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Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility project

Faculty and students from Makerere University attended the ‘Connecting Globally Conference’ at Clifton Campus, NTU (10 July 2023) as part of the Erasmus Plus International Credit Mobility (ICM) Programme at Nottingham Trent University, May-July 2023.

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Project overview 

The Erasmus Plus Integrated Credit Mobility (ICM) Programme has operated in two phases and enabled over 250 transnational mobilities between the UK, Uganda, and Kenya.

First Phase 2018 - 2021

Uganda:

This started with a bilateral mobility programme between NTU Social Sciences, Public Health and Makerere University, School of Public in Health in Uganda which established a programme of research development, capacity building, and knowledge exchange between staff and undergraduate, Masters, and PhD students from both Public Health Departments.

Second Phase 2021 - 2023

This phase expanded its disciplinary and country focus to include exchanges between Uganda in Public Health, Nursing, Microbiology, Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences and with Kenya in Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences.

The programmes exposed students to new cultural perspectives and research activities, leading to bi-directional learning between NTU and three Eastern African universities.

Students who participated in the programme were involved in academic research training, writing retreats, summer schools, and conference presentations which enabled them to acquire the necessary skills to succeed in their field or research.

The Erasmus ICM Programme presented a unique opportunity for staff and students from all countries to broaden their horizons and gain a competitive edge in the global arena which aligns to NTU’s Connecting Globally strategy.

Funder

Collaborators

Uganda:

Kenya:

Countries

UK, Uganda, and Kenya

Research evaluation

NTU-MAK ERAMUS + Survey

Update (July 2024):

This survey aims to assess the impact of the ERASMUS+ International Credit Mobility programme on its participants. During the mobilities, students and faculty had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, including knowledge and cultural exchanges, training and educational activities, networking, and professional development.

By gathering insights from their experiences, we hope to understand how these activities have influenced their personal, academic, and professional growth. This information will help evaluate the effectiveness of the programme and identify areas for improvement. Such feedback is essential in shaping future iterations of the ERASMUS+ programme, ensuring it continues to provide valuable opportunities for students and staff alike.

This research has been approved by the School of Social Science Research Ethics Committee at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), aiming to explore the experiences of undergraduates, postgraduates, PhD students, and staff from both NTU and Makerere University (MAK), who have undertaken placements in Uganda and the UK.

Mr Cato Rolea, (Former Senior Global Partnerships Manager, ‘Africa, Middle East & Americas’, NTU Global) alongside students from Makerere University. Attending the ‘Connecting Globally Conference’ at Clifton Campus, NTU (10 July 2023) as part of the Erasmus Plus International Credit Mobility (ICM) Programme at Nottingham Trent University, May-July 2023.

Methodological approach

Uganda

The Erasmus Plus ICM project with Makerere University (MU) in Uganda adopted an approach that promoted internationalization and provided valuable opportunities for staff, early career researchers, and students in the global health community. This innovative training and mobility framework was designed to develop research capacity, facilitate international comparative work, and enhance bi-directional learning.

The Erasmus Plus ICM project was well-equipped to drive knowledge translation and mobility in three critical areas of research: community engagement, health promotion and prevention, and the strengthening of primary healthcare systems. This programme provided an unrivalled opportunity for students, and staff from MU and NTU to acquire the perspectives and experience necessary to excel in the field of global health.

Kenya

In 2020, the Ecological Restoration Partnership successfully bid for Erasmus+ funding and were awarded a 36-month grant of €136,360 to support mobility between the partners.

The Erasmus Plus ICM Project saw the NTU School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences (ARES) and NTU Global work alongside Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology,  Mount Kenya University and the Centre for Ecological Restoration Kenya (CER-K) - all based in the Kenyan Capital Nairobi.

The Erasmus+ funded programme with Kenyan Universities had a distinct focus in itself and was designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and skills development in relation to the evaluation and monitoring of ecological restoration projects. The project saw students and staff from both NTU, JKUAT and MKU undertaking placements in both Kenya and the UK.

The project aimed to increase the numbers of individuals who have the breadth of skills required to contribute to sustaining habitats, diversifying species, and enhancing the environment for future generations.

The School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences at NTU put together an engaging programme of activities, led by NTU research academics, to introduce a range of different approaches to ecological research.

Students and faculty explored habitats quite different to those at home in Kenya but some of the methodologies were transferable, depending on the restoration objectives.  By exploring established restoration projects they learnt about the broader requirements for managing schemes, including engaging with the public, funders, and government, as well as the scientific community.

Activity

  • Erasmus+  Kenya Symposium - July 2023

Celebrating the  completion of the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Programme in Kenya, Erasmus+ Alumni from Kenya, academics from JKUAT, MKU and NTU and CER-K particpated in a one-day Symposium, including research presentations and discussions on the future direction of the established collaborations.

Team members

Uganda

Management support team

Kenya

Management support team

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