SCHOOL OF AVIATION, MARKETING AND TOURISM
Welcoming students who are studying:
BSc International Business
BSc Marketing
Digital Marketer (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)
Marketing Executive Apprenticeship
WELCOME TO AVIATION, MARKETING AND TOURISM
Aviation, Marketing and Tourism is part of the University of Bedfordshire Business School (UBBS), which is a supportive and close-knit community. We place great emphasis on supporting your academic development, building your confidence and preparing you for the world of work.
I encourage you to make good use of all the opportunities we offer and become an active member of our supportive School culture. For example, you could become an ambassador for our vibrant student society which provides an extra value-added experience to your course.
This booklet provides you with important information that you will find useful as you prepare for your course and for your first few weeks and months at University.
I look forward to welcoming you to UBBS.
Dr Annie Danbury Head of SchoolA MESSAGE FROM YOUR COURSE LEADERS
Your course leader is your first point of contact if you have any questions about your course.
We are a vibrant and diverse academic community and you will be taught by knowledgeable and experienced staff who are respected in their research and industry fields. The Portfolio Leader for the courses in this booklet is Sallie Phillips.
As well as your lectures and seminars, there will be opportunities to meet industry professionals who regularly visit our campus to give talks and take part in Q+As. There are also opportunities to learn outside the classroom on field trips. You can find out more about these trips and other exciting events and activities via our online course padlets (see more on p.14).
It’s really important that you arrive study-ready, as your classes will start straight away. You will need a laptop or a notebook and pen, having looked at the session details before you arrive. You will also need to arrive with time to spare before the session starts and have made plans to be there for the entire class. Being study-ready also means having a positive mental attitude – be ready to learn, ask questions and carve out the time to study outside of your lectures and tutorials.
HELLO FROM THE STUDENTS’ UNION (SU)
A big welcome to the University of Bedfordshire!
When you join the University you automatically become a member of our SU community for FREE!
We are here to help every student get the most out of their university experience. We offer advice, support and the opportunity for you to have your voice heard. We want to ensure that you have fun, try new things, deepen your passions for hobbies and interests and meet wonderful new friends.
Beds SU has offices in Luton and Bedford where you will also find venues and a whole host of weekly events for students.
There will be plenty of events for you to enjoy during Welcome Week – keep an eye on our website for more or follow us on social media. We can’t wait to meet you.
Chidera, Amina, Ryan and Chidinma
Your current Beds SU Executive Team
ESSENTIAL CONTACTS
Beds SU (Luton and Bedford) bedssu.co.uk help@bedssu.co.uk
We look forward to meeting you and supporting you throughout your course. If you have any questions before you start your course, please get in touch.
Course Leader for BSc Marketing
Giles Robertson, giles.robertson@beds.ac.uk
Course Leader for BSc International Business
Dr Afifah Ramlee, afifah.ramlee@beds.ac.uk
Course Leader for the Digital Marketer & Marketing Executive Apprenticeships
Sallie Phillips, sallie.phillips@beds.ac.uk
Apprenticeships Coordinator
Dr Augusta Evans, augusta.evans@beds.ac.uk
First Year Lead
Ms Linda Hopkins-West, linda.west@beds.ac.uk
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING
WELCOME WEEK
We believe your university experience helps to create a strong sense of community. That is why taking part in your Welcome Week programme is so important.
Not only will you have the opportunity to talk to your academics about the different aspects of studying and what to expect over the coming weeks, but it is also the ideal time to get to know your academic team and fellow students.
During Welcome Week, you will be invited to different sessions which cover a variety of topics and activities.
Settling into university life – address your hopes, fears and expectations.
Understanding your course structure – find out more about your learning experience, how we teach and how we assess your work.
Getting to know one another – take part in a social activity and make new friends.
Taking part in question time – put your questions to academics and current students.
Discovering your campus – find key locations and services including your lecture theatres, the Library, Student Support Services, the Students’ Union, where to eat and much more.
Details about the different activities and where they will be held will be added to your Faculty Academic Welcome pages closer to the time, so don’t forget to check it before you arrive on campus!
Our colleagues in the student support and learning resources teams will also host sessions for all new students. These are designed to help you become familiar with all the essential services you will use throughout your time with us.
Of course, Welcome Week wouldn’t be Welcome Week without the Freshers’ Fair, which is run by the University of Bedfordshire Students’ Union. They will host plenty of events and activities, so keep an eye on their website and follow them on social media to find out more (see page 5).
