Global Citizenship

Global Citizenship

What is Global Citizenship?

Global citizenship is the idea that our place in the world is an important part of our identity, and that we belong to the wider world in the same way that we might belong to our country. We each have global citizenship, or an international identity. 

Global citizenship includes: 

• Understanding the wider world and your place in it 
• Being open to different cultures
• Having an appreciation for the differences between you and others and a recognition for those with different experiences 

Growing your global mindset and experiencing the world around you.

What are the benefits of global citizenship?

Understanding your role as a global citizen can be very helpful for your studies and your career. Global citizenship means having a critical understanding of how the world works. It means you can work with different people, places and processes. 

The ability to think critically, work with others and adapt to new situations is very important to employers. Developing your knowledge and experience of global citizenship while you study is therefore very important! 

Reflection: what makes you a “global citizen”? What are the benefits that global citizenship bring to your life?

Read more about global citizenship

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)

What is COIL? 

COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) is a learning opportunity that connects you with students and academics from around the world through virtual exchange and teamwork. As part of your course, you will be given a project brief and collaborate online across cultures and countries, gaining real-world experience in a global setting. 

Why is COIL part of my programme? 

COIL is a way to promote Global Citizenship. The university has a goal to support every student to achieve global citizenship skills without even having to leave campus by 2030. The goal is to ensure that every student has the chance to engage in meaningful global experiences during their studies—and to be able to explain how those experiences benefit their personal, academic, and professional development. 

What are the benefits of COIL? 

Taking part in COIL has many benefits for students. It can help you to develop academic, employability and professional skills which help you to succeed in your studies and future career. These skills include teamwork, entrepreneurship, time management, collaboration and intercultural communication skills. The COIL activities that you get involved in would be a great addition to your CV and a potential talking point in an interview! 

You will also gain an appreciation of working with other students and tutors who vary in their ways of working, culture, language and even time zones. COIL is also a great opportunity to broaden your global awareness and knowledge of international markets, socioeconomic factors and the political landscape in other countries. 

How can I prepare for COIL? 

There are many ways to prepare for COIL so that you get the most out of your experience:

• Check with your programme tutors to find out what COIL activities are happening on your course. 
• Develop your skills using our online content.
  • Creating connections.  
  • Professional communication.  
  • Celebrating diversity.  
  • Academic resilience.  
  • Group work. 
  • Engage with global perspectives using our library Inclusive Collections.