A Guide to our Liaison Activities for Schools and Colleges

A GUIDE TO OUR LIAISON ACTIVITIES FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

BEDFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY OF

TRANSFORMATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION

We are committed to giving our students an academic experience that will engage their minds, excite their imaginations and transform their lives. We also place great importance on supporting them academically and personally to realise their dreams for the future.

Our support begins when students are still at school or college, well before they decide their next step is university. At the University of Bedfordshire, we are proud of the communities our students represent and are keen to engage with them throughout their educational journey. This guide highlights the range of support available from the University for schools and colleges, focused on helping you support your students’ progress to higher education.

If you have any queries about our HE progression activities or would like to discuss a booking, please contact us at scl@beds.ac.uk

WHAT WE OFFER

SUPPORT FOR SCHOOLS THROUGH FREE UNI-PREPARATION ACTIVITIES

We realise that supporting students to achieve their potential starts years before university and our Recruitment and Outreach teams are here to help you support your students to make the right higher education choice. You’ll find our activities for schools and colleges listed from page 8 onwards.

FOCUS ON DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

Our courses offer a balance of academic study and preparation for the real world, through year-long placements; work experience; regular industry talks and masterclasses from professionals in their field; and the opportunity to work on real projects. Your students will build their transferable skills through embedded course units, volunteering opportunities, employment-focused training and responsibility roles. Many of our courses are accredited or approved by relevant professional bodies so your students can be sure their degree meets industry needs. Find out more: beds.ac.uk/careers

INTRODUCING BEDFORDSHIRE

HIGH-QUALITY TEACHING

Our teaching is led by high-calibre, experienced lecturers who are experts in getting the best out of our students. Most are also involved in active research in their field; the University itself is recognised as world leading across multiple research areas (Research Excellence Framework, 2021). Academics pass on their cutting-edge knowledge and expertise through their teaching while students themselves can get involved in active research, tackling real-world problems, at an exceptionally early stage in their studies.

MODERN FACILITIES, INDUSTRYSTANDARD EQUIPMENT

We’ve invested over £54 million in our campuses in the past six years, including our purpose-built STEM building with its high-spec engineering and research laboratories as well as robotics equipment. We also have modern simulation units for our nursing and health students; a dedicated Teacher Education Centre with mock classrooms for teacher training; specialist labs for sport science studies; and two theatres for performing arts students – to name a few.

A FRIENDLY, INCLUSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

We are one of the top universities in the UK for social inclusion and widening participation. A recent study by The Sutton Trust placed us among the top 10 UK universities for opening up access to education – top in this category in the East of England. We are also proud to have a diverse student body of around 20,000 students from over 70 countries worldwide.

OUTSTANDING STUDENT SUPPORT

We have support services there to help students if they should need it, whether it’s wellbeing, mental health, disability, employment, study issues or money advice. Our gateway to support is through our Student Information Desks (SiD), which are located across our campuses where students can speak to someone face to face. Students can also access SiD online 24 hours a day where they can browse FAQs as well as log and update enquiries. For more information: beds.ac.uk/student-support

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES

We understand that many students are concerned about the cost of going to university. That’s why we offer a range of fantastic scholarships and bursaries to support our students throughout their studies. See our website for the most up-to-date information: beds.ac.uk/scholarships

Find out more about Bedfordshire generally at beds.ac.uk

KEY STAGE 5 HE PROGRESSION PROGRAMME

OUR ACTIVITIES FOR YEAR 12 AND YEAR 13

We offer a range of workshops, events, visits and presentations that are useful for sixth-form students who are considering higher education, particularly those students who are undecided about whether university is for them. Here are just a few of the most popular sessions we run. We are also happy to design something tailored to your students’ specific needs - just contact us at scl@beds.ac.uk

YEAR 12 (OR EQUIVALENT AGE GROUP)

INTRODUCTION TO HIGHER EDUCATION (HE)

When: Autumn or spring term

Where: Your school

This is a good first activity to encourage Year 12 students to think seriously about higher education. The talk offers a general overview of HE and the benefits of continuing in education. We also talk about the next steps for students and start them thinking about how they are going to achieve their goals. We can offer a prospectus workshop to accompany the talk.

