just want more evidence and hope this work and looking at volcanoes on Venus can help us explain how planets have evolved through time and, ultimately, possibly how the conditions became ripe for life on Earth.”

Planetary scientists have been trying to confirm whether Venus’ volcanoes have been active since 2008 when the first evidence of activity was noticed as infrared flashes appeared for three days, likely originating from the volcano Sapas Mons.

If features can be observed on Earth that reflect those on its planetary neighbour, it is hoped that scientists can start to formulate theories on what is happening on Venus.

Read more about this exciting work and learn about the five missions planned to explore Venus over the next decade: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/news/2025/tajogaite-volcano-venus-coventry-university/

We're delighted to announce that one of our graduates has been nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year in only the first year of launching her own streetwear brand.

Naomi Maria mingled with the likes of Alison Hammond and Levi Roots at the Multicultural Business & Community Champion Awards after being nominated for DETERMINED Streetwear - a brand born out of a passion to inspire people to achieve their goals and to aim high in life.

The name DETERMINED stands for Determination Equals Trying Endlessly, Regardless (of) Mountains, Individuals & Nonsense Every Day.

Naomi has always loved designing which is why she chose to study Graphic Design at Coventry University. She graduated with a 2:1 and is now using what she learned in her degree to make designs for her brand.

Naomi said: ““People have told me that my brand inspires them to achieve their goals and that they buy and wear my brand as motivation for themselves; so just to know that my brand makes a difference to them, whether to their mental health or other battles they’re going through in their life, is more than I could ever imagine.

“Being at Coventry University taught me what is required to create my own designs and the process of refining ideas. DETERMINED Streetwear is like an extension of my university projects and one that I’m over the moon about and proud of!”

Keep up the great work, Naomi!

Visit https://pulse.ly/rovzkwjjtx to learn more.

We are proud to host a series of special events to celebrate black British music culture in Coventry.

Black Sound Coventry will tell the story of 100 years of musical creativity and DIY ingenuity with an exhibition, a panel event and a citizen curation day - all taking place at our Delia Derbyshire building.

The aim is to spotlight the pioneers who made it all possible, from the players and promoters to the punters who supported the city’s music scene. It also seeks to show the importance of black British music to wider culture in Coventry.

Co-curated by acclaimed creative director Scott Leonard, and Lloyd Bradley, one of the UK’s foremost black music experts, Black Sound is a collaboration involving the Gallery of Living History , which has previously worked with us for the Gallery of Living History Schools Competition.

Lloyd said: "When people think of black British music they think of places like London, Bristol, Manchester and Birmingham, but I didn’t feel Coventry’s place in the story is celebrated as much as it could be."

"The idea that so many of the innovations in black British music evolved from the DIY culture that surrounded it is so interesting."

Margaret Casely-Hayford co-founder of the Gallery of Living History and former Chancellor of Coventry University, said: "Coventry is known for so many things, but it's also known for Two Tone.

"But this is not just about two-tone, it's about the music influence generally of black culture on British society and it's really fascinating to see how far back that goes. One of the things that really is important about this is that it's a lot of artefacts brought together by two people who have really worked within the community to find out what's important."

Find out more about the project, and the events that will be running, here: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/news/2025/coventry-university-and-gallery-of-living-history-to-celebrate-the-pioneers-of-black-british-music-in-coventry/

A new report has revealed that one in every 20 jobs in Coventry can be traced back to the presence of Coventry University Group 💪

For every four direct on-campus jobs, a further three are supported across the city through the effects generated by the university’s activity on its city centre campus.

The report also highlights the university’s wider impacts in Coventry through its skill development, knowledge exchange and research activities, especially in the areas of health, net zero and cultural and creative industries.

These include:

🎓 3,130 Coventry University graduates with up to 10 years’ professional experience are employed in the hospital and healthcare sector as of November 2023

💼 Coventry University Group works with 1,300 employers across the country and in 2022/23 there were 3,291 apprentices learning while earning

🏎️ Coventry University has supported 1,200 Life at Jaguar Land Rover engineers to upskill in electrification vehicle development

🌍 There were 34 collaborative research projects focused on net zero or clean growth between March 2022 and February 2024

Read more: https://pulse.ly/ubxflzcdg4

It’s Blue Monday today and we have some awesome tips to help you combat the seasonal sadness that can come with this time of year.

🏞️ Get outside! Even if the weather has been better, research has shown that spending time outdoors can do wonders for your mood

Why not head to the Canal Basin and spend some time at this hidden gem? It’s just a 20-minute walk from campus

🏫 Spend some time with your friends. There are lots of social areas around campus to have fun and relax - The Hub even has a table football table and a PS5!

