BEGIN @ BEDS
POSTGRADUATE GUIDE 2024
Begin Thrive SUCCEED Your student journey
YOUR TO-DO LIST
What to do before you arrive:
Apply for your student loan, if applicable, at gov.uk/masters-loan
Visit your welcome portal at welcome.beds.ac.uk
Download the MyBedsLife app from the Apple app store or Google Play Store
Make sure you’ve arranged and paid for your accommodation, if applicable
Complete Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and health check (healthcare and teaching students only)
Send details of your second referee (healthcare students only)
If you require additional support, visit beds.ac.uk/disability
Find your reading lists at readinglists.beds.ac.uk
Make sure you have the following documents available in electronic format before you start your online registration. You may be asked to upload them as part of your registration.
• A passport-style photo in one of the following formats: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tiff; file size less than 2MB
• Access to your offer letter
• Passport/visa
• Qualifications/certificates
• Student loan and the CRN (Customer Reference Number) /finance documents/ method to pay remaining fees
• DBS and health check (healthcare, teaching and social work students only)
• Please note: registration is fully remote and supported online. Some professional courses such as nursing, teaching and social work will expect you to show original documents at on-campus appointments. Please look out for an email from noreply@beds.ac.uk with further instructions.
Arriving on campus:
Visit our halls of residence and pick up your accommodation keys, if applicable
See what support and advice the Student Information Desk (SiD) offers at beds.ac.uk/sid
Visit the library to familiarise yourself with its wide range of resources and facilities
Find out how the library supports your study at lrweb.beds.ac.uk
Access BREO - log in at pwd.beds.ac.uk to change your password. Once you’ve done this, you will be able to access BREO anytime at breo.beds.ac.uk/webapps/login
Get your individual timetable at welcome.beds.ac.uk
Attend Welcome events and activities during your first few weeks. For more information, visit: welcome.beds.ac.uk
If you require any letters or support, contact the Student Information Desk (SiD) sid@beds.ac.uk
Once you have registered, sign in to the MyBedsLife app to access your personalised student dashboard
Check out what your membership to Beds SU (your Students’ Union) has to offer at bedssu.co.uk
YOUR FIRST WEEK
Welcome to the University of Bedfordshire. We want to make your transition into Master’s study at Bedfordshire as easy as possible, so we offer you plenty of support as well as lots of opportunities to meet fellow postgraduate students.
We aim to have a mix of face-to-face and online activities to help you settle in and to get to know your fellow students and your lecturers. Our events are designed to assist you with integration into life at Bedfordshire and to support you with making new friends.
You are actively encouraged to take part in the academic welcome and induction events on campus to give you the best possible start to your postgraduate University journey and life at Bedfordshire. When you arrive on campus during your first week there will be support staff on hand to help you find your way around.
To start your student journey, visit welcome.beds.ac.uk
GET TO KNOW US
What’s it like being at Bedfordshire? Hear from our students!
“When you arrive at the University, make sure to register with SID to access BREO and other services. Familiarise yourself with different places on campus, especially the classrooms, library, and support services.”
CHIDERA UMEH Co-President
“As you embark on your University journey, stay curious and embrace learning beyond the classroom; get involved in activities; build your network; seek help when needed; and make the most of your experience.”
SEYI LOWO Co-President
“I love the fact that the library is open 24/7. I work part-time, so I often have to do my work during unsociable hours. The fact that there is staff in the library 24/7 is also reassuring, just in case you need them.”
Judy Vincent Business Administration (HRM) MBA
“My favourite memory from my first year is probably meeting everyone, and making a lot of new friends. Luton was also new to me, so I had lots of things to see and discover.”
Andre Lionel Missoka Bekey International Business MSc
SUPPORT STUDENT
Throughout your degree, you’ll have access to our Student Support teams, offering you practical and confidential advice and support.
Student Information Desk (SiD)
Located on every campus, our Student Information Desks act as your gateway to all student services at Bedfordshire. You can also access SiD online 24/7 to update and log enquiries, or search our FAQs. For more information, visit beds.ac.uk/sid
Student Engagement and Mitigation (SEAM)
Our advisers can provide confidential and impartial advice on academic, personal and health issues. The team can also support you if you have any mitigating circumstances throughout your studies.
Disability support
Our disability support team can assist you if you are affected by a disability, a long-term medical condition or a specific learning disability.
Counselling service
We provide professional, confidential counselling for students experiencing problems of a personal or emotional nature that may be interfering with their academic work and life.
