Guide for Final Year Undergraduate Students by Bournemouth University

Guide for Final Year Undergraduate Students

iBU is the FREE official mobile application for students studying at BU Available for Blackberry, Android and Apple devices (as well as a web browser version for other web-enabled devices)

New for 2014: you can now view live bus timetable information and book on to sportBU classes. iBU also provides access to a range of university services, including your academic timetable, the staff directory and library catalogue.

You can download the app before you arrive, but you will need to have completed your university online registration (as detailed in your welcome letter) before you can register and use it. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also able to suggest ideas for other services that you think would be useful to have on the app. Download the app now for your phone or tablet device through the App Store, Google Play Store or Blackberry World. For students with other web enabled devices, you can also access the app at the following link bournemouth.ombiel.co.uk/chooseGrade

Contents

Welcome to your final year

BU keeps getting better

Dates for your diary

Student support services and resources

Get involved

Have your say

Contacting you

Careers and Employability Service

Careers Events

Employability Skills Workshops

Student Development Award

Further study at BU

Become a SUBU elected officer

Graduation 21 Alumni Association

BU resources â&#x20AC;&#x201C; after you graduate

Useful contacts

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Welcome to your final year

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Welcome to your final year

Welcome to your final year The final year of your undergraduate degree is undoubtedly the most challenging and rewarding part of your journey at university. Whether you are continuing from the second year, have returned from time spent on placement or are topping up a foundation degree, Level H (as it is known in university speak!) is the year where you become a fully-fledged independent learner, ready for whatever comes next. This guide will highlight some of the key pieces of information relevant to your final year, and provide some useful hints and tips to help you get the most out of your time studying at BU. It also provides information about future opportunities with BU and the Students’ Union, in addition to the resources you will have access to after you graduate.

r rofesso cellor P nt an e h id C s e re BU Vic ey & SUBU P n John Vin endel-Wilson ch Chloe S

So whether you choose to move straight in to the world of work, or would like to continue your learning with postgraduate study, don’t forget that you will always be a part of the BU community. We hope you have enjoyed your time at BU thus far, and make the most of the final year of your undergraduate degree.

Good Luck! Professor John Vinney – Vice-Chancellor Chloe Schendel-Wilson – SUBU President

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BU Keeps Getting Better

BU Keeps getting better Our investment in BU’s facilities, services and environment continues to support our vision to give students and staff a truly outstanding and personalised experience. And a taste of what’s to come…

Here is a snapshot of the most significant changes to the university over the last few years:

• Student Centre – opening spring 2015

• Cranborne House £8m refurbishment

• New Academic Building – due summer 2016

• Allsebrooke & Shelley Lecture Theatre refurbishments

• Bournemouth University International College – due September 2015

• Cycle Storage Improvements at the Talbot Campus • Dorset House £1.2m lab refurbishment • Poole House atrium and Weymouth House Cafés refurbished • New Talbot Campus car park (off Gillett Road)

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Dates for your diary

Start of the academic year 16th September 2013

Start of the 15 Septem academic year ber 2014* SUBU Part Essential Rep Training-(for timnew e Student Reps) 19th October 2013 – Executive 17Centre Business Septembe Officer Nomination r – 10 Oc s toberOctober 2 Stuand 0 Graduate Careers Fair 22-24th 2013 – Kimmeridge 1 4 dePlacements nt Amb House Apply by 1 assador Recruitm ent October 2 0 1 SUBU Part-time Officer Elections 23rd October-25th October 4 Lansdown e Rep Train ing 2013 SUBU Speak Week 18th-22nd November 15 Octob Student S er 2014 hout 16 O c t BUnique Week 25th-29th November 2013 o b e r & 13 No Essential vember 20 Rep Trainin 14 Winter Break 16th December 2013g – 3rd January 2014 1 8 Octobe Part-time r 2014 Officer V o2014 t Get that job day 26th February – Thomas Hardy Suite (Talbot Campus) in g 2 1 – 23 Octob Returning er 2014 Rep Confe r Spring Break 14th April – 5th Maye2014 n c e 22 Octob Speak We er 2014 ek 10–14 N End of Academic Year 11th Julyo2014 v e m ber 2014 Graduate and Pl ace ments Fa 12 & 13 N ir o vember 2014 – Kim Keep for the BU/SUBU Campaigns will be available W mCalendar intan eridge that ereye Brout House eaand k 1online around campus October 5 Defrom cember 2 014–2 Ja Get that nuary 201 Job Day F ebruary 2 5* 015 National Student S urvey Feb ruary–Ma Nursing C rch 2015 areers Fa ir 25 Marc Spring Br h 2015 eak 30 Ma rch–17 A pril 2015 End of Ac * ademic Ye ar 26 Jun e 2015* Graduatio n Award C eremonie s 3–6 No Look out vember 20 for the B 15 U/SUBU C be avail ab a mpaigns C le around * Term da a lendar th tes may va campus a ry for st pl acem at will udents o nd online ents. Find n NHS co out full ur ses, and details at f r o m st www.bour udents o October n nemouth. ac.uk/stud courses with fiel dwork ent/ Returning Rep Training (for re-elected Student Reps) 12th October 2013 – Executive Business Centre

