Time to discover your degree of
difference
We are delighted to have offered you a place at Bournemouth University. Bournemouth is a great place to study and live.
Welcome
This booklet provides an indication of what you can expect if you choose to join us and discover your degree of difference.
A place to
belong
To be successful in your degree you need to feel happy, welcomed and relaxed. At BU we have a diverse student population from all over the world and all with the same goals – to get a great education, to make lifelong friends and to do the best they possibly can. Whatever your story so far, BU is a place where you can tell it with pride. Wherever you want your story to take you, BU is a place where you can write that next chapter. It is life and learning with all the goodness left in.
Many people have asked me: “Why did you choose BU?” First of all I chose BU for my course – it has the reputation of being the best 3D animation course in the country. Secondly the town is lovely. Bournemouth is perfect for international students; it has all the facilities that students need – disco clubs, cheap supermarkets, cinemas, shopping centres and loads of international cuisine restaurants. BU gives you the opportunity to work part-time as a student ambassador and socialise. Doing so has made me feel part of a community. It is thanks to this richness that I’m proud to study here, making the most of this uni experience and enjoying my time as a BU student. Diana Pelino BA (Hons) Computer Animation Art & Design
What a place to
live!
Bournemouth is situated on one of the nicest beaches in the UK. Not many students can say that they can wander down for a swim, surf, sunbathe and beach BBQ after their lectures. Imogen Byers, BA (Hons) Communication & Media graduate My advice would be to just go and explore the town, you are bound to find something to do. From the town centre to the parks, there is something for everyone and that is what makes Bournemouth so great. Jonathan Young, BA (Hons) Television Production
We are home to a gorgeous beach, but there’s much more to Bournemouth than that. A vibrant town, stunning countryside, welcoming locals, a great student community, fantastic outdoor spaces – all this and only a couple of hours from London and Heathrow Airport by train.
Bournemouth has something for everyone, whether you want to experience water sports or prefer to take life at a slower pace with a coffee and a seaside stroll. It’s the perfect place to get the right balance between studying and relaxing. What are you waiting for?
Heading further
afield
If you want to get out and about and explore the wider region, you’re in for a real treat. Make time for some day trips by visiting the stunning countryside of the New Forest, with plenty of pubs and shops to explore on your way, or get active at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest!
A short trip on the chain ferry from Sandbanks will have you in the depths of rural Dorset, with the beauty of the Purbecks stretched out ahead of you. Visit Tyneham village - a small corner of Dorset that time forgot when it was evacuated in 1943. Marilyn Schofield-Marlowe, BSc (Hons) Computing There is ample opportunity to escape and visit one of Dorset’s other treasures, such as the Jurassic Coast, the New Forest or Brownsea Island. Explore the surrounding area and appreciate what amazing places the south coast has to offer. Ashleigh Francis, BSc (Hons) Geography
Getting out of Bournemouth is cheap and easy too. You’ll get discounted fares on some train and bus journeys as a student, while much of the New Forest is accessible by bike – a great way to explore while keeping fit. Dorset is full of wonderful places to explore. Home to the Jurassic Coast, there is plenty of open space to help destress from your studies and make some wonderful memories.
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’re getting the most out of your time spent at university. At BU, we make sure you’re ready to start your career before you even graduate, thanks to our extensive work placement opportunities. Whether you undertake a short placement or a long 30-week one, you’ll be putting your learning to the test in a real-world environment in roles where you’ll be an important part of the organisation.
I chose BU specifically because it offered me the chance to take a placement year and I was impressed by the connections the university has with big companies in the industry. I knew that doing a placement would give me the upper hand over other students once I’ve graduated and looking back, I realise just how much I’ve learned thanks to having the chance to undertake a work placement. Deepam Ramchurn, Placement as Marketing and Communications intern, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Bangkok, Thailand
You will develop the skills to take on real responsibility at your placement company, becoming an important member of staff as you hit the ground running. It is also a great way to start to grow your professional network – making friends and contacts within your industry that will serve you well throughout your career. It can also help with your studies when you return to university – basing a project or dissertation on your placement company, for example, helping you give professional context to your final year of learning.
Your
study space
These facilities and the support BU was able to offer me made my choice to study here feel right. Abigail Hartland, BSc (Hons) Psychology
If you decide to study with BU, you’ll have access to our collaborative working spaces and supportive facilities, on our eco-friendly campuses. Whatever our course, we’ve designed our campuses to help prepare you for success. From TV studios to an operating theatre, 24 hour library access, industry specific equipment and a large collection of digital and print study materials, we’re here to help you fulfill your potential.
As well as our facilities on campus, off campus you’ll be able to access our virtual learning tools and contact your lecturers when you need to. Visit our virtual tour to take a look around our facilities: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/virtual-tour
Home is where the heart is
Your BU accommodation is your little piece of seaside paradise. It’s a place for you to unwind when you need to, or study late into the night if you want to. But accommodation is about so much more than the space you’ll be living in - it’s about the people you’ll be sharing it with too. It will not be long until you embark on the start of your BU journey and meet new people from all walks of life. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be supported by our ResLifeBU community. Our Resident Assistants live in BU-allocated accommodation and work hard to help you settle in and leave you with more time to make great friends and amazing memories. Learn more at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ reslifebu
Finding your
new home
BU offers a variety of accommodation options to choose from. Whether you’re interested in living in our halls of residence close to the town centre, shops and transport links, or would prefer to live closer to campus for that extra bit of sleep before your lecture, we guarantee you’ll have a private space you can call and make your own. Once you’ve accepted your offer, you’ll be able to register for our accommodation guarantee. You will then be able to choose your accommodation and reserve your room. You can also create a personal accommodation profile for potential flatmates to see. Discover more at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ accommodation Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply.
