On Saturday (28th September), WMG at The University of Warwick and The Dyson Institute celebrated their fourth and final cohort of 35 graduates at a ceremony held across Dyson’s UK R&D campus.

A total of 160 students have now successfully completed the BEng Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, through the WMG and Dyson partnership, which first began in 2017.

This is the final cohort to graduate with a degree from The University of Warwick, as the Dyson Institute now moves to independent delivery and degree awarding powers.

The ceremony included speeches from Sir James Dyson, Founder of Dyson; Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick, Mary Curnock Cook, Chair of Council; and Babajide Popoola, Class of 2024 Graduate.

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, said: “It has been a privilege to work with colleagues and learners at Dyson in realising the vision of the Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. The collaboration and mutual respect have resulted in what I believe to be an exemplar of how academia and industry can work together to achieve amazing results. My congratulations to everyone involved and I look forward to us building on this firm foundation together in the future.”

Sir James Dyson reflected on the success of the seven-year partnership with WMG in his commencement address: “This graduation marks another change for us as we step out from the partnership with WMG and the University of Warwick. I would like to thank Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG; and Professor Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor of Warwick University. Thank you for saying ‘yes’ to joining us on this pioneering adventure back in 2017. You took on our pioneering adventure, it was an unselfish undertaking by you, a brave decision. I am sure you are as proud as I am at the achievements of the undergraduates, and the institution they’ve created. I sincerely hope our close association will continue.”

Find out more about WMG’s training and skills programmes for businesses: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/study/why-study-in-wmg/for-business/

Congratulations to Degree Apprentice Alumna, Kayleigh Poulter and WMG Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of Student Experience, Nicola Knowles who both take home Engineering Talent Awards.

The Engineering Talent Awards showcases role models and inspiring people to celebrate the diversity of organisations and engineers. The awards help to raise the profile of the engineering and technology professions across the UK.

Kayleigh Poulter received both the Engineering Graduate of the Year and Overall Excellence in Engineering awards for her amazing work in building more neuroinclusion into Dyson products.

Kayleigh earned a BEng Engineering as part of her Degree Apprenticeship from the University of Warwick, which WMG delivered in partnership with The Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology.

An advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion, Kayleigh's studies focused on accessibility, designing technologies for those with sensory sensitivities and neurodivergences. After conducting user trials, she developed recommendations to make Dyson products more accessible, a contribution that has influenced Dyson’s design processes.

During her studies Kayleigh led initiatives like LGBTQIA+ afternoon teas and played a vital role in improving support for neurodivergent and mental health needs.

Kayleigh Poulter said, “I thoroughly enjoyed working on my final year project, investigating designing for sensory sensitivity differences, and considering inclusive design more generally. I am extremely grateful to have been recognised for this, and my other work in the ED&I space, and I’m committed to continuing this work wherever I can.”

Associate Professor, Nicola Jane Knowles also brought home an award for University Engineering Staff Member of the Year.

Nicola is the Assistant Dean for Student Experience at WMG at the University of Warwick and teaches Digital Healthcare Science. Her focus is to understand

the student voice and recognise their wants and needs. Nicola quotes ‘nothing about us without us’ meaning that the students are engaged with every decision made for them at every step of the way. The student voice is at the centre of everything.

She recognises that students need a sense of belonging, by understanding their wants and needs, she has helped to create four new student spaces such as a cooking area at lunch times for students who prefer their own cultural foods; quiet places for those with neurodiversity's; a space for group working and the student hub where they can learn and relax together.

Nicola oversaw the launch of WMG peer writing mentoring. This allows students, who need extra help with writing, to go to peer mentors ensuring that everyone is able to get the support they require.

She also launched an innovative initiative, module huddle, that inspires colleagues to meet collectively to focus on student-related topics which provides a rapid system of quality enhancement in real time by quickly identifying the achievable goals. She also led many more initiatives which also focus on ED&I.

Associate Professor, Nicola Knowles said, “I am honoured and privileged to win the award; it really is a career highlight. The award represents the team and the hard work we do to support the student voice and make our education provision inclusive.”

Pro-Dean of Education at WMG, Professor Gill Cooke, said, “Congratulations to both Nicky and Kayleigh on winning their awards. It is fabulous to see our staff and students recognised for their achievements. Awards such as this really do help to showcase the amazing work our people do for industry, for student experience, and for equality, diversity and inclusion.”

See the full list of 2024 winners here: https://engineeringtalentawards.com/

Dr Kogila BalakrishnanLink opens in a new window, WMG’s Director of Client and Business Development (Southeast Asia), was pleased to welcome guests from the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce on Monday (9th September).