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Student Support Services and Resources

Health & Wellbeing We have lots of personal support available to help you stay healthy and well. Whether you need information on common health problems, advice on personal safety, are struggling to adapt to your final year or would like to access a counselling service, we have people here to help. Contact askBU for further information.

askBU Our friendly, professional team of advisors are available to help you with replacement IDs and documents, re-setting/unlocking your BU account, financial support and advise you on making an appeal or submitting mitigating circumstances forms. The team are also there to listen and put you in touch with other support services you may benefit from accessing.

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You can find the team at The Base on the Talbot Campus and next to the library in Bournemouth House on the Lansdowne Campus. For full details visit the Student Portal: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ student/askBU

Additional Learning Support Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to support you if you have, or think you might have a learning difference, mental health difficulty, medical condition or disability. We can provide information about assessments you may need to complete or grants you might be eligible for (eg the Disabled Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Allowances), tailor support to suit your needs and recommend reasonable adjustments for your learning and assessment to your Course Leader for consideration.

Student Support Services and Resources

We can also offer one-to-one specialist study & employability skills and mentor support. Find out more at: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ student/als

Library We have a wealth of resources available to support you in your final year of undergraduate study. In our two libraries you will find a wide range of e-resources and study space for you to revise and complete assignments.

Bournemouth University is first to be commended for the quality of student learning opportunities by the QAA Bournemouth University has achieved a “commended” judgement for the quality of student learning opportunities from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). This is the first time the judgement of commended for this category, the highest award possible, has been given to any university.

Take a look at the following video to see how we can support you further http://youtu.be/9rIwTy7JxI4 For more information, visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/library

Social Learning Spaces There are a number of social learning spaces around both campuses for you to relax and study. The Purple Lounge on Talbot Campus and the BoHo Lounge on Lansdowne are two great examples of where you can access facilities to enhance your learning. You can find details of social learning spaces, computer rooms and much more on the iBU mobile app.

IT Support There is Wi-Fi (BU-Student) available on both campuses and students have access to 24 hours, 7 days a week IT telephone support by calling +44 (0)1202 965515. You can also log your request online at servicedesk. bournemouth.ac.uk or visit the IT counter service in the Library at the Talbot Campus (8.30am-5pm) and the Open Access Centre in Studland House on the Lansdowne Campus (10am-4pm).

Room Bookings We know that the final year is challenging and that you may want your own space to study alone or collaborate with fellow students.

You can book a room on either campus for study or group work. To book a room or lodge a filming request, simply visit the following page on the Student Portal http://studentportal.bournemouth. ac.uk/learning/room-bookings If you would like to book school specialist space (e.g. PC labs, studios etc.) please contact your Academic School/Faculty directly.

Study Support There is a range of support available to you when studying which you may not have yet accessed while at BU. The Academic Skills tab in myBU has lots of information and support that can help you develop the skills you’ll need for your final year, including: time management, critical analysis, academic writing and dissertation research. In the same section of myBU, you can also book skills workshops or one-to-one appointments.

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Get involved

Get involved SUBU can help you make the most of your final year. Here’s a message from your new Full-time Elected Officers... There’s been lots going on over the past year, with the main highlight celebrating 20 years of SUBU! http://youtu.be/E5MS0cOb1V8 We know you’ll be facing a tricky year with dissertations and final assessments, but this year is also a perfect opportunity to brush up on those transferable skills, polish off your CV and embark on life changing experiences. According to the Higher Education Careers Service Unit (HECSU) in 2013, “Graduates with extra-curricular experience while at Uni were less likely to be earning a comparatively low salary”. SUBU is your Students’ Union at Bournemouth Uni and we’re all about helping students develop new skills, enhance their employability and most importantly - have fun. This year you could…. • Join one of 100+ clubs or societies • Become a Student Rep and improve your course • Host a radio show or write for Nerve, our student media • Run to become a Part Time Elected Officer for one of our four SUBU Councils in October • Support a good cause with opportunities ranging from 5 minutes with SUBU Volunteering to climbing Kilimanjaro with Rag. And remember, if it gets a bit much SUBU Advice is here to help with issues from housing & finance to academic & personal worries. Have an amazing final year and keep up to date with @SUBUBournemouth on Twitter & SUBU Bournemouth on Facebook! Chloe Schendel-Wilson - SUBU President | Reece Pope - VP Welfare Ellie Mayo-Ward - VP Education | Peter Webb - VP Lansdowne 12 | Student Handbook 2014

