University of Kent GOLD Programme

A multi-ethnic group of students

The GOLD Programme

Global Officers' Leadership Development (GOLD) Programme

The GOLD Programme

Are you a globally minded student at Kent? 

The GOLD Programme is a year-long extracurricular course designed to develop your leadership skills, global citizenship and cultural intelligence. 

The programme fits around your academic studies, so you can learn at a pace that works for you. You'll gain a range of important global skills, adding value to your degree. 

And you'll become a Global Officer, working closely with Global and Lifelong Learning to help organise and support globally-focused activities. 

Applications for 24/25 have now closed.   

Image gallery

Kent Global Officers at the GOLD Conference 2022 Students setting up the WorldFest sign in the main plaza. Kent Global Officers sitting in a bar smiling at the camera A group of Global Officers posing with their certificates.

What does the GOLD Programme involve?

With a focus on Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and leadership, the year-long programme is made up of several components designed to fit around your studies. You must complete all five components to complete the programme. 

Attend our information talks on Wed 02 Oct, 4pm, Wed 09 Oct 2pm & Thu 10 Oct 12pm

Key links and information

  • walk

    Boost your leadership skills

    Take the lead on globally focused projects and events that benefit our diverse University community

  • earth

    Become a global citizen

    Being a global citizen is a crucial part of any world-class education. Learn how to be part of an interconnected world. 

  • brain

    Improve your Cultural Intelligence (CQ)

    Gain a deeper understanding of intercultural communication, giving you a competitive edge in the future global workplace. 

  • lamp

    Build your confidence

    Bring your ideas to life and create a positive impact for other students at the University. 

What will I gain?

In addition to earning Employability Points, you'll also receive: 

  • A certificate of recognition
  • A personal reference from the Dean & Director of Global and Lifelong Learning
  • Practical event and project planning experience
  • A chance to record your international skills development in the Kent Global Passport

If you'd like to earn credit while completing the GOLD programme, visit our GOLD module page. 

GOLD5000

We also offer The GOLD Programme as a year-long 15-credit elective module. Both interactive and practical, the module will enable you to contribute to, and lead on, internationalisation activities across the University, in particular the promotion of events and initiatives. 

Students taking GOLD5000 are required to follow and complete all the components of The GOLD Programme. 


Find out more

What do previous Global Officers say?

“It was enjoyable to see our work being put into practice, as a lot of university work is more theoretical and with GOLD, we had the opportunity to see the results of our work”

“I was able to improve my cultural awareness, communication skills, be more organised and learned how to plan my time more wisely.”

“I have felt more of a part of the university community. I have made many friends. I have felt my contribution positively impact other students.”

“In regard to career development, it helps me obtain project management and teamwork skills.”

How to apply to the GOLD Programme

Duration: One academic year

Eligibility: All students at any stage of study

Person criteria: must be committed, reliable, enthusiastic, organised and professional

Applications have now closed for 2024/25

Some of our workshops are available to join through StudyPlus.  Otherwise applications will re-open in the next academic year.  

For further information, email DeanGlobalLifeLong@kent.ac.uk

#WeAreInternational #KentGlobalOfficers

GOLD news

Read the latest news from our Global Officers. 

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