A critical part of the Award process is that once students have completed all four activities they
then have to apply for the Award. It is in this application that they have to clearly demonstrate how
engagement with the Award activities has enhanced their employability and capability as reflective
lifewide learners.
The first cohorts of graduates to receive Ulster’s Edge Award were formally presented with their
certificates at summer graduation in 2013. Future cohorts will also have the EDGE included in the
HEAR. The EDGE is now an embedded part of Ulster’s Learning and Teaching Strategy:
Implementation and Review Framework as a performance indicator of employability.
Management of EDGE
Strategic oversight of the award is provided by the Subcommittee of Employability which reports to
the central university’s Learning and Teaching Committee. Employability and Marketing administer
the Award and approve all activities for inclusion in EDGE. Activity providers provide confirmation
of student achievement of their respective activities.
In order to help administer and manage the EDGE Award, EDGE is recorded as a feature within
the bespoke Ulster HEAR database. Therefore, EDGE activities are validated and managed within
the database. This allows the production of detailed management reports in relation to the number
of student registrations, activities completed, students eligible to apply for EDGE and students who
have successfully completed EDGE. Students can also be emailed en masse. As the Ulster HEAR
database is linked to the University student record system it automatically uploads all student
record information. This online database is essential in co-ordinating and administering this award
particularly as the number of EDGE registrations has increased substantially since the initial launch
of the award. Currently there are 4381 registered on the EDGE Award, this represents 27% of the
total full-time undergraduate student population at Ulster. The HEAR is visible via the university
portal and students are able to view their 6.1 activities including their EDGE activities. Academic
staff can also view the HEARs of their individual students.
Future Developments:
A proposal has recently been made to senior management regarding creating an ‘Advanced EDGE’
Award. This would be open to students who demonstrated exceptional dedication to enhancing
their employability by completing a minimum of six activities from across three of the four categories
of the Award. A critical element of this ‘Advanced Award’ will be the development of a key role for
employers. If it is approved it will be launched in September 2014. Modifications to the
HEAR/EDGE database would subsequently be required.
In addition, during the next academic year the development of an alternative model for the inclusion
of part-time students will be explored.
Impact of the EDGE Award
THE CENTRE FOR RECORDING ACHIEVEMENT 104 -108 WALLGATE, WIGAN, WN3 4AB |
65