University of Cumbria ranked 28th in 2019 WhatUni Student Choice Rankings

It is with great honour that Robert Kennedy College announces that our partner university, the University of Cumbria, has been ranked 28th out of 131institutions in this year’s UK WhatUnisurvey results table. The University of Cumbria has marked a consistent improvement in its rankings over the last couple of years, moving up the ranking by 67 places in the last two years itself. 

One of the key differentiators that separates the UK WhatUni survey results from other rankings is that it is solely driven by the opinion of current students and not historical data.  Demonstrating sustained improvements in student experience over the last five years, the university’s ranking has risen annually since 2015 – from 112th in 2015 to today’s 28th position – as has its overall point score (3.51 in 2015 to 4.17 in 2019).

For the WhatUni Student Choice Awards, students give their university an overall star rating of one to five; those results are averaged to create overall ratings (out of five stars) for each university across eight categories of student experiences.  Existing students also write a review of their university experience which helps future students find the right university for them. Other key headline figures include the universities’ overall score increasing from 4.1 in 2018 to 4.17 this year. In terms of categories, the University of Cumbria improved in seven of the eight areas with course and lecturers and the Students’ Union seeing the biggest rise in rankings. The university continues to score well in job prospects and student support.

Through our exclusive partnership with the University of CumbriaRobert Kennedy Collegeis proud to contribute to the continued success of the university and heartily congratulate the university, staff and faculty of their success thus far and wish them continued success in the future.

Get to know your University better

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF CUMBRIA

You must have been looking all over the internet to find a suitable University to pursue your Online Masters. There are several factors you would consider while choosing a University (check out our blog: Choosing the right University). The fact that you are reading this blog is that you either have decided to join Robert Kennedy College (RKC), or are looking for more information. It is natural to be intrigued and yearning to learn more about the University of Cumbria and Robert Kennedy College offering the Masters programmes and understand the partnership between them. This blog is a one-stop shop for all your questions.

The University of Cumbria has a long history behind its existence. It was formed in 2007 by the merger of St Martin’s College, Cumbria Institute of the Arts and University of Central Lancashire’s Cumbria sites, operating from campuses spread across Cumbria and North Lancashire. It may be a relatively new university, but is steeped in history dating right the way back to 1822. The University is continuing to grow, expanding in geographical terms as well as academic scope. The University focuses on to enrich students so that they can realise their potential and achieve life-changing outcomes. UoC has come along way since 2007 and has achieved laurels in various fields; which ranks it as one of sought-after universities.

New Vision: Confidence and consistency; the words that Geoff Donnelly uses throughout his first interview as chairman of the board of the University of Cumbria. The Chairman says, “My task is to ensure we continue to have the leadership and strategy necessary to achieve our goals. He added: “We’re still a new organisation but recent achievements such as 35th in the WhatUni sector rankings, graduate employment results which place us in the top half of the sector, coupled with contracts with Rolls Royce and the growing reputation of our Project Academy demonstrate both our progress and our ambition.

Excelling in Women Representation in Business: In 2009, UoC was one of the eight organisations in the northwest to be awarded the Women’s Business Centre Quality Standard.

Creating International Partnerships: The university welcomes students from Robert Kennedy College, who it partnered with for their MBA Awards in 2010.

IFLAS: UoC in 2012 launched an Innovative Institute for Leadership and Sustainability (IFLAS) at Ambleside Campus.

Award Winning University: The University received two Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards; Outstanding Student Services Team and Outstanding Finance Team in 2014.

UoC hosts 2018 UN World Investment Forum: The Institute for Leadership and Sustainability (IFLAS), based at the university’s Ambleside campus, gathered experts to discuss the underlying technology that powers cryptocurrencies such as bitcoins known as blockchain.

MoU with Chinese Government: “The Chinese Government clearly sees the modernisation and the creation of Chinese internationally credible vocational education system as fundamental to the success of the Belt and Road initiative,” Prof Gale said. “We signed fourteen Memoranda of Understanding – a clear indication of the value of the trip and a sense that the Chinese really want to do business with the University of Cumbria.” Forestry was the prime area where University found favour.

University receives power to Award Research Degrees: In March 2019, The University of Cumbria has been awarded Research Degree Awarding Powers (RDAP), which will allow it to grant research degrees such as doctorates for the first time since the university’s formation in 2007. This achievement comes after more than 18 months of rigorous and in-depth assessment by the Quality Assurance Agency.

