Bedford Open Day brochure 2018

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EXPERTS

&

ADVICE FROM SUPPORT SERVICES

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YOUR OPEN DAY GUIDE Bedford campus 2018

WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE Choosing where and what to study is a life-changing decision – that’s why the more information you have, the better.

To make sure you get the most out of your day with us we’ve put together this booklet. Inside, you’ll find details on the University’s Open Day, including campus information, how to find us, campus maps, and information about what to expect on the day.

When you arrive on the day we’ll provide you with a programme of the days activities; which shows the times and locations of general talks, and subject specific sessions.

We have organised a wide range of talks and opportunities for you to meet with academics, support staff and students. We hope you get all your questions answered to help you make an informed decision about your future.

Enjoy your day!

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CONTENTS Our campus: Bedford What you can do on the day Why Bedfordshire?

Getting here: Bedford Bedford campus map Take yourself on a tour Plan your Open Day We’re committed to student satisfaction Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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3 4 5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12 13 14-15

OUR CAMPUS: BEDFORD Bedford is an idyllic, riverside town with a lively mix of traditional town pubs, bars and restaurants, shops, first-class sports facilities and heritage.

River Great Ouse, Bedford

Location is a big factor in choosing where to study - if you have time during your visit, explore Bedford and its surrounding areas.

Bedford is located approximately 35 miles from London and lies along the picturesque banks of the River Great Ouse. It boasts a wealth of parks and green open space, as well as leisure and entertainment facilities.

CAMPUS The Bedford campus is close to Bedford town centre and

Our new teaching building, Gateway

can be reached by bus in around five minutes. It is also a few minutes’ walk from the Aspects Leisure Centre, which is home to a cinema, gym and many restaurants.

FANTASTIC FACILITIES NEW TEACHING SPACE In 2015 we opened Gateway; a three-storey building that

offers a number of high-quality teaching spaces, as well as informal learning spaces, lecture theatres, a new student services centre, boardroom facilities, and a cafe.

DEDICATED SUBJECT FACILITIES Bedford is home to a 280-seat professional theatre to aid

the learning of our Dance, Theatre and Performing Arts students. It also has its own performance seasons and regularly holds workshops and conferences. On campus you’ll find a suite of industry-standard dance studios and a Physical Education and Sport Science Centre, which was used to train athletes in the 2012 Olympics, providing you with access to the latest sport and exercise science technology. We have also refurbished our sports hall, and upgraded our changing rooms, allowing our Bedford campus to offer facilities that meet national championship standards.

280-seat professional theatre

Sports hall

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WHAT YOU CAN DO ON THE DAY GENERAL TALKS AND PRESENTATIONS WELCOME TALKS Our welcome talks provide you with an

TOURS CAMPUS TOURS Campus tours offer a great way to get a real

GENERAL TALKS Our talks provide you with detailed information

ACCOMMODATION TOURS Accommodation tours will run throughout the day

introduction to the University’s courses, facilities, future plans and visions. It is recommended that attendees and guests try to attend one of the welcome talks. These are run throughout the morning of the Open Day and are delivered by a member of the Vice Chancellor’s Executive Team.

on how to make your application through UCAS, important advice on writing an impressive personal statement, the student finance process, information about the various placement opportunities available, and provide you with the chance to speak to some of our current students.

ACADEMIC HUBS We also have academic hubs which provide

an opportunity to have an informal chat with academic staff from your chosen subject areas.

They will be on hand to provide detailed course information and answer your questions.

SUPPORT SERVICES Representatives from our support services will be

available to speak to throughout the day to provide advice and information on various topics including; admissions, welfare and disability, finance, faith and community, and Go Global.

SUBJECT SESSIONS* Subject sessions provide you with an insight of

what it will be like to study at Bedfordshire. The sessions consist of a subject overview, followed by an interactive session where you will be able to see and use some of the facilities and equipment relevant to your course. *Subject specific programmes will be handed out upon arrival to the Open Day. Check out your reminder email for a sneak peak – you’ll receive this the week of the event.

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feel for the University and experience the environments that you will be studying and socialising in. You will visit the likes of our Campus Centre, the new library and our Students’ Union space. Tours will run throughout the day, so you can view our campus at your leisure.

and will give you an opportunity to see our halls of residence. The tours offer you the chance to see examples of rooms you can expect to live in whilst studying with us. Our accommodation representatives will also be able to provide you with information on living costs and how to apply for your place in halls.

GENERAL INFORMATION CATERING Complimentary refreshments of tea and coffee

will be available for all attendees and guests throughout the day. You can also purchase lunch from our food outlets in the Campus Centre.

PARKING There is plenty of on-site parking at our Bedford campus, which you can use for free whilst visiting us at our Open Day.

WHY BEDFORDSHIRE? Although a new university, Bedfordshire is an institution with a rich heritage and academic roots across the county dating back to 1882.

