Principal’s
Introduction
Welcome to this issue of QMYOU which, as ever, offers us a
wonderful opportunity to share with you news about the support
we offer our students, graduate successes, and highlights of our
work at home and abroad.
We are delighted that our hard work in the area of graduate
employment is paying off. The latest figures from the Higher
Education Statistics Agency confirm that QMU is top in Scotland
and third in the UK for employment of our undergraduate leavers.
98.2% of them are in work or further study six months after
graduation. Our award-winning ‘STARS’ project, featured on page
5, is just one of our initiatives to enhance student and graduate
employability. Other articles showcase awards and scholarships
which are bolstering students’ skills and knowledge, ensuring that
our graduates are prepared for successful careers.
In the autumn, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our move
to our purpose-built campus. Much has been achieved in the last
decade at QMU. Our student numbers have grown and we now
have a rich international community with representation from over
90 countries. Alongside expanding our international partnerships,
we are deeply engaged locally, and are seen as a real community
asset in East Lothian. We have leapt up the national research
rankings,have greatly expanded the range and depth of such work,
and are now widely acknowledged as a thought leader. We are truly
fulfilling our vision of being recognised as a university of ideas and
influence.
You can read more about our 10th anniversary (page 7) and about
the graduates who have experienced life at our current campus in
our 'Where are you now?' feature (pages 26 – 29).
We are always pleased to share stories about our graduates who
are pursing interesting career paths and positively impacting on
organisations at home and abroad. On pages 12-13, the spotlight
is on Sheila Burns, who has used her postgraduate degree in global
health to direct nursing provision in some of the county jails in the
USA. In addition, our story about Harry Jackson (pages 20-21) is
an example of the enterprising nature of some QMU students. The
feature on Daniel Pauley (page 22), who spent much of his life in
foster care and is now excelling on his Podiatry degree, is testament
to the determination of individual students. His story also pays
tribute to QMU staff who are dedicated to helping our students
reach their full potential.
We always aim to demonstrate how our research is having a
practical impact in the world. Find out more about our work in
fragile states (page 11), our research into facial recognition and the
criminal justice system (page 17), and the impact of TV on child
development (page 10).
Your association with QMU is important to us. We hope that you
will stay connected with the University, perhaps by sharing the
magazine with others, volunteering as a student mentor, donating
to the Student Development Fund or working with us to develop
scholarships, awards and donations which will help to change lives.
Professor Petra Wend, PhD, FRSA, FRSE
Principal and Vice Chancellor
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
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QMYOU / Principal’s Introduction