Archives for DTHomes

Nottingham Trent University’s Knowledge Exchange Framework results

We have recently received our results of the annual Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), an initiative introduced by Research England.

Similar to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), the KEF is also a measurement that we use to benchmark and track our activities and performance – in this case within knowledge exchange.

Simply put, knowledge exchange is our work with external partners such as businesses and organisations of all sizes to share our knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the community and economy.

The KEF measures seven perspectives of knowledge exchange, namely:

  • Research partnerships
  • Working with business
  • Working with the public and third sector
  • Skills, enterprise and entrepreneurship
  • Local growth and regeneration
  • Intellectual Property (IP) and commercialisation; and
  • Public and community engagement

The metrics used are based on income, and in the case of Public and community engagement and Local growth and regeneration – a self-assessment submission. To aid benchmarking and performance, institutions are clustered together with comparable universities.

This year we are encouraged to report that once again, our results remain consistent and expected amongst our competitor universities. We remain average or above average engagement for the majority of the above perspectives.

Our ranking slightly increased in the Research Partnerships element but dipped slightly for Working with Business. This seems to be mainly due to movements in the wider sector affecting the benchmark as our activity remains fairly stable.

We will use these results to track and improve our performance in these areas, to ensure we remain accountable and continue to play an important role in our community. It also helps to showcase the excellent work we are doing at a national level, and in the future, may be used by Research England to inform its approach to funding.

Professor Sarah Speight
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost
Nottingham Trent University

University Compare names UEA in top 25 for employability

UEA has been named in the top 25 of University Compare’s ‘Best universities for employability 2026’ rankings.  

The employability rankings consider how universities help students get ready for life after graduation – whether through placement years, industry connections or career support. It also uses the views of alumni who have shared their experiences in securing employment after graduation, and the support they received from their university after leaving. 

University Compare ranks UK universities using a methodology that blends qualitative and quantitative data, primarily sourced from verified student reviews and official datasets.  

Each university is assessed across five key categories: accommodation, course quality, student social life, employability, and recommendation likelihood. Students rate these areas on a scale of one to five, and their responses are aggregated to form an overall score.  

To ensure reliability, reviews must meet minimum character requirements, originate from unique IP addresses, and pass CAPTCHA verification. The platform uses a trust-weighting system where the value of a university’s score increases with the number of reviews it receives, meaning institutions with more reviews are given greater credibility in the rankings.  

UEA received nearly 300 reviews for this year’s ranking.  

In addition to student reviews, University Compare incorporates data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and the Key Information Set (KIS). These datasets provide insights into graduate outcomes, future career alignment, and research quality. 

This approach ensures that the rankings reflect both the lived experiences of students and objective performance indicators, offering a comprehensive view of university quality. 

Nottingham Trent University and Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Sign Landmark Memorandum of Understanding

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (SFHT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing healthcare education, research, and innovation across Nottinghamshire and the wider region.

The MoU sets out a shared commitment to collaborate across key areas including clinical and non-clinical placements, workforce development and digital transformation. The partnership will focus on improving the health and wellbeing of local communities while supporting the recruitment, education, and retention of high-quality healthcare professionals.

Initial areas of focus include expanding placement opportunities for NTU students, developing joint research initiatives, and creating pathways for employment and education in both clinical and non-clinical roles.

Steve Denton, Vice-Chancellor and President of Nottingham Trent University, said:

“This partnership reflects our shared ambition to make a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities. By combining NTU’s academic excellence with the clinical expertise of Sherwood Forest Hospitals, we are creating new opportunities for students, staff, and the wider population. Together, we will drive innovation, support workforce development, and strengthen the civic role of both institutions.”

Dr David Selwyn, Acting Chief Executive at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Sherwood Forest Hospitals is committed to improving lives across the communities we serve and this partnership with Nottingham Trent University is another brilliant example of how we work with other local organisations to do just that.

“This exciting partnership will help our local hospitals to explore research and innovation opportunities with our local education providers, helping our local NHS to access the cutting-edge facilities and thinking that our universities have to offer.