We have over 20,000 students from more than 120 countries giving our students a truly global experience. We nurture talent, encourage creativity, and provide a stimulating learning environment where you can flourish and reach your full potential.

Based on 2016 figures.

GETTING HERE: BEDFORD BEDFORD CAMPUS 46 miles north of London on

the main A6 route and offers easy access from both the north and the south.

From the north, leave the M1 at junction 14 and take the A422 From the south, leave the M1 at junction 13 and then follow the A421 Frequent train links to and from London Close to London Luton Airport Direct rail services from Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield ■

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Alexander Sports Hall

CAR PARKING At our Bedford campus we

offer plenty of on-site parking, which you can use for free whilst visiting us at our Open Day. For further travel information and directions please visit: www.beds.ac.uk/directions

Northampton/ Milton Keynes M1 Jn 13/14

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Bedford Station

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Bedford Park

Bedford campus

Bus Station Harpur Shopping Centre

River Great Ouse

= Student Accommodation

Luton & M1 Jn 13/14 London 46 miles/74km

See pages 8 and 9 for full campus map.

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BEDFORD CAMPUS YOUR ARRIVAL On arrival, please go to our Gateway building to register.

Once registered you will receive a coloured wristband, which signifies the subject area you are interested in.

Health & Social Sciences Education & Sport: • Sport Science & Physical Activity • Teacher Education • Education Studies • English Language Business School Creative Arts, Technologies & Science: • Media & Performance – Performing Arts • Culture & Communication – English Literature

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•

GATEWAY

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Registration Academic Hubs: Health & Social Sciences • Social Sciences Education & Sport • Education & English Language • Teacher Education • Sport Science & Physical Activity Business School • Strategy & Management • Law & Finance Creative Arts, Technologies & Science • Performing Arts • English Literature Support Services Campus Tours Accommodation Tours

D BLOCK – CAMPUS CENTRE Welcome to Bedfordshire talk Refectory FLOOR LEVEL GUIDANCE The room letter relates to the block which you are in, ie D1.01 will be in block D (Campus Centre).

The number which follows the first letter signifies the level of the building the room sits on, ie D1.01 will be Block D, level 1.

Ground floor: 0 Level 1: 1 Level 2: 2

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4D Campus Centre and Theatre 4G Gateway - Student Support and SiD 4J Teaching Education Centre 4K Teaching Education Centre

S2

OPEN DAY REGISTRATION 4L Teaching Education Centre 4 Student Accommodation Studios, Sports facilities 4 The Tower – Student 4P DandanceStudent Support services Accommodation Q Library 4 4 Student Accommodation R2 R3

SeedBeds (Community & Faith) 4T Classrooms 4 S2

R4

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TAKE YOURSELF ON A TOUR Our Open Days are designed so that you can tailor the day to suit you.

We have student-led campus tours available throughout the day, but if you’d rather go solo you can use this section to go on a self-guided tour, and navigate your

way around campus based on what you would like to see. Each of the facilities listed are numbered in accordance to the map, so it’s easy for you to find your way around.

47 43b 4 9

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43a

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42 41

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45 46

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1 Learning Resources Centre/library The Learning Resources Centre (LRC) offers a vast array of facilities which our students use extensively to support their studies. It is open 24/7, features dedicated areas for both silent and group study, offers 110,000 printed books, 30,000 e-journals and 4,000 e-books.

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2 Learning Hub The Learning Hub is based in P block at our Bedford campus, and features informal creative spaces and PCs for individual or group working.

43a Student Information Desk (SiD)/Careers

The Student Information Desk, or SiD as we like to call it, is the gateway to student services in one convenient location. The SiD desk is located on level one of the Gateway building at our Bedford campus. SiD is also available online as a 24/7 support tool, which enables you to view, update and log enquiries, and search a database of over 500 Frequently Asked Questions.

Located close by is our award-winning Careers team, made up of qualified and experienced advisers, information and guidance experts, and industry experts who offer a drop-in service and bookable guidance appointments to help you shape your career options. The team also helps students secure internships, placements, parttime work, and volunteer opportunities. Be sure to ask them about our EmployAble initiative, and find out more about the many extra-curricular activities you could get involved in to build up your skills and experience, ready for when you graduate.

43b Student Support

Student Support is available to offer practical and confidential advice and support for all students at the University; such as disability support, welfare and community and faith.

45 SeedBeds

Our Community and Faith team based in SeedBeds at Bedford welcomes students of all faiths and beliefs. The team offers confidential personal support and a range of social activities and events. The team can give you information and link you with local faith communities and places of worship. Prayer and Quiet Rooms are also available at our Luton and Putteridge Bury campuses.

46 Student Village: Campus Living

Take a look around our student accommodation.

Meet the team and find out more about what campus living is really like. The accommodation team assists you in many ways: from greeting you and making you feel welcome, to planning social events and activities throughout the year.

