Apply to be a postgraduate facilitator

Applications for 2025 are now closed.

Facilitators play a significant role in the overall success of the Grand Challenges programme. The facilitators work closely with undergraduates, student programme assistants, academics and external guests/speakers to ensure that the experience is well co-ordinated and that all students maximise their educational experience and potential.  It is likely that every Grand Challenges group will differ in focus, content, dynamics and experience of the students and staff alike. 

The definition of facilitate is "to make easy" or "ease a process". A facilitator helps to plan, guide and manage a group to ensure that the group's objectives are met effectively with good participation, time management and full commitment from all students involved. It is not the same as traditional ‘transmission’ teaching, and facilitators are not expected to teach subject content to students in their groups. 

Facilitators and Student Programme Assistants will be the first points of contact for students. Facilitators will coordinate and facilitate small group work.  Facilitators working on the same challenge will share ideas and discuss their work. In this role, you need to understand more about how people learn than about the subject being investigated.  

Grand Challenges will also help to develop your own skills. The week is hands on and high energy, hence time management and organisational skills will be required. Training sessions will teach you how to motivate and support small groups and the experience of the week will enhance your interpersonal skills and give you the opportunity to create new networks.

All University of Exeter postgraduate students are eligible to apply for the role.