Stepping into 2026 with Confidence: A Student’s Guide to Success at Robert Kennedy College 

The arrival of 2026 marks a powerful new beginning for students ready to invest in their future. A new year brings fresh goals, renewed motivation, and the courage to take important academic decisions. At Robert Kennedy College (RKC), 2026 is not just another year—it is an opportunity to start strong, dream bigger, and move confidently toward success. 

Whether you are an undergraduate student, a postgraduate aspirant, or someone planning to begin a master’s degree, 2026 is the perfect time to reset your goals and make meaningful progress. This guide highlights how students can make the most of the new year and why Robert Kennedy College is the ideal partner in that journey. 

The beginning of a new year offers a chance to reflect on past achievements and challenges while setting realistic and motivating goals for the future. For students, this could mean: 

  • Improving academic performance 
  • Developing new skills 
  • Exploring career opportunities 
  • Building confidence and independence 

At RKC, students are encouraged to see 2026 as a year of transformation—where learning goes beyond textbooks and prepares them for real-world challenges 

Setting the Right Academic Goals 

Success starts with clear goals. As you step into 2026, it is important to ask yourself: 

  • What do I want to achieve academically this year? 
  • Which skills do I want to strengthen? 
  • How can my education align with my career ambitions? 

Robert Kennedy College provides a structured academic environment, experienced faculty, and student-focused teaching methods that help learners stay on track. Regular assessments, mentorship, and academic guidance ensure that students remain motivated and confident throughout the year. 

Building Skills for the Future 

In today’s competitive world, academic knowledge alone is not enough. Employers look for graduates who possess communication skills, critical thinking abilities, leadership qualities, and adaptability. 

Robert Kennedy College emphasizes holistic development by offering: 

  • Skill-based learning programs 
  • Workshops  
  • Group projects and presentations 
  • Exposure to practical and industry-relevant knowledge 

By actively participating in these opportunities, students can enter 2026 equipped with skills that make them stand out. 

Why 2026 Is a Great Time to Focus on Higher Education 

The demand for specialized knowledge and advanced qualifications continues to grow. Choosing to pursue higher education, especially a master’s degree, can open doors to better career opportunities, higher earning potential, and professional recognition. 

Starting or continuing your academic journey in 2026 allows you to: 

  • Stay competitive in a rapidly evolving job market 
  • Gain in-depth subject expertise 
  • Build a strong academic and professional profile 

RKC supports students at every stage, helping them make informed decisions about their educational paths. 

A Supportive Learning Environment at Robert Kennedy College 

Confidence grows when students feel supported. RKC is committed to creating a positive and inclusive campus environment where students can thrive academically and personally. 

Key aspects of student support include: 

  • Accessible and supportive faculty 
  • Academic Counselling by education advisors to choose right programme
  • Encouragement of student participation and innovation 
  • A culture that values discipline, integrity, and excellence 

Such an environment helps students face challenges with confidence and determination. 

Balancing Academics, Personal Growth, and Well-being 

Success is not only about grades; it is also about maintaining balance. As students step into 2026, focusing on mental well-being, time management, and personal growth is essential. 

Robert Kennedy College encourages students to: 

  • Maintain a healthy study-life balance 
  • Participate in co-curricular and extracurricular activities 
  • Develop self-discipline and resilience 

These habits help students stay motivated, reduce stress, and enjoy their educational journey 

Turning Resolutions into Results 

Many students make resolutions at the start of the year, but consistency is the key to success. Simple steps such as regular attendance, active participation, effective time management, and continuous self-improvement can lead to remarkable results. 

At RKC, students are guided to turn their resolutions into achievable milestones, ensuring steady progress throughout 2026. 

Looking Ahead with Confidence 

As 2026 unfolds, students at Robert Kennedy College students have every reason to feel optimistic. With quality education, strong academic support, and opportunities for skill development, the college empowers students to move forward with confidence and purpose. 

Admissions Open for 2026 – Take the First Step Today 

Stepping into 2026 with confidence means being prepared, focused, and willing to grow. RKC stands as a guiding force for students who aspire to achieve academic excellence and build a successful future. 

