By Dr Nafisatu Irene Okhade, MSc MIDP Programme Director

Students from the MSc Management and Implementation of Development Projects (MIDP) programme recently took part in a day trip to Buxton, where they had an opportunity to explore the Poole’s Cavern and Pavilion Gardens. The purpose of the trip was to foster students’ sense of belonging, encourage meaningful interactions and build community, providing a space for informal discussions and exploration outside the traditional classroom setting. The trip was wholly funded by the Student Experience Fund.

The day started with a briefing at the Arthur Lewis Building to remind students of the overall aim of the trip and provide them with relevant information, including the code of conduct. Thereafter, we boarded the coach to Buxton and the students had the opportunity to chat with each other and staff, getting to know themselves in a more relaxed setting. It was a great opportunity to strengthen connections and build friendships beyond academic discussions.

At the Poole’s Cavern, the students embarked on a guided tour of a fascinating natural limestone cave with a rich history stretching back thousands of years. We explored the spectacular rock formations, learning about the cavern’s geology, history, and significance to the local area. It was an eye-opening experience that exposed participants to the wonders of the natural world and the importance of preservation.

After the cave tour, we went to the Pavilion Gardens restaurant and were treated to a well-deserved lunch while continuing with the informal conversations.

Following this, we explored the beautifully preserved Victorian-era park featuring landscaped gardens, historic structures, and diverse natural wildlife, providing a relaxing space for social interaction.

The feedback from students has been very positive, highlighting the value of students’ experiences in creating a stronger learning community as below:

MIDP academic representatives, Jingyan Sheng, Sarga Ravindran and  Tianxu Xing: “Exploring Poole’s Cavern was a real highlight. The geological formations were fascinating, and the story of how the cavern was shaped over thousands of years made us think about the importance of long-term planning and sustainability—ideas that are central to our studies in project management. The Pavilion Gardens, with its beautifully maintained green spaces, also brought our studies to life, offering a practical example of urban planning, community spaces, and the role of environmental sustainability in development projects. These experiences tied directly into the themes of our coursework, making abstract concepts more tangible”.

MIDP Student, Donglin Zhao:

“It was a great opportunity to interact with classmates outside the usual classroom setting. I believe the trip was both successful and meaningful—it turned out to be one of the best experiences I’ve had with my classmates. Hanging out with everyone outside of school was far more enjoyable than I expected. For me, embracing nature and exploring Poole’s Cavern was a welcome break from homework and tests. By the end of the day, I felt way more energized and ready to tackle school again. On the drive back, the bus rolled past tranquil fields, and the sunset turned everything golden—it felt like the perfect way to wrap up the day. Huge thanks to the staff and SEED for putting this together! People always say, “The most beautiful scenery in life is always found along the journey,” and I truly understand that now. Seriously, when’s the next trip? I’m already excited!”

MSc MIDP Student, Janet Kasigazi:

“…Traveling from Manchester with classmates on an organized bus was a great experience. It ensured that everyone arrived on time and provided an opportunity for bonding, which may have been more challenging had we taken the train… Exploring Poole’s Cavern was an exciting experience, especially as an international student. It was great to visit a new tourist attraction in the UK and learn more about the area’s natural history… The lunch at Pavilion Gardens was well-organized, and the portion sizes were satisfying especially after a busy morning at the Cavern tour. We also had sufficient time to explore the gardens … It was wonderful that the trip was funded by the university, making it inclusive for all students, regardless of financial circumstances. The trip was well-organized, fun, and very enjoyable. Thank you for making it happen!”

MSc MIDP Student, Zhongzhu Huang:

“I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for organizing such a wonderful day trip to Buxton. Everything about the trip was perfect. The schedule was well-planned, allowing us to fully enjoy the day without feeling rushed. The fantastic weather made the experience even more delightful. I never expected to have the opportunity to go on such an outing with my postgraduate colleagues, and it was truly a refreshing break from busy life. It was a memorable experience. I really appreciate the effort you put into organizing it. Thank you once again for such a great day!”

This trip was made possible through the efforts of several colleagues and students, and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to:

• Student Experience Fund Team – Rachel Challinor, Sarah MacQuarrie and Kathryn Telling for approving the budget.
• SEED Hub/ Information, Advice and Guidance Team – Shayna Ablett for responding to payment-related queries from the suppliers.
• Francesca Prinzi, for her support in timetabling to ensure there were no scheduled academic activities on the day, allowing students to fully engage in the trip.
• MIDP academic representatives – Jingyan Sheng Sarga Ravindran and Tianxu Xing for coordinating the choice of location and ensuring that the trip aligned with the interests of the students.
• MGD colleagues, Adel Almalki, Mohammad Hasan, Mohammed Ibrahim, and Rukaiyatu Jungudo, for their invaluable support towards the trip.

It has been a pleasure working with you. The students have shared how fortunate they feel to have participated in the event, highlighting how valuable the experience has been for their learning and growth. Seeing their enthusiasm and engagement has been truly inspiring.

I look forward to continuing this collaboration and creating even more meaningful opportunities to enrich the student experience in the future!

Note:  This article gives the views of the author/academic featured and does not necessarily represent the views of the Global Development Institute as a whole.

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