Student News

In this week's Student News:

Advanced literature searching for academic articles for psychology, sociology, education, business, media and communication students
 
A literature search session on how to find journal articles for your assignments is taking place this Thursday 22nd October on campus from 3 to 5 pm for the above students. If you would like to attend, please register here: https://qmu.libcal.com/event/4590136

This session will cover literature searching for academic articles using a range of subject specific databases. Please bring laptops as this is an in-person hands-on session in Room 1126 which is within the LRC. This is a face to face session and spaces are limited to 30. 

Please note that health science students will have a separate workshop listed specifically designed for them. 

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Win £500 in food and grocery vouchers with Santander

The Santander Fuel your studies student prize draw is open now. Eligible students can enter for the chance to win 1 of 150 prizes of £500 in food and grocery vouchers. It could help you with the weekly food shop, meals between lectures or food on the go. You don’t need to be a Santander customer to enter. 
 
Open to eligible UK residents aged 18 or over who are studying, about to start studying, or completing a degree apprenticeship. Apply on Santander Open Academy by 12 November 2026 11:59pm Apply here. T&Cs apply.

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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 Safety & Support
  

In this week's Student News:

Invitation to join the Disabled Students' Disability Joy Collective

Are you a disabled student at QMU?

Would you like to connect with other disabled students and staff in a welcoming space centred on solidarity, community, and disabled joy?
A group of staff in Psychology, Sociology and Education, led by Disabled staff member, Dr. Sian Jones,  are creating opportunities to come together, share experiences, build connections, and celebrate disabled identity.
If you identify as a disabled QMU student, you are very welcome to simply come and join us at a meeting, without registering.
To ensure that we do meet your access needs, or if you would like more information first, or the link for online attendance,  please use the link/s below to tell us you'll be there.

Dates for your Diary:

Wednesday 28 October 2026  |   1300 - 1500 GMT |  Maggie's Wood, QMU Campus and Hybrid. Register here:  Disabled Joy Collective @ Maggie's Wood – Fill in form 
Wednesday 27 January 2027 |  1300-1430 GMT | QMU Campus (link to follow)

More information about our other meetings will be coming soon.
Register  to receive general updates about the group, directly to your QMU inbox. Disabled Joy Collective – Fill in form 

Contact Person: Sian Jones | SJones@qmu.ac.uk 

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Research Symposium for Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy Professionals
12th November 2026 12.20 – 16.10
Microsoft Teams
 
This free event will be the second NMAHPP Research Symposium hosted by NHS Lothian and its academic partners.
 
Aims 
•    Showcase a collaborative approach to research capacity building across professions and institutions involved in the Lothian partnership.
•    Present the findings of research undertaken by researchers from the health and care professions in Scotland, with strong encouragement for early career researchers.
•    Promote the opportunity to participate in masterclass sessions and take part in panel discussions led by experienced researchers and policy makers.
 
Target Audience 
•    NHS Scotland NMAHPP - clinical, research, education and management staff
•    Academic staff, undergraduate students and post graduate students from Scottish universities
 
What to Expect 
•    8 research presentations – choose 4 presentations
•    Choice of 2 Masterclasses and a Panel Discussion
 
Masterclass 1: Research in Challenging Environments 
•    Research with Participants who are Homeless – Dr Richard Lowrie, University of Edinburgh
•    Research with Participants with Complex/Severe Mental Health Problems – Professor Thanos Karatzias, Edinburgh Napier University  
 
Masterclass 2: Building a Strong Research Group Environment 
•    Professor Eddie Duncan, University of Stirling

Panel Discussion: Research Impact - Conducting and consuming research that changes practice, policy, service design, pathways 
•    Professor Cathy Bulley, Co-Director Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHEARR) and Head of the Graduate School, Queen Margaret University
•    Dr Charlie Chung, Consultant Occupational Therapist/Allied Health Professions Stroke Strategic Lead/Long COVID Clinical Services lead/Honorary Fellow Queen Margaret University
•    Dr Gosha Colquhoun, Lecturer, Edinburgh Napier University/Honorary Research Consultant, NHS Lothian
•    Dr David Fitzpatrick, Lead Practitioner for Health & Care Staffing, Scottish Ambulance Service and NRS Fellow.
 
