Marketing Connect Event Showcases Student Excellence: A Partnership Between Buckinghamshire New University and Magna Carta College
In a remarkable display of talent, creativity, and teamwork, Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) in collaboration with Magna Carta College (MCC), held the Marketing Connect event, an engaging showcase of student-driven marketing strategies. This event was part of the unique weekend programme offered jointly by BNU and MCC, designed specifically for students balancing other commitments during the week.

A Unique Opportunity for Working Professionals
The weekend programme provides students, many of whom have full-time jobs, family commitments, or other responsibilities, with the flexibility to pursue a degree without disrupting their schedules. The event underscored the success of this initiative, proving that part-time students can compete on an equal footing, with the same high-quality engagement and outputs as their full-time counterparts. The partnership between MCC and BNU exemplifies the commitment to innovative, flexible learning approaches that are shaping the future of education. Ejaz Ashraf Chowdary CEO Magna Carta College, had glowing words of appreciation and encouragement for the students who have shown the utmost commitment to continuing their higher education with this wonderful opportunity.

Student-Led Marketing Strategies Shine
Over the semester, students worked in teams to develop comprehensive marketing plans for real-world products and services offered by various organisations. The Marketing Connect event offered these teams a platform to present their strategies, explain their thought processes, and receive feedback from university staff, industry experts, and peers.

The event commenced with a welcome from Murray Cooper, Programme Lead at MCC, followed by a keynote address from  Professor Sarah Williams, Head of the School of Business and Law at BNU. Professor Williams herself has a very strong background in marketing and her specialist area of interest/research is digital marketing and public relations. Her talk focused on encouraging students to think about how marketing affects social and cultural behaviour, and she also guided them to think about the impact marketing has been able to make when paired with the latest technology.

Awards and Recognition for Best Presentations
Students’ engagement was evident throughout the day, with each team delivering thoughtful presentations backed by thorough research and strategic insights. The quality of work showcased at the event was a testament to the dedication and effort the students had put into their projects. The event also featured a competitive edge, as the best presentations were awarded for their creativity, market insight, and strategic planning. All participating students were presented with certificates in recognition of their hard work, further validating their dedication to the programme.

Industry Support and Encouragement
One of the key highlights was a talk by Ian Harper, Commercial & Business Development Director at MCC, who took the opportunity to not only encourage the students but also share valuable insights into how marketing and business development are key drivers in today’s commercial world. His words served as both motivation and appreciation for the students’  efforts and the learning process they have been a part of. Ian took the opportunity to introduce the students to the BNU Student Hub, a dynamic platform that offers a range of activities and resources designed to support student development. He highlighted how the Hub would be particularly beneficial for weekend students, providing them with opportunities for networking, skill-building workshops, and academic support during their studies.

In her closing note, Sumbal Manzoor, Deputy Programme Lead at MCC, praised the students’ active participation and collaboration throughout the semester, reiterating that the event was a shining example of what the BNU-MCC partnership stands for—academic excellence and real-world application. She thanked all staff from the university who took the time to attend the event and motivated the students to continue their journey of success and achievement.

Positive Feedback from University Staff
University staff in attendance expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback about the event, recognising the students’ achievements and the importance of fostering such collaborative learning environments. The partnership between BNU and MCC continues to deliver flexible, high-quality educational experiences, providing students with opportunities to succeed regardless of their schedules or external responsibilities. The student’s ability to apply what they have learned and translate it into actionable strategies was a testament to the quality of education provided through this partnership.

Professor Sarah Williams spoke highly of the students’ efforts, emphasising the importance of applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings. “This partnership between Buckinghamshire New University and Magna Carta College is not only providing high-quality education to students but also ensuring that those with weekday commitments can pursue their academic goals without compromise. We’re witnessing how this unique structure is empowering students to think critically and apply their knowledge practically.”

The students were thrilled to meet with the lecturers from the BNU School of Business and   Law. Senior Lecturer in Business and Partnerships within the School of Business and Law Dr Ayoub Zouria (SFHEA) appreciated the students’ work and their efforts. Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Sustainability Hajrija Dergić 🌱 met the students’ and was very impressed with their commitment to their pursuit of higher education; balancing work and family life during the week to study on weekends.  She mentioned that this flexible structure allows students to balance work and life while pursuing a high-quality education, making it a game-changer for those seeking to advance their careers or change paths.

A Bright Future for BNU and MCC students
With events like Marketing Connect, the partnership between Buckinghamshire New University and Magna Carta College continues to demonstrate the effectiveness of flexible, weekend-based programmes. These initiatives not only provide opportunities for students with other commitments but also deliver tangible, high-quality learning experiences that equip students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive business environment.

This event is yet another milestone in BNU and MCC’s journey toward fostering academic excellence and industry relevance. The future looks bright for both institutions and, more importantly, for the students who are taking full advantage of this unique opportunity.

The Marketing Connect event was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and academic achievement, showcasing how the weekend programme is helping students thrive in their personal and professional lives.