The Final Year Undergraduate Guide

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Guide for Final Year Undergraduate Students

Contents

iBU is the FREE official mobile application for students studying at BU Available for Blackberry, Android and Apple devices (as well as a web browser version for other web-enabled devices)

The application will allow you to access a range of university services including your academic timetable, bus information, staff directory, library catalogue search and much more.

You can download the app before you arrive, but you will need to have completed your university online registration (as detailed in your welcome letter) before you can register and use it.

Welcome to your final year

04

How BU has developed

05

Key dates for your diary

07

Final year resources

09

Get involved

11

National Student Survey

12

Contacting you

13

Placement and Careers Service

14

Careers Events

15

Interview Skills and CV Workshops

16

Student Development Award

17

Further study at BU

18

Become a SUBU elected officer

19

Graduation 20

You’re also able to suggest ideas for other services that you think would be useful to have on the app.

Alumni

21

Download the app now for your phone or tablet device through the App Store, Google Play Store or Blackberry World. For students with other web enabled devices, you can also access the app at the following link bournemouth.ombiel.co.uk/chooseGrade

Access to BU resources

22

Glossary 23

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Welcome to your final year

Welcome to your final year

Welcome to your final year The final year of your undergraduate degree is undoubtedly the most challenging and rewarding part of your journey at university.

Whether you are continuing from the second year, have returned from time spent on placement or are topping up a foundation degree, Level H (as it is known in University speak!) is the year where you become a fully-fledged independent learner, ready for whatever comes next.

This guide will highlight some of the key pieces of information relevant to your final year, and provide some useful hints and tips to help you get the most out of your time studying at BU. What’s more, it provides information about future opportunities with BU and the Students’ Union, in addition to the resources you will have access to after you graduate.

So whether you choose to move straight in to the world of work, or would like to continue your learning with postgraduate study, don’t forget that you will always be a part of the BU community. We hope you have enjoyed your time at BU thus far, and make the most of the final year of your undergraduate degree.

Good Luck!

Professor John Vinney – Vice-Chancellor Murray Simpson – Students’ Union President

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How BU has developed

How BU has developed

BU2018

How BU has developed

‘Creating the most stimulating, challenging and rewarding university experience in a world-class learning community by sharing our unique fusion of excellent education, research and professional practice and inspiring our students, graduates and staff to enrich the world.’

BU has evolved significantly over the past 3-4 years with major investment being made in the physical environment as well as a number of key improvements in the IT infrastructure and resources made available to students.

Here is a snapshot of the most significant changes to the university over the last few years.

• App Sci Labs

• Kimmeridge House Redevelopment

• iBU Mobile Application

• Poole House Courtyard • Purple Lounge

• 3G Sports pitches • New state of the art gym • Boho Lounge • Academic Kitchens • New DEC computer labs

In order to achieve the university’s ambitious vision, it is crucial that we invest further in our facilities and environment to allow students and staff to have a truly outstanding and personalised experience.

The new £10.5million Student Centre on Talbot Campus is due to open in April 2015 6 | Student Handbook 2013

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Key dates for the diary

Key dates for the diary

Start of the academic year 16th September 2013

Key dates for the diary

g

ainin ep Tr ing R

rn Retu EBC

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Start of the acade mic year 16th Sept ember 20 13 ReRep Essential (for new Student Reps) 19th October 2013 – Executive tuTraining rning Rep Business Centre T r a in ing (for r 12th Octo e-elected b e r 2 0 1 3 –22-24th Student R Graduate and Placements Careers Fair 2013 – Kimmeridge ExecOctober u t eps) ive Busine HouseEsse ntial Rep s s Centre T r a ininOctober-25th g (for neOctober 9th OcOfficer SUBU1 Part-time tobeElections w Studen r 20123rd t Reps) 3 – Execu SUBU 18th-22nd November 2013 tive Busin GSpeak raduWeek ess Centr ate and Pl e a c e m e 2 n 2 t s 4th25th-29th BUnique 2 Week 2013 Fair OctobNovember er 2013 – Kim 2014 eridge Ho Winter 16th December 2013 – 3rd Januarym SUBBreak U Studen use t C o uncil Ele 2that 3rdjobOday Get 26th February 2014 – Thomas Hardy Suite (Talbot Campus) c tions ctober-25 th Octob er Spring – 5th May 2014 SUBBreak U Sp14th eakApril Week 18t h-22nd No End of Academic Year 11th July 2014 vember 20 BUnique W 13 eek 25th29th No v embe 20 Winter Br 13 eakthe BU/SUBU Campaigns Calendarrthat Keep an eye out for will be available 1around 6th campus Decemand October beonline r 20from 13 – 3rd January 2 Get that 014 job day 2 6th Febru Hardy Suit ary 2014 e (Talbot – Thomas Campus) Spring Br eak 14th April – 5t h May 201 End of Ac 4 ademic Ye ar 11th J uly 2014 Keep an e ye out fo r the BU/ that will SUB be avail ab le around U Campaigns Calen from Oct dar campus a ober nd online Returning Rep Training (for re-elected Student Reps) 12th October 2013 – Executive Business Centre

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Resources to help you in your final year

Get involved room on either campus for study or another activity.

