March 2014

If you are studying on a taught postgraduate programme (including distance learning courses) you should have received an invitation to  take part in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES). The survey is run by the University of Reading in partnership with the Higher Education Academy. The aim of the survey is to identify areas where improvements could be made, both within the University and nationally, to the provision of taught postgraduate degree programmes. The email was sent to all students currently enrolled on taught postgraduate programmes at the University of Reading.

The survey is an online questionnaire and consists of multiple-choice questions.  It should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. All data collected in the survey will be held anonymously and securely. Your survey results will not be tracked back to identify you in any way (except for the monitoring of responders) and all survey results will be presented in an aggregated and anonymised form.

Details on how to complete the survey (including a username and password for accessing it) can be found in the email that was sent to you on the 11 March. Update emails will be sent on the 2 April, 14 April and finally on the 25 April. The survey closes on the 2 May 19 June.

You can click here for more information on the PTES.

Are you thinking of doing a Masters or Research degree? Have you considered continuing your studies abroad? If so, you might be interested in these two fully-funded scholarships to study in mainland China from 2014.

In order to promote the mutual understanding, cooperation and exchanges in politics, economy, culture, education, and trade between China and other countries, the Chinese government has set up scholarship programs to sponsor international students to study and research at Chinese universities.

We have been given two scholarships for University of Reading students who are keen to undertake Masters (2-3 years) or PhD (4-6 years) studies in Mainland China from autumn 2014.

Application deadlines are 25 March 2014

Click here to download the ‘Fact sheet’

Information session

There will be information sessions held Wednesday 12 March 16:00–17:30 (Carrington Building 201) and Wednesday 19 March 16:00–17:30 (HumSS 125) to answer key questions and provide detailed information on the application process, and what the scholarships cover. Interested students should attend at least 1 info session.

Eligibility:

• Non-Chinese passport holder
• Final year of study at Reading and looking for postgraduate opportunities
• Able to attend information session (dates above)
• Willingness to commit to entire duration of study in China
• Willingness to undertake medical check to prove good health for Chinese visa application

How to apply:

Students applying for scholarships should submit an email to: international@reading.ac.uk with the subject: Chinese Government Scholarship. The email should include the following information:

1. Full name
2. Date of birth
3. Current programme of study at University of Reading.
4. Contact email and phone number
5. Details on what subject area you would like to study in China, which university you are interested in attending?

The full application process is quite substantial and will be explained at the info sessions.

A new branch of Santander opened on the Whiteknights campus on 3 March, situated next to Campus Central.

The bank is open to staff, students and members of the public, 10:00-18:00 Monday to Friday.

Services include:

• Cash and cheque withdrawals
• Cash and cheque deposits
• Faster payment and Telegraphic transfers
• Account servicing – as members of staff will be available to service any financial need in the branch
• Account openings
• A fully operational cash machine will also be available on site.