Time to discover your degree of
difference
Time to find out more about some of Bournemouth University’s best bits! We’re delighted that you’re considering studying with us. We love it here, and we think you will too. This booklet will give you a little flavour of what to expect - we can’t wait to welcome you to the BU community soon.
Welcome
Decisions, decisions! Exciting, isn’t it? Your offers are on the table – or on their way – and we’re in the mix. We think Bournemouth University is a great place to study, and we’d love you to join us, whichever campus you’ll be based at. This booklet gives you an insight into what to expect if you choose to join us and discover your degree of difference.
A place to
belong
Imagine spending the next few years of your life in a place where everyone’s contribution is welcomed. Where diversity isn’t just tolerated, it’s encouraged. A place where the things you already know fill in the gaps for others. The things they already know fill in the gaps for you. And the things you learn together help fill in the gaps for all of us. Whatever your story so far, BU is a place where you can tell it with pride. Wherever you want your story to take you, you can write that next chapter here. It’s life and learning with all the goodness left in.
There is something you have to remember: university isn’t just about getting a degree or living the high-life of a student for as long as possible, it’s also about growing into the person you’re supposed to be. It might take a couple of months, or even the whole time you are doing your degree, but when you finish you will realise that you are the person you are supposed to be and will feel more like yourself than you have ever done before. Let me tell you something – I am nothing like the person I used to be (despite still being as short and looking the same), but I am glad I went to uni and learned how to live on my own and who I really am. Alice Fiancet, BU graduate
Our campuses and
facilities
Image: Bournemouth Gateway Building This image is computer generated and is indicative of the final room. The precise equipment may differ from the illustration. Open for teaching January 2021.
Our Lansdowne Campus in Bournemouth is well developed and focused on ensuring students receive the best quality education possible. The range of resources, including the library, skills labs, lecture theatre and learning areas, are modern and help benefit learning to further ensure students have access to everything they need to make the most out of their study time. Beth Cordon, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
Wherever you’ll be based for your studies, our campuses offer dedicated teaching space with facilities designed to replicate the real world of your future profession, enabling you to put what you’ve learned into practice.
The Yeovil nursing campus has very easy access and is a great place to study my course. I would not have been able to do my degree if I didn’t have access to the facilities available at the campus. I have a young family, therefore commuting everyday would not have been an option for me. Elizabeth Tyrer, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing It has been great being able to access the skills labs and suites available at the Portsmouth midwifery campus. Samantha Mould, BSc (Hons) Midwifery
From practice simulation suites offering a range of specialist equipment to fully-equipped PC labs and space to relax and unwind, our campuses are designed to provide you with the best learning environment. Visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/study-locations to find out more.
Your
placement experience
Your time at university is a significant investment. Aside from the finances, you’re also devoting three or four years of your life into it – and you’ll want to make sure you are getting as much out of that relationship as you’re expected to put in. As a student on a healthcare course, you may undertake placements as part of your course, gaining valuable experience of what working in your future profession is truly like. Depending on your subject, these can include 24-hour shift patterns, weekend working and night duty.
During my first year, I had community and surgical placements. I thoroughly enjoyed both placements. My mentors were brilliant and very knowledgeable and were always there to support me. I gained some very valuable skills and experiences from these placements. Anjala Cigan, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing The university tries to get you a wide range of placements, such as respiratory, neurological, community and out-patient placements, after you’ve recently studied them at university. Ellen Whatley, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy You learn on the job on placement, and can be placed in a variety of settings such as community, in-patient treatment, acute admissions, dementia, or specialist areas such as CAMHS, rehab, and eating disorders units. Francesca Andrews, BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing
Your placement will see you work in a range of locations, which ensures you have a rounded experience of the patient journey and different care settings. This means you will experience placements in the community, in care homes, in GP practices and in the private sector, as well as within NHS hospital wards and departments. All this gives you the required experience to help you decide where you want to work after graduation. With local placements being integral to your course, you’ll benefit from a more rounded student experience, where your teaching and placement experiences are aligned.
