Student News
On this page, you will find QMU Student News, which every QMU student receives each week via their QMU email account. Student News is issued every Wednesday afternoon.
Want an item featured in Student News? You can find out how by reading our policy and procedure.
Don’t forget that we share lots of stories about the University, and our students and staff and things that interest them, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. #QMUCommunity
In this week's Student News:
Head.Heart.Hand - a new Stef Smith play celebrating the history of QMU
19–21 February 2026 at the Traverse Theatre
Join our Acting and Performing students this February at the Traverse Theatre for a powerful new production by award-winning playwright and QMU graduate Stef Smith. This special performance marks the 150th anniversary of the University.
Head. Heart. Hand. is a story of perseverance, action, and the enduring belief in education as an act of hope. It promises to be an unforgettable celebration of QMU’s legacy - and the students, past and present, who shaped it.
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Need a Short Term Laptop for use on campus?
The library now has 16 short-term laptops available for student borrowing. Each laptop can be borrowed for up to 4 hours, making it perfect for study sessions or quick tasks. You’ll find the laptop issuing machine in the library between Rooms 1125 and 1126, in the area where library books are located. To access a laptop, simply use your student card at the machine and follow the on screen instructions.
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Thoughts and Feedback on PALS
As we starting our PALS sessions for this Semester, we would love to get your thoughts and feedback on PALS. We have a short survey for you to complete so that we can find out about your experience of PALS in Semester 1; this will help us improve PALS and make it a useful support resource for all QMU students.
You can also complete the survey if you did not attend any PALS sessions – you will only need to respond to relevant questions.
We look forward to reading your feedback: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/qmu/pals-student-survey-2025-26-semester-1
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6-week ‘Compassionate Mind Training’ course
Mondays, 12 - 2pm starting on the 2nd February
Do you ever feel that you are your own worst critic? Or find it hard to regulate your emotions? If so, this course might be helpful!
This course is useful for anxious over-thinkers, perfectionists or students who struggle to know what to do with their anger/anxiety/ other difficult emotions.
It’s helpful for low self-esteem and self-criticism.
There is more information here, including comments from past participants: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/services-for-students/health-and-wellbeing/counselling-service/compassionate-mind-training-course
Book a place:
If you would like to book a place, email Sophie on smacleod@qmu.ac.uk giving your name and matriculation number.
Spaces are limited.
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Looking to gain practical insight and experience within your area of study?
Careers and Employability’s Mentoring Programmes are now open for new applications to all Year 2 students and above.
All students are encouraged to apply and benefit from this opportunity to connect with experienced professionals in your field of study.
We have mentors in Marketing, PR, Business, Finance, HR, Hospitality, Tourism, Events Management, Psychology, Sociology, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Speech Therapy, Drama, Film, Theatre, and other Creative industries.
Explore Mentors and Mentoring Programmes
Take some time to review the list of available mentors (Links to an external site) and think about who you would like to work with. Consider what kind of mentoring programme best suits your personal and professional development goals. If you're unsure, you're welcome to discuss your options with Juan Garcia, Mentoring Coordinator and Careers Adviser. Please be aware that students will be allocated mentors as they apply, therefore your preferred mentor may not be available.
Apply today to have the best chance of getting the match you want!
Book a 15-Minute Appointment with Juan Garcia
To apply, schedule a short meeting with Juan to talk about your interest in the programme and what type of mentoring arrangement would work best for you.
Book an appointment here.
Applications close on the 14th of February.
QMU-online students have limited access to on campus student services and opportunities. If you are an online student, you can access information on the QMU Online FAQs page or by sending an email to oss@qmu.ac.uk to find out more
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Parking on Campus
We would like to remind everyone that the University car park is particularly busy at the start of the semester. Due to high demand, we cannot guarantee parking spaces for all users. To avoid inconvenience, please arrive early and be prepared for potential queues. You may also wish to consider alternative options such as the Park and Ride at Newcraighall, which is within walking distance of the campus and connected by direct bus services. Additionally, we encourage you to explore public transport and sustainable travel options.
For more detailed information on parking, public transport, and sustainable travel options, please visit our Location and Getting Here webpage.
Parking in Local Areas
It is important that staff and students respect our neighbours and adhere to parking restrictions in the local areas surrounding our campus. Please note that parking on Queen Margaret University Drive is not permitted, and enforcement is carried out by East Lothian Council on all roads surrounding the campus. Additionally, parking on kerbs, footways, and verges is not permitted as it is unsafe and causes damage.
Musselburgh Railway Station Car Park
Parking is only for ScotRail customers using Musselburgh Station. Non-customers using the station car park may be subject to enforcement action by British Transport Police under The Railway Byelaws. Those parking outside of marked bays, on double yellow lines, or in disabled bays without a Blue Badge will be fined.
Musselburgh Controlled Parking Zone
To ensure that our neighbours can access their homes, parking within the residential streets adjacent to the campus is controlled by East Lothian Council through limited waiting times and permits. To avoid receiving a £100 penalty charge notice, drivers should comply with the restrictions indicated by the signs and markings displayed on the streets. Further details can be found here. For the benefit of our neighbours, please respect these restrictions and refrain from parking in residential areas around the campus.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Campus Operations
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Introducing the New QMU IT Chatbot – Your Virtual IT Assistant
We are pleased to announce the launch of the QMU IT Chatbot, a new virtual assistant designed to help staff and students quickly resolve common technology issues and access instant IT support.
The chatbot can provide immediate responses to frequently asked questions, for example:
• Password resets
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Remote access guidance
• General IT troubleshooting and support
Its knowledge base has been carefully developed using verified content from the QMU website, ensuring that all guidance you receive is accurate and consistent.
Accessing the Chatbot
The chatbot is available when you are connected to QMU remote systems or to Eduroam Wi-Fi.
Visit the Chabot here.
Give it a try today and discover a faster, easier way to get the IT support you need!
QMU IT
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Annual Nursing and Health and Social Care Career Fair (NHSCC) 2026 – Invitation
Thursday 29 January, 10:00am–2:00pm | The Atrium, QMU
QMU Careers and Employability warmly invites staff, students, and recent graduates to attend QMU’s Annual Nursing and Health and Social Care Career Fair (NHSCC) 2026.
Fifteen of our partner organisations will be in attendance, offering information about graduate opportunities in Scotland, Ireland, and Australia. These organisations are particularly keen to engage with students and recent graduates from the following disciplines: Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Podiatry, Music/Drama/Art Therapy, Radiography, and Dietetics.
Each organisation will be promoting specific roles and opportunities for students and recent graduates. Please refer to the NHSCC booklet for further details. You can view the draft event booklet here:
Students/graduates may attend the event at any time between 10:00am and 2:00pm; however, we recommend attending at the following suggested times:
• 10:00 – 11:00: Physiotherapy (postgraduate), Podiatry, Art/Music/Drama Therapy (postgraduate), SLT, Dietetics and - Allied Health
• 10:30 – 11:45: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Art/Music/Drama Therapy, SLT, Dietetics - Allied Health
• 11:45 – 12:30: Occupational Therapy undergraduate students; Paramedic Science students - Allied Health
Employer short presentations to groups of students
• 12:30 – 13:15: Nursing students – Group 1
• 13:15 – 14:00: Nursing students – Group 2
• 14:00: Event concludes
No registration is needed, but students can register for the event in Student Central using the following link: https://studentcentral.qmu.ac.uk/students/events/Detail/189197
If you require any further information, please contact @Garcia, Juan or email careers@qmu.ac.uk.
