Image

Following the success of last year’s programme, students from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) dual degree programme once again had the opportunity to experience the De Montfort University (DMU) Summer School 2026 in Leicester, United Kingdom (UK). 

The DMU Summer School 2025 article can also be read on our website via the link HERE. 

Building on the experiences of the previous year, the 2026 programme brought together students from diverse backgrounds for academic exploration, collaborative learning, cultural discovery, and personal development.

Through a combination of academic sessions, project-based activities, industry exposure, and cultural excursions, the programme provided students with opportunities to broaden their perspectives, develop new skills, and experience university life in an international setting.

Settling into the DMU Experience

Starting their programme experience at DMU, APU students gathered at the Campus Centre for an orientation session that introduced them to the university and its facilities.

Students gained a better understanding of the campus environment, along with the support and resources available to them throughout their time at DMU; helping them familiarise themselves with their surroundings and prepare for the activities planned as part of the programme.

It also marked the beginning of the students’ interactions with peers from different countries; providing an opportunity to exchange introductions, learn about different backgrounds, and build new connections.

Exploring Sustainability, emerging Technologies, and Creative Collaboration

A key part of the programme was the opportunity for APU students to explore sustainability, emerging technologies, and creative problem-solving through a series of collaborative sessions.

Students began by examining creative approaches to sustainability before developing the foundations of their group projects.

Through discussions, idea generation, and project planning, they were encouraged to exchange perspectives and work collectively towards developing meaningful solutions.

The sessions also introduced students to the relationship between sustainability and artificial intelligence (AI); encouraging them to consider how emerging technologies can be applied to address contemporary challenges.

These sessions provided an opportunity for students to strengthen their creativity, communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills, while working alongside peers from different countries.

From Leicester to the World of Harry Potter

One of the programme’s memorable excursions was a visit to Warner Bros Studio, where APU students stepped into the world of Harry Potter and experienced the magic behind one of the world’s most recognised film franchises.

The excursion offered students an opportunity to explore iconic sets, costumes, props, and other creative elements that brought the films to life, while gaining insights into the production environments behind the series; allowing them to appreciate the creativity, craftsmanship, and collaborative processes involved in large-scale film production and storytelling.

It also provided a different perspective on how imaginative ideas can be transformed into immersive experiences that continue to engage audiences around the world. 

Discovering Faculty Experiences and building Employability

Learning beyond their usual fields of study formed an important part of the programme, giving APU students the opportunity to experience different academic disciplines and professional environments.

Through a crime scene investigation session, students explored aspects of investigative work in a practical learning environment.

A TV studio taster session also introduced them to the processes and working environment involved in television production.

These faculty-based experiences encouraged students to explore unfamiliar areas, gain new perspectives, and understand how different forms of knowledge and skills are applied in professional settings.

Career readiness was another key focus, with an employability workshop providing students with practical insights and strategies to prepare for their professional futures.

Students reflected on their strengths, developed their communication and presentation skills, and gained a better understanding of the qualities valued by employers. 

Connecting with Creative Industries

Introducing APU students to different facets of the creative industries as part of the programme, the visit to Canopy gave them the opportunity to attend a session with Mr Jeff Kindleysides, Artist, Designer, and Co-Founder of Checkland Kindleysides.

As Canopy’s first artist in residence, Mr Jeff shared insights into his creative career and past work with internationally recognised brands.

Students also had the opportunity to explore his exhibition; gaining a closer look at the creative work and ideas developed throughout his career.

The experience continued at Curve Theatre, where students took part in a theatre workshop that allowed them to engage with the creative environment in a practical setting; providing a broader perspective on the processes involved in theatre production and performance.

They also took part in a guided tour of the theatre, gaining an overview of its operations and the work involved in running a professional performing arts space. 

Experiencing London and expanding Global Perspectives

The programme also took APU students beyond the DMU campus in Leicester, with a day trip to London that offered a change of setting and a new perspective on their experience in the UK.

During the excursion, students visited the DMU campus in London; gaining a broader perspective of the university’s presence beyond Leicester and its connections within a wider international environment.

The trip also gave students the opportunity to explore London’s iconic surroundings and experience the city’s diverse cultural landscape. 

Concluding with learning and Growth

As the programme drew to a close, APU students presented their collaborative projects; putting into practice the knowledge and skills they had developed throughout the programme.

Students presented the outcomes of their collaborative projects; sharing their ideas and reflecting on the experiences gained through working with peers from different countries.

The session provided an opportunity for them to demonstrate their creativity, communication, and teamwork, while showcasing the progress they had made throughout the programme.

A progression session also offered students further guidance as they considered their next steps beyond the programme.

The final sessions provided a meaningful conclusion to the programme, with students returning home with new perspectives, strengthened skills, and valuable connections that could support their academic and professional journeys.

Beyond the Classroom, Across Borders

Reflecting on the DMU Summer School 2026, Mr Nicholas Ong Kuan Song (Executive, Marketing Operations and University Placement, Student Services and Marketing at APU) highlighted the value of the programme in providing APU students with a well-rounded international learning experience.

Mr Nicholas, who was also in charge of accompanying the students throughout the programme, noted that the combination of academic sessions, collaborative project work, faculty-based experiences, employability activities, and cultural excursions allowed students to gain learning experiences that extended beyond the classroom.

These experiences, he noted, complemented their academic learning, while supporting their personal and professional development.

Adding to this, Prof Dr Andy Seddon (Senior Director, Partnerships and Standards at APU) emphasised the importance of international exposure in helping students develop adaptability, independence, and broader perspectives.

“Experiences such as the DMU Summer School 2026 encourage students to step beyond familiar environments, engage with different cultures, and develop the confidence to approach new challenges.

“Through these opportunities, students gain not only academic knowledge, but also valuable interpersonal skills and perspectives that can support them in their future studies and careers,” he said.