To register for this free event, please access the registration page
 
Download the full programme here.   Speaker biographies available here 

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Harvest festival QMU Atrium Thursday 15th Oct 12 -2pm

On Thursday there will be an indoor showcase of the QMU community garden produce and samples of preserves. 

Students please do drop in if you are interested in getting invovled. 
 
Calling all QMU home gardeners – staff and students

Do you grow your own produce? make your own preserves?

Please do bring in a small sample of your own produce to add to our showcase.
Label with your name and the ingredients. Leave on the table by 12noon Thursday.
 
1pm there will be a produce and preserves judging competition
Come along to taste test the produce and add your vote to the competition.
 
#BigFoodShare
#QMUcommunitygarden

In this week's Student News:

Course at QMU Sports 

Turn your passion for fitness into a qualification

Want to build your skills, gain a recognised qualification and boost your CV while studying at QMU? QMU Sport & Fitness offers students the opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications in Level 2 Fitness Coaching and Level 3 Personal Training.

The Level 2 Fitness Coaching qualification is a great place to start, giving you practical knowledge and skills in exercise, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, client consultations and coaching. You don't need previous fitness qualifications, making it ideal if you're looking to turn an interest in health and fitness into something more.

Already qualified at Level 2? Take the next step with the Level 3 Personal Training qualification. You'll develop the skills to design personalised training programmes, coach clients towards their fitness goals and gain an understanding of the business side of personal training.

With flexible study, practical workshops and experienced tutors, the courses are designed to fit around student life while giving you valuable skills and experience for your future.

Whether you're considering a career in the fitness industry, looking for a flexible way to earn while studying, or simply want to develop your knowledge and add another qualification to your CV, QMU Sport & Fitness can help you take the next step.

Find out more at: Fitness Courses | Campus Life | Queen Margaret University

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Dissertation Festival 12-15 October

Please join us for this semester's Dissertation Festival - Monday 12th October to Thursday 15th October.

A hybrid series of events to support students undertaking dissertations, but anyone who might find the topics useful is very welcome to join us. Sessions are facilitated by Library Services and the Effective Learning Service (ELS).

Schedule of events (all times BST (UTC+1)):

Monday 12th October

12-1pm: Finding journal articles

Tuesday 13th October

12-1pm: Getting started with your dissertation (online, Teams)
2-3pm: Getting started with your dissertation (in person, 1126)
3-4pm: Using Endnote to manage your references (online, Teams)

Wednesday 14th October

3:30-4:30pm: Advanced Google searching (online, Teams)

Thursday 15th October

10-11am: Literature reviews (online, Teams)
12-1pm: Literature reviews (in person, room TBC - see event page)
1-2pm: Academic integrity, AI and referencing (online, Teams)

Please see event links or LibCal for information about registration, rooms and Teams links as well as information about other Library workshops and events.

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Food Centre at QMU Is Looking for Cheese Taste Testers! 

The food centre at QMU is looking for people above the age of 18 to blind-taste cheddar cheese and provide their feedback. No tasting experience is required, only stipulation is we cannot allow anyone with a food allergy or intolerance on our panels. 
The 1-hour sessions will be taking place Tues 20th to Thurs 22nd October (various times throughout the day). 
You will be provided with a £20 Amazon or John Lewis voucher for your participation.
If you are interested in attending and are not currently on our consumer panel database please complete the consumer panel application form for more information. 
Please help spread the word by mentioning this opportunity to friends and family. 
Any questions before you sign up, please email consumerpanels@qmu.ac.uk 

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CHAI Catalyst Competition: £50,000 for Healthcare AI Innovation

Do you have an innovative healthcare AI idea with real-world impact potential? The CHAI (Causality in Healthcare AI) Hub has launched its new Catalyst Competition, offering three £50,000 seed awards to support early-stage projects that apply AI to healthcare challenges and help progress promising innovations from proof of concept towards real-world testing and validation.
The competition is open to UK-based academic staff, researchers and students at UKRI-eligible institutions who do not currently own or operate a registered business.
Applications open on 2 November 2026 and close on 2 December 2026, with finalists pitching in London in March 2027.
Find out more and view the application guidance at the CHAI Hub website: https://www.chai.ac.uk/catalyst-competition

