The BCUC Promise
We will be with you every step of the way, right from you having the idea of, ‘yeah, I could do that’.
We will be your mentor, your partner, your rock. We will empower you, give you the belief, the skills and the vision you need. We’re with you as an individual.
We understand your goals and ambitions. We understand where you want to go. And we understand that everybody’s journey is not the same. But whatever the journey, we’re walking next to you.
Welcome to BCUC!
We’re delighted that you’ve chosen to join us and become something different: someone who will make a difference in your community or society.
Our aim at BCUC is simple: to empower you to gain the qualifications you need for the best, most rewarding careers in your field. You’ll be given the skills, knowledge and support - combined with industry-led insight from professional Lecturers.
At BCUC we work closely with our highly-respected, innovative university partnersthe University of Bolton, Buckinghamshire New University, the University of Central Lancashire and Pearson.
During your time as a BCUC undergraduate or post-graduate, we are here to support you and offer any guidance and advice you may require. Our approachable Lecturers and experienced support teams are always on-hand in person, via email or telephone, whether its career, financial, personal or academic support you need.
With over 25 years’ experience of successfully delivering high-quality university education, the BCUC team has the experience and knowledge to help you achieve your dreams. On behalf of all the staff, I hope you enjoy your time studying with us, take advantage of all the additional opportunities studying at BCUC offers you and I wish you every success with your future endeavours.
Nina Parkin Dean of University Education
Our Accreditations
Recognised for our Excellence
BCUC and our comprehensive portfolio of university-level courses has seen sustained growth in recent years, adapting and expanding to meet the needs of our undergraduates and leading employers, locally, regionally and nationally.
BCUC is at the forefront in the development of degree-level education to meet the constantly-evolving needs of industry – and allow its graduates to become recognised leaders in their chosen sector. We have undergone a series of major external reviews of our university education provision, including the Annual Provider Review (APR)* conducted by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
The HEFCE concluded that:
• Qualification standards are reliable and comparable to other providers across the UK
• Student academic experience is of high quality
• Student outcomes are generally good or excellent
• We have demonstrated continuous improvement in relation to student outcomes.
• Alongside this, BCUC has also been successful in its registration with the OfS (Office for Students), the independent regulator of university-level education in England.
BCUC is a member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education which works to safeguard academic standards, enhance the student learning experience and secure the global reputation of UK higher education.
BCUC Campus in the heart of Burnley
Burnley College’s main building has four floors and wings which branch from an impressive, central glass Atrium which is the location for many additional support services and activities.
Studying at BCUC
The BCUC building, with its own bespoke learning spaces, is situated in the spacious courtyard to the rear of the main Burnley College building.
A new social and learning space for 2022/23 in the E Wing of the main building offers the perfect environment for you to work collaboratively, socialise and enjoy your lunch using the full kitchen facilities.
The self-study area for independent learning is referred to as BCUC ALZ (Advanced Learning Zone).
The ALZ has banks of laptops for undergraduates to use, printing facilities, refreshment area and designated areas for group work.
There is always a member of BCUC staff on hand to help with any queries.
Please note: Booths cannot be reserved and priority should be given to group work. Laptops must be returned to the bank after use and plugged in to charge ready for the next person. We appreciate your help in keeping the kitchen area clean and tidy.
University Education Student Handbooks
You will be given the following handbooks to support you with your studies from your awarding University:
Student Handbook
• A Welcome and introduction to your awarding University
• Access to learning resources and career information
• Academic Regulations and Appeal processes
Programme Handbook
• Detailed content and structure of your course (awarding University Programme Specification)
• Relevant timetable and staff contact details
• Approaches to teaching and learning, assessment details
• Classifications of awards and feedback
Module Handbook
• Details of each module studied.
• Module Tutor’s contact details
• Overview of the module and Lecture Scheme/Timetable
• Assessment information and recommended reading lists.