“Crucially, this commitment will also create more opportunities for local people to step into the NHS to learn and work locally – helping to meet the needs of our local communities, both now and for many years to come.”

The commitment builds on the institutions’ individual partnerships with West Nottinghamshire College. The partnership will also extend to the University, College and Trust working together to design university healthcare courses that will prepare local people for working in the local health and care sector.

Nano approach to plant feed will improve crop productivity, farm profitability and sustainability

Cutting-edge nanotechnology will drive a new generation of fertilisers aimed at addressing UK food security by improving the nutritional value, performance and health of crops and plants.

Scientists at Nottingham Trent University are working with the company Micromix Plant Health as part of the three-year knowledge transfer partnership, being funded by Innovate UK.

It will involve incorporating nanotechnology-enhanced formulations to plant feed, allowing targeted and increased absorption of essential nutrients directly into plant roots and through the leaves.

This ‘precision agriculture’ approach is expected to result in increased yields, reduced harvest times, and prevent against pests, as well as reducing reliance on imported chemicals often used in less effective traditional fertilisers.

The work will involve embedding advanced nanotechnology expertise initially developed at Nottingham Trent University for the pharmaceutical industry into commercially viable plant feed and will benefit UK commercial agriculture and horticulture sectors.

It is thought to be the first time commercially accessible plant biostimulant has been produced using bespoke nanotechnology that has the capacity to correct trace mineral deficiencies as a way of improving both crop productivity and nutrition.

The project will also address two major environmental challenges in modern agriculture by minimising fertiliser waste and reducing environmental runoff containing possible pollutants.

In turn this will also help improve the farmers’ profitability with a reduced cost of treatment to achieve the yield increases required to maintain commercial viability.

Nano-minerals will be synthesized and new fortified plant feed will be formulated in both powder and liquid form before a series of plant performance trials across the UK.

“This work will tackle general inefficiencies inherent in traditional fertilisers and will benefit both farmers and gardeners,” said principal investigator Gareth Cave, Professor in Advanced nanotechnology and sustainable chemistry in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology.

He said: “Our technology can help drive agricultural productivity and resilience by accelerating crop growth and yield, strengthening plant defences against environmental pressures, and reducing vulnerability to pests.

“This precision-targeted approach to nutrient delivery will ensure controlled release directly to plant roots, optimising absorption while preventing excess leaching into ecosystems.

“The result is healthier soil, reduced environmental impact and a shift towards more sustainable farming practices.”  

Tom Mawhood, Director of Micromix Plant Health, said: “We are excited to commence work with Gareth and his team both to develop new products but also to improve the effectiveness of our existing products.

“Farmers face considerable financial and practical challenges and we anticipate that these enhanced nano-products will materially improve quality, yield and profitability.

“There are already some interesting developments we are pursuing for each of cereal crops, oilseeds, potatoes and sugar beet.”

Dyslexic chef returns to education to become a lecturer and win an Inspire! award

Chef Michael Cook, who studied for a Master’s Degree in International Tourism and Hospitality at Cardiff Metropolitan University, has been recognised with the Life Change Award in this year’s Inspire! Adult Learning Awards.

Unlocking Study Opportunities in Canada: Laurentian University Visits Our Office

As an educational consultant committed to guiding students toward the best global opportunities, I was delighted to host the representatives of Laurentian University, Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, led by Ms. Arti Rawat, in our office.

The visit was not just a courtesy call but an inspiring session filled with valuable insights about studying at one of Canada’s most respected universities. Laurentian University is widely recognized for its student-focused learning environment, research opportunities, and welcoming community.

But here’s the real secret many students overlook:


Greater Sudbury is not only a thriving academic hub, it’s also a strategic choice for international students. The region provides excellent educational resources, lower living costs compared to major Canadian cities, and a high quality of life. This makes it easier for students to focus on their studies while enjoying a safe, affordable, and multicultural environment.