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Student Attendance and Engagement Policy update
There has been a small update to the Attendance and Engagement Policy. It clarifies the circumstances under which a student’s attendance may be manually recorded if they are unable to register their own attendance during class.
Section 6:
If a student is unable to register their attendance using the SEAtS App in class, they must notify the teaching team during or immediately after the class.
• The teaching team can manually record a student’s attendance up to one calendar week after the class.
• The Attendance Team (attendance@qmu.ac.uk) cannot verify that a student attended a class.
However, they can:
o Assist the teaching team with technical difficulties.
o Provide guidance and support on how to mark students as attended manually.
Section 9:
(Staff responsibilities)
b) Providing the QR code for students to log in with during each timetabled session. The QR code refreshes approximately every 20 seconds. If a student is unable to scan the code, they must notify the teaching team during or immediately after the class. The teaching team can manually record a student’s attendance up to one calendar week after the session.
If you have any queries, please contact the Attendance Team at attendance@qmu.ac.uk
In this week's Student News:
6-week ‘Compassionate Mind Training’ course
Mondays, 12 - 2pm starting on the 2nd February
Do you ever feel that you are your own worst critic? Or find it hard to regulate your emotions? If so, this course might be helpful!
This course is useful for anxious over-thinkers, perfectionists or students who struggle to know what to do with their anger/anxiety/ other difficult emotions.
It’s helpful for low self-esteem and self-criticism.
There is more information here, including comments from past participants: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/services-for-students/health-and-wellbeing/counselling-service/compassionate-mind-training-course
Book a place:
If you would like to book a place, email Sophie on smacleod@qmu.ac.uk giving your name and matriculation number.
Spaces are limited.
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Seminar invitation: Building Anti-Ableism Through Representation in Children’s Material Culture, 26th February
We are pleased to announce an upcoming British Psychological Society–funded seminar series, Building Anti-Ableism Through Representation in Children’s Material Culture, delivered in partnership by Queen Margaret University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Cambridge.
This interdisciplinary series brings together researchers and practitioners working across psychology, education, and children’s literature to examine how disability is represented in children’s toys, books, film, and wider material culture, and how these representations can contribute to anti-ableist practice.
Across the series, delegates will share research, practice, methodological innovations, and theoretical insights, exploring our understanding of how disability representations influence attitudes, educational practice, and children’s everyday experiences.
A core principle of the series is the centring of disabled voices. Grounded in disability justice, the seminars actively challenge the historical marginalisation of disabled people within academic, educational, and cultural contexts.
Seminar 1: Toys and Play (Queen Margaret University)
26 February 2026 | 1300-1630 GMT
Key Note Speaker: Rebecca Atkinson (she/her) - The power of representation and TV access for disabled children in early years
From sparking ideas to developing imaginative outcomes across children’s industries, Rebecca is an original thinker –adept at storytelling, production and the creation of compelling worlds. She is the founder of ToyLikeMe and creator of MixMups for Milkshake! including developing Ultra Access, a revolutionary interactive technology
Key Note Speaker: Christina Lee (she/her) - Representation Matters: Creating an Inclusive Future for All
is a Research Associate for Knowledge Exchange for Disability Matters at the University of Sheffield. She completed her PhD in English and Medical Humanities at King’s College London in 2023. Her current work focuses on how disability can expand equity, diversity, and inclusion, and drive transformative knowledge exchange in research.
Plus flashtalks, poster presentations and a panel discussion
The call for abstracts is now open until 26 January and registration is open until 24 February 2026. Full details of how to submit an abstract and register are at this link: https://qmutoyboxdiversitylab.com/resources/bps-seminar-series/
Whilst registration is required, all seminars are free to attend, either online or on campus, and open to anyone with an interest in anti-ableism, disability representation, inclusion, education, and children’s culture.
Further Seminar Themes & Dates
Building anti-ableism through books
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow | 21 April 2026 | 1300-1630 BST
Building anti-ableism through film and television
University of Cambridge | 11 June 2026 | 1300-1630 BST
Collaborators
Dr Katie Cebula – University of Edinburgh
Dr Charlotte Webber - University of Strathclyde
Rachel Milne – University of Cambridge
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Voi City Bike Hire Discounts
Voi is the new bike hire scheme available in Edinburgh and Glasgow - you may have spotted the pink bikes around town.
Students, apprentices and staff at higher education institutions qualify for a 50% discount on minute bundles and subscriptions.
To get your discount code, apply on the VOI website: https://www.voi.com/equitable-access
To hear more cycle related news in the local area you can sign up to the edi.bike newsletter or visit their website: https://edi.bike/
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Scottish Government Microfinance Enterprise Fund 2026
Applications for the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 are now invited from current students and staff of QMU.
This fund is intended to support students and staff from Scottish universities in achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions by offering awards of £1,000 - £3,000 to help them test and progress their business ideas.
Current QMU students and staff are eligible to apply. Projects must be pre-incorporation without a business bank account and must have received less than £5,000 in financial support for business, commercialisation or enterprise activities to date.
Full eligibility criteria and application process details can be found on the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 webpage, along with a link to the application form.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 1st February 2026.
In this week's Student News:
QMU’s Dissertation Festival 19 - 23 January!
Developing your dissertation is a unique opportunity to bring your own research interests to life and can be one of the most exciting parts of your degree programme! However, undertaking such an independent research project can also feel like a big challenge with new skills to learn along the way.
QMU’s Dissertation Festival from 19 - 23 January is here to help!
The dissertation festival brings together support from across QMU to help you nurture your project into a piece of research you can be truly proud to submit when the time comes. With a programme of online workshops, the festival combines support from QMU’s Liaison Librarian team and the Effective Learning Service. With several sessions on most days, you can choose which topics are of most interest for you, and join us to boost your skills.
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Monday 19 Jan |
Tuesday 20 Jan |
Wednesday 21 Jan |
Thursday 22 Jan |
Friday 23 Jan |
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Literature reviews with ELS 11 - 12 |
AI and academic integrity |
Getting the most out of Google Scholar |
Looking ahead to your dissertation with ELS |
AI: Trust, truth and hallucinations |
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Finding journal articles |
Cited reference searching |
Literature reviews with ELS |
Advanced Google searching |
Looking ahead to your dissertation with ELS |
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Developing search strategies |
Using Zotero to manage your references |
Introduction to SAGE Research Methods |
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Creating references using Cite Them Right |
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Essential electrical maintenance work on campus:
Friday 9th Jan – Monday 12 Jan
Dear students and staff
QMU’s Estates team will carry out essential electrical maintenance on campus over the weekend of Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th January. This work is part of our annual statutory inspection of the electrical distribution network and is vital to ensure the safety and reliability of our systems for all students, staff and visitors on campus. The work will involve the testing of low voltage and high voltage systems throughout the weekend.