Coventry also has a multitude of pubs and cafes near campus for you to enjoy

🤹 Make time for your hobbies. As classes start again and the academic year picks up, remember to make time for the things you love outside of your course

One way to do this is to join one of the many societies offered by Your Students' Union. It's a great way to pick up something new or meet people who are interested in what you already enjoy. You can learn more about Your Students' Union at tomorrow's event at The Hub: https://www.yoursu.org/ents/event/10787/

💤 Prioritise sleep. We might be pushing our luck here, but make sure you’re getting your sleep in!

It’s easy to feel tired with the short winter days and that tiredness can greatly impact your mood

💙 Reach out for support if you need to. If you want someone to chat with, you'll find lots of people around the university who are here to help

Our Student Wellbeing team can support you with any mental or physical health needs you may have. They can signpost you to relevant services so you can get the support you need: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/student-support/health-and-wellbeing/

Our Spirituality and Faith Centre welcomes students from all faiths and none 💙

It has multiple prayer rooms and a common area where students can pray, relax or simply have a quiet moment.

The centre organises regular events and activities to celebrate the rich multi-faith and multi-cultural diversity of the campus and city.

Find out more about our Spirituality and Faith centre here: https://pulse.ly/rosjugkdyd

Less than two weeks to go before the UCAS deadline!

If you're considering applying to us or know someone who is, swipe through these pics to see what 2025 could look like.

If you'd like to explore our campus beyond looking through pics, visit https://bit.ly/3P0TvMk to go on a self-guided virtual tour to see our campus and accommodation options.

We'll be showcasing our accommodation at our Open Day tomorrow!

You can discover a variety of options all within a 10-minute walk from campus, saving students transport hassle and costs,

Come along to learn about how bills are included with rent, meaning students living in university-owned halls won't need to worry about utilities, contents insurance, or even Wi-Fi.

If you know someone considering their university options, there's still time to register: https://bit.ly/40ahf7j

One step ahead already? Online applications for students starting in September 2025 are open! We also have limited sale rooms available on a 43 week contract for September 2025 students. Visit https://bit.ly/47N6B76 to learn more.

Imagine having a jamming session with Ed Sheeran! For the young musicians of SoundLab, a joint project between Coventry University and Coventry Music, they don’t have to!

During a SoundLab session at Barr's Hill School & Community College, Ed Sheeran made a surprise visit, sharing his story and inspiring young musicians. This memorable day, coinciding with the launch of Ed Sheeran’s Foundation, highlights the incredible experiences offered through programmes like SoundLab.
Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4g6ptlk

Starting this weekend, we're hosting a series of special events to celebrate black British music culture in the city.

Black Sound Coventry will tell the story of 100 years of musical creativity and DIY ingenuity with an exhibition, a panel event and citizen curation day - all taking place at our Delia Derbyshire building.

The aim is to shine a spotlight on the pioneers that made it all possible, from the players and promoters to the punters who supported the city’s music scene. It also seeks to show the importance of black British music to wider culture in Coventry.

Co-curated by acclaimed creative director Scott Leonard, and Lloyd Bradley, one of the UK’s foremost black music experts, Black Sound is a collaboration involving the Gallery of Living History, which has previously worked with Coventry University for the Gallery of Living History Schools Competition.

As the home of Two Tone, Coventry is ideally placed to host the event, though Black Sound aims to delve more deeply into the city’s wider black music heritage. It will feature exhibits tailored to Coventry in addition to those telling the national story.

The final event of Black Sound Coventry will be a Heritage Collection Day on Saturday 8th February, encouraging visitors to share their memories of the city’s black music heritage.

Visitors are asked to bring in objects or souvenirs to be 2D or 3D scanned, digitally preserving them for future generations to discover, learn from and enjoy.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3DYaJb0

A Dragons’ Den style event has seen our students showcase their innovative business ideas to a vital charity based in the city!

The four-week Hackathon project saw students engage in an immersive business consultancy project, working with the global charity Feed the Hungry, which is responsible for operating Coventry Foodbank.

The project revolved around finding new ways for Feed the Hungry to generate income and social value from its existing commercial kitchen, a significant challenge for the charity.

The winning idea involves the Foodbank collaborating with ACH, an organisation with offices in Coventry and the wider region supporting migrant communities.

Sheena Penney, Group Head of Enhancing Futures at Coventry University, said: “As part of the student journey we always aim to build students’ transferable skills through a series of engaging activities that are in line with Coventry University's defined Graduate Attributes."

Visit https://pulse.ly/pean1pp06o to read more.

Trustee Recruitment We are currently looking to extend and diversify our Trustee and Commercial services boards. We are especially keen to encourage applications from people currently under-represented within the organisation, including but not limited to those from the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and t...