CHAI Catalyst Competition: £50,000 for Healthcare AI Innovation

Do you have an innovative healthcare AI idea with real-world impact potential? The CHAI (Causality in Healthcare AI) Hub has launched its new Catalyst Competition, offering three £50,000 seed awards to support early-stage projects that apply AI to healthcare challenges and help progress promising innovations from proof of concept towards real-world testing and validation.
The competition is open to UK-based academic staff, researchers and students at UKRI-eligible institutions who do not currently own or operate a registered business.
Applications open on 2 November 2026 and close on 2 December 2026, with finalists pitching in London in March 2027.
Find out more and view the application guidance at the CHAI Hub website: https://www.chai.ac.uk/catalyst-competition

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Virgin Media (Update)

Information Technology Services (ITS) have been informed that a mitigation has been put in the place and connectivity between Virgin Media and QMU has been restored. 

The incident is still being investigated but the mitigation allows connectivity again for virgin media customers. 

ITS will continue to monitor the situation and update as required 
  

In this week's Student News:

Effective Learning Service: Support with your studies this semester 

Here at ELS (Room 1153!) we offer support with academic study, including note-making, reading strategies, academic writing and time planning. Here are a few ways we can help out this semester:

1.    Sign up for our online workshops on Essay Planning and Essay Writing via Student Central:

Planning: Understanding & Deciding

8th October 12-1pm In-Person

20th October 1-2pm Online

28th October 10-11 am Online

Writing: Structure, Style and Paragraphs

9th October 10-11am In-Person

23rd October 12-1pm Online

29th October 1-2pm Online

     2.    Join us for a session of group study or have a quick question answered at our Writing and Study Space 1-4pm every Tuesday in R1153

Work on an assignment or do some reading alongside your peers in a focused, friendly and encouraging setting, 
with drop-in support available from an ELS advisor:

•    No booking required
•    Pop in anytime.
•    Free tea and coffee at most sessions

3.    Looking to sharpen up your Academic Reading, Time Planning Strategies or Writing Skills at your own pace? 

Explore our brand new ELS Resource Hub , which now hosts all our Writing and Study Guides, Academic Skills Videos, and tools to support you with lectures, reading, working with feedback and more! 

For more info about any of our sessions or resources, please visit: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/services-for-students/support-for-learning/effective-learning-service-els/ or get in touch with us by email at els@qmu.ac.uk.

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Travelling Gallery on campus this Friday 25th September

Travelling Gallery - Scotland’s contemporary art gallery on a bus - will be on campus this Friday presenting the Autumn programme: User Interface: Coded Craft a group exhibition bringing together contemporary craft artists and makers whose work sits at the interface between digital technology and traditional handcraft. The artists featured use technology to expand their practices, with a shared focus on looking at how contemporary craft can play a significant role in pursuing ecological innovation for a more sustainable future.

The exhibition features new and recent work by Jeni Allison, Naomi Mcintosh, Lynne MacLachlan, Liu Qiwei, Aymeric Renoud, Soorin Shin, Sanne Visser, Silvia Weidenbach & Sandra Wilson.
The exhibition will be on the main concourse and open for all to enjoy from 10am - 2pm. The visit has been organised as part of the MA Arts, Festivals and Cultural Management programme.

For more information visit https://travellinggallery.com/tour-dates/
  

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The Royal Literary Fund Fellow at QMU

Want to improve your writing?

Book a free, confidential, one-to-one session with our RLF Fellow to help you strengthen your academic writing.
Sessions last 50 minutes and can be in person or online. Whatever your subject or level of study, the RLF Fellow will work closely with you to identify where you can develop your skills and how you can sharpen your writing.
Appointments are available Tuesday & Wednesday during term time. Sessions are available in person or online. To enquire or book your session, email: catherine.simpson@rlfeducation.org.uk 

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Student Support

Report and Support
QMU use the online platform Report and Support, to support students wanting to report and/or seek support for various forms incidents involving bullying and harassment, rape and sexual assault, stalking, discrimination, online abuse and hate crime they have experienced. The platform provides information and advice to students as well as links to one-to-one professional support and routes to reporting.  
We have now extended the use of Report and Support to also cover any incident that happens on placement. This is to ensure students have an easy way to report any incidents that happens on placement so that the appropriate action can be taken. Reporting Incidents on placement on Report and Support ensures that students get the support and guidance they need. However, incidents on placement will still also need to be reported to the placement provider as they are responsible for any investigation taking place and any actions taken. 
 