Student Support
Here to support you every step of the way
Access Queries
We’ll help you with Pre-University education, such as the admissions process and guidance with Higher Education, this is particularly beneficial for students returning to education after some time out.
Success
Ensuring you have access to the resources, skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your university-level studies and achieve the highest possible degree rankings. This includes BCUC’s comprehensive additional learning support sessions and signposting to financial support.
Progression
Talk to us about your future and your career aspirations. We are committed to ensuring BCUC Students progress into successful careers after completion of their degrees.
Student Finance
We will support you with advice and guidance on applications to Student Finance England and can signpost you to other potential sources of financial support such as the Burnley Bursary, Access to Learning Fund and University Advanced Payment.
Student Experience
We regularly organise extra-curricular activities and events, such as guest speaker talks, topical activities and workshops. Let us know if you have any requests – ideas are always welcome!
Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing is an important part of undergraduate life and we regularly implement health and wellbeing activity across BCUC. Talk to Student Services about on-going mental wellbeing resources (including online support and resources, Minds Matter and Wellbeing workshops). Information on support services and organisations that offer advice on sexual health, mental health and substance issues is available.
Student Support Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8am to 9pm | Friday: 8am to 4.30pm
You’ll always find at least one member of the Student Services team based in the BCUC ALZ. Additional team members can be found in the main College building, in the Atrium on Level 1 (next to Reception).
Your Health & Wellbeing
Your health and wellbeing is important to us. BCUC has a range of free services and resources available to you during your time as a student with us.
We have a dedicated team of Wellbeing and Safeguarding professionals, committed to ensuring you are able to make the most of your time as a BCUC student. They work tirelessly and proactively to ensure your wellbeing by:
• Having up-to-date, clear policies and procedures in place
• Actively encouraging students and staff to raise any concerns
• Taking all concerns seriously, acting upon them and offering support through college and specialist services
• Training all staff in safeguarding at a level appropriate to their role
• Ensuring Mental Health First-Aiders are available across Campus to support you if required.
Minds Matter
Minds Matter offer an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service - part of Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust.
As a BCUC student, you can access a range of brief therapeutic interventions, including courses and workshops, online programmes and face-to-face therapy to support differing emotional needs.
Speak to your Personal Tutor or self-refer through our Safeguarding team. You can also email Student Services, confidentially, on s.services@burnley.ac.uk
College Counsellor
A free, one-to-one counselling service is available for all BCUC students who may require talking therapy. This can be accessed through One Place or by emailing our qualified Counsellor, Helen Davis, on h.davies@burnley.ac.uk. Helen can help you work through any issues you may face in a safe, non-judgemental environment. This confidential, free service is accessible through self-referral.
Fitness Evolution
Join our award-winning on-site fitness centre, Fitness Evolution for a special Student rate, and keep active. For more information visit www.fitnessevo.co.uk or call 01282 733180. Whether it’s group classes, the running club or a personalised gym workout, you’ll be sure to find something to suit – and at times to fit around your study and work-life commitments.
Health events, health activities and external partner support
BCUC runs an annual Health and Wellbeing Week as well as numerous health activities throughout the year for students, including Wellbeing Workshops, such as Yoga and Pilates.
If you have any health and wellbeingrelated activities you would like to see at BCUC, email s.services@burnley.ac.uk.
Additional Financial & Welfare Support for Undergraduates
BCUC has a range of additional financial and welfare support for students in need, depending on their individual circumstances.
The Burnley Bursary
A combination of a fixed-money award (depending on income), campus credits, gym membership or digital device*.
• Available to students entering their first year of study on a full-time, full university course delivered by BCUC
• Who are paying the maximum tuition fee of £9000 and who have not previously received the Burnley Bursary.
University Advance Payment
• For students who have not yet received their Student Finance Funding.
• To be repaid once Student Finance is received or after 30 days, whichever is sooner.
Access to Learning Fund (ALF)
Provided by Burnley College to support HE students facing financial hardship.
