ncl+

Employability has close links at Newcastle with the Graduate Skills Framework, which seeks to prompt students to consider and articulate how they develop as graduates who can independently self-manage, proactively interact and ethically apply their knowledge and skills in a global context.

The ncl+ badge identifies a suite of extra-curricular and society activities that promote student engagement and help students develop their graduate skills. In addition to the University’s diverse curriculum, through ncl+ activities, all students have access to opportunities to develop critical learning, working and life values, including:

  • meeting personal goals and aspirations through self-directed continuous learning;
  • applying a can-do attitude to taking calculated risks and challenging personal boundaries;
  • creating and cultivating cross-cultural relationships to develop knowledge, skills, understanding and opportunity.

Encouraging student involvement in ncl+ activities can also:

  • offer opportunities to develop and apply learning from their degree course in a practical context, for example through volunteering opportunities coordinated by SCAN and the Students’ Union;
  • promote student engagement in your degree course through acting as a course representative;
  • encourage active engagement with the University and wider community.

The wide-range of opportunities listed on the ncl+ website include descriptions and profiles to inspire students’ imagination, links through to the relevant Newcastle Graduate Skills developed, and clear details about how to get involved. Encourage your students to look out for the ncl+ logo.

The ncl+ Student Achievement Awards celebrate and reward students’ extra-curricular achievements. They showcase the University’s commitment to a lively and engaged student experience and to skill development and employability.

By completing a simple online form students can be nominated for one of ten award categories ranging from sport to the arts, community volunteering to media, environmental impact to peer representation. The competition opens in January each year with winners announced at an inspiring awards event in April.


Alumni Association for Student Initiative Fund
An ncl+ initiative, the Alumni Association Student Initiative Fund offers support and small grants of up to £500 to innovative, student-led, extra-curricular projects with community, social or cultural impact.


Funded by donations from Newcastle alumni via the Annual Fund and supported by the Careers Service and the Union Society, members of the Fund committee also offer students access to a range of in-kind support to help them develop and realise their ideas.


Past projects supported by the Fund have included: the ICMuS Summer Music Festival, Helping Aphasia through Art, a health project in Uganda, a local community wildlife initiative and a post-graduate conference in the School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering.


Students can find more information or apply online via the ncl+ Alumni Association Student Initiative Fund webpage.