PREPARING FOR YOUR
FIRST WEEK CHECKLIST YOUR
We want you to have the best possible start during your first week. To help you prepare, here are some useful links:
SOMETHING TO WATCH
• Meet our Marketing Course Coordinator, Giles Robertson, who can tell you more about what makes our Marketing course so great.
• Watch this interesting introduction to international business
• Enjoy an amazing virtual tour of our campus.
SOMETHING TO READ
• The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) has a host of useful articles, podcasts and webinars which can be accessed via its Content Hub
• Keep up to date with the latest digital marketing news and trends by reading the Digital Marketing Institute blog
ABOUT THE CAMPUS
Remember to reply to your offers!
If you have received decisions from all the universities you applied to before 16 May, the UCAS deadline for replies is Thursday 6 June. Reply to your offers by signing into your UCAS application.
Registering for your course
Once you have met the conditions of your offer, you will receive an email to complete your online registration. Keep an eye on your emails and junk box to ensure you don’t miss it!
Everything you need for moving to university
If you’re moving home, here’s a handy checklist from UCAS to make sure you pack everything you need.
Take time to familiarise yourself with the layout of our campus and the names of buildings. This will help you get around with ease when you arrive.
• Luton campus
SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT
Once you enrol as a student, you will have access to a range of discounts nationally, locally and on campus.
• Get the latest student discounts with TOTUM, the National Union of Students discount card and app.
• Check out the latest offers from the University of Bedfordshire SU
• Find out if you are eligible for scholarships, bursaries and other discounts
SOMETHING TO DO
• In Bedfordshire
• Let Luton surprise you
• Love Bedford
YOUR FIRST YEAR WHAT YOU WILL STUDY IN
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDYING YOUR SUBJECT
Our teaching model includes significant time for sharing and discussing ideas in a supportive group. That is why you are expected to attend classes, actively engage in lectures, seminars, and workshops and become involved in our community of learning by taking part in extracurricular activities organised by the School.
Don’t forget to allow time to complete your preparatory reading, which will be set by your academics. This will help you be fully prepared for your next class.
We will support you throughout your learning experience to develop your academic skills and professional competencies to future-proof your academic ambitions and professional career. We believe that involvement in real cases is the best way to help you apply your learning. That is why we use live cases in class within the School.
We also expect you to get involved in some of our extra-curricular activities, particularly competitions, where you can provide your solutions to real clients. Our International Business and Marketing clubs are another excellent way to actively engage in your subject area.
ACCESSING YOUR TIMETABLE
Your personal timetable will be available on the website once you have fully registered with the University as a student. You can also access your timetable via the MyBedsLife app (see p.17 for more on how to download our award-winning app).
Remember, it is important that you attend all timetabled classes and course inductions.
ESSENTIAL LINKS
Academic Calendar
Academic information Guide to referencing Student Information Desk (SiD) Student Support
HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED
The course assessment strategy is closely aligned to the University’s teaching and learning strategy which is designed to:
• have an immediate relevance to practice
• 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 workplace assessments that can have an immediate impact in practice. This helps put into practice what you are learning in university and can help increase your confidence.
RANGE OF ASSESSMENTS
These can vary depending on the course you are studying, but here’s an example of what your assessments might include:
Case studies
Essays
Exams and in-class tests
Leaflets and posters
Oral presentations
Reflective Journals
Skills documents – practice-based learning.
Assessments are purposefully diverse and created to relate to industry practices.
UP TO DATE HOW YOU CAN KEEP
We use an online noticeboard called ‘Padlet’ to help our students keep up to date with everything that’s happening.
This is linked via the Bedfordshire Resources for Education Online (BREO for short), our virtual learning environment. Here you will find a range of online tools to support you during your studies, from information about your teaching team and links to live online sessions, to lecture slides and assessment information.
We will post a variety of information about your course on our course padlets, so we advise all our students to log in to BREO every day. You can only access BREO once you have registered with us as a student. However, you can now access your ‘welcome’ and subject padlets. Feel free to take a look and become familiar with the exciting events, trips and discussions happening in your subject area:
Welcome padlets:
BSc Marketing and Apprenticeships
BSc International Business
Subject padlets:
BSc Marketing
BSc International Business Apprenticeships
ESSENTIAL LINKS
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
Student Support
QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED
Who do I contact if I struggle to attend classes or submit work?