What you need to know
• POWER & LIGHTING LOSS - The work will result in loss of power and lighting across all non-residential buildings.
• CLOSED - Academic (Main) Building, including the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) - Closed from 9pm on Friday 9th January and reopening 6am on Monday 12th January.
• CLOSED - Sports Centre, Maggie’s, and Students’ Union Offices - Closed from their usual closing times on Friday 9th January and reopening Monday 12th January.
• IT SYSTEMS – QMU’s IT systems will be powered down and taken offline during the evening on Friday 9th January, including Wi-Fi.
• WI-FI UNAVAILABLE - Residences will not lose power, but Wi-Fi will be unavailable on Saturday 10th January and at risk on Friday night (9th Jan).
• The estates team will check essential supplies (eg freezers) after the work is finished, but please inspect your area from Monday 12th January to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
We appreciate that there is no ideal time for this work, but these inspections are essential for the safety of all and the reliability of our electrical systems for the year ahead. We thank you for your patience and understanding while this important work is carried out.
Thank you for your cooperation.
QMU Estates Team
In this week's Student News:
GrantsNow Research Ethics Platform – NEW URL LINK – UPDATE
Further to previous moderator messages regarding changes to the URL for accessing GrantsNow platform, it has been confirmed that the changeover will take place from 27th December. The system will be unavailable to all users from Tuesday 23rd to Thursday 26th December (inclusive) whilst the providers make necessary system updates.
As this change will take place whilst the campus is closed, the existing link accessed through the Research Ethics Canvas site (or bookmarked) should continue to be followed. When following this link, a message will be displayed that includes the new URL to access the system.
The URL will be updated on the Canvas site to reinstate direct access to the platform when the campus reopens on the 5th January 2026.
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Scottish Government Microfinance Enterprise Fund 2026
Applications for the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 are now invited from current students and staff of QMU.
This fund is intended to support students and staff from Scottish universities in achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions by offering awards of £1,000 - £3,000 to help them test and progress their business ideas.
Current QMU students and staff are eligible to apply. Projects must be pre-incorporation without a business bank account and must have received less than £5,000 in financial support for business, commercialisation or enterprise activities to date.
Full eligibility criteria and application process details can be found on the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 webpage, along with a link to the application form.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 1st February 2026.
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Printer Upgrade Complete
The replacement printers have been successfully installed across campus.
The new devices operate in a very similar way to the previous printers, with no significant changes to printing, scanning or copying processes.
If you have not already done so, you may wish to restart your computer to ensure it fully recognises the new printers.
User guides for printing, scanning and copying are available under Printing Services section of QMU website.
If you experience any issues or have questions relating to the printers, please contact the Helpdesk for support.
Thank you for your cooperation during the upgrade work.
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QMU Food Outlet - Opening times
Guthrie’s Food Court
• Guthrie’s will be closed after lunch service on Friday 12 December, and will reopen on Monday 12 January with a reduced lunch offer from 11.30am - 2pm. Full service will resume on Monday 19 January.
The Hux
• The Hux closes at 3.30pm on Friday 19 December, then reopens again on Monday 5 January from 8am - 3pm. Full opening hours (8am - 4pm) will commence from Monday 12 January.
Maggie’s
• Maggie’s closes on 5pm on Sunday 21 December, reopening on Monday 5 January from 9am - 6pm. There will then be reduced hours in Maggie’s operating until Sunday 18 January. Normal opening times commence from Monday 19 January.
• Please note Maggie’s will be closed the weekend of the 10 & 11 January to allow for an essential power shutdown.
The Nook
• The Nook closes on Friday 19 December at 3pm and reopens on Monday 5 January.
All information on QMU food outlets, including opening times, can be found on the QMU website: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/campus-life/eat-and-drink-on-campus
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Getting a new phone for Christmas? Remember and update MFA first
Christmas and January sales are a popular time for getting a new mobile phone.
If you do get a new device then How do I change my MFA device? (qmu.ac.uk) has instructions to ensure you are not locked out of QMU resources, as multi-factor authentication (MFA) is associated with your older device or phone number.
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The 2026 International Forum for Peer Learning and Support
The 2026 International Forum for Peer Learning and Support is a free to attend in-person event where you can explore various peer learning and support initiatives in higher education and connect with students and colleagues who share a passion for this area of work. Each year, the Forum welcomes delegates from across the UK, Europe, and beyond.
This is the 9th Forum to be held, and we were pleased to be asked to host at QMU.
The 2026 International Forum for Peer Learning and Support
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Friday, 22nd May 2026
Registration is now open and closes on 5pm on Friday, 27th February 2026.
The main Forum will be held on Friday, 22nd May with an option to join an additional afternoon workshop on Thursday, 21st May.
Call for Contributions
If you would like to submit a proposal for the 2026 Forum for a presentation, creative workshop, lightning talk, or round-table discussion, please complete this Call for Contributions form.
The forum aims to offer informative sessions, with themes covering, but not limited to:
• Technology
• Terminology (is ‘peer’ limiting?)
• Evaluation
• Budgets & making PAL/SI-PASS/other peer learning and support programmes work on a low budget (value for money)
• Inclusivity in sessions
• Novel approaches to peer learning and support
We welcome proposals from staff working in peer learning but also from students involved in peer learning programmes. Call for Proposals closes 5pm on 16th February 2026.
Webinar to support new presenters
This year, we are offering a webinar in January 2026 to support any students who would like to submit a proposal to present, and any staff who are thinking about submitting a proposal for the first time. At this webinar, the Forum organisers will provide advice and guidance on how to develop a proposal idea and structure the proposal for submission. In the true ethos of peer support, part of the session will be split, with students being giving an opportunity to work with other students who have previously presented at the Forum, while staff will continue discussions separately.
Webinar to support new presenters
Online via MS Teams
Monday, 26th January 2026 2pm (UK time)
If you are interested in attending the webinar, please complete this form.
Please visit our website page for details and updates, and should you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch at PALS@qmu.ac.uk.
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Feedback on PALS sessions
Now that we are at the end of Semester 1, we would love to get your feedback on PALS sessions. We have a short survey for you to complete so that we can find out about your experience of PALS in Semester 1; this will help us improve PALS and make it a useful support resource for all QMU students.
You can also complete the survey if you did not attend any PALS sessions – you will only need to respond to relevant questions.
We look forward to reading your feedback: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/qmu/pals-student-survey-2025-26-semester-1
In this week's Student News:
To Absent Friends Festival/Records for Remembrance on Spotify ▶️
As part of the To Absent Friends Festival 2025 in November, QMU held a Records for Remembrance Event where many people wrote a message on a vinyl record or CD about a song title, a lyric or a piece of music that connects them with memories of someone who has died.
We are grateful to the many people who shared a musical memory and some very poignant messages. This captured the aim of the To Absent Friends Festival, as a people's festival of storytelling and remembrance - because dead ordinary people live on in the memories and stories we share.