Resources to help you in your final year

To book a room or lodge a filming request, simply visit the following page on the Student Portal http://studentportal. bournemouth.ac.uk/learning/roombookings/index.html If you would like to book school specialist space (e.g. PC labs, studios etc.) please contact your School directly.

Study Support There is a range of support available to you when studying which you may not have yet accessed while at BU. In order to become a fully-fledged independent learner, it is important that you know how to make the best of your study time and how to utilise certain skills.

Library We have a wealth of resources available to support you in your final year of undergraduate study. In our two libraries, you will find a wide range of e-resources and study space for you to revise and complete assignments.

Take a look at the following video to see how we can support you further www.youtube. com/watch?v=9rIwTy7JxI4 For more information, visit www. bournemouth.ac.uk/library

Social Learning Spaces There are a number of social learning spaces around both campuses for you to relax and study. The Purple Lounge on Talbot Campus and the BoHo Lounge on Lansdowne are

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two great examples of where you can access facilities to enhance your learning.

Bournemouth University is first to be commended for the quality of student learning opportunities by the QAA Bournemouth University has achieved a “commended” judgement for the quality of student learning opportunities from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). This is the first time the judgement of commended for this category, the highest award possible, has been given to any university.

At http://studentportal.bournemouth. ac.uk/learning/study-support/index. html you will find information on a variety of topics including critical analysis and academic writing. It also provides a link through to the ‘Academic Skills’ tab on myBU where you can find a range of resources and even book on to specific skills workshops.

You can find details of social learning spaces, computer rooms and much more on the iBU mobile application.

IT Support There is Wi-Fi (BU-Student) available on both campuses and students have access to 24 hours, 7 days a week IT telephone support by calling +44 (0)1202 965515. Alternatively you can log your request online at servicedesk. bournemouth.ac.uk

Room Bookings We know that the final year is challenging and that you may want your own space to study alone or collaborate with fellow students. Therefore you are able to book a

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National Student Survey

Get involved

Get involved SUBU can help you make the most of you final year A message from your Full Time Elected Officers...

Welcome back to Bournemouth! We know you’ll be facing a tricky year with dissertations and final assessments… but this year is also a perfect opportunity to brush up on those transferable skills, polish off your CV and embark on life changing experiences.

According to HECSU 2013, “Graduates with extracurricular experience while at Uni were less likely to be earning a comparatively low salary”. SUBU is your Students’ Union at Bournemouth Uni and we’re all about helping students develop new skills, enhance their employability and most importantly - have fun.

National Student Survey From January, you will be asked to complete the National Student Survey, which is a survey of all final year undergraduate students in the UK. It is run by a company called Ipsos Mori, and gives students a chance to rate their university experience.

You will receive an email from Ipsos Mori when the survey opens, and they will follow this up with a phone call if the survey has not been completed by the mid-point.

We will provide a space on both campuses where students can complete the survey during the first few weeks, to ensure you are not called by the survey providers later on.

The survey takes about 5 minutes to complete, and you are entered into a free prize draw where you can win some great prizes.

This year you could….

• Join one of 100+ clubs or societies.

• Become a Student Rep and improve your course.

• Host a radio show or write for Nerve, our student media.

• Run to become a Part Time Elected Officer for 1 of the 4 SUBU Councils.

• Support a good cause with opportunities ranging from 5 minutes with SUBU Volunteering to climbing Kilimanjaro with Rag. And remember, if it gets a bit much SUBU Advice is here to help with issues from housing & finance to academic & personal worries.

Have an amazing final year and keep up to date with @SUBUBournemouth on Twitter & SUBU Bournemouth on Facebook!

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Placement and Careers Service

Contacting you

Placement and Careers Service

Contacting you

It is crucial that we have your most up to date contact details in case we need to communicate with you.

We may need to send hard copy information to your postal address in the event of any official BU communication and require full contact details in case of an emergency.