Last but definitely not the least; Campus within a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site: The University has campuses in Carlisle, Ambleside, and Lancaster and a specialist centre in London. At Ambleside Campus, nestled in the heart of the Lake District, you get to witness 912-square mile picturesque patchwork – with more than 150 high peaks and 16 lakes. Visit the campus for the One week Compulsory residency or for your Graduation Ceremony.#Ambleside is one of the favourite places to start a walk, according to data from the Ordnance Survey Ordnance Survey . https://bbc.in/2TK8UWs

Its the famous saying that ” A man is known by the company it keeps”. Same is true for the University you affiliate yourself with, for the highest level education. This blog gives you the insight of the history, present and future of the University. The University of Cumbria is fully recognised by the British Government and duly listed on the United Kingdom’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills list of recognised UK awarding institutions.

Still have questions? Talk to our academic advisors today!

What Qualities would land you the dream job?

When you are in school or university, you always dream of that dream job that you would like to do after graduation. You earn the crucial academic qualification and gain the necessary knowledge to embark on the professional journey of your life. You may be a fresher or a seasoned professional exploring the job market and may wonder what the employers look for when they are hiring. The hiring process has several layers to it than you as potential applicant can see on the surface. The Job Ad merely states the job description and the key requirements – qualification, experience and skills, required for the job. These are used to for the initial screening and shortlisting. Once shortlisted, when you end up at the interview, the hiring process reaches a different level all together. The employer evaluates you and your personality and whether you are a perfect fit for the job and the company. 

In the recent times it is observed that the employers are giving growing importance to ‘soft skills’; equal if not more to the academic skills and experience relevant to the job. It may therefore make more sense to hone and develop these skills to qualify as that ‘perfect’ candidate for the position:

  • Know what you want from your career 

The employer are really interested to know what you plan for your career, what do you want and how keen you are to work towards it. 

  • Have Vision

All interviewers ask this question – Tell us something about yourself. This is your chance to narrate your life story, how you envisioned it and what you did so far to make it vision your reality.

  • Self-Starter and Independent

This is a huge requirement of an employer for any position! They want to employ a pro-active individual who does not require constant supervision and hand holding; but rather is one step ahead in their work.

  • Sociable and Team builder

It is highly critical for an employer to hire an individual who is a great a team player. None of the organization department work in isolation; and there is interdependence and co-existence within departments as well. The success of any organization depends on how well knit the teams work.

  • Motivated

An ideal hire would be motivated and driven. They should have high personal and professional goals and propelled to achieve them. This will in turn ensure firm’s success and reach its goals. 

  • Assume Responsibility

Employers love to take those applicants onboard who they find have assumed responsibility of tasks, at work, outside or home and took on to complete it responsibly. Own the task or situation you are in.

Complete your Masters online with University of Cumbria’s Masters programmes. Contact our advisor today for guidance on the admission process.  

How to better market your master’s degree when applying for a job

Most master’s degrees will equip students with essential skills that are indispensable in the work place. But what most employers don’t realise or take for granted is that master’s degree also equips students with a higher level of skill, discipline and specialist knowledge needed in today’s highly competitive and global business environment.

Thus, the importance of properly marketing your master’s degree, highlighting specialised skills and knowledge learnt is vital in securing the career you seek. Do not assume that your employer recognises the value of your degree, after all there are a number of unique master’s programmes out there and you are not the only applicant for the job. The following are a few tips on how you can better market your master’s degree.

  • The Degree

The importance of education and selling the value proposition of your degree cannot be understated, thus it is important that you believe in the degree that you have worked so hard to earn.

Whether your degree is a specialised one or a generic degree, both can add value to an organisation. A generic degree helps students to see the big picture, to better see the various factors that come into play in the functioning of a department or the organisation. A specialised degree will help in distinguishing the applicant in todays competitive job market, equipping the student with specialised skills and knowledge to excel in a particular career profile.

  • The University/ College

 

Students today are no longer limited to getting an education from their local university or college, they can travel to any part of the world and attend any university for which they are eligible to apply. As a result, most employers might not be aware of the university attended or course completed. This provides you with the perfect opportunity to extol the virtues of your university, from your alumni network to the local/ global ranking, it could be anything that you are proud of and believe can make a positive impression on the employer.

  • Love what you learnt, do what you Love

In most cases, applicants (especially those who have returned to studying after working for a few years) would have completed their master’s programme in a subject that they feel passionately about. Which is why they have invested time and money in a programme that would not only improve their long-term career prospects in a field of their interest, but also increase their knowledge and skill in the subject they are passionate about. Don’t be afraid to let this passion be seen by your employer as it will give them a good indication of your enthusiasm and commitment to your field of interest. A passion that will only prove to be beneficial to the organisation.

