Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the programme online or in-person?

The programme is both online and in-person: combining online meetings with your team across three countries, and live online guest speakers with in-person activities on your home campus. Attendance in-person is compulsory.

Can I attend the whole event virtually?

No. The in-person elements on your home campus are a compulsory part of the programme, and will give you the opportunity to meet new people, experience new parts of your home campus, and take part in a field trip, as well as attending social and cultural events in person. It isn’t possible to attend the event only online.

What are the dates of the programme?

Monday 10 July – Thursday 20 July 2023. If you will be staying in the accommodation which is provided on or close to your home campus, you will be required to move into your accommodation on Sunday 9 July and move out on Friday 21 July. The programme starts officially on Monday 10 July.

The event is full time and requires your attendance online and in-person (except Wednesday 19 July for students based at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, as this is a national public holiday).

How will teams be organised?

As part of the online application form, you will have rated your interest in these five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in order of preference:

• Zero Hunger 
• Clean Water and Sanitation 
• Affordable and Clean Energy
• Sustainable Cities and Communities  
• Climate Action

If accepted, we will allocate you to a team according to your selections. Please note that we will aim to allocate you to one of your top three choices of SDG, but you may be allocated to any of the five SDGs.  

We’re aiming for each team to be multi-campus and interdisciplinary – consisting of students from all three international campuses, as well as representing diverse academic areas. Each team will consist of four to six participants.

What will our team be working on?

You and your team will agree upon a specific research problem related to the specific SDG to which you have been allocated. You will then work together as an international research team to create a solution to the problem.

Working together, you will create and develop: 

• A team pitch of your sustainability solution which you will deliver to a panel of experts 
• A short team video showcasing your learning and experience of the programme 

In order to record and recognise your learning and development, you will also create an individual reflection of your personal learning and development during the programme.  

Are there prizes available?

Yes! Firstly, all participants will receive a mini sustainability bundle of Nottingham merchandise.

Secondly, the following prizes will be awarded to those who win the Tri-Campus Sustainability Challenge, based on the decision of the expert panel.

• First prize: a paid project-based sustainability internship working alongside sustainability staff on your home campus. The internship will run over 6 weeks during the Autumn Term 2023 (dates and times to be agreed). A premium sustainability bundle of Nottingham merchandise.
• Second prize: a premium sustainability bundle of Nottingham merchandise.

Please note that the decision of the expert panel is final.

What does the programme include?

In addition to your team research, the programme will include:

• Guest speakers: University of Nottingham alumni and academics working in sustainability
• Sustainability lectures: University of Nottingham academic staff carrying out research into sustainability
• Skills workshops: practical guidance to help you succeed
• A field trip
• Cultural learning events
• Social events including a welcome meal and celebration meal

What does the typical day look like?

The Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge is a varied programme of events, centred around your team research.

Each day you will connect online with your international team (in the morning for UNUK and in the afternoon for UNM/UNNC). There will also be daily meetings with your academic tutor who will be supporting you in your research, and time for independent research.

A specific area on each campus will be set aside for you, where you can interact with your teammates and other teams from your home campus.

You will attend events in person, including social events, cultural learning and skills workshops. Guest speaker events will take place online.

What language will the programme be in?

All teaching and activities will be in English.

How competitive is the Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge?

The Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge is open to eligible undergraduate students from the Faculty of Science/Faculty of Science and Engineering across the University of Nottingham’s three campuses and it is a competitive application. There is a finite number of places available.

What are the application criteria?

1. Home Faculty

You must be a registered student in one of the following faculties:

• Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham UK
• Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia
• Faculty of Science &and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China

 

     2. Level and year of study

The programme is only open to undergraduate students in one of the following categories:

Second years:

• BSc
• BEng at University of Nottingham Malaysia or University of Nottingham Ningbo China

• MEng at University of Nottingham Malaysia
• MPharm at the University of Nottingham UK or University of Nottingham Malaysia
• MSci at the University of Nottingham UK 

 

Third Years:

• MSci at the University of Nottingham UK
• MEng at University of Nottingham Malaysia

 

Please note that the year refers to the year of academic studies, not including any preliminary year studies (e.g. CELE), for example, a student in their third year of study at UNNC would be considered to be in year 2.

 

1. Academic achievement to date

The minimum overall average academic mark required to be considered for the Tri-Campus Sustainability Challenge is 45%. If you are applying to study abroad during your second year, your combined average to date, including your first-year marks, will be used. Students who have attained an average grade of less than 45% will not be considered for the programme.

Students must be in good academic standing at the time of their application. Students who have completed modules which show a fail mark for the current academic year at the time of application, without approved extenuating circumstances, or are currently in resit, will not be considered.

1. Completion of online application form

When is the application deadline?

Monday 27 March 2023 4:59pm UNUK / 11:59pm UNNC and UNM.

The online application will close at this time and no further applications will be considered. The deadline is strict and due to the volume of applications, we are unable to consider any late applications.

How are places allocated?

Your application will be assessed according to your personal statement within the online application. Your application will be scored and then ranked. In the event of equal scores between applicants, your application will be also assessed according to your academic marks to date. 

There are a set number of places available at each campus to ensure the tri-campus nature of the programme.

Priority will be given to students who have not previously studied abroad, or who are due to study abroad within their degree programme at Nottingham. However, these students are still eligible to apply, and their applications will be considered.

If another student withdraws after allocation, will their place become available to other students?

