Mia Thornton: A Role Model for Hope Students In December 2025, Media & Communications students at Liverpool Hope University were treated to an inspiring talk from alumna Mia Thornton. A 2019 graduate of the English Language programme, Mia has since carved out a notable career that spans the BBC, CBBC, and her own award‑winning podcast series, […]
Celebrating Excellence: The 2025 Winter Graduation Ceremony On 11 and 12 December 2025, Loughborough University marked a milestone for hundreds of students who crossed the graduation floor. The ceremony, held against a striking purple backdrop emblazoned with the university crest, was more than a rite of passage for the graduates. It also served as a […]
Paul Sinton‑Hewitt: From Rhodesia to Global Running Movement Paul Sinton‑Hewitt’s story begins in the former Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, where early life challenges shaped a resilient character. After moving to the United Kingdom in the mid‑1990s, he faced a low point marked by personal setbacks and a career slump. A serious injury that limited his ability […]
Understanding the Rationale Behind the Ban In December 2025, Australia became the first nation to prohibit users under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The decision was driven by growing concerns over cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and the exploitation of children’s data. Dr Asma Adnane, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at Loughborough University, highlights that […]
Background: From FIFA to the Pitch The hashtag #JewGoal first appeared in the world of FIFA video games, where it described a particular type of goal that is easy to score. Over time, the term migrated into real‑world football commentary on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter). A recent study by researchers at Loughborough […]
Apple’s YourTree Competition: A New Platform for Visual Communicators Apple’s annual YourTree competition has become a landmark event for designers worldwide, offering a chance to showcase creativity on a global stage. In 2025, the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) celebrated a proud moment when one of its MA Visual Communications graduates, Varsha Simha, secured […]
Record Research Income and Economic Impact Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has announced a landmark figure in its 2024–25 Annual Report: £124.6 million in research income. This level of funding reflects the university’s growing reputation as a hub for cutting‑edge science, engineering and social research across the UK. Independent analysis by London Economics confirms that QUB’s activities […]
Historical Ties Between Queen’s University Belfast and China Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has maintained a relationship with China for more than a century and a half. The first formal academic exchange dates back to the 1850s, when Chinese scholars began to visit Belfast to study medicine and engineering. Over the decades, these early contacts evolved […]
Understanding the Pathway Opportunity Programme The Pathway Opportunity Programme (POP) is a flagship initiative of Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) designed to level the playing field for high‑achieving students who face additional barriers to higher education. By offering tailored support, flexible entry routes, and financial assistance, POP enables students from diverse backgrounds to pursue degrees that […]
Understanding QUB’s Pathway Bursary Fund Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has announced a new £8 million investment aimed at widening participation in higher education. The fund, known as the Pathway Bursary Fund, is designed to support students who might otherwise be excluded from university study because of financial barriers. By matching private donations up to £4 million, QUB […]