Begin@Beds
We are delighted that you will be studying with us. This booklet provides you with some key information that you will find useful in preparing you for your course and your first few weeks and months at university.
A warm welcome from all the course leads and we are so excited that you will be joining us in September. The first week will be induction week where you will be introduced to your course, course team and fellow students.
You will also have a personal tutor who is there to support you. They will have weekly office hours so you can always book an appointment if you need to chat to them. We will be there with you every step of the way.
Course Lead – Luton Campus Aduke Urhobo aduke.urhobo@beds.ac.uk
Course Lead – Bedford Campus
Dr Joana Almeida joana.almeida@beds.ac.uk
Portfolio Lead
Dr Sambulelwe Sibanda sambulelwe.sibanda@beds.ac.uk
Your personal academic tutor is Email STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Student Information Desk (SiD) beds.ac.uk/sid sid@beds.ac.uk
Treehouse Community & Faith Centre Mental Health Services beds.ac.uk/student-support/mentalwell mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk
BedsSU (student union) help@bedssu.co.uk
The following is a typical Welcome Week schedule:
Day 1 am
pm
Introduction to: Student support services, student union, library services. Ice breaker and social integration, Belong@Beds, SASS Change Makers
Meet the course team, afternoon tea with general introductions and a social event, e.g., choir, tea & cake, Zumba taster class.
Day 2 am
pm
A Day in the life of an Health and Social Care student – what to expect, getting the most from BREO, Q&A with existing students, Campus, and Sim Lab tour.
Discuss First PAT meeting, meet your academic librarian and library services. Go through the course handbook, meet year tutors.
ESSENTIAL LINKS
For more information on joining your course, visit Begin BA Health and Social Care @Beds where you will find updated info, tips and dates of your course induction week etc.
YEAR 1 STUDENTS WILL BE STUDYING
Introducing academic skills
Introduction to Sociology of Health
Introduction to Health and Social Care
Career planning for the social sciences
Law, society and controversy
Introduction to research and social enquiry
How to find your Timetable
Information about your learning with BREO
Get support with your learning and assignments Study Hub
Visit the Library
Begin@Beds Start your student journey
Thrive@Beds My Beds Life
Succeed@Beds Careers and Employability Service
The course assessment strategy is closely aligned to the teaching and learning strategy which is designed to:
• meet the needs of service users within the health and social care sector;
• consider individual differences within service users and their communities;
• draw on expertise-by-experience;
• foster active learning and be learner-centred in approach.
A distinct feature of the course is the range of assessment tasks, including an opportunity to undertake a SASS Change Maker project. This helps put into practice what you are learning in university and increases your self-confidence and employability.
Essays
In class tests
Reflective writing
Role plays
Oral and poster presentations
Reports
Portfolios
MEET SOME OF OUR STUDENTS
• Laurie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gsv2imKYqS8
• Fustina https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG5bwqU6OqA
SOMETHING TO READ
• Change Makers
SOMETHING TO EAT
• Eating and drinking on-campus – University of Bedfordshire
ABOUT THE CAMPUS
• Luton
• Bedford
As a first year student you will be in university for classroom teaching two days a week. Our teaching is split into teaching and seminars where you can interact and undertake practical work with other students. You will have an opportunity to study with students within the wider School in some of your lectures.
Employability is a strong theme and local employers will visit throughout the course to share learning and employment opportunities.
Introduction to Sociology of Health
Introduction to Health and Social Care 1pm 2pm
Introducing Academic Skills 3pm 4pm
Guided/ independent study Guided/ independent study 5pm
Guided/ independent study Guided/ independent study Guided/ independent study
How can I get the best grades during my time at university?
Attend as many of your lectures and seminars as possible by managing your multiple responsibilities and the time available for your studies. Ask for support if there is something you don’t understand or are struggling with; we will help you get the support you need.
Is there someone who can help me with my assessments?
Details are in your assessment handbook, so check out the guidance there. Your course team are always available to guide you with curriculum content and you might want to book a 1:1 tutorial with your Unit Lead. If you need more time to complete an assignment, please contact Student Engagement and Mitigation (SEAM) who deal with extensions for assessments. Their email is mitigation@beds.ac.uk
Is there somewhere for me to get support if I have a learning difference such as Dyslexia?
Yes! There is plenty of help available and some students may be eligible for a Learning and Teaching Agreement, stating any reasonable adjustments needed for classroom learning and examinations.
What happens if I miss class due to being unwell or having difficulties with childcare or travel?
We understand that everyone will face some difficulties now and again and we aim to be flexible and supportive. You are encouraged to discuss ongoing issues with your Personal Academic Tutor or Unit Lead.
What can I do to supplement my degree to help me in the future?
Take up the opportunities offered by the Careers and Employability Service, (careers@beds.ac.uk) Beds Student Union, (beds.su@beds.ac.uk) and other organisations within the university to develop your networks and gain skills relevant for your future graduate destination and personal development.
Are there student societies and activities I can get involved with?
Yes! Here in SASS we run a number of #SASS Change Maker events and Student Inclusivity Network Groups (SING) and also have our own Social Learning Space up on the fourth floor that you can book for extra curricular activities with your classmates. The Student Union also have information about the sporting clubs and events etc. available for all students beds.su@beds.ac.uk
What if I’m struggling with my mental health at university?
We will support you and have a range of services who can offer specialist help. mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk – new or on-going mental health support and counselling@beds.ac.uk – access to counselling support.
Can I talk to someone about my money worries?
Yes. We recognise the cost of living crisis is impacting significantly on students. Our financial advisors can help you. Contact studentmoney@beds.ac.uk
There is a lot to take in when you begin studying. The teaching team have been working in the Health and Social Care sector for many years and here are our top 10 reasons to study this course:
You will experience things you never thought possible, and you may wish to join us on our international Turing scheme in your third year of study.
Your qualification will allow you to apply for graduate roles working to improve the lives of those within diverse community groups who may be at their most vulnerable.
You’ll always be employable; roles in health and social care are expanding and in demand.
You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in our #SASS Change Maker events and other extra curricular activities, meet other students, increase your knowledge and develop new skills.
We value everyone, respect your lived experience and recognise how it contributes to our vibrant, inclusive, academic community.
We’ll make sure you feel that you belong to your academic community and are confident about your ability to succeed; everyone is helpful and wants you to do well.
We’ll take care of you; mental health is important for all of us, students and staff alike.
You’ll focus on your employability skills right from the start of your studies, so you can plan for your dream graduate destination.
We’ll listen to you and will respond to your ideas about teaching, learning and the wider aspects of your student experience, by co-creating solutions with you.
We’ll help you think about the difference you can make in the world by promoting social justice; you’ll become one of our #SASS Change Makers.