University of Lincoln (reviews)

Does anyone actually work at Lincoln University? I am the parent of a prospective student currently deciding which universities to apply for. She would like to study Fine Art. On the course details page (https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/artartub/) it states the entry requirements include this:

“Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, which must include English”.

Are Lincoln university aware that GCSE students will typically study English Language AND English Literature? Ie, two separate subjects / qualifications.

Given that my daughter achieved a grade 6 at English Language but only a grade 3 at English Literature, we wanted to clarify the vague statement on the website and see which English course they are talking about. Or whether it doesn’t matter.

A simple task I thought. Oh no, I couldn’t be more wrong. My email of 14/11/23 received an auto reply thanking me for my enquiry and giving a reference number of 00039492, so I know my question was received. 3 weeks later though and this is still unanswered.

A week after I sent the email and correctly assuming that I wasn’t going to get a reply, I phoned the university on their ‘Applicant Enquiries’ number (01522 886644) obtained from their Contact Us page. Two things about this:

1. No one was able to take my call and I had to leave a message. This in itself is no great issue but rather than the greeting saying something along the lines of, “Thank you for calling Lincoln University, there is no one available to take your call right now, please leave a message”, I got something like, “You’ve reached the voicemail 4463, please leave a message after the tone”. Absolutely no reference to where I was calling. Ridiculous. I actually called back to double check I hadn’t misdialled.
2. As this was indeed the correct number I left a message. The first part was to express my dismay at the unprofessional greeting and then to run through the initial query that was not answered via email.

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that I haven’t had the courtesy of a reply to my voicemail message either.

Unfortunately we live in a world of terrible customer service and as first impressions go, this was awful. If Lincoln’s attitude to their communications is representative of them as a whole, then I fear for the students.

Needless to say, my daughter won’t be going here.

The course offers a range of modules that allow you to utilise and improve lots of different skills, such as data analysis, writing reports and developing a deeper understanding of marketing as a whole. Students feel the freedom to create content that they are proud of, and is relevant to the given task. Lecturers and academics are easy to contact and happy to offer support regarding anything that a student may have concerns about. Programme leaders frequently email students different opportunities that they may be interested in that is relevant to the course, as they are eager to create experiences for them. Trips to marketing museums in London are another way in which this course engages its students in a practical way.

My university Careers Linc is currently running programmes that are suitable to developing skills for all students including Postgrads of which I am.
They have been effortless helping us to develop skills and apply for jobs, internships and graduate schemes. There are different workshops where staff help students to rewrite their CVs and cover letter. As an International student traveling abroad for the first time, I find these welcoming. Their support in my ongoing studies has given me confidence to apply for jobs, attend interviews due to their prepping and so on.

The teaching was good but the facilities need improving to keep pace with the growing student body. For example, the communal areas were lacking. Also, the options for extracurricular activities need improving.