The delegation was made up of 15 Malaysian government officials on the JPA-BMCC Management Development ProgrammeLink opens in a new window.

The officials were particularly interested to find out more about research projects and education programmes in relation to digital technology and energy transition.

After meeting with Dr Balakrishnan and Hopi Sen, WMG’s Director of Policy, the group headed to the Energy Innovation Centre where they heard more about WMG’s world-leading energy and battery technology research.

The delegation then enjoyed a guided tour of the engineering hall and the Centre for Imaging, Metrology and Additive Technologies (CiMATLink opens in a new window), in WMG’s International Manufacturing Centre.

Dr Kogila Balakrishnan, WMG’s Director of Client and Business Development (Southeast Asia) said: "It was a pleasure to welcome the delegation and showcase WMG's strengths in digital technology and energy transition.

“We are excited about the possibilities for collaboration that may arise from this engagement, particularly in fostering innovation and developing skills for the future."

Find out more about WMG’s education programmes here: Study | WMG | University of WarwickLink opens in a new window 

Find out more about WMG’s research capabilities here: Research | WMG | University of WarwickLink opens in a new window 

Expert comment, from Dr Ben Silverstone, Workforce Transformation, Skills and Policy Lead at WMG, University of Warwick, on the establishment of Skills England

“WMG welcomes the formal announcement on the establishment of Skills England. A combined approach from the Government, education providers and employers is, without a doubt, the best way of ensuring that the skills system is fit for purpose. The decision to appoint a non-governmental chair should also be applauded and will ensure the needs of industry and the workforce are placed before policy pressures. 

“To make the most of this opportunity we encourage the Government to consider the following key issues:

• Everyone, regardless of age; background or employment status, must have the best opportunities in terms of education - this is critical to the future prosperity of our society
• There must be an equal, if not greater, focus on upskilling and reskilling those already in employment
• We must learn from the Apprenticeship Trailblazer model, and focus on the skill enablers of our economy rather than the narrow interests of a traditional sectoral led approach
• Finally, we strongly urge Government to ensure the balance between a nationally conceived strategy, a regional contextualisation and high-quality local delivery is not lost.”

WMG at the University of Warwick celebrated the achievements of its latest cohort of graduates during the 2024 Summer Graduation Ceremonies. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for many talented individuals who have excelled in their academic pursuits.

A total of 490 students received their degrees across various levels including Master’s; Postgraduate Research, and Undergraduate programmes.

Among the Master’s graduates, there were 380 students: 129 studied full-time, 25 part-time, and 226 completed their degrees overseas.

From the Postgraduate Research programme 23 students graduated: 20 PhD recipients and three EngD students.

For Undergraduate students there was a total of 87 students. This included 44 who earned a BSc in Cyber Security, 11 with a BSc in Digital Healthcare Science, and from the Degree Apprenticeship pathway – a further 32 with a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions.

The ceremony held on Friday 26 July 2024, featured an inspiring speech by WMG alumnus Dr Graham Hoare OBE (MSc Engineering Business Management, 1993). His address had a lasting impact on the graduates motivating them as they step into their future careers.

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, expressed his pride in the graduates, saying: “Your dedication and remarkable achievements have enriched our community and set a high standard of excellence. I am incredibly proud of what you have accomplished, and excited to see the heights you will reach in the future. Congratulations to all of you.”

Professor Clark added, “Graduation is not the end but the beginning of a lifelong connection with WMG and the University of Warwick. As part of a global network of over 285,000 alumni, including more than 29,000 WMG graduates, you have endless opportunities to stay connected, build new relationships, and continue growing both personally and professionally.”

Professor Steve Maggs, Director of Alumni and Industry Engagement, also praised the graduates, stating: “As you embark on your new journeys, we celebrate not just your academic success but also the perseverance and commitment that got you here. This year’s class, showcases the diversity and strength of our WMG community.”

Check out the WMG alumni web pages for more details: https://warwick.ac.uk/alumniLink opens in a new window 

To find out more about studying at WMG visit: Study | WMG | University of WarwickLink opens in a new window 

According to the QS International Trade Rankings 2024, WMG at the University of Warwick’s MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations (ITSO) programme has been rated 16th in the world and 3rd in the UK in terms of trade education.

The ITSO programme has also been identified by QS as one of the top two specialist trade courses in the world.