Have your say

Have your say Make the most of this year to share your thoughts and give your feedback on your student experience at BU. Some of your feedback may generate a quick change while you’re still here, and some may benefit future students. National Student Survey

Student Feedback

In your second semester, you will be asked to complete the National Student Survey (NSS), which is a survey of all final year undergraduate students in the UK.

When you log-in to myBU you’ll notice a new tab called Student Feedback.

The NSS is run by a company called Ipsos Mori, and gives all final year students in the UK a chance to rate their university experience. You will receive an email from Ipsos Mori when the survey opens, and they will follow this up with a phone call before the survey closes if you haven’t yet completed it. When the survey opens, we will provide a space on both campuses where you can complete the survey to ensure you are not called by the survey providers later on. The survey takes about 5 minutes to complete, and you will be entered into a free prize draw where you can win some great prizes.

This tab will be updated on a regular basis (usually after your School’s Student Experience Forum) by your Student Experience Champion and the Students’ Union. Make sure you check it on a regular basis for updates on the important issues raised. If you have an item for discussion you can raise it with the Student Rep for your course, attend your School’s Student Experience Forum or go along to SUBU’s ‘Student Shout’. If you don’t want to share your feedback publicly, you can submit your ideas via the SUBU website. Reps will take this information to the Student Shout or relevant Council on your behalf. Alternatively, you can complete the Students’ Union ‘SOS’ survey at any point in the year. And if there’s something you’ve done, or experienced while at BU, that you’re especially proud of, don’t forget to tweet about it using #BUProud.

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Contacting you

Contacting you It is essential that we have your most up-to-date contact details in case we need to communicate with you. We may need to send hard copy information to your postal address in the event of any official BU communication and require full contact details in case of an emergency. It’s important to check your BU email account regularly as BU staff will use this account to keep you updated. It’s simple to link your BU emails with your smart phone - find out more in the ‘Getting Started’ email section of the Student Portal at: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ student/it If you’ve moved house, even if you’re living in BU-managed accommodation, you should check that we have your new address. Updating your contact details couldn’t be easier; simply follow this link www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ student/contact-details Don’t forget, you can also set up text alerts from your academic timetable by entering your mobile phone number in the ‘personalise section’.

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Careers and Employability Service

Careers and Employability Service As a final year student, you have access to one of the most wide ranging and comprehensive careers services available. A degree alone is no longer a guarantee of a job in today’s competitive job market. Getting involved with a range of extra-curricular activities (e.g. the Student Development Award - see page 18) can really help you develop skills that make you more employable. Our Careers & Employability Service team are there to support you to identify and demonstrate your employability skills, and can also help you to work on skills you could enhance. This might be CV writing, interview technique, becoming more familiar with different workplace environments and developing job hunting strategies.

Here are the variety of services we offer to give you that edge: • MyCareerHub is our online job vacancy system where you can access hundreds of part-time, vacation and graduate vacancies • CV and Careers Appointments – bookable via MyCareerHub • A range of resources on subjects such as careers, CV writing, job hunting, job applications and interview technique - find out more at The Edge (next to the library entrance at the Talbot Campus) and on MyCareerHub • BU Employability blog and Twitter • ‘Going global’ job vacancy database • Free presentations by local employers • Mock video interviews - a practical way to help you develop your interviewing skills • Practice psychometric tests (which are often used as part of Graduate Scheme applications).

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Career Events

Throughout the academic year we organise a full programme of employer events, career management workshops and activities on campus, which are free for you to attend. We hold a variety of events, the largest being the Graduate and Placements Fair, which this year takes place on 12-13 November 2014 in Kimmeridge House. This event is an excellent way of getting in front of an employer, making yourself known and talking through their opportunities. For further information on all career events, please visit the Events section of MyCareerHub. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget you can visit our friendly Careers & Employability team at The Edge, outside the library entrance at Talbot Campus.