Updating your contact details couldn’t be easier; simply follow this link https:// studentportalservices. bournemouth.ac.uk/default. aspx?jump=contactdetails

As a final year student, you have access to one of the most wide ranging and comprehensive placements and careers services available.

As a degree is no longer a guarantee of a job and in an increasingly competitive market, you need to stand out from the crowd and at BU we can help equip you with the necessary skills and experience to help you do that.

We can help with job hunting strategies and will do all we can during your time here at BU to give you a competitive edge when you eventually go for that dream job.

Here is the variety of services we offer to give you that edge:

• Online job vacancy system, MyCareerHub, access 100s of part time, vacation and graduate vacancies • CV and Careers Appointments – bookable appointments via MyCareerHub • Comprehensive range of Print (from the Edge Student Development Centre) and Online Careers, Job Hunting and Application Resources • BU Employability blog and Twitter • Ask a BU graduate – Careers and Jobs Advice for BU Grads

Don’t forget, you can also set up text alerts from your academic timetable by entering your mobile phone number in to the ‘personalise section’.

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Interview Skills and CV Workshops

Career Events

Interview Skills and CV Workshops

Career Events

During your final year, you may find yourself in need of help when writing your CV/application forms and also when you get that interview for a graduate job.

The Placements and Careers Team produce a calendar of workshops hosted by graduate employers in the Autumn and Spring terms to help equip you with the necessary skills to ensure you ace that application/interview.

There is further information on MyCareerHub on how to write a CV and interview techniques.

Throughout the academic year Placements and Careers runs a full programme of employer events and career management workshops in the Autumn and Spring terms.

Places are usually limited and have to be booked in advance. To book your place please either call 01202 961663 or book your place via MyCareerHub by visiting the Events section. Alternatively visit The Edge Student Development Centre (Outside the library entrance). You may cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

We hold a variety of careers fairs, the largest being the Graduate and Placements Fair which this year is on Tuesday 22nd, Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October. This event is an excellent way of getting in front of an employer, making yourself known and talking through their opportunities. For further information on this event, as well as all the other careers events, please visit the Events section of MyCareerHub.

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• The successful intern will received 3x£1000 grants directly from BU starting one month in arrears of the commencement of the internship.

• A small report of 250 words or so will be required by both the intern and the company.

You will be able to find these vacancies, as they become available, on myCareerHub

These employability skills workshops can be found under the Events section of MyCareerHub so look out for them!

Santander/Bournemouth University Internship Scheme 2013 - 2014 Final year BU students are invited to apply for one of 25 fully funded 3 month internships within SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) companies; the awards will be based on the following criteria: • Applications are invited from BU final year students and all BU students that have graduated within the past 2 years.

• Each intern will be funded for the duration of 3 months at a minimum of £3,000 per individual.

• £1,500 will be paid for by Santander and £1,500 will be funded by Bournemouth University (BU) via the Placement & Project Grants.

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Further study at BU

Student Development Award

Student Development Award

Further study at BU Have you starting thinking about your next steps after graduation?

Studying for a Master’s degree can enhance your employability. In fact, 82%* of our postgraduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

In your final year, making yourself stand out to employers is crucial. The BU Student Development Award enables you to gain formal recognition for all of your additional skills gained outside of your degree.

There are many reasons why people are attracted to postgraduate study. For some it’s to acquire new skills through conversion courses, for others it’s just the personal pleasure of the subject, or their chosen career requires a specific qualification.

This includes gaining formal certified recognition for any extra-curricular activities you engage in outside of your studies and can include playing for a sports team, participating in the choir or even volunteering with a charity.

The award was developed with a number of external companies, and is sure to make you even more employable when looking for work.

The graduate employment market is competitive and the added skills and industry accreditations gained through further study can differentiate you from other job seekers, improving your chances of getting the job you really want.

Once you’ve applied and been accepted on to the award scheme, you’ll receive specialised training and the support of a Coach to complete the Award in 6 straightforward steps.

Embarking on postgraduate study demonstrates commitment and enthusiasm and employers love what postgraduates have; communication skills, work ethic, research methods, team-working, and selfmanagement.

6. Achieve 5. Award Plans

4. Award Coach

1. Apply

Offering 1:1 support for completing the Award

that give you 100 points - 100 things to do before you leave BU!

Via the on-line application form

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Session to reach your goal step by step

SDA Induction: network & enjoy specialist support for the Award

3. Attend 2. Activites

your Award Certificate application form

To find out more on the award and how to apply, go to:- http:// studentportal.bournemouth. ac.uk/career/development-award/ development-award.html

Join us at one of our information sessions to chat to an academic and discover more about further study at BU. Postgraduate Information Sessions: Wednesday 20 November 2013 Wednesday 26 March 2014 Wednesday 21 May 2014 Find out more at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/discover

A Master’s degree is hard work - but it’s also hugely rewarding and satisfying. It can give you the confidence and tools to succeed in the next stage of your career.