The highly prestigious QS rankings evaluate courses on six key indicators: Trade Programme; Graduate Outcomes; Industry Engagement; Innovative Teaching; Reputation; and Research.

Professor Dan Nunan, Associate Dean (Postgraduate Education), at WMG said: “I’m delighted to see WMG has, once again, been ranked amongst the leading providers in the world for international trade education. This recognition is a true testament to our incredible community of staff and students here at WMG, and the many industry partners who contribute to the design of our courses.”

Dr Di Li, Course Director for the ITSO at WMG, said “The MSc ITSO programme is an interdisciplinary course that integrates the three principal pillars of international trade, strategy, and operations management within global trade and business management. Students learn cutting-edge knowledge and tools, whilst develop the ability to employ them for tackling contemporary challenges faced by industries in response to the rapidly changing environment.”

Find out more about WMG’s International Trade, Strategy and Operations Master’s Programme here: MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations | University of Warwick

See the full QS Rankings here: https://www.topuniversities.com/international-trade-rankings-mba-masters?page=0

WMG at the University of Warwick has seen five of its courses ranked number one in the UK by the Eduniversal Best Masters 2024.

Eduniversal ranks the quality of Master’s both in the UK and worldwide. This year a total of five WMG programmes have been recognised in their respective categories, with MSc Cyber Security Management being ranked number one in the world.

Accompanying MSc Cyber Security Management in the rankings were the MSc e-Business Management; MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management; MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship and MSc Engineering Business Management programmes.

The rankings were as follows:

· MSc Cyber Security Management –number one in the world for Cybersecurity, Systems Security and Data Protection programmes

· MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship – number one in the UK and number 22 globally for Entrepreneurship – up three places on the 2022 rankings

· MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management - number one in the UK and 28th globally for Supply Chain and Logistics - up one place from 2022

· MSc Engineering Business Management - number one in the UK and number three in Western Europe for Industrial and Operations Management.

· MSc e-Business Management - number one in the UK and fifth in Western Europe for E-business and Digital Marketing.

Professor Dan Nunan, Associate Dean (Postgraduate Education) at WMG at the University of Warwick, explained: “I am thrilled to see WMGs specialist courses in applied engineering, management and technology once again recognised as a leading choice for students seeking to develop their careers. These rankings are testament to the hard work and dedication of all our teaching team at WMG.”

Harjinder Lallie, Discipline Group Lead for Cyber Security at WMG, and Director of the Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education at the University of Warwick, said: “I am absolutely delighted that our MSc Cyber Security Management degree continues to receive recognition both nationally and globally. The course has an international reputation for excellent teaching, hands on practical experiences and superb post-study employment opportunities. To be ranked number one in the world is an outstanding achievement.”

Eduniversal Group is a global leader in higher education information, providing students worldwide with the tools to find the best education opportunities. Eduniversal publishes annual rankings of the best Master's programmes in 50 fields of study, covering 154 different countries within nine geographic zones. The ranked programmes come from more than 1,800 universities and schools.

WMG offers 14 applied Master’s courses across technology, engineering and management all designed to meet the needs of global industry. Find out more here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/study/masters-degrees

Staff and students from across WMG at the University of Warwick had another busy, fun-packed British Science Week, taking part in a total of seven special STEM events reaching out to more than 1,100 young scientists, teachers, and families.

British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths running from 8-17 March. It’s a chance to look into the future and celebrate the impact scientific ideas can make on society.

WMG staff and students were supported by the Outreach Team at the University of Warwick’s Resonate Festival of Science and Technology; hosted science days at local schools and held an event at the Coventry Transport Museum for parents and children embracing home schooling.

The Resonate Festival of Science and Technology welcomed over 500 people. Here them team ran an area called ‘Experience Engineering’ which featured science experiments; the opportunity to write code to control a digital embroidery machine; the navigation of robotic vehicles through a maze and more. Visitors were also able to meet the undergraduate student teams from Warwick Racing, Warwick Rail, Warwick Sub, and CyberWomen@Warwick.

WMG’s Director of Outreach and Widening Participation, Professor Margaret Low, explained: “These experiences allow students to see how their school learning applies to complicated and world-changing technologies. Through our outreach programmes we hope to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM, widen participation in higher education and foster a culture of diversity in the future STEM workforce.”

WMG’s Widening Participation Co-ordinator, Dr Phil Jemmett, added: “WMG and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult have outreach activities that are designed to give students a sense of ownership, since there are always elements they can re-create or try out at home. All the experiments we use in science shows or at public events are written up on our website under WMG Experiments, and we show the audience how it all works.