Many individuals I have come across don’t trust healthcare professionals as they have been let down in the past, so I have learned how important it is as a support worker to build up rapport between myself and residents to ensure stability and trust. Undertaking a placement is such an amazing opportunity and it is really important to experience different areas to be able to apply the knowledge you have learnt in a professional environment. I cannot wait to take the skills and experiences I have gained from and use them throughout my future social work practice. Jade Painter, BA (Hons) Social Work Placement is the crucial element that glues the foundations that you learn in the classroom together. For me, placement is by far my favourite part of the Paramedic Science degree. You don’t only learn the life-saving skills needed to be a paramedic, but you also learn the finer details that no one can teach in a classroom: the time, patience and compassion. Eloise Pearce, BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science Placement has taught me that there will be women that I meet whose story will stay with me, that I will carry with me and think of and hope that they are doing well on their journey. Verity James, BSc (Hons) Midwifery
The support on placement also has been fantastic for me and I have had some incredible mentors who have helped me develop into the practitioner I wish to be. The way the course is structured and time on placement has prepared me the best it can for my first job as a newly qualified ODP, and I can’t wait to enter the profession I have dreamed so long to be a part of! Maisie Lawrence, BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice Occupational Therapy is an exciting and diverse practice – this has been evident to me throughout placements in acute and community settings. Alice Kay, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Settling in Studying while living in hospital accommodation has been a really positive experience for me. I’ve not had to worry about moving every year, and because I live on the hospital grounds, getting to work is just a short walk away. All my bills (including parking, internet and more) are included in my rent. Overall, it has been both convenient and enjoyable for me and something I’m happy to recommend to other healthcare students. Marie Drayton, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
As your course includes mandatory NHS placements, which can experience full 24-hour shift patterns, including weekend and night shifts, students on some courses can choose to stay in one of the halls of residence options or live closer to where you are working for your NHS placement locality in hospital accommodation. Find out your options at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ nhs-accommodation
I decided to stay in BU halls rather than living in hospital accommodation, and I found the experience to be great fun, sharing a flat with other healthcare students while also meeting students from other courses. Because my flatmates were also healthcare students, we were all very respectful of each other working shifts. While students on other courses might not understand what it’s like working shifts, it really helped being with others going through the same experience. Lucy Biggs, BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing
Fees and
funding
One of the biggest things you need to arrange before you begin is funding your studies. We can help you get on top of your finances quickly, meaning you can concentrate on the important things about life at BU - settling in, making new friends, exploring the area and starting your course.
BU has a number of bursaries and scholarships. Check the website in detail to find out about your eligibility: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/fees-funding
Guaranteed fees
We won’t increase your fees throughout your studies, so you know exactly what you’ll be paying for the duration of your course.
Training Grant
Eligible nursing, midwifery and other allied health professional degree students can apply for a non-repayable government training grant of at least £5,000 a year.
Social Work Bursary
Social Work students may be eligible to apply for a bursary during your second and third years of study. More details are available at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/social-work-bursary
Help with other costs
Student Finance England can provide you with a childcare grant if you have children that need to be looked after while you study. You may also be able to claim back travel expenses if you have to travel to a placement. Visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/nhs-funding for more information.
Your student
experience
Whilst your studies may be in Bournemouth, Yeovil or Portsmouth, as a BU student you can visit our main campuses in Bournemouth and Poole, and take advantage of the many facilities available to support you with your studies and enjoy during your free time. Explore more through our virtual tour: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/virtual-bu
Happy and
healthy
The most important part of succeeding at university is perhaps the simplest to understand – to be happy. We believe that when you are happy and healthy, everything else will fall into place and we try to make sure you have the perfect launchpad to succeed. We take a holistic approach to your wellbeing, offering you help in a wide range of areas to make sure you can make
Your health and wellbeing is the most important thing to BU and should be to you too. Make sure you balance work and social time, and take the time to look after your physical and mental wellbeing. BU prides itself on helping everyone reach their full potential no matter what and even if you need a little more support, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Danielle, BU student University provides an opportunity to learn about yourself and grow through academic, social and life experiences... University is your opportunity to be you. Kerry-Ann Randle, Head of Student Support & Wellbeing
choices that keep you happy and well. From healthy food choices on campus to an on-site medical centre, our Faith & Reflection Service, art and music facilities, our Additional Learning Support (ALS) services, childcare if you need it and plenty of ways to keep fit too. Visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student-wellbeing to discover what BU has available.
