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Students and Staff Co-creating Curriculum: Exploring Evidence and Possibilities

Event Details

Date : 28 Nov 2025 (Fri)

Time : 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Venue : Learning Lab (RRS321, 3/F, Run Run Shaw Building, Main Campus, HKU)

Speaker : Prof. Catherine Bovill, Professor of Student Engagement in Higher Education, Institute for Academic Development, University of Edinburgh

Facilitator : Dr. Jannie Roed, Director, TALIC, HKU

Abstract

Across the higher education sector, there is increasing recognition of the importance of involving students in curriculum design. There are many different examples of how students and staff are co-creating curriculum, and in this talk I will present a range of these examples and the benefits that can result from co-creation, and the ways in which these examples might be adapted in different settings. I will explore how we define curriculum and the influence this has on what we are inviting students to co-create. I will also question how much agency students really have in the curriculum, as well as looking at the key role of teachers in enacting curriculum through the relationships they build with students in the classroom.

You will have the opportunity to learn more about the different forms of co-creation colleagues are adopting in different universities, and to discuss the appropriateness of different approaches in your context. There will also be the opportunity to share any existing examples from your practice, to consider and discuss ideas for co-creation in your own practice, and to ask questions to help you take the next steps in enacting co-creation.

About the Speaker

Catherine Bovill is Professor of Student Engagement in Higher Education at the Institute for Academic Development, University of Edinburgh. With a background in health promotion and a PhD in international development, she has been an academic developer for 20 years supporting the enhancement of teaching and the development of teachers within numerous universities. Cathy is a National Teaching Fellow, Fulbright Scholar (2019-20), Visiting Professor at the University of Bergen, Norway, Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Fellow of the Staff and Educational Development Association. Cathy is also External Examiner for the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice at the University of Hong Kong. She is considered a world leader in co-created curriculum, student-staff partnership in learning and teaching, and student engagement, and has published over 60 articles and books and given over 100 keynote presentations and masterclasses in 15 countries.