QMU has a long-standing partnership with St Columba’s Hospice Care. The music, songs and artists have been collated into a playlist and added to the St Columba’s Hospice Care Spotify account. The To Absent Friends Week 2025 Playlist can be found here.
Enjoy!
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GrantsNow Research Ethics Platform - NEW URL link
We have been advised that the URL website link for the GrantsNow platform will be changing after Dec 15th as they will be changing servers. This new link will be updated within the Research Ethics Canvas site, but please note that if you have bookmarked the page, you will need update the URL after that date.
Any questions, please contact the UREC Secretariat: researchethics@qmu.ac.uk
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Upcoming Ebook Central maintenance
0300 to 0500 on Sunday, 14 December.
Clarivate will be carrying out maintenance on the Ebook Central platform between 3 am and 5 am on Sunday 14 December and have advised that the platform will be unavailable for the duration of this work.
In this week's Student News:
Would you like to spend a semester abroad as part of your degree?
If you are a student in one of the following subjects, you may be able to take a semester abroad at one of our selected exchange partners in Europe, Canada, USA, Hong Kong, or Australasia:
Subject Current Year Time of Exchange
Business Management (with Analytics, Digital Marketing, 1st 2nd
Finance, Human Resource Management) 2nd 3rd (Semester 2)
International Hospitality, Tourism & Events Management 2nd 3rd (Semester 2)
Drama 2nd 3rd
Theatre & Film 2nd 3rd
Film & Media 2nd 3rd
Digital Marketing & PR 2nd 3rd
Psychology 1st 2nd
2nd 3rd
Psychology & Sociology 1st 2nd
2nd 3rd
Sociology 1st 2nd
2nd 3rd
Education (not Primary) 1st 2nd
2nd 3rd
Nutrition 1st 2nd
2nd 3rd
Funding support is available of £5000+ for students who could not otherwise afford an exchange semester.
If you would like more information about the exchange opportunities available, please email StudyAbroad@qmu.ac.uk. Closing date for applications is 31 January 2026 to go on exchange in the 2026/27 academic year.
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Upcoming Ebook Central maintenance
Clarivate will be carrying out maintenance on the Ebook Central platform between 3 am and 5 am on Sunday, 14 December, and has advised that the platform will be unavailable for the duration of this work.
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Individual Learning Plan
You can now view your Individual Learning Plan (ILP) on the Student Portal – If you require any changes to your Individual Learning Plan (ILP), please book an appointment on Student Central or email DisabilityAdvisers@qmu.ac.uk
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Update to Catering Christmas Opening Hours
Due to the recent announcement that the University will be closed on the 22nd and 23rd of December, the opening dates of the campus food outlets have been updated to the following:
The Hux
• Closes: Friday 19th December
• Reopens: Monday 5th January
Guthrie’s
• Closes: Friday 12th December
• Reopens: Monday 19th January
Maggie’s
• Closes: Sunday 21st December
• Reopens: Monday 5th January
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Students as Workers: the experiences of working alongside studying
Monday 8th December 1pm Room 3106
Please come along to this research conversation seminar delivered by our students and recent graduates, and publicise amongst your students
QMU sociology students and recent graduates will talk about the results of research into the experiences of students who work alongside their studies.
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The Association of British Theatre Technicians Virtual Ideas Platform - Competition
The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) Virtual Ideas Platform (VIP) is a competition which celebrates the creative ingenuity of those working behind the scenes in theatre, by spotlighting and supporting the innovations, tools and processes developed every day by production professionals.
The competition is open to anyone who studies or works in the theatre and live events industries. If you have a technical, conceptual or practical idea that could positively impact the future of theatre production, they want to hear from you!
Winning submissions will receive £1,500 seed funding to support early-stage development or prototyping, support from ABTT and its partner networks to develop the idea, and the opportunity to be showcased at the ABTT Theatre Show.
Submission Deadline: Friday 5th December 2025, 11.59pm
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Scottish Government Microfinance Enterprise Fund 2026
Applications for the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 are now invited from current students and staff of QMU.
This fund is intended to support students and staff from Scottish universities in achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions by offering awards of £1,000 - £3,000 to help them test and progress their business ideas.
Current QMU students and staff are eligible to apply. Projects must be pre-incorporation without a business bank account and must have received less than £5,000 in financial support for business, commercialisation or enterprise activities to date.
Full eligibility criteria and application process details can be found on the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 webpage, along with a link to the application form.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 1st February 2026.
In this week's Student News:
STEKAskills Charity stall in Guthries
The QMU based charity STEKAskills is holding a stall in Guthries’ dining are on November Thursday November 27th and Tuesday December 2nd December (12-2pm) selling Christmas gifts which make a big social impact. Everything being sold is made by poverty experienced people in Malawi where only 1% can go to college. All the profits fund education for some of the world’s poorest people. It's been a busy year for this grassroots charity which is challenging power dynamics with its QMU developed critical dialogue approach -come and find out more about how QMU has helped this charity achieve great things for women and girls in Malawi as well as for young Scots www.stekaskills.com
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The Association of British Theatre Technicians Virtual Ideas Platform - Competition
The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) Virtual Ideas Platform (VIP) is a competition which celebrates the creative ingenuity of those working behind the scenes in theatre, by spotlighting and supporting the innovations, tools and processes developed every day by production professionals.
The competition is open to anyone who studies or works in the theatre and live events industries. If you have a technical, conceptual or practical idea that could positively impact the future of theatre production, they want to hear from you!
Winning submissions will receive £1,500 seed funding to support early-stage development or prototyping, support from ABTT and its partner networks to develop the idea, and the opportunity to be showcased at the ABTT Theatre Show.
Submission Deadline: Friday 5th December 2025, 11.59pm
Apply here: SUBMIT YOUR IDEA – ABTT Innovation
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Scottish Government Microfinance Enterprise Fund 2026
Applications for the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 are now invited from current students and staff of QMU.
This fund is intended to support students and staff from Scottish universities in achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions by offering awards of £1,000 - £3,000 to help them test and progress their business ideas.
Current QMU students and staff are eligible to apply. Projects must be pre-incorporation without a business bank account and must have received less than £5,000 in financial support for business, commercialisation or enterprise activities to date.
Full eligibility criteria and application process details can be found on the Scottish Government Microfinance Fund 2026 webpage, along with a link to the application form.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 1st February 2026.
In this week's Student News:
Estranged Students Solidarity Week
Next week QMU will obeserved Estranged Students Solidarity Week. An estranged person is someone who no longer has contact with their parents or legal guardians. QMCares —the University's dedicated service for care experienced students, student carers, and estranged students— ensures students receive the support they need to thrive. QMCares offers year-round advice, tailored guidance, and support whenever needed.
QMCares is collaborating with our Careers Service to offer a drop-in session, providing more information about the support available – including job search, volunteering, CVs, and applications. Come and meet the team!