Mental health
We offer personal support to students experiencing mental health difficulties as well as support for students returning to study after a period of illness.
Student money advice
Our money advice team are available to provide you with support and information on a wide range of money matters, from hints and tips on budgeting to directing you to sources of funding.
Community and faith
All students are welcome to join our exciting programme of activities or access our confidential, personal support - as well as a range of social activities and events.
Library study support
Our libraries offer an Academic Achievement Support service to help develop your academic skills; assignment writing; resource searches and referencing; and IT skills.
International office
We have a dedicated team based at our Luton campus, which offers support to all our international students, across all our campuses.
Registering with a doctor’s surgery
You will need to register with a local doctor when you join us; we will offer advice on how you do this during your induction week.
For more information about any of our support services, visit beds.ac.uk/studentsupport
LEARNING AT BEDS
All students at the University of Bedfordshire are asked to participate actively in personalised and realistic learning that is:
1. Employment focused
Your learning here will have a cutting-edge focus on your future employment ambitions. This will require you to engage with employment-focused opportunities; to reflect on your skills and experiences; and consider their relevance to the world of work
2. Meaningful
You will see personal, social, professional, intellectual and practical relevance in the curriculum
3. Active
You will be actively engaged in the learning process
4. Challenging
Your existing ideas, knowledge and assumptions will be challenged through opportunities for creative and enjoyable learning
5. Reflective
You will have structured opportunities for reflection within a process of development that will encourage you to internalise your experiences and make connections across boundaries
6. Collaborative
You will learn with and through your peers, tutors and others, face-to-face and online, creating and sustaining a learning community
7. Co-created
You will have the opportunity to influence aspects of the teaching and assessment you experience
Where does learning take place?
On campus
This is the learning you will complete face-to-face. It will happen in lecture halls and seminar rooms with lecturers and a range of other professionals who may come into your classes and co-deliver sessions on academic skills, information literacy or career development. You will also learn from your peers in the cafeterias, libraries and even the gym. The campus is a learning environment so learning is everywhere.
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) or BREO
Your BREO sites will contain activities and resources you should engage with to drive your learning forward; it is also the hub for any distance learning you may be required to do.
In-work or off-campus practice
Because of our focus on employability, many of you will have placement opportunities or off-campus experiences embedded into your course. This could range from a placement in a local hospital to a field trip to a construction site. The important thing to remember is that this is all part of your learning experience.
Independently
At a postgraduate level of study, you will be required to work independently. This will mean completing reading and research on your own so your preparation skills will be put to the test. It is through engaging with independent study that students achieve higher grades, so keep that in mind!
UNION STUDENTS’
On accepting an offer to study at the University, students automatically become members of Beds SU, which offers a great range of services and entertainment. From championing students’ opinions to supporting a range of societies, Beds SU aims to empower every student to achieve their full potential, as well as provide a great student experience along the way.
Student community
Students can get involved in a whole range of events and activities whilst at university, from joining one of the Union’s many societies to getting involved in volunteering opportunities. Beds SU has a huge range of faith, academic, cultural and recreational societies aimed at helping you meet like-minded people and lifelong friends, whilst enjoying extra-curricular activities. There are three student networks for those who identify as a member of the ethnically diverse, disabled or LGBTQ+ communities. There’s also plenty of ways you can get involved in volunteering at the SU, from representing your university community to fundraising events.
Student Voice
Beds SU is run by its members (the students of the University of Bedfordshire), who are at the heart of the work Beds SU do. The Union ensures that student views and feedback are championed at all levels, whether that is through the academic representative system; feedback sessions; online; speaking to the Executive Officers; or by having your say in our annual student elections.
Advice and support
Beds SU provides all students with access to free, confidential and impartial advice on all aspects of University life including finance, housing issues, representation, safety and welfare. Student life can be challenging at times and that’s why Beds SU has a friendly, dedicated team at hand to offer individual support when it’s needed.
Find out more about Beds SU at bedssu.co.uk
ENTERTAINMENT
With the help of our Students’ Union (Beds SU), we have lots of exciting things going on in and around our campuses to make your time at Bedfordshire full of fantastic experiences.
Beds SU offers all students a range of activities and events to suit our diverse student community, ensuring students have the opportunity to meet like-minded others or experience new activities and interests. From daytime talks and themed nights to activities hosted by clubs and societies, there really is something for everyone to get involved in, no matter where you are based.
Beds SU venues
Beds SU is the proud owner of two multi-functional venues in Luton and Bedford. These venues play host to a variety of events throughout the year, as well as offering a comfortable, relaxed space to simply take a break and socialise with friends.
