Matrix working for student success

This presentation, delivered at the July 2024 UWS Teaching and Learning Conference, reflected on the development of a matrix-working model to improve student success on the Master of Public Administration at the University of the West Scotland. The initiative brought together the Programme Leader, Early Intervention Specialist, Academic Skills team, academic colleagues and professional services staff to identify risks to progression, evaluate student needs and design timely academic interventions. The work responded to challenges including low completion rates, weak assessment performance and academic integrity concerns. Interventions included dissertation clinics, targeted academic skills sessions, drop-in support, tailored resources and early engagement with students at different points in the programme lifecycle. The presentation showed how collaborative, data-informed and student-centred working can improve outcomes, including reduced plagiarism cases, stronger student grades and increased full MPA awards. The project contributed to wider discussions at UWS on retention, progression, academic skills and programme-level student success.