📆Tuesday, 25 November 1-3 pm
📍 Room 3106
This event will focus on creating a safe and supportive space for estranged and/or care-experienced students to connect with each other, but all are welcome.
Learning more about QMCares
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Semester 1 Examination Timetable Published
The Semester 1 Examination Timetable has been published and can be viewed at: Exams and Assessment | Current Students | Queen Margaret University (qmu.ac.uk)
Students who have separate arrangements for exams as part of an Individual Learning Plan will be contacted in due course.
Best wishes,
Examinations
Examinations@qmu.ac.uk
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QMU Entrants' Survey prize winner
We’re thrilled to announce that a student studying Dramatherapy won the QMU Entrants’ Survey prize draw. Congratulations!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Entrants’ Survey, where new students shared their experiences of applying to and beginning studies at QMU. Your feedback is invaluable and has been reviewed by the Transition and Induction Working Group, which includes staff and student representatives from across the University. Your feedback helped us identify what went well and areas for improvement.
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Funded summer research opportunity – applications now open (Carnegie Trust)
Applications are now open for the 2026 intake of the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland (CTUS) Vacation Scholarship scheme.
This allows enables eligible undergraduate students to design and carry out a self-led research project with living costs funded.
It is an opportunity to test an idea of your own, work closely with an academic supervisor, and experience research without the pressure of term time obligations.
Previous projects have investigated whether face emojis help readers detect sarcasm in Chinese, worked to improve the longevity of batteries in electric vehicles and targeted enhancements to make the production of ammonia fertilizer less energy intensive.
Why this might interest you:
you want to build in-demand, transferable research skills (project design, data collection, analysis, academic writing);
you are considering postgraduate study or a research career and want to demonstrate that you can structure and deliver an independent, impactful project;
you would like experience to set your CV apart and the chance to make a difference.
Eligibility
• The scheme is open to undergraduate students who are:
• Scottish-domiciled;
• from a low-income household;
• in the second to last year of their degree (i.e. year three of a four year course).
• Applications from mature and/or care-experienced students are welcome.
If you meet the criteria and have an idea you would like to develop, please read the guidance carefully and begin preparing your application.
Full eligibility criteria and application guidance are available on the Carnegie Trust website. Click the link below to apply: https://carnegie-trust.org/award-schemes/vacation-...
If you need help with your CV and statement, please contact careers@qmu.ac.uk or make an appointment.
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Designing for Impact: A Workshop for Purpose-Led Start-Ups
Got a brilliant idea that's doing good, but not sure how to prove your impact?
Join us for a hands-on, jargon-free workshop that makes "impact planning" simple and practical.
In this workshop, delivered by Bright Red Triangle and Firstport, you'll learn how to:
• Map out your vision
• Stay focussed on what really matters
• Communicate your impact clearly and confidently
Open to all - particularly useful for social enterprises, community projects, third sector organisations, and anyone building a purpose-led business.
Date: Thursday 13th November 2025
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: QMU (room 3155)
Register: https://brt.startium.co.uk/public/events/fbf4cb4a-357b-4e66-a76d-483670029f0c
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Sustainability Workshop for Small Businesses
Barclays are running a workshop to help Founders and Entrepreneurs build more sustainable, profitable and resilient businesses.
Whether you are looking to begin your sustainability journey or to accelerate your actions, this workshop will enable you to develop strategies to:
• Reduce your environmental footprint
• Build more efficient and cost-effective operations
• Communicate impact in a way that resonates with customers
• Tap into new opportunities with sustainable innovation
When: Tuesday 18th November 2025, 09:30 - 14:00
Where: CodeBase, Edinburgh
Register: Small Business Workshop: Sustainability Tickets, Tue, Nov 18, 2025 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite
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New Converge Impact Challenge – closes November 25!
The world needs more than just innovation – it needs innovation with purpose. That’s why Converge is launching a new Challenge to help mission-driven entrepreneurs to take the first steps towards starting a business. Launched with The Ventures Lab this Challenge comes with a £10k prize pot and is open to staff, students and recent graduates.
Closing date 25 November! For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/4hlWzzS
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To Absent Friends Festival 2025
A huge thank you again to the many people who took part in the Records for Remembrance event last week as part of the To Absent Friends Festival 2025. This is held across Scotland from 1-7 November each year, is a people's festival of storytelling and remembrance - because dead ordinary people live on in the memories and stories we share.
If anyone would like to take the record that you wrote a message on, please do so from Monday the 17th Nov. The display will be dismantled on the morning of Wednesday 19th.
There are several events and ways to engage with the festival alongside online resources and ideas for individuals or groups of people/friends/families to use to remember an absent friend.
Find out about To Absent Friends Events in Scotland in 3rd-7th November 2025 go to
https://www.toabsentfriends.org.uk/blogs/festival-events-2025/
Creative space resources: https://www.toabsentfriends.org.uk/content/ll-inspiration-resources/
DIY Cafe of Reminiscence: -https://www.toabsentfriends.org.uk/content/diy-cafe-of-reminiscence/
How to make a To Absent Friends tribute wall: - https://www.toabsentfriends.org.uk/content/taf-wall/
To Absent Friends event ideas: - To Absent Friends | Get Involved
In this week's Student News:
Come & Try Tandem Cycle Event
Come by University Sq on Tuesday 25th Nov between 12:15-13:30.
Try out a tandem bicycle for free and hear more about the local cycling group In Tandem.
Open to all staff and students, including those who are confident cyclists and those with disabilities who may find cycling on a solo bicycle a challenge.
Register for a FREE space using this link: Come & Try: Tandem Event Sign Up Link
Email cycleconnections@qmu.ac.uk if you have any questions.
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Free to Attend Small Magician Event 11th November 2025 5pm - 7pm Room 1044 Student Union Building.
Join the Advanced Forensic Practice Programme Team and Students as they explore using the voice and sound as an element of Trauma Informed Practice. Led by Lea Shaw and Jess Davidson MBE, this interactive and inspiring workshop will explore how we can use our voices, imagination, empathy, and creativity to enhance our practice!
The Small Magician created by Lea Shaw and supported by Scottish Opera, originates from the idea that working with voice, and developing its connection to the body and mind can be a magical experience. It encourages participants to approach their own voice with curiosity, and to get messy with it! Every voice is valid, and every method of engaging with voice is valid.
Lea Shaw is a Mezzo Soprano & Trauma Informed Educator, Jess Davidson MBE is the National Lead Nurse SARCS Network & Associate Lead for Advanced Forensic Practice at QMU.
Everyone in the QMU Community is welcome across all schools to participate in this immersive event. Early booking recommended as places are limited and advance booking is required.
Reserve your place with ABacigalupo@qmu.ac.uk
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Designing for Impact: A Workshop for Purpose-Led Start-Ups
Got a brilliant idea that's doing good, but not sure how to prove your impact?
Join us for a hands-on, jargon-free workshop that makes "impact planning" simple and practical.
In this workshop, delivered by Bright Red Triangle and Firstport, you'll learn how to:
• Map out your vision
• Stay focussed on what really matters
• Communicate your impact clearly and confidently
Open to all - particularly useful for social enterprises, community projects, third sector organisations, and anyone building a purpose-led business.