  • What’s in it for me

Put yourself in the shoes of your employer. At the end of the day what it comes down to is tangibles – Sales, Production, Operations, Customer Satisfaction, etc., whatever the field, think how you can contribute towards the company’s bottom-line growth and it goals. Talk about the theories, principles and skills you learnt from the programme and connect them back to your prior work experience and the projects you completed. Impress upon your employer the skills and knowledge you can bring to the organisation because of your education, such as – flexibility and adaptability, time management, critical thinking and problem solving, presentation skills and research and writing, to just list a few.

Your commitment towards your studies, especially if you have good grades to back you up, is also a good indication of your commitment and will leave a positive impression with your employer.

Robert Kennedy College with 31 Master’s degree programmesand almost 14,000 students from almost every county in the world offers one of the most diverse, accredited and globally recognised online master’s degree programmes in both Business Law, Leadership and Management through exclusive partnerships with British universities. For more information download programme catalogue.

On behalf of the faculty and staff of Robert Kennedy College, I would like to wish all our readers a Very Happy and Successful New Year 2019!!

University of Cumbria Graduation Ceremony

Last month, on a wet Wednesday afternoon, more than 350 RKC students (plus about ten students from other UoC institutions) graduated in the historic medieval Carlisle cathedral. Many of the graduates were there in person to collect their diploma from the Chancellor of the University, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York. Some graduates had come from far away, and many were supported, often very enthusiastically, by family members who were not fazed by the poor weather.

Following the ceremony, the new graduates socialised together and with their families and faculty members in a nearby hotel over drinks and dinner.

An RKC student, Gregory Foster, graduating with an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability, received the university’s Postgraduate Student of the Year prize. Greg had come all the way from Australia to receive his degree and the award and is shown below.

Gregory Foster at his graduation

Are you a suitable Master’s applicant?

As a former education advisor, this is one of the most frequently asked questions, I heard from potential applicants: ‘what is the admission criteria of the University’; ‘do I qualify to apply for the programme?’; ‘what is required in the statement of purpose?’. So, here are answers to all your questions. I aim to write this blog as a two part series; the first part, unravelling the admission and qualification requirements. And the second part would focus on what an ‘ideal statement of purpose’ should include.

Reflection session

Reflection session

As a student, I am sure you all do your homework well in researching about the University you would like to apply for the Masters’. You would like to enrol with a University that is accredited, offers wide choice of courses of your interest, competitive fees, great student support, an excellent alumni network; in short the best university according to your requirements. Similarly, University also looks for the best talent; students that can academically outshine and cope the challenging pace of Online Masters; their potential contribution to the programme and the fellow students. While no one factor can be a sole deciding factor, however all the aspects put together constitutes a successful application. Therefore, you can impress the admission officers with one, all or a mix of these following aspects:

  1. Academic excellence: This is the basic, first and foremost factor that all the universities would look at. Your previous qualification forms a basis for your Master’s degree and to a great extent an admission criteria. Many universities consider this as an elimination factor, to select the qualifying applicants. For RKC Online Programmes, minimum qualification is an honours degree at 2:2 or above. **                                                            
  2. The chosen subject – Your interest and passion towards the course: You must demonstrate your background in line to the chose Masters subject and your passion towards it that goes above and beyond what is required in the classroom. Perseverance is the key quality that that will get the attention of the admission committee.
  3. Work Experience: The Online Masters’ with its flexibility has become increasingly accessible to the working professionals. The working professionals bring a lot of real life experience on the table and enrich the programme value with their contributions. Hence, the number of years of experience of your resume will have a positive impact on your application. RKC has a minimum requirement of 2 years of work experience.

    RKC Alumni and MeetVibe founders – Mircea Baldean and Carol Aebi, joined by co-founder Gabriel Paun (left) at Web Summit 2017

  4. Ability to think, work independently and time management: While the Online programme offers flexibility and ease to study from anywhere in the world; it can be quite challenging to manage the study, assignments, work life and personal life. It could be quite a juggle. The university expects you, as a Masters student, to be able to efficiently manage the requirements of the programme.
  5. References: References are an important part of your application process. A reference could be your academic or professional references. Though professional (most recent) are considered to be the most favourable. A reference can tell a lot about the applicant :  maturity, character, leadership, self-confidence, warmth of personality, concern for others, and grace under pressure.
  6. Ability to work in groups: Ability to teamwork is important as well. Most of the course through RKC is conducted online with independent assignments to be submitted online itself. Some part of the modules taught in residency week require group discussions and assignments to be submitted on the basis of such group work. This ability will be reflected in your previous qualification or work experience (as team player or manager) or extra curricular activities. 
  7. English Language Ability: Since the course is fully taught in English, you will be evaluated for your English language skills, through various aspects – how well your resume is penned; formulation of the statement of purpose; verbal communication skills evaluated by education advisor. For admission with RKC, minimum requirement is: English language at IELTS 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in each component). (This requirement could be waived, depending your previous qualification or experience in English speaking work environment- reference required –speak to our education advisor today for more information).
  8. Statement of Purpose: SOPs have increasingly become one of the most important deciding factors when evaluating an admission application. Its the summary of your past achievements and an insight of how motivated are you going forward. (more details on the next blog.. watch this space :))

