ID163 The Impact Portfolio Degree

The Idea

This idea reimagines the degree as a societal impact portfolio rather than a subject degree. Students choose a real-world problem or societal goal—such as loneliness and social cohesion, AI ethics, clean energy transition, health inequalities, or sustainable housing—and build their degree around contributing to that challenge. The challenges would be based upon the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to provide international recognition and credibility.  

In Year 1, students take interdisciplinary modules that build foundational knowledge while keeping sight of their chosen societal goal. In Year 2, students refine their focus, develop an impact plan, and continue learning through interdisciplinary modules including critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, collaboration, and evaluation. They will consider how their chosen challenge is changing and what and how they will adapt and respond to change. In Year 3, students deliver a major real-world project—whether in the lab, on placement, in the community, with industry, or through applied research. Their degree is judged not just academically but by the tangible societal benefit they produce.  

Assessment would align with current methods (to satisfy external regulators) with a focus on authentic assessment. Examples might include evidence-based portfolios or impact logs, reports, presentations to stakeholders, reflective essays, Vivas, partner feedback, Students would attend sessions helping them to ‘sell’ their degree to employers by highlighting the academic content, the real-world experience, how they have applied knowledge, demonstrated problem solving and creativity, worked with others, and used communication skills.  

The model requires interdisciplinary module design and strong partnerships across civic, voluntary, health, business, cultural, and policy sectors. It breaks down silos and positions Keele as a university where every learner leaves a legacy of positive societal change. 

The purpose of this is a unique concept to attract students, align with employability and enhance student satisfaction and to truly underpin Keele into a civic engine where each student is contributing to society.

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

This model aligns directly with what students increasingly value: purpose, real-world relevance, meaningful contribution, interdisciplinarity, and employability. Keele would stand out nationally with a bold, distinctive value proposition—“We graduate problem-solvers, not just degree holders.” It strengthens the civic mission by embedding societal contribution into every student journey and creates graduates who can evidence real impact, such as improving wellbeing outcomes or supporting local organisations. It also aligns with future skills demands in an AI-driven world, prioritising creativity, ethics, collaboration, applied problem-solving, and adaptability. This approach brings teaching, research, and civic engagement together in a uniquely Keele way.

How We Would Implement This Idea

Implementation could begin with pilot cross-disciplinary modules, followed by establishing an Impact Hub to support staff, students, and community partners. Existing modules could be adapted to include real-world briefs, impact tasks, and authentic assessment without restructuring every programme. 

To ensure an interdisciplinary experience, degrees would be owned centrally (not attached to a faculty) with modules commissioned from across the University. 

Organisations would be approached to ask what their biggest challenges are, what they are trying to achieve, what they most need help with, what is the future of their industry? From this the impact portfolio topics would be devised. 

This will require strong civic networks, staff development in impact-led pedagogy, and potentially a digital portfolio platform. Over time, impact pathways could be embedded across all allowable programmes as a signature Keele approach. This would maximise the impact of the scheme, allow it to be a distinctive proposition and to build efficiencies of scale. Resourcing the placements, civic links, organisational projects could be more efficient if it were servicing most degrees at Keele. If we were known for the impact portfolio, as momentum was built, we would envisage organisations approaching us or being well practiced in thinking of project ideas. 

What Success Would Look Like

Success is a university where every student produces measurable societal benefit as part of their degree. Students feel greater purpose, belonging, and confidence in applying knowledge in real-world settings. Graduate outcomes are strengthened through rich, demonstrable experience. Keele becomes a recognised civic partner with charities, NHS organisations, councils, schools, and businesses co creating teaching, research, and solutions to regional and global challenges. Staff see clearer impact from their work and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Keele develops a distinct identity rooted in innovation and social purpose. Success would be evidenced through published student outcomes—such as thousands of hours of civic impact and tangible improvements in communities. Our annual ‘Civic Legacy’ statement will publish this impact as a collective, demonstrating the difference Keele is making in the world.