The IRCC Advantage

What many don’t realize is how strongly the location of your institution can influence your overall immigration journey in Canada. Laurentian University is situated in a region recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for pathways that could be highly beneficial to international students who wish to remain in Canada after their studies.

When you choose the right school in the right region, and carefully follow professional guidance, your chances of long-term success in Canada increase significantly. It’s not just about getting admission, it’s about choosing strategically for your future.

With the right direction, you can maximize both your academic journey and your immigration opportunities.

As consultants, we are here to guide students every step of the way, from admission to settlement, ensuring that dreams of studying in Canada become a reality.

Laurentian University in Greater Sudbury offers more than just excellent education; it offers a location advantage that, when combined with proper IRCC guidance, can open doors for your future in Canada.

Ready to Start Your Canadian Journey?

Don’t just dream about studying abroad — make it happen! Book a consultation with us today to discover how Laurentian University and other top Canadian schools can shape your future. Our team will provide personalized guidance on admission, visa application, and IRCC-compliant pathways to help you succeed.

Call/WhatsApp: +234 815 226 9253
Email: info@dthomes.com.ng

Your future in Canada starts with the right step reach out today!

Clearing student highlights how spontaneous application to university was a ‘right place, right time’ moment

A mature student who was inspired to apply to university through Clearing has explained how the decision to study again was an opportunity to make a lifestyle change, gain independence and step out of her comfort zone.

Atlanta Paraskeva, now 24, from Gloucestershire, was aged 21 and on holiday in Copenhagen when she made a last-minute application to Cardiff Metropolitan University’s BA (Hons) Textile Design degree through Clearing – after rediscovering a love for art during a trip to the city.

Potential students can apply for courses through Clearing during a specific timeframe each year (5 July – 20 October 2025) if they receive higher or lower grades than expected, if they’ve changed their mind on their current course or if they missed the UCAS application date.

Atlanta said: “When I left college at 18, I didn’t really have a clue what I wanted to do next. All my friends were going straight to university, so I decided to do a list of pros and cons and realised that university wasn’t for me at that time.

“I had volunteered and worked with children while growing up, so when I spotted a job as an apprentice early years practitioner, I decided to go for that instead.”

After qualifying in the childcare profession, Atlanta worked at a nursery throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She is now pleased she made the decision to wait and go to university a few years later so her university experience wasn’t “in the midst of lockdown.”

Joining the childcare profession and working throughout the pandemic meant it was a very different experience with all of the restrictions in place,” Atlanta continues: “It wasn’t what childcare could be like and tainted the experience for me. With such long hours, I felt like I was working all the time – I realised this wasn’t the life I wanted at such a young age.”

Commenting on the decision to apply to Cardiff Met through Clearing during a holiday with her mum in 2021, Atlanta said: “I had always loved making things and did a foundation course in art after sitting my A-Levels. But it was only during a trip to Copenhagen and seeing other people who loved art and hearing their experiences first-hand that I really found my passion again.

“Going to university has been more about becoming independent rather than just getting a job or a career for me. I looked at other universities but only applied to Cardiff Met as it felt like the right fit.”

Atlanta has just graduated with a first-class degree in BA (Hons) Textile Design. With a love for pattern design, she now plans to start looking for print based jobs in London or Manchester.

Lisa Bowen, Head of Admissions at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “Coming to university after time out from studying or opting for a career change is a big decision to make, but we always remind students that they have options. It’s far better to explore a new path than to stay on one that doesn’t feel right. University is a once-in-a -lifetime experience – and there’s always room for change.”

Atlanta added: “I have really loved the course at Cardiff Met, there was a lot of freedom and support and the opportunity to experience all areas of design. I have also made some great friends.

“Going to university has allowed me to throw all my worries to the wayside. Thoughts such as, ‘Am I good enough?’ or ‘I’m not an artist’ and pushed me out of my comfort zone. You never know what the future holds – so I think you just have to be spontaneous with stuff in life.”

Further advice on Clearing and how to apply is available on the Cardiff Metropolitan University website.