• Standard awards are means tested to work out whether or not a student is eligible, they are assessed on case-bycase basis.
• Non-standard awards are offered to students who have to meet exceptional costs, including cases where the student may be considering leaving their course because of financial hardship.
Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs)
Help with extra costs essential to access studies (this application process can be lengthy so we recommend students apply as early as possible). The student will need to undergo a Needs Assessment to identify any specialist equipment or support needed such as:
• Specialist equipment allowance –a one-off payment towards essential study items.
• Non-medical helpers allowance – an annual payment towards the cost of academic support.
• Travel allowance – help towards any reasonable extra cost of travel (this does not cover basic travel costs that anyone would have to pay for).
• General allowance – help towards the cost of other necessary study items not already mentioned (e.g. specialist books, Braille, large print, photocopying).
The financial support available to BCUC students is subject to change each year – please contact Tyron Scott in Student Services for more information on he.support@burnley.ac.uk or on 01282 733551.
*Subject to terms and conditions, found at www.burnley.ac.uk/Burnley-Bursaries
The Burnley Bursary available to BCUC students is subject to change each year - Please contact Tyron Scott in Student Services for more information. www.burnley.ac.uk/support/Financial-Support
Making the most of technology in your studies
You will automatically receive a free BCUC student email account within 24 hours of enrolling: this is accessed via our Student Hub https://www.burnley.ac.uk/Burnley-Student-Hub
The first time you sign in, you must be on college premises and connected to the College WiFi.
Username: this is your student number, found on the bottom of your ID card e.g. 1003459652. Password: this is student (all lower case). You will be prompted to change your password at first log-in.
IT Help desk
For help downloading free Microsoft Office Software, queries regarding your WiFi connection or any other IT queries, please access our online help desk: https://helpdesk.burnley.ac.uk/
Other useful direct links:
Office at home https://helpdesk.burnley.ac.uk/knowledgebase/how-do-i-download-microsoft-officefor-home/
What WiFi network to use https://helpdesk.burnley.ac.uk/knowledgebase/what-wifi-network-should-i-use/
How to access emails on the web https://helpdesk.burnley.ac.uk/knowledgebase/how-do-i-access-my-emails-on-theweb/
How to access Remote Desktop https://helpdesk.burnley.ac.uk/knowledgebase/how-do-i-access-remote-desktop/
Blackboard – For UCLan and Buckinghamshire New University students
Google Classroom – For University of Bolton and Pearson students
Please speak to your Programme Leader for further information on how to:
• Access your course materials, such as reading lists and lecture slides,
• Take part in activities such as online discussions, blogs etc.
• Submit assignments for your courses through this Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
SAGE Journals
All BCUC students can access the SAGE journals via the online library
If you require support with any of the steps below please see a member of BCUC staff:
Click Access Options or Sign In if on a mobile Device
Under Institution click sign in via Shibboleth
Select United Kingdom-UK Federation in the Geographic region.
Select Burnley College from the list that appears
Agree to the Privacy Poilcy and terms and Conditions if prompted
You login details are your usual login details for BCUC e.g. 1000999544 Password123
Making the most of our
You’ll never be stuck for somewhere to eat if you need to take a break from your studies. Our Refectory has a five-star hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency.
Have your say on the BCUC experience
At BCUC we value the input and suggestions from students on how we can continually improve our university-level offering to meet their needs and aspirations.
Each year, we accept applications for and appoint Student Innovators and Student Representatives.
Student Innovators
• Drive new ideas forward and make them happen
• Host/organise BCUC community events
• Support BCUC to better understand campus culture and needs
• Represent BCUC at internal and external events alongside being active members of the BCUC Strategy for Campus Life and Student Experience
As a valued Student Innovator you will benefit from:
• Regular updates on BCUC life, activities and achievements
• Enhance your professional development, leadership, technical and communication skills
• Be eligible to take part in special events and training to help you expand your skills and professional network.