The Metro, Luton campus By day, The Metro serves Starbucks coffee along with a range of other soft drinks, sandwiches, paninis and snacks. Try our delicious range of food from great ‘grab and go’ options to freshly made pizzas served throughout the day. It’s a great space for socialising with friends, catching up on some course work or taking a well-deserved lunch break with a game of table tennis. By night, the venue becomes the place to be with events such as themed club nights.
The Hub, Bedford campus
During the day, The Hub is the place to go to take a break, play a little pool and socialise with your friends. In the evening, the venue opens its doors to host a range of events including club nights quizzes and comedy nights.
Out on the town
Beds SU has longstanding relationships with a number of local venues and facilities to offer you the best deals on a range of activities and events from trampoline parks and bowling alleys to club nights in the best venues in the area.
Welcome Week
During Welcome Week, Beds SU aims to help you settle in to postgraduate University life, by making you aware of what Beds SU, the University and the local area have to offer. For full details on the activities and events taking place during your first few weeks at the University, visit bedssu.co.uk
Societies
On top of all the activities and events offered directly by Beds SU, we also have a diverse range of student-led societies that organise a whole host of activities and events. Why not get involved by joining a society or even setting up one of your own?
MORE THAN A DEGREE
It’s a competitive world out there. That’s why we offer a wide range of initiatives and activities to enable you to develop key skills and build experience so you can stand out from other graduates.
Represent your University
You can take on paid work for the University as a student ambassador, helping out at our open days; leading campus tours; and assisting at other University events. You can also become a representative for your Students’ Union, course or faculty and be a voice for fellow students. These roles help you develop your leadership skills; enhance your presentation abilities; and make you a more employable individual upon graduation.
Practice-led courses
Our approach to teaching and learning is ‘practice led’, which means you are offered many opportunities to put what you learn into practice. So, depending on your course, you may find yourself working on real-life projects and scenarios; exploring real-world case studies; practising your skills in our on-campus, simulated environments including a moot court (law); hospital ward and operating theatre (health); and mock classrooms (education and teaching).
In-house industry experience
Many of our courses offer you the opportunity to gain industry experience alongside your studies through University-based enterprises. Students from Art & Design can gain experience at our in-house design studio, Guildford Street Press, while Law students can work with real clients on real cases at our Law Clinic or Refugee Legal Assistance Project, to name just a few.
Volunteer your time
Volunteering is a great way to develop your interpersonal and communication skills; add to your CV; and build your confidence. It also comes with the satisfaction of helping out or raising funds for a worthwhile cause. We offer a range of ways for students to volunteer, from one-off events to regular and long-term commitments.
Showcase your talents
While at University, there’s no reason why you can’t grow a skill or talent in your free time. For example, if you have an interest in radio, join the University’s very own community radio station, Radio LaB. If you’re into sport, get involved in competitive sports through our membership of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues.
Get into clubs and societies
At the University of Bedfordshire we have a wide range of faith, academic, cultural and recreational societies for you to get involved in.
Free fitness sessions
The University’s Get Active sports participation programme enables you to take part in a variety of on-campus and online fitness activities alongside your studies, for free. They are a great way to make the most of your University experience, keep fit and make friends.
Our Luton and Bedford campuses also benefit from our Aspire gyms, which are free for students and staff. Both gyms feature a selection of cardiovascular equipment and free weights, and Bedford also benefits from a strength and conditioning room.
For more information, and to find out what else is available at the University of Bedfordshire, visit beds.ac.uk/morethanadegree
ENHANCING YOUR CAREER
We understand the importance of your personal career goals, so we will work with you throughout your studies and beyond, to ensure you reach your full potential.
Our award-winning careers and employability service
The University’s Careers and Employability Service will unlock your potential and enable you to manage your future career by providing you with professional, high-quality information, advice and guidance including:
• Specialist career consultants
• Access to a wealth of careers information and resources online
• Help with securing internships, part-time jobs and volunteering opportunities
• Employment-related events, competitions and careers fairs
• Coaching on CV writing, career planning, interview skills and assessment centres
• A lifelong support package for our alumni.
Learning from our research Research informs our teaching and enhances your learning experience, connecting you to cutting-edge researchers throughout your postgraduate studies and beyond. Powerful results from research conducted at our 10 specialist Institutes have helped solve global and local challenges as well as influencing policy and strategy. The REF (Research Excellence Framework) 2021 results revealed us to be world-leading in multiple research areas. You can be confident that you will learn about the latest developments direct from ‘live’ research - making your knowledge relevant to the real world.
