Course Reps help students have a say in their course and learning experience.

As a Course Rep, you will listen to students on your course, raise shared ideas and concerns with UCA and work with UCASU to help make positive changes.

 

Be the voice of your course

Course Reps help students influence their course and learning experience.

They listen to students, identify what is working well and what could be improved, and make sure that students’ views reach the people who can act on them.

Course Reps work with other students, Course Leaders, Programme Directors, Senior Course Reps and UCA Students’ Union.

Could you be a Course Rep?

You do not need to have previous experience or know how every University process works.

A good Course Rep is someone who is willing to:

  • listen to different students
  • represent more than their own experience
  • ask questions and raise shared issues
  • attend meetings and take part in Course Rep activity
  • tell students what has happened as a result of their feedback
  • complete the UCASU Course Rep training

UCASU and UCA will provide training, resources and support throughout the year.

Why become a Course Rep?

Becoming a Course Rep is an opportunity to:

  • improve the experience of students on your course
  • make sure different student voices are heard
  • build your confidence and communication skills
  • work with students and staff to make practical changes
  • meet Course Reps and student leaders from across your campus
  • gain experience of meetings, consultation and influencing decisions
  • receive recognition for your contribution

You will also be part of a wider network of Course Reps, Senior Course Reps, Campus Presidents and UCASU staff.

How do I become a Course Rep?

Each course and stage will normally have a Course Rep.

Your Course Leader or Programme Director will explain how your Course Rep will be chosen. UCASU recommends holding an election so that students can decide who they want to represent them. In some circumstances, course teams may use a short recruitment or selection process.

To put yourself forward:

  1. Speak to your Course Leader or Programme Director.

  2. Tell them that you are interested in becoming a Course Rep.

  3. Follow the nomination or application process for your course.

  4. If there is an election, prepare a short introduction explaining why you would like the role.

  5. Encourage students on your course and stage to take part in the decision.

Your local deadline may be earlier, but Course Reps should be confirmed to UCASU by 19 October 2026.

Not sure who to speak to? Contact UCASU and we will help you find the right person.

 

What happens next?

1. Awareness

Find out what Course Reps do and consider whether the opportunity is right for you.

2. Recruitment

Put yourself forward through the process arranged by your Course Leader or Programme Director. This may be an election, recruitment process or selection process.

3. Training and development

UCASU online training opens on 20 October 2026.

All Course Reps should complete the online training by 30 October 2026. This provides a consistent introduction to the role for Course Reps across UCA.

You will also have opportunities to take part in campus sessions focused on meeting other reps, sharing experiences and developing your confidence.

4. Representing your course

Course Reps will:

  • listen to students on their course and stage
  • gather a range of views, not just the loudest voices
  • identify what is working well and what needs attention
  • take part in relevant University meetings during November and throughout the year
  • work with their Senior Course Rep and Campus President
  • report back to students using the You Said, We Did approach
  • contribute to short pieces of research, consultation and student-led activity

UCASU will provide Report and Plan support during November to help Course Reps decide what they want to achieve.

Each campus will also hold a Course Rep gathering during November, organised by UCASU and hosted jointly with the relevant School.

5. Celebration and learning

We will recognise the contribution Course Reps make throughout the year.

Course Reps will be invited to share what they have learned, celebrate the changes they have helped achieve and contribute to improving the programme for future students.

Recognition will include Course Rep clothing, opportunities to record your contribution and an end-of-year celebration or awards activity.

Support for Course Reps

You will not be expected to do the role alone.

UCASU will provide:

  • online training
  • practical guides and templates
  • support from UCASU staff and Campus Presidents
  • opportunities to meet other Course Reps
  • help with gathering and presenting student feedback
  • Report and Plan support
  • a Course Rep Hub containing the resources you need

Your Course Leader and Programme Director will help you access meetings, understand how decisions are made and raise issues within your course.

Course Rep Hub

Already confirmed as a Course Rep?

Visit the Course Rep Hub to access:

  • online training
  • meeting preparation guides
  • feedback collection tools
  • Report and Plan templates
  • You Said, We Did resources
  • key dates and meeting information
  • contact details for support
  • opportunities and activities for Course Reps

The course rep hub is coming soon.

Important to know

Course Reps represent shared student views. They are not expected to handle individual complaints, academic appeals or personal cases.

If a student needs individual advice, the Course Rep should help them find the appropriate University service or UCASU advice support.

Find your Course Rep

Once Course Reps have been confirmed, you will be able to search for the Course Rep for your course and stage.

Questions?

Speak to your Course Leader or contact UCA Students’ Union.

scott.farmer.su@uca.ac.uk