Student support
Helping you thrive.
The Dyson Institute is a challenging place to learn – you work on a robust academic degree alongside live Dyson projects, all-year-round. To help you make the most of this, we’ve put support services in place to help you thrive in this unique environment. And because our year groups are kept small, we can respond to individual needs.
You'll have access to a range of student support staff depending on your needs and personal circumstances.
We have a dedicated team of Student Support Advisors who will be able to provide support no matter what you are going through - whether that's stress management or discussing your mental health and wellbeing. If you need to talk through a situation, need pointing in the right direction of more specialist support, or just need a listening ear, our Student Support Advisors are here to support you. You'll also have access to internal and external services, including a clinical psychologist, online talking therapies and self-help resources.
The Dyson Institute is committed to safeguarding and promoting the highest standards of welfare of its students. We also expect all Dyson employees, partners, and contractors to share this commitment. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
We are committed to creating a safeguarding culture and to deliver the highest levels of student safety and wellbeing. We believe in every individual doing their outmost to protect everyone in the community from harm or abuse.
These are some of the things we do to support a safeguarding culture:
- We have a dedicated safeguarding team.
- We have a Safeguarding and Prevent policy that we ensure supports our safeguarding practice.
- We have a comprehensive training programme for all Dyson Institute staff, workplace line managers and mentors and students alike.
In order to support every student at the Dyson Institute according to their learning differences, the following anticipatory measures are available for all students.
- Laptops provided
- Access to assistive software
- 24/7 site access with printing available in most areas
- Notes in advance for lectures whenever possible
- Lecture recordings with a transcript available after lectures
- Access to the student support team when needed (as well as at planned intervals throughout the academic year)
- Access to mental health support
- Different areas to study
- Onsite sensory rooms
- Adjustable lighting in lecture rooms
You may need more specific adjustments in place to manage the learning environment. This might include:
- Being able to take movement breaks
- Sitting in a specific place in the lecture room (for example, to be able to see the lecturer better, or to use a rising desk)
- Opportunities to clarify instructions for given tasks
- Requesting to not be called upon to answer without preparation time
- Colour overlay for any printed reading
- Enlarged font on any handouts
- An opportunity to learn from another part of campus if you need to manage any challenges in the moment
- A BSL interpreter
- A note taker
Exams can prove to be really challenging for those with a disability. Here are some of the adjustments that can be put in place with evidence and a detailed conversation with a Student Support Advisor:
- Extra time (usually 25%, but can be more depending on independent assessment)
- 'Stop the clock' rest breaks
- A venue with a smaller group of people
- A sole venue that allows you to manage the exam your way (such as using read aloud software)
- 'Stop the clock' toilet breaks (applicable if you have a medical condition that impacts this)
- Use of noise cancelling headphones or ear plugs
- Using a laptop for longer written answers
- Specific colour paper
- Use of read aloud software
- Scribe
- Prompter
There will be many forms of assessment as well as exams. This allows us to assess our students in many different ways, allowing people to play to their strengths. This might include written assignments, group projects, practical assessments and presentations. Some will need adjustments in order to show their best selves in these different types of assessment. This might include:
- Flexible deadlines
- Marking consideration for written work
- Marking consideration for oral presentations.
The workplace at Dyson is very flexible. You can speak with your line manager to decide the best way for you to work in their team. However, it can be important to note these down and keep track of what works best as this will equip you for your future career. Adjustments may include:
- Movement breaks
- Noise cancelling headphones
- Regular check ins with your line manager
- A chance to clarify instructions and actions after a meeting
- Prior notice whenever possible for when you have to make contributions or give presentations
- Option to have written material ahead of a meeting if you need more time to process
- Specialist equipment (such as a rising desk, ergonomic IT equipment, footstool etc)
- Different spaces to go and work
We want you to thrive in your learning journey at the Dyson Institute. Whether in the lecture room or the lab, our team of academic specialists and technology experts are on hand to guide you through the programme.
You will have constant access to our specialist academic team to support you through your learning journey. They will deliver the academic content through lectures, seminars and workshops. However, they’re also available to support you with your studies through academic tutorials. With our small year groups, you'll have the opportunity to really get to know the academic team and benefit from individual support.
Our team of Engineers are on hand for any technical problems you may encounter on your course or within your roles in the workplace and while studying. They will ensure you have all the knowledge you need to thrive in your workplace rotations and support your development into specialisms as you progress at Dyson.
You have a Dyson line manager for each of your rotations in the workplace. They’ll help you define your daily working objectives. You’ll have regular conversations with them about your performance and they’ll help you identify your strengths, plus any areas that need development. All Dyson people have regular one-to-ones with their line managers. You can also discuss any general questions or concerns with your line manager, who’ll be able to point you in the right direction if you need further help.
You will also be assigned a technical mentor during each of your workplace rotations. Their role is to provide technical support and guidance during the work placement. They will be on hand for day-to-day support in your projects and responsibilities and help you to fully integrate within your team.