Connect with our industry network
Our links with organisations nationally and internationally provide you with opportunities to gain valuable work experience and to form industry contacts in the UK and around the world. Many courses include career development options such as consultancy projects and masterclasses, and some have the option of an industry placement.
Professional accreditations
Many of our courses are accredited by professional bodies so you have a career advantage from day one. Just a few of the professional bodies that accredit our degrees are: British Computer Society; British Psychological Society; Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development; Health and Care Professions Council; Social Work England; Institution of Engineering and Technology; and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Many professional bodies offer free or reduced memberships for students so you can begin to build your network and keep up-to-date with industryspecific news.
FANTASTIC FACILITIES
At the University of Bedfordshire, we’re continually investing in and developing our social and learning spaces to ensure we’re providing first-class facilities to support you throughout your studies.
Luton campus
• Specialist Art and Design building, Alexon House
• Campus Centre, housing all student services under one roof
• Multi-purpose business pods and Law moot court in our Business School
• Nursing simulation suites, contemporary skills labs and medical training mannequins
• Our on-campus gym, Aspire, offering free membership for students
In 2019, our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) building opened featuring:
• Modern engineering labs and specialist research labs
• A modern imaging suite which houses confocal and fluorescence microscopes
• Dedicated space for histopathology and mammalian cell culture
• Robotics equipment including humanoid robots, robotic arms and wheeled robotic platforms
Bedford campus
• Purpose-built, three-storey building, Gateway, featuring high-quality teaching spaces, informal learning spaces and the student services centre
• A Physical Education and Sports Science Centre, used to train elite athletes, including Team GB
• A wide range of indoor and outdoor sporting facilities
• Nursing and allied healthcare simulation suites, contemporary skills labs and medical training mannequins
• Our on-campus gym, Aspire, offering free membership to students
• Teacher Education Centre with realistic mock classrooms; Forest School; and a SEND/Early Years sensory building
Aylesbury
Our Aylesbury campus is equipped for our nursing and midwifery students. Based at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, our students learn in a modern and vibrant environment suited to today’s vocational approach to teaching. A recently built teaching facility on site includes a library, computer facilities and a simulated hospital ward.
For more information about the facilities available at any of our campuses, visit beds.ac.uk/about-us/campuses
YOUR LIBRARY
Our students have fantastic multimedia study resources at their fingertips in our cutting-edge, well-equipped libraries.
Our library resources
The nine-storey library at the Luton campus has dedicated silent areas, breakout spaces, pods to facilitate group work and the latest IT and AV equipment. There are also libraries at Bedford and Aylesbury providing study spaces, ICT, customer services assistance and Study Hub support.
The library is not just a repository of books and study resources; it’s also an important partner in research and in teaching, working towards equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve academically and maximise your future employability. That’s why our library service is open when you need it - to fully support your learning and academic life while at Bedfordshire.
To help with study needs, we offer induction loops, height-adjustable tables, flat-screen monitors, keyboards for visually impaired users, and Keyboard Pro software for developing typing skills.
Our extensive, sector-leading, digital library is available from most devices with internet access whether you are on or away from campus. Explore the full range of print and online books, journals, articles, databases, exam papers and dissertations with DISCOVER - the online single-search tool that searches most electronic resources and the library catalogue in one go. It saves time by showing what’s available to read online and what’s on the shelves.
For more information, visit lrweb.beds.ac.uk/library
Study Hub
The Study Hub, based within our library facilities, will help you to develop your academic skills which will lead to better grades and enhanced employability.
You will find a wide range of online materials on the Study Hub A-Z resources pages, accessible at any time. These cover key areas for success such as library resources, referencing, academic writing, maths and study skills.
You can also book a Study Hub appointment which will be conducted however you feel comfortable: online, in person or over the telephone. The service is available throughout the year, completely free and open to all our students.
For more information, visit: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/library/studyhub
Academic Liaison Librarians (ALLs)
ALLs work with faculties within the University to ensure that the resources you need for your course are available and easily accessible to you. They can show you, both individually and within small groups, how to search for the resources you need to help you with your research and/or assignments as well as provide advice on topics such as plagiarism.
Microsoft Office Trainers (MOTs)
The MOT team can help you with using Microsoft Office, Word, Excel or PowerPoint in your studies. They provide help guides, training workshops and individual or group support depending on your needs.