 

Now that you have the insiders view of the application requirements, do not delay any further! Apply for your online Masters’ MBA and LLM and Online MSc programmes today and get started for the next intake.

 

 

**Applications are considered from candidates who do not meet the formal entry requirements but can provide evidence of equivalence. Examples of equivalence are:

  • A wide range of professional qualifications and/or work experience.
  • Working or studying in English or an English-speaking environment.

Applications will be considered from candidates who do not meet the formal entry requirements but who can demonstrate by interview the commitment to complete the programme successfully.

 

 

 

Advantages of pursuing Master’s from RKC

You may be at that realm of your career, where you want to take the next big leap. Whilst you prepare yourself for that next step, there will be few aspects of going back to studies for higher education that might worry you. You have a full time job that you cannot interrupt; cannot put your life on hold; or be away from your family and finances are limited. Thankfully in the 21st century, we have solution to all your concerns – Online education! Distance education is the solution to the exacting need for education of those who cannot commit to classical student life.

 

 

British education is known around the world for its high quality and many people dream about graduating from a UK university. Nowadays, this dream is much easier to fulfil than you may think. But it is crucial that you attach yourself with a University not only with good repute but the one that also meets all your parameters. While there are numerous universities offering Online programmes, RKC is unique in providing Swiss quality education at the comfort of your homes. Let me enumerate the advantages of doing Master’s with Robert Kennedy College here to aide your decision making:

  1. Worldwide RecognitionThe College pioneered Swiss quality online learning with the programs offered being recognised globally. The Master’s courses are held in partnership with the University of Cumbria, University of Salford and York St John University and are recognised worldwide, accredited and respected.

         

2. State of The Art Technology                                                                                                                                                            

In our commitment to providing state of the art services to students, we use cutting-edge software that is tailor made for online course delivery. OnlineCampus is an all-encompassing interactive and easy-to-use software which makes studying online a truly enjoyable experience.

3. Flexible, from Anywhere                     

Monday morning hellos

A week of exchanges and meeting new people

You are not required to be online at a specific time. The                introductory module familiarises you with the programme design, requirements and resources, as well as with the way online interaction, learning and grading will take place.You take up the course at your own pace from comfort of your home or while travelling for work.

4. One Week Residency 

The one-week residency represents a unique opportunity for students to combine their online learning experience with a traditional classroom environment. You have the unique opportunity to build a global network of business professionals.

5. Master’s without Bachelor’s

We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully. Contact our advisor today for your eligibility evaluation.

 

6. Multiple Intake dates

With offering of several intake dates in the year, you have the          freedom to decide when you would like to start your Master’s.

 

 

 

Let us know if you have any questions, we are here to help!

 

 

Congratulations to New UoC Graduates!

It has been an exciting week in Cumbria! Last week, the 3-day Graduation ceremony at Cumbria saw over 2000 students graduating from a wide variety of courses. It’s been an incredible week for all at the University of Cumbria. Each and every graduate would go on to achieve amazing things in their lives and careers.

 

 

Proud Moment!

The long awaited Walk..

 

 

Cheers!

 

Proud family and friends gathered around to cheer the recent graduates, brimming with joy and pride! Their long and enduring hours of tirelessly studying towards their goals, ultimately manifesting into the reality of the degrees and diplomas in their hand! There were bouquets of flowers that some carried into the arena. But mostly, there was an arena full of pride that emulated from grandparents, parents, siblings and cousins as diplomas were handed out.

              

Truly Diverse and an amazing Social Network of Graduates from all over the World

                  

 

We’ve been so happy to see our students graduate. However, they all started with the same step – applying to university.

Changing Careers – Points to Consider

People consider a change in career for a number of reasons – hopes and aspirations at the start of your career might have changed, you may have developed new passions and interests, desire for better salary, better work hours, etc. These are just some of the reasons, amongst the multitude of reasons, that might be influencing your decision in changing your career.