“It’s never magic – this is something anyone can do if they put their mind to it. We want to show people how exciting science and engineering can be, and that anyone can be an engineer.”

Caroline Cannon, WMG’s Outreach Project Officer added: “None of this would be possible without our brilliant network of helpers from within WMG and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. They dedicate their time, on top of their busy day jobs and family commitments, to extend the reach of our programmes and to ensure the students have really memorable STEM experiences. We are so grateful to them.”

Find out more about WMG’s Outreach programmes here: Outreach and Widening Participation (warwick.ac.uk)

Two former WMG graduates from the University of Warwick have been recognised at the British Council’s prestigious StudyUK Alumni Awards.

The Awards celebrate the achievements of international students who have studied in the UK and gone on to achieve great things.

Yerkenaz Zholymbayeva, from Kazakhstan, who studied on the MSc Process Business Management programme in 2014 was announced as a winner of the Science and Sustainability Award.

Yerkenaz spearheaded the Repaper project, introducing a novel method for multiple deinking of wasted A4 paper in office environments securing an international patent in the process. She also organised, with the support of various institutions and colleagues, a summer science school for children aged 8-14 in rural areas of Kazakhstan.

Meanwhile Olugbenga Ojo from Nigeria, who studied on the MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management 2014, was a finalist in the Business and Innovation category. Olugbenga established Warehöuzit, a digital warehouse ecosystem leading to a shift in how individuals and businesses source their warehouse spaces. He also contributed to the increase in employment opportunities and empowered businesses to become more agile in their operations.

Professor Steve Maggs, Director of Alumni and Industry Engagement, said: "Congratulations Yerkenaz and Olugbenga on your outstanding achievements! Your successes are a testament to the University of Warwick's commitment to excellence. As former WMG graduates, your contributions to science, sustainability, and innovation truly exemplify the spirit of our institution.

“Your recognition at the British Council’s prestigious StudyUK Alumni Awards serves as inspiration to our global network of over 285,000 alumni across more than 185 countries and territories. With over 29,000 proud WMG graduates, know that you're always part of the supportive and inclusive Warwick family, where connections thrive long after you've left our campus.”

To find out more about studying at WMG visit: Study | WMG | University of Warwick

• Partnership with the WMG, University of Warwick, to kick off year-long skills theme for the news and events brand, with active support from MPs and industry leaders.

Transport + Energy has announced a new initiative, Transport + Energy Skills, in partnership with WMG at the University of Warwick. The project will highlight the sectors’ shortage and provide insight, information exchange and solutions to progress a major re-skill, up-skill and new-skill of workers, to fit the way industries are changing and ensure UK companies are competitive.

Announcing the new partnership, Alec Peachey, Founder and Editorial Director of Transport + Energy said: “We are really excited about this launch, which tackles one of the most important issues we are facing in our sectors – skilling up our workforce to ensure UK companies are fit for the future.”

Dr Benjamin Silverstone, Skills and Workforce Transformation Specialist, will spearhead a series of articles in which he will speak to leaders to gain their insight into how skills needs are evolving, while digging into practical solutions and making a call to action for companies to take up this opportunity and respond to change.

“I once wrote that skills are the currency with which future opportunity will be bought. This is truer now, than ever, but what is different is that we all now have a voice in how we generate that wealth,” commented Dr Silverstone.

The aims of the articles will be to drive access to effective training to remain competitive, provide guidance on the impact changes will have, initiate a shift in high-quality training and development as well as promote consistency, to make the workforce’s skills transferrable.

Recognising the crucial need to mobilise industry to act to future proof the UK workforce, Matt Western MP, Shadow Higher Education Minister, Chair All Party Motor Group said:

“The green transition in transport and energy will transform thousands of jobs, creating new opportunities and life choices right across the country. We need our people to be well-equipped for these changes. I look forward to hearing from leaders in the field on what is needed to deliver the skilled transport and energy workforce of the future.”

The widespread importance of Transport + Energy Skills is also being actively supported by government:

“In order to maintain the UK’s leading position in net zero and energy transition, we must plan for the significant changes that will be required in the workforce. Over the next decade, for example, we will need to secure thousands of new jobs in battery manufacturing and train hundreds of thousands of mechanics to service electric vehicles. Transport + Energy’s initiative to bring together industry, colleges and providers to discuss how to deliver these vital skills is essential and I will do all I can support these aims,” commented Mark Pawsey MP.

Find out more about the WMG Skills Centre here: WMG Skills Centre : University of Warwick : Short Courses