Welcome Packs

You will experience teaching predominantly in well designed and well-structured face to face sessions supported by a robust and comprehensive digital learning environment.  You’ll also be encouraged to take control over your learning, individually and with your colleagues, supported by well-designed materials and access to the learning resources you need to succeed.

The University’s Skills Hub provides you with the tools you need to succeed including access to the University’s library, reading lists, referencing, the development of academic skills, tips how to study and research and information about the one-to-one support we provide to students.

To help you prepare for this personalised approach to learning, our welcome and induction activities are designed to introduce you to our learning technologies so that you are ready to go for the start of term. Through engaging in some preparatory work before our live sessions, you can think about some of the questions you might have and have opportunities to explore the many ways in which you are supported. You can also meet the other students on your programme.

Academic Essentials – Boost your Academic Success!

This session will help you feel uni ready by introducing you to our Award-Winning Learning Development team. The session will outline the academic support and services we offer. You will be guided through our Skills Hub and have an opportunity to explore what online learning resources are available to you. You will take part in a short, interactive workshop, exploring one key convention of academic writing. Finally, you will be given an opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding the expectations of writing at university level.

This will be a relaxed, friendly session which we hope will encourage you to feel a little more prepared as you begin your studies. All sessions are an hour.

• Wednesday 26 August: 1:30 – 2:30pm (BST)
• Friday 28 August: 1:30 – 2:30pm (BST)
• Wednesday 2 September: 4 – 5pm (BST)
• Friday 4 September: 3 – 4pm (BST)
• Tuesday 8 September: 2 – 3pm (BST)
• Thursday 10 September: 5 – 6pm (BST)
• Wednesday 16 September: 11am – 12pm (BST)
• Monday 21 September: 4 – 5pm (BST)
• Thursday 24 September: 3 – 4pm (BST)

Join any of these sessions online.

Understanding your Qualification

You can view your Award Map online and will help you find out more about each module which comprises your qualification, the module co-ordinator and how you will be assessed.

Timetables

Once you have enrolled and your modules have been confirmed, you’ll be able to access your timetables, this can be done online via MyTimetable (username and password required). Please be aware, timetables are subject to change, so we would encourage you to subscribe to your module timetables, so you are kept informed of any changes.

Please note a copy of your timetable can be found on the MyNorthampton App once it is available.

Technology is a key part of all learning and teaching for students at Northampton. Some of you may have more experience than others in this area. The University provides a range of support whatever your skill level. Some of the technology will become available when you are fully enrolled whilst others may be accessible at an earlier stage.

Before Enrolment

As part of our welcome and induction, we would like you to engage with us using our online tool, Blackboard Collaborate. It is broadly similar to using Skype or Zoom, which you may have come across before. You will be able to join your Welcome and Induction sessions as a guest, meaning that you do not need to create an account in order to participate.

Using Collaborate

See our Collaborate Guide for Students for full details about how to use this.

After enrolment

All key University systems will become available to you once you are fully enrolled

1) NILE (Northampton Integrated Learning Environment)

NILE is the University’s digital campus. It is a collection of online tools provided by the University to support your learning and assessment. NILE is an essential part of your studies, and you will find yourself using it frequently during your time with us at Northampton.

Each of your modules has its own NILE course, and you will also have a NILE course for your programme too. The NILE courses for your modules will contain all the key information about the modules you are taking, including information about your assignments. In your NILE courses you will find module guides, resources which have been uploaded by your lecturers, and online activities for you to take part in. You will also find other important information in your NILE courses, including reading lists, and, importantly, your assignment submission points. The NILE courses for your modules will contain information about each specific module, whereas the NILE course for your programme will contain wider information about the programme of studies you have enrolled on.

See our NILE Introduction, Help & Support page for full details about how to use this platform.

2) Rate your digital fitness / digital capability using the Discovery Tool

Whilst we are getting familiar with different technologies, we don’t always step back and have a look at the big picture of our digital capability profile. Doing this allows us to pick out areas where we may need to spend a bit more time for self improvement – working smarter and not harder. The University Discovery Tool will provide guidance on areas you may wish to focus on in addition to useful links to resources which will help you.