Part-time, distance learning options and various short courses enable you work and study at the same time, and influential research project opportunities are also available.

With up to 25%** off tuition fees for BU graduates, there’s never been a better time to continue your studies with us and enhance your career prospects. *Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, 2011/12. **Terms and Conditions apply

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Graduation

Become a SUBU Elected Officer

Become a SUBU Elected Officer

Do you want a full-time paid job when you leave university? Do you want to develop your employability skills? Are you passionate about students and their experience at BU?

Graduation Celebrate your achievement with BU at our annual Awards Ceremonies where you can formally receive your award in the company of friends, family and fellow graduates.

Our Award Ceremonies are the highlight of the university year and are the culmination of all the hard work that you have put into your studies.

Then this job could be for you…nominate yourself to become a full-time officer in the Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU) and represent over 17,000 students!

Ceremonies are held in November at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) and each event lasts approximately 2 hours (depending on how many people come along)

You will have the opportunity to work with senior university management, the local council, BU staff and most importantly – the fantastic students here at BU. You will develop your skills in communication and project management, among others and will be given plenty of support from the SUBU team. You’re unlikely to find another graduate level job which is as challenging and influential as this!

Invitations will be emailed to those eligible during the summer, so make sure we have the right contact details for you and keep an eye on your inbox.

Once you have received your invite you should register and request any guest tickets.

Registration is vital - even if you are unable to attend it is important that you register and tell us so that we can make sure you receive your certificate after the event.

To find out more about what you need to do for your special day, visit our web pages and look through our Information Booklet and FAQs. www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student/awardsceremonies

Running in the elections themselves is a great opportunity for you to develop your employability skills as well as making friends and having fun. You will develop your confidence in talking in front of a large audience and will be trained in how to plan and deliver an effective campaign.

Look out for when the nominations open in February 2014 and if you’re interested email SU President, Murray Simpson for more information: supresident@ bournemouth.ac.uk

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Access to BU Resources

Alumni

Access to BU Resources

Alumni Graduation is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to say goodbye – you’ll still be part of the BU community.

After graduating you’ll automatically become a member of BU’s Alumni Association, and we’ll do our very best to keep you in touch and involved with your university.

Our exclusive annual magazine for alumni, dedicated e-mail updates and Facebook Page will keep you up-to-date with news, events and opportunities for graduates. You can also take advantage of exclusive alumni benefits and offers, from big discounts on further study to special rates on sportBU membership.

If you’d like to stay a bit more closely involved with BU, you can also take part in all sorts of

activities, from featuring in our publicity to helping the next generation of students through our mentoring scheme.

So, whatever you do after leaving BU, keep in touch! You can update your contact details with us anytime or find out more about the Alumni Association at: www.bournemouth. ac.uk/alumni

Did you know that after you graduate, you can still access a wide range of BU resources no matter where you are?

You can continue to use your BU email account which allows you access to a calendar function, 10GB of storage and instant messaging for as long as you like. Simply visit www.outlook.com and type in your BU username and password.

BU alumni can use The Sir Michael Cobham Library’s facilities for reference and discounts are available on subscription.

You can also continue to use Dylan’s and The Loft bars in Poole House and are also able to attend certain events at the Old Fire Station simply check their website for details.

SportBU continues to offer a number of great deals to BU alumni following graduation – the gym and fitness classes are still available by purchasing a sportBU membership.

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You can even sign up for volunteering opportunities through the Students’ Union www.subu.org.uk/subuvolunteering We are still committed to supporting you in your search for employment, even after you have completed your studies. Therefore, you will still be able to access the latest job opportunity through myCareerHub and can also book to meet with Careers Advisors for up to 3 years after you graduate.

If you are a DEC student, then you are also able to sign up for potential work opportunities when external businesses require some additional help after you graduate http:// www.bournemouth.ac.uk/alumni/services/ workbank.html

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Glossary

Glossary Level H This refers to the final year of undergraduate study with the ‘H’ standing for ‘Honours’. This is usually preceded by Level I (Intermediate) or, in the case of a sandwich degree, Level P (Placement).

Postgraduate degree A Master’s degree School Academic department or faculty Students’ Union (SUBU) The organisation that is responsible for representing and supporting (academically and socially) students during their studies. SUBU is independent from the university.

Undergraduate degree Bachelor degree or first degree Vice-Chancellor The most senior member of university staff

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