Date: Thursday 13th November 2025
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: QMU (room 3155)
Register: https://brt.startium.co.uk/public/events/fbf4cb4a-357b-4e66-a76d-483670029f0c
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Sustainability Workshop for Small Businesses
Barclays are running a workshop to help Founders and Entrepreneurs build more sustainable, profitable and resilient businesses.
Whether you are looking to begin your sustainability journey or to accelerate your actions, this workshop will enable you to develop strategies to:
• Reduce your environmental footprint
• Build more efficient and cost-effective operations
• Communicate impact in a way that resonates with customers
• Tap into new opportunities with sustainable innovation
When: Tuesday 18th November 2025, 09:30 - 14:00
Where: CodeBase, Edinburgh
Register: Small Business Workshop: Sustainability Tickets, Tue, Nov 18, 2025 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite
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New Converge Impact Challenge – closes November 25!
The world needs more than just innovation – it needs innovation with purpose. That’s why Converge is launching a new Challenge to help mission-driven entrepreneurs to take the first steps towards starting a business. Launched with The Ventures Lab this Challenge comes with a £10k prize pot and is open to staff, students and recent graduates. Closing date 25 November! For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/4hlWzzS
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INSIGHTS Talk - Masculinity and Health Care - Challenging Gender Stereotypes | Dr. Glyn Morris, Suzanne Ewing, and Dr. Joseph McIntyre | 12-1pm | Thursday 13th November, 2025
All staff and students are welcome to join us for an inspiring INSIGHTS talk that challenges the status quo!
Dr. Glyn Morris, Suzanne Ewing, and Dr. Joseph McIntyre will share how colleagues at QMU are breaking down gender stereotypes and opening doors for boys in health care professions. Historically, men seeking roles as Allied Health Professionals were shunned—and sometimes even barred—from careers like nursing since the 1800s. Today, the gender divide remains stark, with some professions over 80% female. Suzanne and Glyn will present their Guardians of Healthcare project, exploring barriers faced by Scottish boys entering caring professions, while Joe shares his approaches to recruitment and teaching in Podiatry. Don’t miss this thought-provoking session on equity, diversity, and the future of health care. All are welcome to join the conversation.
Book your spot here.
In this week's Student News:
Black History Month Student Social Event
The Students' Union is Hosting a Community Gathering to mark the end of Black History Month!
• Wednesday 29th October
• 6-8pm
• Maggie's Bar and Cafe
Hosted by our BME Officer, Goodness Ojo-Solomon, we're excited to welcome BME students and staff, as well as allies, to build community and have a great night!
There will be:
🍬Snacks
📸Photobooth
📿Bracelet-making
🎵Music
💬Feedback opportunities
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To Absent Friends Festival 2025 / Records for Remembrance
As part of the To Absent Friends Festival 2025, members of the QMU Bereavement Charter working group have organised a creative opportunity for students and staff within the university to remember those important to them who have died.
To Absent Friends Festival, held across Scotland from 1-7 November each year, is a people's festival of storytelling and remembrance - because dead ordinary people live on in the memories and stories we share.
From the 3rd to 7th November, you are invited to visit a 'pop-up record shop' (in the lower-level atrium) and write a message on a vinyl record or CD. The message could relate to a song title, a lyric or a piece of music that connects you to memories of someone who has died or reminds you of an Absent Friend. There may be a record in the 'record shop' that brings back additional memories!
QMU and St Columba's Hospice Care have a long-standing relationship. The songs and music will be collated and added to the St Columba's Hospice Care Spotify playlist.
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📢 Exciting Opportunity: Join the Robertson Trust Student ChangeMaker Project!
We’re pleased to share an exciting new opportunity to take part in the Robertson Trust Student ChangeMaker Project — a Scotland-wide initiative aimed at creating more inclusive, trauma-informed, and supportive learning environments across colleges and universities.
This collaborative project, involving Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh Napier University, and City of Glasgow College, will run from December 2025 to December 2026.
You can find more details in the job description. Please follow this link: Student ChangeMaker Robertson Trust Role.docx.pdf
If you’re interested in getting involved, please complete this short form by 30th October:
👉 https://forms.office.com/e/7tivghvr2a
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Free Small Magician Event 11th November 2025 5pm - 7pm Room 1044 Student Union Building.
Join the Advanced Forensic Practice Programme Team and Students as they explore using the voice and sound as an element of Trauma Informed Practice. Led by Lea Shaw and Jess Davidson MBE, this interactive and inspiring workshop will explore how we can use our voices, imagination, empathy, and creativity to enhance our practice!
The Small Magician created by Lea Shaw and supported by Scottish Opera, originates from the idea that working with voice, and developing its connection to the body and mind can be a magical experience. It encourages participants to approach their own voice with curiosity, and to get messy with it! Every voice is valid, and every method of engaging with voice is valid.
Lea Shaw is a Mezzo Soprano & Trauma Informed Educator, Jess Davidson MBE is the National Lead Nurse SARCS Network & Associate Lead for Advanced Forensic Practice at QMU.
Everyone in the QMU Community is welcome across all schools to participate in this immersive event. Early booking recommended as places are limited and advance booking is required.
Reserve your place with ABacigalupo@qmu.ac.uk
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Wednesday, 26 November 2025 Postgraduate Online Open Day
Are you currently in Year Three or Four of an undergraduate degree? Have you thought about postgraduate study? Postgraduate study could help you reach new heights in your future career, so why not come along to find out more? Further your studies in your current field to enhance your knowledge, skills and employability OR change career direction.
*20% discount to all QMU students and graduates progressing onto postgraduate level study**. Further funding may be available from SAAS. Full-time, part-time, online and single module study options may be available. **T&Cs apply
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Sustainability Workshop for Small Businesses
Barclays are running a workshop to help Founders and Entrepreneurs build more sustainable, profitable and resilient businesses.
Whether you are looking to begin your sustainability journey or to accelerate your actions, this workshop will enable you to develop strategies to:
• Reduce your environmental footprint
• Build more efficient and cost-effective operations
• Communicate impact in a way that resonates with customers
• Tap into new opportunities with sustainable innovation
When: Tuesday 18th November 2025, 09:30 - 14:00
Where: CodeBase, Edinburgh
Register: Small Business Workshop: Sustainability Tickets, Tue, Nov 18, 2025 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite
In this week's Student News:
QMU’s Dissertation Festival 3rd to 7th November!
Developing your dissertation is a unique opportunity to bring your own research interests to life and can be one of the most exciting parts of your degree programme! However, undertaking such an independent research project can also feel like a big challenge with new skills to learn along the way.
QMU’s Dissertation Festival from 3rd to 7th November is here to help!
The dissertation festival brings together support from across QMU to help you nurture your project into a piece of research you can be truly proud to submit when the time comes. With a programme of online workshops, the festival combines support from QMU’s Liaison Librarian team and the Effective Learning Service. With several sessions on most days, you can choose which topics are of most interest for you, and join us to boost your skills.
