With the introduction of a new funding structure in higher education, the relationship between students and universities has begun to change. The increased cost of a degree, to be paid by undergraduates from 2012 onwards, means that students are widely expected to become increasingly conscious of ‘value for money’ when choosing their destination. This also means taking a more active and vocal interest in the experience once they’ve enrolled.

Plymouth University has a long standing history of working in partnership with its students, and indeed, the Students’ Union was closely involved when the University set its tuition fee level of £9,000 in April 2011.

At Plymouth we are realigning our activities, whether academic, social or pastoral, to support a culture that involves students studying ‘with Plymouth University,’ not ‘at Plymouth University,’ and this is reflected strongly in our new branding. This culture is based on the principle that decisions taken by powerful partnerships between staff and students would be more effective than those made in isolation by either party.