Digital Belonging and Continuity: Supporting International Postgraduate Learners Through Online Programme-Level Innovation

Description

This paper explores how structured, programme-level online practices can foster trust, belonging, and academic continuity, particularly for international postgraduate students studying in hybrid or virtual environments. Drawing on my current role as Co-Programme Leader for MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Senior Lecturer in Project Management at the University of Northampton, I share practical innovations that have strengthened engagement and progression across postgraduate cohorts.

Key interventions include:

• Transitioning to Microsoft Teams to improve consistency and accessibility of communication
• Hosting joint cross-programme sessions to create a shared community experience and peer interaction
• Embedding Active Blended Learning (ABL) with formative check-ins and asynchronous reflective prompts
• Providing flexible, personalised academic support for international students navigating online and blended study

Previously, I served as a Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer at Istanbul Gelisim University, where I led programmes and modules in Civil Aviation, Transport, Logistics, Business Administration, and the MBA. This international leadership experience across academic and professional disciplines has significantly shaped my inclusive, student-focused approach to digital learning and programme delivery.

These strategies respond directly to the needs of students who may feel disconnected in digital spaces. Student feedback indicates increased trust, participation, and academic confidence, supported by more regular contact and accessible learning routines.

This session will present these techniques as part of an adaptable model for building trust and supporting continuation in online postgraduate education. Visuals and examples will illustrate the approach, and time will be reserved for questions and discussion.

Plan of Session:

• Introduction (2 mins): Context and challenges for international postgraduate learners
• Key Strategies (8 mins): Tools and techniques implemented at programme level
• Student Feedback and Outcomes (3 mins): Examples and reflections
• Conclusion (2 mins): Lessons learned and transferability
• Q&A (10 mins): Open discussion and questions

Period	17 Jun 2025
Event title	Supporting International Postgraduate Learners Through Online Programme-Level Innovation
Event type	Conference
Degree of Recognition	International