STUDENT LIFE

When: Autumn or spring term

Where: Your school

A more detailed (and light-hearted) look at what life is like for students in HE, covering the academic, social and welfare aspects of university. Activities include students working out their own shopping list.

RESEARCHING HIGHER EDUCATION: THE HE CONVENTION

When: Spring term

Where: Your school

This session concentrates on what a HE convention is and why it is important for students to attend. We cover what research students should undertake prior to attending, key questions that they should ask delegates, and common ‘traps’ to avoid.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF OPEN DAYS

When: Spring and summer terms

Where: Your school

A guide to what students can expect from university open days and the importance of attending these events. We cover the key things to look for, the crucial questions to ask, and the best people to speak to about different aspects of the institution.

PARENTS’ TALK

When: Spring or summer term

Where: Your school

Aimed at parents and guardians, this is an ideal presentation for a school/college open evening or careers event. The talk prepares parents for what their children will experience during the UCAS application process, and gives a general overview of HE and student life. We can also cover student finance advice.

CAREERS EVENTS, ‘CHOICES’ EVENINGS AND HE EVENTS

When: Negotiable throughout the year - please contact us to discuss your requirements

Where: Your school

We are happy to offer presentations at these events as well as to set up a stand and chat to parents and students about HE and the University of Bedfordshire.

YEAR 12 TO 13 (OR EQUIVALENT AGE GROUP)

REVISION AND STUDY SKILLS

When: During preparation for AS or A2 examinations

Where: Your school

This talk offers guidance and information about the learning process, including effective revision strategies and developing study skills for further education and beyond.

WHY STUDY LOCALLY?

When: Spring and summer terms (Year 12); autumn term (Year 13)

Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire

This presentation covers the benefits of studying close to home - including financial advantages; familiar surroundings; family connections and support; being able to retain a current part-time job - while enjoying all the social aspects of uni such as clubs, societies, voluntary opportunities, placements and independence.

APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY (THE UCAS FORM AND PERSONAL STATEMENT)

When: Summer term (Year 12); autumn term (Year 13)

Where: Your school

A comprehensive guide to making a UCAS application. The second half of the presentation focuses specifically on the personal statement, with advice on what information students should include and what admissions tutors will be looking for. There is also an interactive activity where students take on the role of an admissions tutor and assess example statements.

INTERVIEW SKILLS

When: Spring term (Year 12); autumn term (Year 13)

Where: Your school

Advice and tips for all students preparing for interviews. The presentation includes advice on body language and an activity looking at questions students may be asked. We do focus on HE interviews but a lot of the advice applies to employment interviews as well.

INTRODUCTION TO THE UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE

When: Negotiable throughout the year - please contact us to discuss your requirements

Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire

A general overview of the University, covering both academic and social aspects. The session includes information about our history, campuses, accommodation, student support and the different courses on offer.

CAMPUS TOURS

When: Every Wednesday at 2pm and 3pm

Where: University of Bedfordshire

Campus tours are led by our student ambassadors who will walk your students through all of the facilities and tell them what life is like studying at the University of Bedfordshire. The tours last 30-45 minutes and also include a visit to our student accommodation.

CAMPUS VISITS

When: generally arranged to suit your diary

Where: University of Bedfordshire

A campus visit allows students to see a HE institution for themselves and get a real flavour of what life at university will be like. The day includes general sessions on HE; campus and accommodation tours; and a chance to talk to current students.

YEAR 13 (OR EQUIVALENT AGE GROUP)

PERSONAL STATEMENT DROP-IN SESSIONS

When: Autumn term

Where: Your school

We are happy to come into schools to assist and advise students who are writing their UCAS personal statements. These sessions can take place during students’ lunch breaks, if necessary.

UCAS NEXT STEPS

When: Late in the autumn term or spring term

Where: Your school

This presentation covers the important information for students once they have completed their applications. This includes an overview of the UCAS process; explaining Extra and Clearing; tips on interviews; attending open days; and applying for accommodation and financial support.