Social life Joining societies allows you to find interests and extra-curricular activities that may not be as readily available after university, so it’s all worth it. There truly is a society for everyone so there is the chance to find a new passion, or make friends with like-minded individuals! Zoe Iona, BA (Hons) English graduate
Having a great time at uni is about striking the right balance between studying hard and enjoying your social life – and we’ve got plenty of ways to help you enjoy your spare time.
Clubs and societies
The Students’ Union (SUBU) at BU runs literally hundreds of clubs and societies – from baking to ballroom dancing, you’ll find people into the same things as you.
Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU)
When you join BU, you’ll automatically become a member of SUBU. It’s run by students for students, and is here to make your university experience better. You can get involved as little or as much as you like, but the services that SUBU offers are always there if you need them.
Societies
With SUBU, you’ll have the opportunity to join a range of societies, including ones specific to your course! This provides the chance to bring like-minded people together, celebrate the benefits of your future profession and the experiences you have when studying and on placement.
Representation
SUBU offers leadership opportunities to all of its members. You could run for one of the 50 Student Council elected roles. Or you could stand for election as your course Student Rep, gathering student feedback and presenting it to the university.
Support
SUBU has its own advice service, which is free, independent and confidential, to help ensure your time at BU runs smoothly. Visit www.subu.org.uk to find out how you can get involved.
Time to take
a closer look We think we’re getting to know each other nicely so far – you’ve applied, we’ve met you at your interview, and we’ve made you an offer. To take things to the next level, we’d love to welcome you to one of our Open Days at our Bournemouth campuses.
Meet us Discover ways to meet us virtually or in person by visiting: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ open-days Call 01202 961916 Keep an eye on our website for updates
Our Open Days provide the perfect opportunity to really get to know the ins and outs of your course, talk to lecturers, ask questions to our current students and get a real insight into life at BU - which we’ve designed with you in mind. It’s a great way to get to know us even better, and we think that once you’ve done so, you’ll soon find your degree of difference is waiting for you here at BU.
Supporting you
Our focus has always been the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff. That’s why we’ve been working hard to ensure our campuses are a safe place to visit and we’ll continue to do everything needed to keep everyone at BU safe. While it’s impossible to know exactly what the situation will be in September 2021, we’re hoping to offer all our courses on campus with face-to-face delivery. However, we are well-prepared for all eventualities. We’ve already shown that we can quickly move courses to be delivered in an engaging way online, and we’ve introduced many safety measures on campus to our communal, teaching and learning spaces.
The amount of support I have received from Bournemouth University has been outstanding. Not only academically where they have been supporting me to ensure that I achieve every one of my goals whilst working in such an unusual circumstance, but also emotionally. Emma Blackman, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
We understand that for many, university is also about making those first steps into independence – making new friends, taking up new hobbies, representing a sports team and more. At BU, we’re determined to make this as easy for new students as ever. We may not know exactly what September 2021 will look like, but we do know we are ready for it, and we are looking forward to welcoming you to BU. For the most up to date information, visit our website www.bournemouth.ac.uk/coronavirus
Now what?
Well, that’s up to you! Hopefully, you like what you’ve seen of seen of BU. If you think we’re the right place for you, then choose us as your firm choice on UCAS, if you haven’t already done so.
Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions you might have to help you make your decision. They are there for you when you need them on 01202 961916. Alternatively, you can chat to current students on our Unibuddy platform who can help answer any questions you may have about studying at BU. Visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/unibuddy
Naomie Lebe President
Ugo Andy-Eke VP Student Opportunities Elected Students’ Union (SUBU) Officers 2020/21
Toluwa Atilade VP Welfare & Community
Chiko Bwalya VP Education
Contact us: Tel: +44 (0)1202 961916 Email: futurestudents@bournemouth.ac.uk
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Environmental responsibility is about the choices we all make. That’s why we’ve printed this on FSC certified paper from sustainable forests. All the pages of this booklet can be recycled, including the cover.
See you
soon!