Introducing the Northern Consortium and NCUK

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1 Introducing the Northern Consortium and NCUK History The Northern Consortium was created in 1987 by eleven British universities to facilitate their collaboration in establishing and running split degree and foundation courses for international students. The Northern Consortium s activity is delivered through its commercial arm called the NCUK. Building on its achievements and experience over the last 25 years, NCUK has become a highly successful education organisation working in a rapidly expanding number of countries. Its aim is to provide a range of cost-effective pathway programmes to prepare international students for part or all of their university study outside their home country. NCUK programmes have been delivered in 15 countries worldwide and are currently offered in China, Kenya, South Korea, Ireland, Japan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia and the UK. Today NCUK has established itself as a global pathway provider delivering a suite of highquality widely recognised undergraduate and postgraduate preparation programmes in nine countries. Over 23,000 students have experience the NCUK pathway to higher education with over 500m in tuition fees generated for the universities. NCUK Owner Universities The eleven owner universities that came together to set up NCUK and which still own the Northern Consortium today are: The University of Bradford The University of Huddersfield The University of Leeds Leeds Beckett University The University of Liverpool Liverpool John Moores University The University of Manchester Manchester Metropolitan University The University of Salford Sheffield Hallam University The University of Sheffield Many other UK universities welcome NCUK qualifications, not just its founding universities. In addition, our qualifications are recognised in Australia and the Republic of Ireland. NCUK Company Structure The holding company for the Consortium is the The Northern Consortium a company limited by guarantee and wholly owned by the eleven universities listed above (Registered Company Number ). The Northern Consortium is also a UK registered charity (Registered Charity Number ). The Northern Consortium has a wholly owned trading company Northern Consortium UK Limited (Registered Company Number ) through which the bulk of the organisation s activity is undertaken. Both The Northern Consortium and Northern Consortium UK Limited are known as NCUK.

2 NCUK Programmes NCUK currently offers three different types of pathway programme: The NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) is a modular programme that prepares students for first-year entry to a wide range of bachelor degree courses. Students take combinations of modules appropriate for their intended degree course. The NCUK Graduate Diploma (Grad Dip) and Pre-Masters Programme (PMP) provide specialised English for Academic Purposes (EAP) training and an introduction to the research skills needed for success at Masters level. The NCUK International Diploma programmes (Int Dip) in Business and Engineering are first-year undergraduate degree level equivalent programmes that will articulate into the second-year of selected undergraduate degree courses. International Diplomas can be combined with the IFY to form a 2+2 study programme. Our full range of programmes and further information about NCUK can be found at: The NCUK UK Office There are four teams based in our Main Office currently: Academic; Students, Systems and Delivery; Marketing and Business Development and Finance and Administration. The NCUK Academic Team covers a wide remit, from the production of syllabuses, assessments and QA material, to the registration of students on NCUK programmes, managing QA processes, organising exam boards, finalising results for all NCUK students and the issuing of certificates. NCUK s Students, Systems and Delivery Team have oversight of the NCUK student experience and provide the infrastructure and processes to facilitate the progression of successful NCUK students to university courses. NCUK s Marketing and Business Development Team, is responsible for NCUK s marketing strategy, identifying and developing new business opportunities, raising awareness of NCUK and its study programmes and promoting NCUK externally and within its owner universities. The NCUK Finance and Administration team manages all matters related to NCUK Company finance and legal matters and provides general office and administrative services. Location NCUK s main office, is located in the Sackville Building on the North Campus of The University of Manchester in central Manchester (formerly known as the UMIST main building). Currently we have over 20 full-time staff based in Manchester. We also have a smaller office overseas, with four members of staff in Beijing, China.

3 PLACEMENT OFFICER Job Description Reports to: Job Purpose: Placement Manager To administer the placement of NCUK students from its teaching centres into NCUK partner universities; build and maintain relations with NCUK centres and partner universities; to support the general activities of the Placement Team and where appropriate, to contribute to the general running of the NCUK Office in Manchester. Key responsibilities and Accountabilities: 1. To lead in the placement of students from NCUK centres to NCUK partner universities, to include: a. supporting the compilation and update of the NCUK University Entry Directories b. working with NCUK s partner universities to define appropriate processes and procedures for the application process c. the placement of students from NCUK centres including: i. providing information and support to centres and students to assist in the application process. ii. management of these students applications within NCUK s Welcome student system iii. working closely with NCUK s partner universities to ensure the quick turnaround of offers / confirmation of results / release of documentation necessary for visa applications for these students iv. playing a key role in building and maintaining positive and productive working relationships with NCUK centres though effective communication, training and continuous support. 2. To ensure that NCUK s placement processes are properly documented and to build up a knowledge base relating to university placement. 3. To supervise casual staff where they are required to support placement 4. To contribute to the development and review of NCUK s Products as and when required. 5. To champion NCUK s programmes within its Owner universities to maintain and improve its recognition within the Consortium, and in particular to protect and expand progression routes from the programme 6. To produce and analyse statistical information relating to the placement of NCUK students 7. General administrative duties required as part of the Placement Team, for example organising and taking the minutes of meetings 8. Other reasonable duties as commensurate with the level of the post

4 ACADEMIC OFFICER Job Description Reports to: Job Purpose: Head of Exams & Assessments To provide administrative support to the Academic Team s operational activities. Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities: 1. To contribute to the printing and delivery of examination papers and other assessments. 2. To contribute to the receipt of assessment artefacts, ensuring that full records are kept and materials are safely stored. 3. To assist in the operation of the Manchester-based moderation activities and examination boards. 4. To configure results sheets for a set of delivery partners. 5. To deliver training in NCUK s requirements for academic administration to delivery centre staff by means of presentation in person or remotely. 6. To coordinate the production of assessments (examination papers and assignments) for a set of NCUK programmes, liaising with module leaders, external examiners and delivery partners to meet deadlines and ensuring that documents are properly proof read and formatted. 7. To coordinate the registration of delivery partners and their students for a specified set of delivery partners, ensuring that delivery centres and their students meet NCUK s specified requirements. 8. To edit and update documentation that specifies academic processes and procedures and the structure of NCUK s programmes and modules. 9. To follow procedures and processes that ensure the academic requirements of NCUK are satisfied and to operate a range of IT systems to meet these requirements. 10. To attend and minute examination boards and other academic committees as required. 11. To undertake any other duties commensurate with the status of the post as deemed necessary by the Head of Academic Operations.

5 Person Specification Placement Officer/Academic Officer Qualifications and Experience 1. An understanding of UK/western higher education (Desirable). 2. Academic qualifications to at least graduate or equivalent level with relevant working experience OR 3. At least 5 years experience in an equivalent administrative role. Skills 1. Able to use Microsoft Office Word and Excel. 2. Good written and oral English 3. Good interpersonal and communication skills. 4. Attention to detail. 5. The ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and to work under pressure. 6. A commitment to teamwork. 7. Demonstrable cross-cultural awareness and understanding. Style 1. Outward looking and comfortable in an office environment. 2. Flexible with the ability to solve problems and to put in the time necessary to do the job. 3. A willingness to learn, to improve personal effectiveness and adapt. 4. Practical with high integrity, honesty and ethical standards. 5. Enthusiastic and committed with stamina and a positive attitude. 6. Willing to work flexible hours. 7. Able to work under pressure within a team.