FINANCE & FUNDING
We want to make sure that financing your studies is as simple and affordable as possible. Here at the University of Bedfordshire we offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to support you.
University tuition fees
The University of Bedfordshire is proud of its alumni and is delighted to offer a tuition-fee discount for those who choose to continue or return to the University for on-campus postgraduate-level studies.
We offer a 20% discount on full- and part-time Master’s courses to those who were successful in completing an Honours degree with the University of Bedfordshire, DMU’s Bedford campus or the University of Luton*.
For full details and eligibility criteria, please visit our website.
Non-university funding
Postgraduate study is a major investment and requires sound financial planning. There are lots of nonuniversity funding options available. However, it is important to remember that non-university funding is not automatically awarded for some postgraduate study in the UK.
Postgraduate (Master’s) loan
Loans for Master’s degrees are now available to support postgraduate study. Available to UK-based students*, the loan provides up to £12,471 (2024/25) for taught and research Master’s courses in all subject areas for those studying full-time, part-time or via distance learning.
For more detailed information on eligibility, visit: gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study
Part-time employment
Some of our students decide to top-up their income by working part-time during their studies. Our on-campus Careers and Employability Service is on hand to help you find employment.
Employer sponsorship
Your employer may have a budget for staff development and may consider paying all, or part, of the course fees. Employer sponsorship could also extend to a contribution to the cost of books and materials, day release to attend classes or the provision of study time.
Educational trusts and charities
There are a number of trusts that may be able to provide funding for postgraduate study, including the British Academy (for humanities and social sciences courses), the Royal Academy of Engineering (for engineering courses), and the Royal Society (for science courses). For more information visit: gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study
Funding for trainee teachers
Students who are studying a postgraduate course in Initial Teacher Training (such as a PGCE) can qualify for the finance package, comprising the Tuition Fee Loan and the Maintenance Loan. You may also be able to get a training bursary or scholarship worth up to £30,000* if you train to teach in certain ‘priority’ subjects. To find out more, please visit: gov.uk/teacher-training-funding
Funding for social work and healthcare
If you are studying a postgraduate course preparing you for employment in social work or healthcare, you may be eligible for a social work or NHS bursary/funding. Find out more at: gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study
Additional information
Please visit the following websites for more information about postgraduate fees and finance. postgraduatesearch.com/funding prospects.ac.uk postgraduatestudentships.co.uk getintoteaching.education.gov.uk
* This information is subject to change. For the most accurate, up-to-date information and for eligibility criteria, please visit our website.
ACCOMMODATION
As a postgraduate student, there are many housing options at our Luton and Bedford campuses where you can make yourself right at home - and the University can provide help and guidance on finding the perfect place.
With London on Luton and Bedford’s doorstep, you can benefit from its cosmopolitan social scene but with considerably lower living costs. In fact, our accommodation has been voted one of the most cost-effective in South East England (Student Crowd, 2024).
Luton accommodation
The University of Bedfordshire’s Student Village provides over 500 fully furnished flats with a bed, desk, wardrobe, and en-suite shower pod. Each flat also features a spacious shared kitchen/lounge area to relax in with your flatmates. For those wanting a little more space and privacy, our studio flats are a great option, offering a double bed, private en-suite shower room and kitchenette.
The Student Village has fantastic communal lounges, a games room, media room, group study room, a fully equipped gym, and laundry facilities on-site. Our halls of residence are ideally located for student life on campus, and are just a short walk from Luton town centre.
Bedford accommodation
Polhill Park is located on campus, within easy reach of the town centre and station. It offers over 500 en-suite study bedrooms grouped in flats with fully furnished, spacious kitchen/lounge areas to relax with your flatmates. Studio flats and rooms with a shower en suite are also available. The accommodation has fantastic communal areas, including a gym and on-site laundry facilities.
Added benefits at both Luton and Bedford
• Safety first - we have staff on site 24 hours, and electronic fob entry systems
• All-inclusive value - your rent in Luton and Bedford includes all utility bills and contents insurance
• CCTV
• Stay connected - free high-speed Wi-Fi is also included
• Village Life Programme - meet new friends from week one with events such as BBQs and movie nights
Secure accommodation for healthcare students
Healthcare students have access to safe and secure accommodation at our various hospital sites. Rent levels vary depending on your chosen hospital.
LUTON CAMPUS MAP
BEDFORD CAMPUS MAP
Begin Thrive SUCCEED
Aylesbury campus
Stoke Mandeville
Hospital
Mandeville Road
Aylesbury
United Kingdom
HP21 8AL