We understand that everyone will face some difficulties now and again and we aim to be flexible. You are encouraged to discuss ongoing issues with your personal academic tutor or unit lead. For independent advice or for ongoing attendance issues you can contact studentengagement@beds.ac.uk. You can apply for an extension on your assignment by emailing mitigation@beds.ac.uk. You can find out more on our website
Who can help me with my assessments?
If you need support with your assignments you can contact our Study Hub which offers free professional support to help you develop a wide range of relevant and valuable academic skills. You can find out more on our website
What support is available for students with a learning difference or disability?
Our Disabilities team supports students with a range of disabilities including sensory and physical impairments, mental health difficulties, specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, and medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, sickle cell anaemia and arthritis. You may be eligible for a Learning and Teaching Agreement, where you can discuss any reasonable adjustments needed for classroom learning and examinations. You can email disability@beds.ac.uk for further information and advice.
Are there clubs and activities I can get involved with?
Yes, the Students’ Union can tell you everything you need to know about sports clubs, activities and events for all our students. You can even set up your own society! Contact Beds SU by emailing beds.su@beds.ac.uk
All our students and staff can sign up for a free gym membership. This membership will also give you free Get Active sessions.
What if I’m struggling with my mental health at university?
The University has a range of services offering specialist help. You can email mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk for new or ongoing mental health support needs. To access our counselling services, email counselling@beds.ac.uk
Is there any support to help me manage my finances?
Our dedicated Student Money Advice team offers confidential financial advice, information and support. They can advise you on a range of funding options such as grants, loans, bursaries and scholarships, as well as guiding you on the best way to manage your finances. You can contact them by emailing studentmoney@beds.ac.uk
MyBedsLife
Our award-winning app MyBedsLife gives you access to everything the University has to offer. You can have a look around the app before you enrol on your course to get an idea of how it works. Once you’re a student, it will give you access to your emails, timetable, MyPrint balance, support services and much more. Plus you’ll get notifications to ensure you are always up to date.
SUPPORT STUDENT
Throughout your degree, you will have access to our Student Support teams, offering you practical and confidential advice and support.
Careers and Employability
Our Careers and Employability Service offers advice and support with everything from drafting the perfect CV and preparing for interviews to volunteering and graduate placements. You can access a range of online tools to help you in your career development and job search.
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. Visit us at the Tree House Centre at our Luton and Bedford campuses or find out more on the website
Student Voice
Help us to enhance your student experience by using your student voice to celebrate the positives, make suggestions for change and let us know when and where we can do things better. Find out how you can get involved
Cost of Living Hub
Our Cost of Living Hub brings together the latest information, support and guidance for students affected by the rising cost of living. You can access the Hub via the MyBedsLife app (see p.17) or our website
Support+
ESSENTIAL LINKS
Student Engagement
Mitigation
Mental Wellbeing
Disability Support
Student Money Advice
Student Support
We offer a wide range of support for students with varying needs and experiences including those with caring responsibilities; those facing homelessness; students who are estranged from their families; and much more. Find out how we can support you during your studies.
Support and Report
Respect, tolerance and inclusion are core values of our academic community. Support and Report is a confidential, centralised point of contact for all our students and staff to share concerns about offensive, threatening or anti-social behaviour, on or off campus. Find out more
THOUGHTS FINAL
Always remember, our team is here for you!
We know there’s a lot to take in when you start university. We’ll support you throughout, especially at the beginning. We are confident that you’ll love our friendly campus and everything the University of Bedfordshire has to offer.
The BSc International Business course places a strong emphasis on providing you with a broad understanding of international business practices, global markets, and cross-cultural management.
You can take part in competitions organised by the International Business and Marketing clubs, enabling you to apply your international business knowledge in a competitive and practical setting.
The BSc Marketing course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Institute of Data and Marketing (IDM), offering you exemptions from units, and a discount on exam and membership fees.
HERE’S WHY YOU WILL LOVE STUDYING MARKETING AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AT BEDFORDSHIRE
You can practise your digital marketing skills for campaign management using Semrush software.
Our student-led Marketing Club, run in association with CIM, is one of only four in the East of England; it organises field trips and workshop events – recent workshops include Neuromarketing; AI in Marketing; and Influencer Marketing.
You can get involved in research projects at our Centre for International Business and Marketing (CIBAM); short-term consultancy projects; and competitions within the School. You could win the Dean’s prize for excellence in marketing, which is presented at the annual graduation ceremony.
You can build your experience with field trips to the digital marketing agency Receptional; Museum of Brands; a sustainability workshop; and industry events with companies such as Boots where you can pitch campaign ideas.