Monday 3rd Nov
12 - 12:40
Finding journal articles
2-3
Developing search strategies
3-4
Advanced Google searching for grey
literature
Tuesday 4th Nov
10-11
Literature reviews with ELS
12 - 12:40
Cited reference searching
2-3
Al and academic integrity
3-4
Advanced Google searching for grey
literature
Wednesday 5th Nov
11-12
Al and ethics
12-1
Literature reviews with ELS
3-4
Getting the most out of Google
Scholar
Thursday 6th Nov
12-1
Looking ahead to dissertations with
ELS
2-3
Sage Research Methods
3-4
Al - trust, truth and hallucinations
Friday 7th Nov
1-2
Looking ahead to dissertations with
ELS
So, if you’re interested in boosting your literature searching skills, sharpening your writing style, getting a handle on your referencing, or gaining further insights into dissertation planning and tips for success, check out the full schedule of events available: https://qmu.libcal.com/
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Startup Careers Fair 2025 - Thursday 30 October
The Startup Careers Fair 2025 is an exciting event for students and graduates across Scotland. At this virtual fair, you'll be able to find co-founders, meet exciting student and graduate-led startups looking for talent, and connect with more established startups offering paid micro-internships.
Whether you're curious about the world of startups, eager to launch your own venture, or simply looking to accelerate your career, this event offers unique opportunities!
Date: Thursday 30 October 2025
Time: 12:30 - 14:30
Location: Virtual
Register here: Startup Careers Fair | Scotland · Luma
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Sustainability Workshop for Small Businesses
Barclays are running a workshop to help Founders and Entrepreneurs build more sustainable, profitable and resilient businesses.
Whether you are looking to begin your sustainability journey or to accelerate your actions, this workshop will enable you to develop strategies to:
• Reduce your environmental footprint
• Build more efficient and cost-effective operations
• Communicate impact in a way that resonates with customers
• Tap into new opportunities with sustainable innovation
When: Tuesday 18th November 2025, 09:30 - 14:00
Where: CodeBase, Edinburgh
Register: Small Business Workshop: Sustainability Tickets, Tue, Nov 18, 2025 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite
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Taking Your Show to the Fringe Workshop - Tues 4th November
Join Kirsty Fraser, the Artist Development Manager at the Edinburgh Fringe Society, to learn everything you need to know about bringing a show to the Fringe.
This workshop will give an overview of the entire process of taking your show to the largest open access arts festival in the world - from finding a venue, to marketing, and the professional development opportunities available beyond your show.
When: Tuesday 4th November 2025, 6pm - 7.30pm
Where: The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow
Price: Free
Book your place: Taking Your Show to Fringe | Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
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To Absent Friends Festival 2025 / Records for Remembrance
As part of the To Absent Friends Festival 2025, members of the QMU Bereavement Charter working group have organised a creative opportunity for students and staff within the university to remember those important to them who have died.
To Absent Friends Festival, held across Scotland from 1-7 November each year, is a people's festival of storytelling and remembrance - because dead ordinary people live on in the memories and stories we share.
From the 3rd to 7th November, you are invited to visit a ‘pop-up record shop’ (in the lower-level atrium) and write a message on a vinyl record or CD. The message could relate to a song title, a lyric or a piece of music that connects you to memories of someone who has died or reminds you of an Absent Friend. There may be a record in the ‘record shop’ that brings back additional memories!
QMU and St Columba’s Hospice Care have a long-standing relationship. The songs and music will be collated and added to the St Columba’s Hospice Care Spotify playlist.
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Coastal Community Connections (North Berwick) - Volunteer Opportunities
At Coastal Community Connections we understand how important it is to feel connected to others and supported in everyday life.
We are helping to build a Compassionate Community where people come together to support one another through life's challenges including grief, loss and loneliness.
Coastal Community Connections are currently seeking volunteers to support our one-to-one service.
Our one-to-one service is designed to help people engage with the community. It might be someone to walk with, share a conversation over coffee, or simply feel more comfortable to attend social events.
To find out more about volunteering with Costal Community Connections please visit:
Volunteer With Us – Coastal Community Connections
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ELS Focussed Writing Sessions
Finding it hard to make progress on an assignment?
The Effective Learning Service is piloting a new Online Study Space throughout October and November. This offers a supportive and friendly atmosphere to settle down to a session of focused writing (or reading) in a group study environment. The sessions run on Teams, and draw on timed study bursts designed to support you to make progress and build up valuable habits during your self-study time away from campus.
The sessions take place on Teams 10am-12pm every Friday in October and November. Sessions can be booked in through Student Central, or you can join directly here.
For further information, contact els@qmu.ac.uk
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Open Access Week 2025 – Who owns our knowledge?
“Who Owns Our Knowledge?” is the theme for this year’s International Open Access Week (October 20-26). The 2025 theme asks a pointed question about the present moment and how, in a time of disruption, communities can reassert control over the knowledge they produce. It also challenges us to reflect on not only who has access to education and research but on how knowledge is created and shared, where it has come from, and whose voices are recognised and valued.
Come along to this library-hosted online session to find out more about open access publishing and where and how to find open access research sources.
Thursday 23rd October, 11.00-12.00, online, please book here
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QMU's new catering App: FOOD HQ
Our brand new catering app, 'Food HQ' will go live on Monday 20th October.
Download our dedicated app from your app store by searching 'Food HQ' and enter our location code 453401
Our revamped app boasts numerous key features designed to make eating and drinking on campus more rewarding, including:
• You can use Food HQ at all of our outlets to collect reward points for free items
• Your 10th coffee is always free when using our digital loyalty card
• Skip the queues at Maggie’s with our click and collect feature
• View our live menus across all of our outlets on campus
• Personalise your menu options by selecting your own user profile to view only options tailored to your own specific dietary requirements
• Make sure you have push notifications on so that you are the first to receive our offers or seasonal promos
Download to win!
Make sure you download the app before November 30th, and you will be entered into our competition with the chance to win an iPad!
And if you have any points or credit on the previous catering app, ‘Fuel on Campus’, you will be able to use these until November 30th 2025.
If you have any queries or feedback about Food HQ, please contact our catering team.
catering@qmu.ac.uk
The Catering Team
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Beyond the Algorithm - Living and Doing Business with AI
The Business School is delighted to announce that our next symposium, taking place here at QMU in room 2156, on Tue 28th Oct is "Beyond the Algorithm - Living and Doing Business with AI".
Staff and students are most welcome to attend this short but what I am sure will be a lively, panel-led discussion. Registration opens at 4.30pm with a 5pm start and we will finish by 6pm.
The event itself promises to provide enlightening and helpful perspectives on what AI already does, could do and maybe should not do for us from a diverse range of panel members from across Scotland. Thomas Peschken-Holt will lead the panel discussion with contributions from Mark Wilkinson, Chief Growth Officer at The Data Lab, Susanne Beurskens, Senior Manager, Revenue Management from Mariott Hotels and Professor of Business Analytics at QMU, Stefania Paladini.
It is a free event and if you would like to attend please register via the Eventbrite link so we have an idea of numbers.