Study in the UK – Apply Now for the University of Winchester September 2025 Intake

Are you looking for a UK university with affordable tuition, excellent facilities, and a welcoming environment? The University of Winchester is still accepting applications for its September 2025 intake – and this could be your chance to study in one of England’s most student-friendly cities.

Final chance to access ‘Outstanding’ government-funded Senior Leader Apprenticeship at Nottingham Business School

Nottingham Business School (NBS) has announced that the November 2025 intake will be the final opportunity for senior professionals to access government-funded places on its acclaimed Senior Leader Apprenticeship (SLA) programme, which is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted

This follows a recent UK government policy change that will restrict funding for Level 7 apprenticeships in England to individuals aged 16–21, effective from January 2026. As a result, the upcoming November cohort will be the last to benefit from the current funding model.

Over the years, the SLA has empowered hundreds of professionals to develop the strategic leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s complex and fast-changing business environment. The programme has made a significant impact across industries and sectors, helping organisations build resilient, forward-thinking leadership.

At NBS, part of Nottingham Trent University, results of the 2023 and 2024 Post Graduate Taught Survey show 100% student satisfaction among SLA apprenticeships students, with 98% gaining Distinction at End Point Assessment.

NBS is in the top 1% of business schools in the world to hold triple crown accreditation by EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA – globally recognised hallmarks of excellence and quality for business education. Its commitment to supporting businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving economic growth has recently been recognised with reaccreditation from the Small Business Charter for the maximum five-year period.

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship is ideal for professionals who have moved into or aspire to senior management roles. It focuses on two core themes: Leading with Purpose and Leading Agile Transformation, and covers essential topics such as data-driven decision-making, change management, and cross-functional leadership.

Learners benefit from a highly personalised experience, with the opportunity to apply their learning directly to their organisation. Upon completion, participants can choose to receive a Postgraduate Diploma or progress to the Top-Up Executive MBA, which includes a live global consultancy project and executive coaching.

Whichever path they choose, graduates will be equipped to lead at a strategic level and drive meaningful impact within their organisations.

Organisations and individuals are strongly encouraged to apply now for the November 2025 intake, as demand is expected to be high.

Chris Jackowski, NBS Executive MBA and SLA graduate and Head of Change at NHS Supply Chain, said: “The senior leadership apprenticeship has strengthened my ability to lead with impact, combining strategic tools with a strong focus on reflection and a growth mindset—enabling me to continuously adapt, learn, and deliver meaningful transformation. The apprenticeship route allowed me to implement my learning straight into my day job.”

Dr Julie Rosborough, Deputy Director of Postgraduate Education and MBA Director at NBS, said: “While this announcement marks the end of NBS’s funded apprenticeship offer, we will continue to support senior professionals through a diverse portfolio of executive education programmes, designed to meet the evolving demands of modern leadership.”

Nottingham Business School’s Executive MBA and Global Executive MBA will continue to provide excellence in senior leadership qualifications, with scholarships available.

For more information on the SLA or to apply, visit: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/course/nottingham-business-school/app/senior-leader-apprenticeship

NTU receives the University Mental Health Charter Award

NTU has received the University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Award – in recognition of the commitment towards continuous improvement in the area of mental health and wellbeing.

Created by Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, the UMHC Award Panel Assessment team commended NTU on its “strong working relationship with local NHS services, and the excellent work of the Student Voice Committee”.

It also recognised NTU’s staff training, the ongoing inclusion of students in change processes and the variety of checklists and frameworks in place to support the University community.

Steve Denton, Vice-Chancellor at Nottingham Trent University said: “I am delighted that our extensive mental health and wellbeing support for our students and staff has been recognised through the award of the Mental Health Charter. I am particularly pleased that Student Minds acknowledged the close collaboration and engagement with our students and our NHS partners in the design and delivery of mental health and wellbeing support.”

NTU first started on the path to achieve a UMHC Award back in 2021 and was one of the first members to join the programme. It is still only part of the third cohort to seek out and qualify for an UMHC Award.

You can learn more about the UMHC Award on its website.