If you are interested in becoming a Student Innovator, speak to our current Student Innovators (you can find their photographs in the main BCUC building reception) or your Programme Leader.
Student Representatives
BCUC Student Representatives are selected to enhance the student experiencea key feature of university education. As a BCUC Student Representative you will:
• Attend the University Education Student Representatives Meeting, chaired by the Dean of University Studies.
• Discuss non-course specific university issues relating to the enhancement of student experience.
The BCUC Student Code of Conduct
Please follow the BCUC Student Code of Conduct at all times:
In BCUC and on BCUC-related activities please:
• Treat fellow students with courtesy and respect
• Treat staff with courtesy and respect
• Dress appropriately
• Treat equipment and the learning environment with care
• Come prepared to work with all necessary equipment
• Display your ID badge at all times
• Attend all classes
• Be punctual
• Hand in all work on time. Please follow academic guidelines/regulations if this is not possible at any time during your studies – (this information is accessible through your awarding University Student Handbook, Programme Handbook and Module Handbook)
• Follow College guidelines to maintain a safe and healthy environment
• Only use mobile devices in classrooms, the ALZ or other learning situations as directed by staff. As university-level students, staff are aware there may be times you need to be contacted during class times – please ensure you follow your Lecturer’s instructions if this happens
• Comply with College and awarding University network regulations
• Keep BCUC, Burnley College and its surrounding area tidy
Please don’t!
• Be disruptive
• Damage property
• Use inappropriate or offensive language or behaviour
• Wear hats
• Encourage non-students or uninvited visitors onto our Campus
• Smoke anywhere except in designated smoking shelters – if this rule is broken you could face a penalty fine!
Our Fire Procedure
We ask that, as a BCUC student, you always make yourself aware of your nearest fire exit, evacuation route and evacuation point, wherever you are working in the BCUC building or main building.
Please refer to the Burnley College Fire Procedures set out on the links below.
https://sharepoint.burnley.ac.uk/HealthAndSafety/SitePages/Fire%20Evacuation.aspx https://burnley.sharepoint.com/sites/HealthandSafety/SitePages/Fire-Safety.aspx
BCUC Policies and Procedures
https://issuu.com/bcmarketing/docs/bcuc-policies_and_procedure
Institutional Led Withdrawal
Should BCUC (Burnley College University Courses) decide, on the basis of relevant evidence related to attendance and engagement, that the student will be withdrawn from their studies, this is known as Institutional-led Withdrawal.
A registered student may be withdrawn from their course of study where it becomes clear they will not meet the academic or other course-specific progression requirements, or if the student fails to fulfil module/course attendance requirements which means their academic progress is deemed unsatisfactory.
A student will remain registered, therefore liable for fees, until BCUC makes a decision at a Course Assessment Board that registration on their course will be terminated. The last date of attendance (date of withdrawal) that will be used in all statutory reporting, including to Student Finance, and financial sponsors, will be the date that is 15 days after the date of the Course Assessment Board which made the decision to withdraw the student. This allows for the 14-day time period in which a student has the right to submit an appeal against that decision.
BCUC Enrolment Process
Applicants respond to Acceptance Offer
Applicant paying own fees or Employer paying fees
Applicant requires loan for tuition fees
Apply for loan via Student Finance online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance
Please send a screen shot of your loan application to he.admin@burnley.ac.uk
Within 6-8 weeks
August You will be invited to the BCUC enrolment event via letter
Once application is approved please email a copy of the University or College Payment Advice Slip letter to he.admin@burnley.ac.uk
FAILURE
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University of Central Lancashire
All applicants enrolling on UCLan courses must also enrol with UCLan directly.
You will be sent an email asking you to validate your email address. Once validated, you will receive an email with your UCLan username and password, along with a link to enrol. Please follow the instructions via the link to enrol.
Buckinghamshire New University
All applicants enrolling on Buckinghamshire New University courses must also enrol with the university directly.
University of Bolton
All applicants enrolling onto a University of Bolton course will be completed via BCUC.