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Employability Skills Workshops

Employability SKILLS WORKSHOPS During your final year, you may feel you need to refresh how best to market your skills to future employers, especially when you get an interview for a graduate job. The Careers & Employability team produce a calendar of workshops hosted by graduate employers to equip you with the necessary skills to help you stand out in an increasingly competitive application process. Check the dates, range of topics and workshop speakers in the Events section of MyCareerHub.

• A small report of 250 words will be required by both the intern and the company. You will be able to find these vacancies as they become available at: https://mycareerhub.bournemouth.ac.uk

Santander/Bournemouth University Internship Scheme 2014/15 Final year BU students are invited to apply for a fully funded 3 month internship within SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) Companies. The awards will be based on the following criteria: • Applications are invited from BU final year students and all BU students that have graduated within the past 2 years • Each intern will be funded for the duration of 3 months at a minimum of £3,000 per individual • £1,500 will be paid for by Santander and £1,500 will be funded by Bournemouth University (BU) • The successful intern will receive three £1,000 grants directly from BU starting one month in arrears of the commencement of the internship

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Student Development Award

The BU Student Development Award enables you to gain formal recognition for all extra-curricular activities you’ve been involved with during your studies at BU. You can count activities from your previous years at BU, as well as anything you take part in this year. The award can be completed over one or two academic years, so there’s still time to get involved – so sign up as soon as possible to benefit.

The employability skills you develop while participating in voluntary work, sports, music, working part-time and many other activities, give you the advantage of being able to present real experience to potential employers. Participating in the Award allows you to use your experiences to enhance your future career. You’ll receive full training to showcase your achievements on a personal webpage which you can then share with prospective employers. Each year students enjoy being presented with a Certificate and Transcript at our ‘black tie’ Awards Ceremony – there’s also the opportunity to be nominated for, and win, a sponsored prize. Once you join the Award, you can plan and achieve it in a few simple steps: Attend your Awards Ceremony with prize opportunities

6. Achieve 5. Assessment 4. Award Coach

1. Apply

Choose what you’d like to be involved in – you need 100 points or more

Via the on-line application form

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Get extra support with your planning skills

SDA Induction: network & enjoy specialist support for the Award

3. Attend 2. Activites

Prepare your e-portfolio ready for submission

Find out more at: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student/award

Further study at BU

Further study at BU Now is a good time to start thinking about your next steps after graduation. Studying for a Master’s degree can further enhance your employability and you may also be eligible for up to 25%* off tuition fees plus other reductions. There are many reasons why postgraduate study is an attractive option. For some it’s to acquire new skills through conversion courses, for others it’s just the personal pleasure of the subject, or their chosen career requires a specific qualification. The graduate employment market is competitive and the added skills and industry accreditations gained through further study can differentiate you from other job seekers, improving your chances of getting the job you really want. Embarking on postgraduate study demonstrates commitment and enthusiasm and employers love what postgraduates have; communication skills, work ethic, research methods, team-working, and self-management. 82%** of our postgraduates were in employment or further study within six months of graduating. A Master’s degree is hard work - but it’s also hugely rewarding and satisfying. It can give you the confidence and tools to succeed in the next stage of your career. Part-time, distance learning options and various short courses enable you to work and study at the same time, and influential research project opportunities are also available. * Terms and Conditions apply ** Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, 2011/12.

What’s more, BU graduates can get up to 25%* off tuition fees and may be eligible for an Academic Excellence Scholarship from £2,000*. As an example, a fee of £5,000 could be reduced to £1,750 with the loyalty discount, early bird discount and Academic Excellence Scholarship. As a postgraduate student, you’re also eligible to live in BU Halls of Residence and BU-managed accommodation. So there’s never been a better time to continue your studies with us and further enhance your career prospects. Our Postgraduate Information Sessions are a great opportunity to learn about any options you’re interested in, especially if they’re delivered by a different Academic School/ Faculty to the one you’re currently in. So choose a date below and book your place. Postgraduate Information Sessions: Wednesday 19 November 2014 Wednesday 25 March 2015 Wednesday 8 July 2015 Find out more at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student/postgrad

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Become a SUBU Elected Officer