3) LinkedIn Learning and the University Skills Hub

Once you become a student at the University of Northampton, you will have access to a wealth of online expert videos through LinkedIn Learning so you can improve your key study skills, digital skills, business skills, and lots more – any time, any place. You also have full access to the University Skills Hub which provides a range of tailored academic support.

4) Useful free Apps and tools to download

There are a number of free apps which are available for Apple and Android devices : Blackboard, LinkedIn Learning, MyNorthampton, and Safezone

Also look at our student software page for all the software that is free to University students including Microsoft Office and software to help with some subject areas. (Username and password required)

If you do not have a laptop then you may wish to take the student offer of a device where possible (course depending).

5) Open sessions and support on site

These will be advertised on the screens around campus and will be available for any student. In addition, staff will be available at a range of service desks who can provide help and support depending on your needs.

Your Internet Connection

To access NILE, you will need a reliable Internet connection. If your connection speed is less than 5Mbps download/1Mbps upload per person you may experience problems using NILE. If only you use your Internet connection, then 5Mbps download/1Mbps upload is likely to be sufficient. However, if other people use the same Internet connection at the same time you will need a faster connection.

To check your connection speed, we recommend using Fast.com or the Which Broadband Speed Test.*

Both Fast.com and the Which Broadband Speed Test will display your download and upload speeds. When using Fast, to view your upload speed select ‘Show more info’ when the speed test has completed.

*Please note that Fast.com and Which Broadband Speed Test are not provided or managed by the University of Northampton. Other speed test services are also available, and all speed test services will need to collect information from your browser, including your location and Internet provider. You can find out more about what data is collected and how it is stored and used by viewing the privacy information available on their websites

Student Futures

Student Futures is here to support you every step of the way with their 3-pillar model: Explore, Experience, and Connect. They’ll help you discover who you are, figure out where you’re headed, and guide you through the various experiences available while studying at UON – like paid part-time jobs on campus through Unitemps. Plus, they’ll show you how to highlight your skills and experiences, ensuring you get the most out of your degree and secure a rewarding future.

Whether it’s volunteering opportunities, setting up your own business, applying for jobs, polishing your CV, coaching, or mock interviews, Student Futures has you covered. And the best part? You’ll have career support for life! So don’t wait – get started as soon as you can!

September 2026

Undergraduate Welcome Packs

• Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons)

Postgraduate Welcome Packs

• Post Graduate Certificate in Practice Education

May 2026

Postgraduate Welcome Packs

• Master of Business Administration MBA
• Project Management MSc

January 2026

Undergraduate Welcome Packs

• Accounting & Finance BSc (Hons)
• Business Data & Information Systems (Top-Up) BSc
• Business Management BA (Hons)
• Global Business Management (Top-Up) BA
• Midwifery BSc
• NDT Degrees and Apprenticeships
• Strategic Management & International Business (Top-Up) BA

Postgraduate Welcome Packs

• Accounting and Finance MSc
• Advanced Clinical Practice MSc and Top-Up MSc
• Business Analytics MSc
• Education MA
• Human Resource Management MA (Top-Up)
• International Business Management MSc
• International Marketing Strategy MSc
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc
• Occupational Therapy MSc (Pre-registration)
• Physiotherapy MSc (Pre-registration)
• Public Health MSc
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA

September 2025

Undergraduate Welcome Packs

• Acting for Stage and Screen BA (Hons)
• Advertising and Digital Marketing BA (Hons)
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Science BSc (Hons)
• Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
• Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
• Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
• Business Computing BSc (Hons)
• Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA)
• Computer Science BSc (Hons) and Top-Up
• Creative Film, Television and Digital Media Production BA (Hons)
• Criminal and Corporate Investigation BA (Hons)
• Criminology BA (Hons)
• Criminology with Psychology BA (Hons)
• Dental Nursing FdSc
• Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)
• Education Studies BA (Hons)
• Electronics and Computer Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Engineering BSc (Hons) and HNC
• Engineering (Top-up) BSc (Hons)
• English BA (Hons)
• Environmental Sciences BSc (Hons)
• esports BSc (Hons)
• Fashion Marketing and Promotion BA (Hons)
• Fashion, Textiles and Footwear BA (Hons)
• Finance BSc (Hons)
• Fine Art BA (Hons)
• Games Art BA (Hons), Games Design BA (Hons), Animation BA (Hons), and Games Programming BSc (Hons)
• Geography BSc (Hons)
• Graphic Design BA (Hons) and Graphic Design (Top Up) BA
• Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Stage and Screen BA (Hons)
• Health Sciences BSc (Hons)
• Health and Social Care Practice BA
• History BA (Hons)
• Hospitality Management BA (Hons)
• Human Resource Management BA (Hons)
• Illustration BA (Hons) and Illustration (Top-Up) BA
• Integrated Foundation Year
• Interior Architecture and Spatial Design BA (Hons)
• International Accounting (Top-Up) BSc
• International Business Management BA (Hons)
• International Banking and Finance (Top-Up) BSc
• International Education (Top-Up) BA
• International Finance (Top-Up) BSc
• International Tourism & Hospitality Management (Top-Up) BA
• Law with Criminology BA (Hons)
• Learning and Teaching BA (BALT)
• Learning and Teaching (FDLT) and Learning and Teaching (SEND and Inclusive Provision Pathway) Foundation Degree
• LLB Law and LLB Law Accelerated
• Marketing BSc (Hons)
• Marketing Management (Top Up) BA
• Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Multimedia Journalism BA (Hons)
• Multimedia Sports Journalism BA (Hons)
• Music Production BA (Hons)
• Nursing Associate FdSc
• Nursing BSc (Hons) all pathways including Adult, Children and Young People, Learning Disability, and Mental Health
• Paramedic Science BSc (Hons)
• Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
• Photography BA (Hons) and Photography (Top-Up) BA (Hons)
• Physical Education and Sport BA (Hons)
• Physiotherapy BSc (Pre-registration)
• Psychological Science of Sport and Exercise BSc (Hons)
• Podiatry BSc (Hons)
• Popular Music BA (Hons)
• Pre-sessional English Programme (PEP)
• Primary Education 5-11 BA (Hons)
• Product Design BA (Hons)
• Professional Accounting (Top-Up) BSc 
• Professional Policing BA (Hons)
• Psychology BSc (Hons) – All Pathways
• Social Work BA (Hons)
• Sociology BA (Hons)
• Software Engineering BSc (Hons)
• Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)
• Sport Coaching BSc (Hons)
• Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning BSc (Hons)
• Web Development and Cybersecurity BSc (Hons)
• Working with Children, Young People and Families BA (Hons)

Master’s and Postgraduate Welcome Packs

• Advanced Design and Manufacturing MSc
• Business Analytics MSc
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) MSc
• Clinical Practice PGDip and PGCert
• Computing MSc (all pathways)
• Counselling MSc
• Counselling Children and Young People MSc
• Criminal and Corporate Investigations and Intelligence MA
• Digital Marketing MSc
• Financial and Investment Analysis MSc
• Human Resource Management MA and PGDip
• Infant and Family Mental Health and Wellbeing MA
• Law and Social Justice LLM
• Molecular Medicine MSc
• PGCE (Top-Up) Primary/ Early Years / Secondary
• Primary Education 5-11 QTS PGCE
• Psychology MSc
• Special Educational Needs and Inclusion MA
• Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN) PGDip
• Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN) MSc
• Urgent Care PGCert

January 2025

Postgraduate welcome packs

• Doctor of Professional Practice in Health and Social Care
• Social Work MA

The Students’ Union is here to help you explore, express yourself, and make your mark from day one. You’ll find us in the Learning Hub (Ground Floor) and at The Engine Shed on Waterside Campus.

We’re led by students, supported by dedicated staff and volunteers, all working together to make sure your time here is exciting, fulfilling, and truly memorable.

Every student is automatically a FREE member of the Students’ Union—no sign-up needed. From the moment you arrive, you’re part of a community designed to support, inspire, and represent you.

This Year’s Welcome Line-Up is carefully curated: Create the Moment

• The SU Welcome Festival – Live music, fairground vibes, and your big campus moment
• The Rodeo welcome party – bold, high-energy fun you’ll be talking about all year
• Bridgerton Masquerade Ball (hosted and curated with the History Society) – elegance, drama, and pure aesthetic
• Comedy Night with Jimmy James Jones – big laughs, great atmosphere
• Canvas & Coffee (International Coffee Day) – create, chill, connect

Expect colour, creativity, and “pics, or it didn’t happen” moments across every event.

For more information about Welcome Events and the range of services we offer, head to the SU website.