However, before you reach decision, it is vital that you evaluate your present situation and the opportunities that might still be available in your current career. Explore the other career options available and evaluate how this new career aligns with your objectives.

The following are a few points to consider when evaluating your career change.

  • Evaluate Current Job Satisfaction:The fact that you are contemplating a change in career is ample evidence of the level of your job satisfaction. But have you sat down and analysed why you need this career change, is it job satisfaction (related to the actual work that you do) or is it because of some external factors, like – work environment, colleagues, the company culture and not the actual work that you do, then may be all you have to do is change this external factor that seems to be having such a profound impact on you. If the dissatisfaction arises from the job that you are doing, look at opportunities within your organisation in the field that you are interested in, as you already have knowledge of the industry and the organisation, this is probably the easiest move to make.
  • Skill and Interest Assessment:Analyse all of your previous roles, regardless of how significant or insignificant they might seem. Identify your stronger skills sets, your strength and weakness, the jobs you enjoyed doing, the roles you enjoyed handling. This will help in assessing possible career alternatives.
  • Career Alternatives: Consider alternative careers based on your skill set, educational qualifications, work experience and other qualifications. Discuss with your family and friends the possible career options. Get in touch with the business network you have developed over the years and discuss possibilities with them. Also, it’s never too late to meet a career counsellor for professional advice.

  • Job Opportunities: Once you have determined on the kind of job vertices that interest you, do a comparative evaluation of the various verticals and identify a few with potential for an in-depth analysis. You will find a wealth of information online, but try to also get personal, set up meeting with people in your network (friends, family, school alumni, professional contacts, etc.) and discuss the opportunity and possible career change with them. There is no more valuable information than first-hand information.
  • Get a feel of it: If you are going to be changing careers then you should be certain that the move you make is the right one for you. It is very rare that you will get a third opportunity at building the career you want. Try to secure an internship or even take on a part-time job in the field of your primary interest, it need only be for a short time, however the more time you can commit to the study the clearer picture you will get.
  • Upgrade your Skill: The best way to change your career is to get qualified for it. Do a short-term course or better still, do a master’s degree programme related to the field that you are interested in, it is the quickest way to get ahead or catch up on lost ground.

Robert Kennedy College with almost 14,000 students from almost every county in the world offers one of the most diverseaccredited and globally recognised online master’s degree programmes in both Business Law, Leadership and Management through exclusive partnerships with British universities. For more information download programme catalogue.

3 British Universities, 31 Online Programmes to choose from

Robert Kennedy College is a private educational institution in Zürich, Switzerland that was founded in 1998. RKC is a pioneer in online education and provides Swiss Quality Education from Universities based in the United Kingdom. Thus our slogan “Swiss quality, British tradition”. At Robert Kennedy College, we offer Online Masters programmes in exclusive partnership with three British Universities.

 

 

Our Education Partners:

  1. University of Cumbria

The University of Cumbria is ranked on the Guardian University Guide. A number of courses come out “Top in the North              West” and the university is Ranked in the Top Three in the North West for Business and Management studies. The University offers a high-quality learning experience in a supportive environment which enables students to achieve their personal and professional potential wherever they study. RKC in collaboration with University of Cumbria offers Online MBA and LLM Programmes. You can choose from the wide array of specialisation that suits your career requirements; from MBA in Leadership and Sustainability, MBA International Healthcare Management, MBA Media Leadership to MBA Energy and Sustainability and MBA Finance and Sustainability are the most popular courses amongst the students worldwide. Online Master of Laws LL.M is offered in International Business Law. The University of Cumbria is ranked 15th in the United Kingdom in the Guardian University Guide for Law (2014).

2.  University of Salford

Thanks to an exclusive partnership with the Robert Kennedy College in Zürich, Switzerland, the University of Salford Business School MSc Programmes in Global Management, Project Management, Financial Services Management, Marketing, and Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management and Development, Information Systems Management, International Banking and Finance and LLM International Commercial Law are now available on a global basis via online learning. In this video, Prof. Dr. iur. David Costa, Dean Robert Kennedy College, explains why you should consider RKC to pursue your Master of Science, MSc Programme:

 

3. York St John University

Today the University is based on an award-winning campus in the centre of the ancient city of York where its students study a broad range of subjects. It has a highly recognised reputation for its teaching and learning, and a wide network of regional, national, and international partnerships which now includes Robert Kennedy College. Programmes offered include MBA Leading Innovation and Change and MBA Management Consulting amongst four other specialisations. Verify our exclusive partnership with York St John University here.

Talk to our education advisor today, to know more about the Online Masters programmes offered.