Are you passionate about your BU student experience? Do you want to use that experience to represent 18,000 students? Fancy earning £19.5k? If so, becoming a SUBU elected officer could be for you. Nominate yourself to become a full-time officer in the Students’ Union at BU (SUBU) in the year after you finish university. As a full-time officer you will be representing students on both a local and national level to ensure their voice gets heard. You’ll attend and contribute to top-level university meetings, work with the local council, and help students to run campaigns. Your job will be to make sure that the student experience at BU is the best it can be, and you really will be able to influence key decisions that make big differences for students! Not only do you get to stay in Bournemouth for another year, each day will be different and you’ll develop skills and experiences to make you really stand out to potential employers you’ll also learn how to network and may even meet your future employer in the work you do. Nominations open in February 2015 and you can get more information from the SU President, Chloe Schendel-Wilson at supresident@bournemouth.ac.uk

Want to get involved with SUBU this year? Part-time officer nominations open in October 2014 – find out more on our website at www.subu.org.uk

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Graduation

Graduation Celebrate your achievement with BU at our annual Awards Ceremonies where you can formally receive your academic award in the company of friends, family and fellow graduates. Our Award Ceremonies are the highlight of the university year and are the culmination of all the hard work that you have put into your studies. The 2015 ceremonies will be held 3-6 November at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC). Each event lasts approximately two hours (depending on how many people attend). Invitations will be emailed to those eligible during the summer, so make sure we have the right contact details for you and keep an eye on your inbox.

Once you have received your invite you should register and request any guest tickets. Registration is vital - even if you are unable to attend it is important that you register and tell us so that we can make sure you receive your certificate after the event. To find out more about what you need to do for your special day, visit our web pages and look through our Information Booklet and FAQs. www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student/ awards-ceremonies

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Alumni Association

Alumni ASSOCIATION Graduation is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to say goodbye – you’ll still be part of the BU community. After graduating you’ll automatically become a member of BU’s Alumni Association, and we’ll do our very best to keep you in touch and involved with your university. Our exclusive annual magazine for alumni, dedicated e-mail updates and Facebook page will keep you up-to-date with news, events and opportunities for graduates. You can also take advantage of exclusive alumni benefits and offers, from big discounts on further study to special rates on sportBU membership. If you’d like to stay a bit more closely involved with BU, you can also take part in all sorts of

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activities, from featuring in our publicity to helping the next generation of students through our networking events and mentoring. So, whatever you do after leaving BU, keep in touch! You can update your contact details with us anytime or find out more about the Alumni Association at: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/alumni

BU resources - after you graduate

BU RESOURCES - AFTER YOU GRADUATE

Did you know that after you graduate, you can still access a wide range of BU resources no matter where you are? You can continue to use your BU email account which allows you access to a calendar function, 10GB of storage and instant messaging for as long as you like. Simply visit www.outlook.com and type in your BU username and password. BU alumni can use The Sir Michael Cobham Library’s facilities for reference and discounts are available on subscriptions. You can also continue to use Dylan’s and The Loft in Poole House and are free to attend certain events at The Old Fire Station – simply check their website for details.

SportBU continues to offer a number of great deals to BU alumni following graduation – the gym and fitness classes are still available by purchasing a sportBU membership. You can even sign up for volunteering opportunities through the Students’ Union www.subu.org.uk/subuvolunteering We are still committed to supporting you in your search for employment, even after you have completed your studies. This is why you will still be able to access the latest job opportunities through MyCareerHub and can also book appointments with an advisor in our Careers & Employability team for up to three years after you graduate.

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Useful contacts

Useful Contacts Additional Learning Support Telephone: +44 (0) 1202 965663 www.bournemouth.ac.uk/disabilities

askBU Telephone: +44 (0) 1202 969696 Email: askBU@bournemouth.ac.uk www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student/askBU

Careers & Employability Service Telephone: +44 (0) 1202 961663 Email: careers@bournemouth.ac.uk www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student/career

IT Support Telephone: +44 (0) 1202 965515 www.bournemouth.ac.uk/service-desk

SUBU Advice Telephone: +44 (0) 1202 965779 / 967369 +44 (0) 7501 622 462 - anonymous text line Email: subuadvice@bournemouth.ac.uk www.subu.org.uk/advice

SUBU Telephone: +44 (0) 1202 965765 Email: subu@bournemouth.ac.uk www.subu.org.uk

The Universities Safer Neighbourhood Team Telephone: +44 (0) 7554 439 650 Email: universitiessnt@dorset.pnn.police.uk www.dorset.police.uk

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Emergency numbers If a crime is in progress, or life is in danger, dial: Off-campus: 999 On-campus internal phone/ personal phone: 222 / +44 (0) 1202 962222

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