We look forward to seeing you there.
In this week's Student News:
Job Opportunity: School Subject Tutors (Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative)
The Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative (ELTI) was established in 2020 in response to the disruption Covid-19 school closures caused to secondary school education. The programme is now entering its sixth year and seeks to address the ongoing and longer-term impact of the pandemic on young people’s
education. ELTI has recently been awarded Scottish Government funding to deliver tutoring sessions in the spring term of 2025/26. The programme works with high schools and community organisations in Midlothian supporting pupils, who experience a range of disadvantage, through weekly tutoring sessions.
Tutors will work with pupils in S4-S6, supporting them as they work towards National 4, National 5 and Higher qualifications in Mathematics, Applications of Mathematics and English. Small group tutoring sessions will take place over an 8-week period between February and April 2026. Tutors may also have the
opportunity to support young people who do not attend school, through one-to-one tutoring sessions. Tutoring sessions take place either online or in person, depending on the needs of the individual pupils and schools. In person sessions take place in schools or community venues.
Job Title: Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative - School Subject Tutors
Rate of Pay: £15 per hour + holiday pay
Contract Duration: Fixed term from January 2026 - April 2026
Person Specification: You will hold an undergraduate degree or be in the 4th year of your undergraduate degree, having progressed through the first 3 years successfully. You will have achieved a Higher in the subject to be tutored or will have studied the relevant subject at university.
Essential Experience: Applicants should have previous experience of working with children and young people in a voluntary or paid capacity.
Essential Qualities: Applicants should be:
• compassionate
• well organised and able to solve problems
• patient and willing to adapt when required
• able to develop relationships with a wide range of different people
• able to work independently and as part of a wider tutor team
• creative and innovative.
Contract Basis: Tutors will be engaged with Theorise Ltd either on a Contract for Services or on a Self-Employed Consultancy Agreement depending on their preference. All tutors would be asked to commit to the term of the tutoring programme, and be willing to give at least two weeks' notice if required to leave the programme.
Prior to commencement of the tutoring, all tutors will be required to attend an in-person training day, on campus at QMU (January 2026/date to be confirmed). Tutors may also be required to attend supplementary training over the course of the programme. All training time will be paid.
The hourly rate is based on contact hours. Preparation and follow-up work for each session is included in the contact pay. Tutors delivering in-person sessions will be required to travel to schools or community venues in Midlothian. Travel expenses will be paid.
This role requires tutors to have a PVG scheme membership for regulated work with children. You will be required to join the PVG scheme or have an update check prior to commencement, the cost of which is met by QMU.
How to Apply: For more information and to request an application pack, please email: elti@qmu.ac.uk
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 7th November 2025.
Interviews will be held week beginning Monday 17th November 2025.
To request an application pack, please email elti@qmu.ac.uk
To find out more about Theorise LTD: www.theoriseltd.com
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Startup Careers Fair 2025 - Thursday 30 October
The Startup Careers Fair 2025 is an exciting event for students and graduates across Scotland. At this virtual fair, you'll be able to find co-founders, meet exciting student and graduate-led startups looking for talent, and connect with more established startups offering paid micro-internships.
Whether you're curious about the world of startups, eager to launch your own venture, or simply looking to accelerate your career, this event offers unique opportunities!
Date: Thursday 30 October 2025
Time: 12:30 - 14:30
Location: Virtual
Register here: Startup Careers Fair | Scotland · Luma
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Babyloss awareness week, October 2025
In 2024, Queen Margaret University became the first university in Scotland to achieve the Bereavement Charter Mark — a significant milestone that forms part of our University Hospice Partnership and highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting bereaved individuals within our community. Established in April 2020, the Bereavement Charter for Children and Adults seeks to create workplaces that are compassionate and aware of the impact of loss. By earning this recognition, QMU has demonstrated its dedication to fostering an environment of care and understanding for those experiencing grief. In keeping with this commitment, the University will also be raising awareness for Babyloss Awareness Week.
During Babyloss Awareness Week, from the 9th to the 15th of October, the University will be lighting up the Student Union building in pink each evening between 7pm and 9pm.
This gesture is part of a nationwide initiative to raise awareness, show support for bereaved families, and honour the memory of babies who have sadly been lost too soon. The soft pink illumination will serve as a visible symbol of remembrance, compassion, and solidarity, inviting our community to pause and reflect during this important week of awareness and support.
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QMU Anti-Spam Measures – Reminder
To coincide with Cyber Security Month, QMU IT would like to remind all staff and students of the different anti-spam system measures in use at the university. Email threats are among the easiest for scammers to deploy and have a proven track record of tricking people into taking dangerous actions. As a result, anti-spam systems are one of the oldest and most deployed Cyber Security tools available. The following bullet points list the main email security features available.
VIPRE Anti-Spam – Blocks or quarantines non-compliant, malicious and/or suspicious email
• Quarantine summaries are sent three times a day, at 8am, noon and 4pm
• You can click the links in these emails to release legitimate email
o You can also add senders to a personal trusted sender list
o If the release option is missing, contact the Helpdesk and QMU IT will investigate
• Do not ignore or delete quarantine emails without reading them as VIPER can block legitimate email
• You do not need to report quarantined email as it is a feature of the system, not a bug.
o Some false positives are also to be expected and QMU IT will not guarantee otherwise or act on every false positive
o Releasing false positives is the responsibility of the recipient and improves the system’s detection capabilities
o Important emails which are being routinely blocked can be investigated by QMU IT
VIPRE Link Isolation – Scans links in emails when you click on them
• Makes opening links in emails slower but protects against malicious links
• Like the anti-spam system, false positives do occur
o The report button on the block page should be used to alert VIPER of false positives
o Although the report button almost always results in unblocking the process can be slow
Contact the Helpdesk if you need access to a link quickly.
Microsoft Junk Email Filtering – Moves suspicious email to your Junk email folder
• Check this folder regularly to ensure important emails haven’t been moved there
• You can report emails as “Not Junk” to move them to your inbox.
• You can also report emails as Junk or Phishing within Outlook
• Do not report legitimate QMU emails, even if they are not directly relevant to you
• Using the report feature in Outlook correctly can improve Microsoft’s filters
With all the above systems, false negatives also occur. This is when the system misses a genuine threat and is the goal of the malicious senders. In these cases, the recipient is the last line of defence. Malicious emails usually try to make you act quickly so read carefully, think before clicking and if you are in any doubt contact The Helpdesk to see what QMU IT can determine about any email you are concerned about.
QMU IT
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Postgraduate Online Open Day information
Wednesday, 26 November 2025 Postgraduate Online Open Day
Are you currently in Year Three or Four of an undergraduate degree? Have you thought about postgraduate study? Postgraduate study could help you reach new heights in your future career, so why not come along to find out more? Further your studies in your current field to enhance your knowledge, skills and employability OR change career direction.
*20% discount to all QMU students and graduates progressing onto postgraduate level study**. Further funding may be available from SAAS. Full-time, part-time, online and single module study options may be available. **T&Cs apply