Whether or not you choose to make a report, you will find useful information, support and signposting on out Report and Support site
 
 
Togetherall
QMU is working with Togetherall to provide a safe, online community where people support each other. By sharing feelings, thoughts, emotions, and experiences we can all improve our mental health, together. Members can sign up instantly, share anonymously and access the community at any time, day, or night. Togetherall also have a range of supporting resources, courses, tips and advice on how to improve your health and wellbeing.
Togetherall is available and free to all students and staff at Queen Margaret University.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing at QMU
 
Within Student Services we are sharing information in order to deliver services and support to students effectively. Student Services may share information about individual students in order to support students effectively, resolving any issue that the student has raised or respond to concerns regarding a student’s welfare. There are some circumstances where we have to disclose information without your consent such as; if there is a requirement in law to disclose; or f it is considered that there is substantial risk of harm to you, or a third party if information is not disclosed.
This document explains more about how we might share information. Student-Services-Confidentiality-and-Information-Sharing.pdf (qmu.ac.uk)
 

In this week's Student News:

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 Safety & Support
  

In this week's Student News:

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 Safety and Support

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A Reminder about Attendance Monitoring at QMU

The University uses SEAtS (Student Engagement and Academic Timetabling System) to record and monitor attendance for in-person classes. QMU expects students to keep their attendance at 70% or above (per the Student Attendance and Engagement Policy).

Simply scan the QR code on the SEAtS app to check in!
1.    Download the SEAtS app from your phone’s app store
2.    Login to the application using your QMU email and password
3.    Find your timetabled session in the calendar section and click "Tap to check in"
4.    Scan the QR code provided by your lecturer

Get it On Google Play

Download on the Apple App Store

Remember, your personalised timetable should be used to see your class schedule, and the SEAtS app should only be used to check in to sessions.
We know life can be unpredictable and QMU’s attendance threshold allows for occasional absences due to illness or personal circumstances. Please remember to complete an Absence Form via the Student Portal for any missed classes.

If you have any questions relating to SEAtS or your attendance at QMU, you can contact the Attendance and Engagement Monitoring team at Attendance@qmu.ac.uk.

Best Wishes,
The Attendance and Engagement Monitoring Team

Not sure how to use the SEAtS app? Have a read through the Student Guide and FAQs.
Having trouble checking in? Try out these Quick Tips.
Want to know more about Student Attendance and Absences? Read our Student Attendance and Engagement Policy and Student Absence Policy

In this week's Student News:

Ready to RISE - Explore Social Entrepreneurship and Make a Positive Impact

Are you're curious about how social enterprise could help you build a flexible, fulfilling career while making a positive impact?

Ready to RISE is a free 8-week programme designed for women and non-binary people across Scotland who want to explore social entrepreneurship and use their skills and ideas to create positive change in their communities.

Supported by the Scottish Power Foundation, the programme will help participants:

•    Build confidence and develop entrepreneurial skills
•    Explore ideas for social enterprise
•    Create a health work/life blend
•    Learn how to manage themselves and others effectively
•    Grow their networks and connections
•    Receive practical guidance on starting a social enterprise

The programme is delivered online via Zoom on Wednesdays from 10am - 12.30pm. 
Participants may also be eligible to apply for up to £1,000 in grant funding to help develop and progress their idea.

Three training cohorts will be delivered across the next year, with applications for cohort 1 now open:
•    Cohort 1: Wednesday 2 September - Wednesday 21 October 2026
•    Cohort 2: Wednesday 28 October - Wednesday 16 December 2026
•    Cohort 3: Wednesday 13 January - Wednesday 3 March 2027 

Find out more and apply