As the new year begins, embrace the journey, stay committed to your goals, and make 2026 a year of success, learning, and achievement—with Robert Kennedy College by your side.

MALIC: Renewed partnership between YSJU and RKC

Perhaps you have already heard of the York St John MA Leading Innovation and Change (MALIC). One of your business contacts may be a MALIC, or perhaps you are one yourself. There are many MALICs out there – a network of more than 600 professionals who all have one thing in common – they have obtained their degree from York St John University, online. To be more precise, in a blended-learning delivery, with a one week residency in York or Zürich, by virtue of our exclusive partnership with YSJU.

Partnership agreement between YSJ and RKC continues

I am very excited to report that we expect an increase in the number of MALICs: true to their common mission, YSJ and RKC have recently met at the highest level in order to renew their commitment to deliver MALIC at a global level, reaching people all over the world and allowing them to study while continuing their (most often full-time) jobs. Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor of York St John University, and David Chesser, Chief Operating Officer, met with Prof David Costa, Dean of Robert Kennedy College, Stefano Costa, CFO, and Prof David Duffill, Deputy Dean, and officially signed the agreement.

YSJ - RKC - MALIC Signing

With graduates in over 100 countries, MALIC is one of the largest global Master programmes, and we are very excited about being able to increase these numbers and thus do our little bit in improving the overall quality of leadership in the work place.

Reflection session

Reflection session during the September 2015 residency in York

Whether it is at one of our York or Zürich residencies, or at graduation in the most impressive York Minster, it is always humbling to meet our students in the flesh – CEOs, senior managers, junior managers, serial entrepreneurs, vice-presidents – and yet they all went back to school, with a deep desire to improve and learn. For that, hat off!

YSJ Graduation Day with RKC students

Why MALIC?

Sometimes I ask my students, when they start their first module, what made them join the programme. For many it was the desire to understand why projects fail, how to be a better leader, how to deal with a difficult boss, or simply because they never had the time to go to school before life took over! And one of the most rewarding experiences is to receive, every now and again, an email that talks about life after MALIC (although sometimes it is also about life during MALIC).
“One of my critical learning points was the MALIC program was instantly transferable and immediately relevant, the course has had a dramatic impact on how I operate within different cultures. My appreciation and awareness of how people respond, react and need empathetic leadership styles in varying cultures has been tremendous.” – Simon
“Besides being a farmer I teach in AICAT (Arava International Centre for Agricultural Training). We bring 700 agricultural students from the Asian countries over for a 10-month, hands-on experience. I teach Agro-economics and Agro-entrepreneurship and from day one of my studies [in MALIC] I began using my newly gained knowledge, such as Schein’s Cultural Understandings and Kotter’s Eight Stages of Leading Change. The best part of the online experience was the interaction with other students. Same books, same articles, same questions but such diverse answers and understandings from fellow students; culture galore on the RKC forums.” – Eyal
 “My study at RKC has deepened my insight into the different antecedents of innovation and successful change that need to be strengthened in my work and working environment. It has boosted my concern for people. It has enabled me to respect others’ perspectives, even seek contrary or novel views and value the contributions people can make no matter what their status in the organisation.” – Pius
Don’t think it is all milk and honey though – studying online is challenging, albeit rewarding. You need strong time management skills and discipline, but with proper support achieving an academic degree while working is doable. You get support from us, as academics, and from our amazing StudentCare team, but we found that, perhaps most importantly, the best support comes from your peers, your colleagues who are experiencing the same challenges and conversations. Eyal and Pius, above, have met at the residency in York after taking a few classes online together, and I’ve never seen a bigger hug than these two big guys shared.

So, one might say we have done well so far – we will strive to do even better, and perhaps, who knows, if you are not a MALIC yourself, the time has come to become one! With a new, modular approach, in which you can build your programme in a module by module approach, there has never been a better time to learn! If you want to learn more about MALIC, have a look at our MALIC website and request a catalogue – our admissions team will also be happy to answer any questions you may have.