There is a small timeframe where we could offer withdrawn places to unallocated students, however this is unlikely as we anticipate that very few students will withdraw. If a place does become available, you will be contacted by a member of staff.

Please see the ‘After Acceptance’ section for further information. 

When will I be notified of the outcome of my application?

By email to your University of Nottingham email address no later than Tuesday 2 May 5pm UK time.

What is the personal statement?

As part of the online application, you will be required to submit a personal statement. Your application will be assessed according to your personal statement, so please consider this thoughtfully.

The personal statement consists of rating your interest in the following five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Zero Hunger 
• Clean Water and Sanitation 
• Affordable and Clean Energy
• Sustainable Cities and Communities  
• Climate Action

And answering three key questions:

        i)            What are your reasons for selecting your top three choices of Sustainable Development Goals? Why are these areas of interest to you? (maximum 300 words)

       ii)            Why do you want to take part in the Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge? Please include your academic and personal motivations, and what you hope to achieve from the experience. (maximum 300 words)

     iii)            If your application is successful, what would you bring to the team? (maximum 300 words)

What makes a great personal statement?

• A  personal response that is unique to you 
• Evidence of your academic and personal reasons for wanting to take part in the Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge
• An excellent understanding of what will be expected of you whilst participating in the Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge, including the academic, practical, social and personal implications, showing commitment to the programme
• Evidence that you have researched the Sustainable Development Goals and have a clear interest in sustainability
• Examples to show that you are the kind of person who can work to deadlines, follow detailed instructions, keep in regular contact, cope in new situations and adapt to a new social environment and an online learning environment

Is there a word limit for the personal statement?

Yes, a maximum of 300 words per question. You are advised to write your personal statement in Microsoft Word first to check the word limit before copying and pasting into the online application form. 

What academic support will be available?

There will be a nominated academic tutor on each of the three campuses, who will be available to support you throughout the programme.

The Learning Technologies team will be available across the three campuses and throughout the programme to support you with any IT issues, including connecting to the online elements  of the programme, and accessing online resources.

If you have a physical disability, a long-term medical condition, a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, a sensory impairment or mental health issues then you may choose to disclose this if you are accepted to the programme, in order that appropriate support can be provided. You may also wish to speak to your Disability Liaison Officer in your School prior to the event.

What online resources will be available?

Accepted students will be enrolled onto the Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge 2023 Moodle page. The Moodle page will provide you with resources and support throughout the programme.

You will also be joined to the Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge 2023 Teams site, which will provide an online community for you to connect with your team, as well as other students on the programme, academic tutors and other Nottingham staff.

What equipment will I need?  

You’ll need access to a laptop with working microphone and camera in order to take part in the Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge. You’ll also need some headphones.Please let us know if you have any questions about this. 

Will I have to pay tuition fees?

No tuition fees will be charged for the pilot Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge 2023.

Is accommodation provided?

Accommodation will be provided on, or close to, each of the three campuses for the duration of the programme. Please note that accommodation is limited at the University of Nottingham UK. You will be required to move in on or before Sunday 9 July and move out on or after Friday 21 July. Please note that this is only for students who do not have their own accommodation arranged.

What are the approximate costs?

If you are eligible for accommodation, you will be required to pay 50% of the cost. The approximate cost of this for the full programme will be:

• University of Nottingham UK = £320.00
• University of Nottingham Malaysia = RM355.00
• University of Nottingham Ningbo China = RMB810.00 or RMB2260 depending on room type (there will be an additional charge for a single room) 

You will be expected to pay for your own food and drink for the duration of the programme, with the exception of the welcome meal at the start of the programme and the celebration meal at the end, which will be provided.

You will be expected to pay for your own local transportation, with the exception of the field trip which is part of the programme.

Are there any bursaries available?

Means-tested bursaries: £300

Students from low-income households who meet one or more of the University of Nottingham UK's widening participation criteria below will be prioritised:

• Students from a low-income household are classified as an annual household income of £42,875 per annum or below, as confirmed by University of Nottingham Financial Support.
• Students classified as widening participation for the purposes of the means-tested bursaries or summer schools, are students who meet one or more of the criteria below:
• Your home address is in an area of disadvantage or low progression to higher education, which the University of Nottingham identifies through a post code checker tool.
• Mature student (21 or over at the start of your course)
• Students in receipt of the University of Nottingham Core Bursary at the time of application
• Students in receipt of the University of Nottingham Potential Bursary at the time of application

We will work with the Financial Support team to find out your eligibility for means-tested awards after acceptance.

You will need to ensure that your household income has been submitted to Student Finance in order to be assessed for means-testing purposes. You must also ensure that the University has permission to view your Student Finance information so Financial Support can assess your eligibility to receive means-tested bursaries.

Only one award is allocated per eligible student. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please note that the number of awards are limited. 

What if I change my mind about participating in the Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge after I have been accepted?

Places on the Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge are limited. Your place on the Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge, including attendance at events and the field trip, is provided free of charge. 

If you choose to submit an application, you must be committed to participating in the Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge and have thought through the implications carefully in advance. It is unfair on other students if you apply and are successful, but then withdraw later when it is too late for the place to be offered to someone else.

If you cancel your place less than 30 days before the start of the programme - we may seek to recover the costs of your place. For more information about our cancellation policy, please email PC-ESEScience@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk

Is it possible to count academic credits from the Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge towards my degree?

No, the Tri-campus Sustainability Challenge is an extra-curricular, non-credit bearing programme.

Will I receive a certificate of completion?

Yes, all students will be provided with a certificate of completion.

 

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