STUDENT FINANCE

When: Spring term

Where: Your school or University of Bedfordshire

A straightforward, student-friendly guide to HE finance explaining student loans; tuition fees; and grants, bursaries and scholarships. We also look at additional sources of income and successful budgeting strategies. The session can include a practical budgeting exercise.

Please note: we host various additional events throughout the year including subject-specific applicant taster days and on-campus outreach events. We can adapt our sessions to meet any specific needs your students may have, if required.

If you would like more information about any of the sessions we run, please contact scl@beds.ac.uk

KEY DATES FOR UCAS APPLICATIONS

The information below is relevant for the majority of courses at UK universities.

Mid September UCAS opens for course applications. Year 13 students can apply to five universities/courses.

Late January Deadline for applications for the majority of university courses.

Late/Mid February UCAS Extra opens for students who have not received any offers or do not like the offers they have received.

Late March Students have usually received decisions back from universities.

Early May

If students have received offers from universities, they can now shortlist firm (first) and insurance (second) choices.

They can also start applying for student finance via gov.uk/student-finance They can apply for their loan before accepting a place at university.

End of June

Any applications submitted to UCAS at this point will be automatically entered into Clearing.

Mid August Results day: GCE A Level, Advanced Diploma and Pre-U results are published. Full Clearing vacancies are published by UK universities.

Late September Clearing closes.

Find the exact dates for the coming year of university entry at ucas.com

ACTIVITIES FOR ACCESS AND MATURE LEARNERS

We offer support to a range of learners in further education to help them succeed and progress on to pathways into higher education study and employment as best suits their individual needs.

LEVEL 2 LEARNERS

We offer bespoke support through visits, workshops and mentoring in order to engage, motivate and support these individuals in their studies, helping your students to make informed choices.

LEVEL 3 LEARNERS

Level 3 access or mature learners can access most of the activities listed in the Key Stage 5 HE Progression Programme (pages 8-12). We are aware that, in some cases, vocationally oriented students may have subtly different needs and activities can be modified accordingly. For example, we can deliver a session on student finance specifically for mature/access students, either at your college or at the University of Bedfordshire.

We can also host bespoke access days throughout the year when your students can find out more about higher education courses and support.

If you have any queries, contact scl@beds.ac.uk

OPEN DAYS

Visiting our campus is the best way to get a taste for University life, meet staff and current students, and see our fantastic facilities for yourself. We host open days throughout the year, both on campus and online as well as campus tours every Wednesday. Students can find out about our upcoming events and book a place at beds.ac.uk/open-days

Your students may also be interested in taking a 360° interactive virtual tour. Find out more about our open events and tours:

EXHIBITIONS OPEN DAYS AND UCAS

UCAS EXHIBITIONS

Held at venues (most often on university campuses) across the UK between March and June, students normally attend these exhibitions at least 18 months in advance of starting a university course. Many schools organise trips to the exhibitions and most universities have representatives there. Look out for the Bedfordshire UCAS exhibition – it usually takes place in June and the University of Bedfordshire regularly hosts it. At these exhibitions (sometimes called fairs), students can meet student advisers from a huge range of universities face to face and discuss any questions or concerns they might have about going to university.

To find out when the Bedfordshire exhibition takes place this year, look at the current schedule at ucas.com

Your students can discover more about the University of Bedfordshire, tour our facilities, and meet some of our academics and current students at one of our open days.

To find out more and book their place:

beds.ac.uk

scl@beds.ac.uk

+44 (0)300 3300 073

facebook.com/unibeds

x.com/uniofbeds

youtube.com/uobvideos

instagram/uniofbeds

linkedin/university-of-bedfordshire

Luton campus

University Square

Luton

Bedfordshire

LU1 3JU

Bedford campus

Polhill Avenue

Bedford

Bedfordshire

MK41 9EA

Aylesbury campus

Stoke Mandeville Hospital

Mandeville Road

Aylesbury

HP21 8AL

Milton Keynes campus

Exchange House

Midsummer Boulevard

Milton Keynes

MK9 2EA

Putteridge Bury campus

Hitchin Road

Luton

Bedfordshire

LU2 8LE