Fees,
funding and visas
I was awarded the BU Academic Excellence Scholarship which is open to all international students who have achieved excellent academic results before coming to university. The application process itself is not something you have to worry about either because there are no applications to complete for this particular scholarship (or most of the others). You will be automatically assessed by the university and sent an email confirming that you have been awarded a scholarship. Ratul Sarkar, BSc (Hons) Games Technology
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.
Some of our scholarships will be awarded to you automatically if you meet the criteria, but others need to be applied for. Visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/fees-funding to find out more.
Guaranteed fixed 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.
Organising your visa
As an international offer holder, you will need to apply for a visa to be able to study and live in the UK. Visit our website for information on frequently asked question, as well as detail about how to get in touch if you have questions: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/immigration
Happy and
healthy
The most important part of succeeding at university is perhaps the simplest to understand – 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 phyical 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, BA (Hons) Marketing Communications 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 on campus, 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 By joining societies it allows you to find interests and extracurricular 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 hundreds of clubs and societies – from baking to ballroom dancing, you’ll find people into the same things as you.
ResLifeBU
The ResLifeBU programme will help you make friends with other residents in your accommodation or local area, building a real community spirit from the moment you arrive.
Nights out*
From comedy nights in The Old Fire Station (SUBU’s own venue) to the biggest names in music and entertainment heading to the Bournemouth International Centre, there’s always a fun way to fill your evenings. * Subject to government guidelines
Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU)
When you join BU, you will automatically become a member of SUBU. It is 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.
Activities
SUBU runs radio and TV stations and a magazine. Volunteering gives you the chance to dedicate some time to a good cause, from a five-minute drop-in session to running a project.
Representation
SUBU offers leadership opportunities to all of its members. You could run for one of 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.
SportBU
Whether you are a top athlete or just want to keep fit and active, SportBU has something for everyone, and it is a great way to make new friends. With so much going on – and great membership rates – Visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/sportBU to find out more. With a modern, well-equipped gym and an exciting range of classes including everything from yoga to boxercise. If you like your sport to be about socialising and having fun, then the Campus Sport programme offers you the chance to play plenty of team and individual sports with the emphasis on fun and fitness, while the Performance Sport programme means that the competitive athletes among you will have the support and facilities required to truly excel.
SportBU makes staying fit while being at university way easier. There is something for everyone no matter if you just want to try something new or to keep up with your favourite sport. Zlatna Nedeva, BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism My future ambitions are to compete in a major games for Team England and Team GB at the highest senior level in my sport, and with the help BU has provided, I am getting closer to this goal year by year. Issa Batrane, BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology and Sport Scholarship recipient
Time to take
a closer look We think we are getting to know each other nicely so far – you’ve applied, and we have made you an offer. To take things to the next level, we would love to welcome you to one of our Open Days or international events.
To book an Open Day or find dates for our international events, visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ open-days Call 01202 961916 Keep an eye on our website for updates
With parts designed exclusively for students who are holding an offer from us, our Open Days provide the opportunity to really get to know your course - talk to lecturers, ask questions to our current students and get a real insight into life at BU. It is a great way to get to know us even better, and we think that once you have done so, you will soon find your degree of difference is waiting for you here at BU. Visit our International website for any upcoming events specific to your country: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ international
£4.9 million
We awarded scholarships and bursaries worth over £4.9 million in 2018/191
96%
of BU graduates would recommend BU to a prospective student3
£200 million
In recent years, we have invested £200 million in our buildings, IT and facilities
Top 100
We’re ranked 95th in the Times Higher Education Young University rankings4
55th
Silver
We hold a silver award for the quality of our undergraduate teaching5
We are ranked 55th out of over 450 universities globally in the Times Higher Education Universities Impact Rankings 2019
Undergraduate and postgraduate awards combined Research Excellence Framework 2014 3 BU Alumni Survey 2017. 2,041 respondents to the question 4 Times Higher Education World University Rankings 5 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment 1 2
Top 500
We’re one of the world’s top 500 universities according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
Global
Our focus on global employability helps our graduates stand out from the crowd
10th 10th in the world for Hospitality and Leisure Management according to QS World UnIversity Rankings6
6 7
www.topuniversities.com AACSB
96%
of our research was rated as internationally recognised or higher2
Industry experience
Every undergraduate degree offers the opportunity of a work placement
5%
BU’s Business School is accredited by AACSB an achievement fewer than 5% of the world’s business schools have achieved7
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 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 +44 (0)1202 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
Uni buddies
Chat to us today
Contact us: Tel: +44 (0)1202 961916 Email: futurestudents@bournemouth.ac.uk
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CU E
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See you
soon!