Bounce! 2026-27

University of Plymouth student development programme

Bounce! 2026-27

University of Plymouth student development programme

Open to all University of Plymouth students and recent graduates, Bounce! is a personal and professional development programme designed to help you recognise your value, build confidence and fulfil your potential.

Choose the format that works best for you: attend individual workshops, complete the four-part workshop series, or join the two-day programme. Whether you attend one workshop or the full programme, Bounce offers practical tools to help you grow your confidence, influence and self-belief. You bring the motivation. We'll bring the tools.

Ready to join Bounce?
View upcoming dates and book your place on MyCareer

What is Bounce?

Do you ever find yourself overthinking, doubting your abilities or holding back from opportunities?

Bounce! is designed to help you build confidence from the inside out. Through a series of interactive workshops, you'll explore your strengths, challenge self-doubt, develop your influence, and learn to communicate with confidence.

While some of the themes explored reflect research into the experiences of women, the programme is open to all students and recent graduates. We create a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment where everyone can contribute, reflect and grow.

Whether you're aiming for a graduate role, planning to work for yourself, or simply want greater confidence in everyday life, Bounce! can help you take the next step.

What to expect:

A safe and supportive group environment
Opportunities to connect with like-minded students
Practical activities and tools you can put into practice straight away
An optional yoga taster session (two-day programme only)
A certificate and digital badge (if you complete the full programme)

Both formats cover the same core content, with the two-day programme providing more time for reflection, discussion and connection with other participants.

Bounce could be for you if you want to…

Know your worth and recognise your strengths
Manage your inner critic and overcome self-doubt
Speak up more confidently in group projects, meetings and everyday life
Learn to say no without feeling guilty
Build your personal influence and professional network
Reduce stress and overthinking
Feel more confident accepting compliments and positive feedback

What participants say about Bounce:

“Very enjoyable, with valuable lessons that I can apply straight away.”

“Lots of useful and practical content!”

“Thank you! I will carry some of the things I have learnt with me for life.”

“Great content. It never dragged, and I made new friends through the programme.”

“Everyone was lovely and I really enjoyed the programme. I felt safe, comfortable and supported throughout.”

“I feel like this programme couldn't have come at a better time in my life. It has really helped me grow.”

“It changed my perspective on how I approach challenges in my life. I will definitely use some of the techniques I've learnt.”

Participant feedback:

100% would recommend the programme to others
100% said it improved their knowledge, understanding and confidence
100% rated the content as very good or good

Book your place now

What we will explore

Whether you choose the workshop series or the two-day programme, you'll explore the following themes:

Know Your Value- Recognise your strengths and unique contribution
Many of us find it easier to focus on what we lack than what we already have. This session will help you recognise your strengths, values and achievements, so you can better understand the unique contribution you bring to the world around you.

Silence Your Inner Critic- Challenge self-doubt and build self-belief
Many of us experience moments of self-doubt, question our abilities, or feel like we're not as capable as others believe us to be. This session will help you understand imposter syndrome, challenge unhelpful thought patterns and develop greater confidence in yourself and your achievements.

Build Your Influence- Develop your network and personal impact
Building influence isn't about authority or control. It's about recognising your strengths, building meaningful relationships and understanding how you can make a positive impact in your studies, career and wider community.

Find Your Voice- Communicate assertively and with confidence
Many of us find it difficult to speak up, express our opinions or ask for what we need. This session will help you develop the confidence to communicate more assertively and ensure your voice is heard.

Choose your Bounce experience

The same core content is available in both formats. You can join individual workshops, complete the full workshop series, or experience all four topics as part of the two-day programme.

Bounce Workshop Series (Semester One)
Attend individual workshops or complete all four sessions to gain a Bounce Personal Development Certificate and digital badge.

Bounce Two-Day Programme (Semester Two)
Experience the full Bounce programme over two days, with additional time for reflection, discussion, connection with other participants, guest speakers and an optional yoga session.

Ready to get started?
Whether you'd like to attend a single workshop, complete the full four-part workshop series, or join the two-day programme, you'll find all upcoming dates and booking information on MyCareer.

View upcoming dates and book your place on MyCareer

Event FAQs

Who is Bounce! for?

Bounce is open to all University of Plymouth students and recent graduates, including undergraduates, postgraduates and doctoral researchers. While some of the themes explored reflect research into the experiences of women, participation is not restricted and everyone is welcome.

How do I book my place?

All dates and booking information can be found on MyCareer. Places are free but limited, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Can I attend if I can't commit to the whole programme?

Yes. You can attend individual workshops, complete the full four-part workshop series to gain a Bounce Personal Development Certificate and digital badge, or join the two-day programme. If you're unable to attend all sessions, you're still welcome to take part in those that fit around your schedule.

What should I do if I have additional support needs?

Please contact us in advance at careers@plymouth.ac.uk so we can discuss any adjustments that may help you fully participate in the programme.

Can I attend on my own?

Absolutely. Many students attend Bounce independently and find it a great opportunity to meet new people and build connections in a supportive environment. You're also welcome to attend with friends.

How much personal information do I need to share?

Sharing is always your choice. We aim to create a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment, and participants are free to engage at a level that feels comfortable for them.

Information for employers who would like to support/sponsor the programme

For information on how you can support our programme please visit Employer engagement opportunities.

Current and previous guest speakers

Celine Dearing – Teaching Fellow in Game Design (University of Plymouth) and Senior Motion Capture Tracker (The Imaginarium Studios)
Hope Timberlake – Speaker, trainer and author
Michelle Finlay – Freelance Yoga Teacher and Sound Therapist
Nadine Asiedu-Dankwa – Manager, Accenture
Alison Turner – Environmental Geochemist and Lecturer in Chemistry and Environmental Science, University of Plymouth
Loren Munnelly – Audit Manager, KPMG
Eileen Elizabeth Espinoza – Academic, Education and Co-founder of Boshemia Magazine
Sarah Lawrence – Managing Director of Banana Duck Creative and Co-founder of Boshemia Magazine
Morag Noades – Mindfulness practitioner
Anna Sendall – Academic Registrar, University of Plymouth
Dr Joanitha Ntangeki – International Commercial Law Expert | Business Consultant | Academic & Public Speaker | Founder of Sisters Talk Foundation
Ruoxi Shi – Principal Fire Engineer, Ashton Fire