47 Liberty Park

Liberty Park offers 400 single and 113 double en-suite study bedrooms grouped in flats with fantastic communal areas, including a gym and on-site laundry facilities. This accommodation is our newest student accommodation based over at Bedford, and includes free internet access – go check it out!

48 Gateway

Gateway is a three-storey building situated at our Bedford campus, opened in 2015. It boasts a number of high-quality teaching spaces, as well as informal learning spaces, lecture theatres and a new student services centre (SiD) – everything you could need, all under one roof.

49 Shuttle bus stop

The University runs a shuttle bus service, connecting the Bedford campus with the town centre, and everything in between. The service runs Monday-Friday during term time, and is a great way to get out and about around Bedford town. And, best of all, it’s free!

44 Students’ Union

P Block is home to Beds SU. You can check out the Hub, which offers reasonably priced food and drink, and runs a variety of events, including quizzes, open-mic nights and the latest society events. The SU also offers support if you have any questions or concerns about your studies or general welfare during your time as a student.

You can seek free, confidential advice from the Beds SU’s Advice Centre.

Any questions?

Feel free to join our main campus tours, which are held throughout the day. If you have any questions please ask any member of staff, or our student ambassadors, who are all on hand to help.

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PLAN YOUR OPEN DAY TIME: LOCATION: GENERAL TALKS AND PRESENTATIONS

SUBJECT SESSIONS

TOURS

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WE’RE COMMITTED TO STUDENT SATISFACTION At Bedfordshire we have made enhancing the student experience our top priority over the last five years, which was reflected in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2017 results.

Our students continue to have a positive and satisfying experience at the University of Bedfordshire, and we remain one of the top 25 universities in the country for improving the student experience.

We’ve also been ranked 6th for most improved teaching, and are within the top 20 universities for both learning resources and academic support.

“These results will show to students considering the University of Bedfordshire that we are wholly committed to ensuring our students have the best possible student and learning experience. This is reflected in our high-quality teaching, our outstanding facilities and the great student support we provide.

“We offer our students a truly lifechanging, life-enhancing experience that will inspire them to become employable and entrepreneurial global citizens.”

Bill Rammell Vice Chancellor University of Bedfordshire

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) Q A

Q A

Q A

Where should I park?

At our Bedford campus we offer plenty of on-site parking, which you can use for free whilst visiting us at our Open Day. There are also many public car parks close to the University campus, which operate by pay and display. See pages 6-7 for more information.

Do I need to come for the whole day?

We recommend that you come for as much of the day as you can to get the best experience of the University of Bedfordshire. We have a range of talks and tours available to suit your needs, which are held throughout the day.

Can I attend more than one subject talk?

Yes. Many of our visitors will be interested in studying more than one subject with us, and it is up to you which sessions and talks you attend. You can customise your day, and select the talks that you are most interested in. If it is not possible to attend talks for all of the subjects that you are interested in, you can pop along to the academic hubs to speak to our academics directly to find out more about your subject and particular course of interest.

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Q A

Can I view the student accommodation at an Open Day?

Q A

Can I go on a campus tour?

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Can I bring family members and friends along to the Open Day?

Yes. You are able to see our show flats during our accommodation tours, which are run throughout the day.

Yes. Guided walking tours around campus take place throughout the day and last approximately 45 minutes-1 hour.

Yes. When you pre-register online to attend the Open Day we ask you how many people you will be bringing with you, and any special requirements that you and your guest(s) may have for the day. If the number of people who are attending the event with you changes, simply contact our Recruitment team to notify them: opendays@beds.ac.uk

Q A

Q A

Do you have disabled access?

All our campuses have disabled access.

If you need any help on the day please do ask a member of staff or one of our student ambassadors who will be pleased to assist. If you would like to contact us before the Open Day to discuss your requirements or for further advice, please email: opendays@beds.ac.uk

Q A

Where can I stay overnight?

There is a wide selection of hotels in the town centre, some of which are a short drive or walk from the Bedford campus.

What happens if I can’t attend an Open Day? If you can’t make it to our Open Day don’t worry. We run a number of events throughout the year so there are plenty of opportunities to visit us on campus.

Visit: www.beds.ac.uk/opendays to take a look at the next available dates. If you can’t wait until the next event to take a look around, then have a look online for our list of campus tours. These offer a more informal tour around campus and our facilities, often led by one of our own students. If you have particular questions that you would like answering don’t forget you can ask via our online Live Chat, accessible via our website: www.beds.ac.uk

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“I came to one of the Open Days and I was surprised by how close and homely it felt being such a small campus.”

Tom Scott BA (Hons) Football Studies student

Bedford campus Polhill Avenue Bedford Bedfordshire United Kingdom MK41 9EA To find out more, contact the Recruitment team: T: +44 (0)300 3300 073 E: opendays@beds.ac.uk W: www.beds.ac.uk/opendays Chat to us live, Monday-Friday between 8.30am-5pm via: www.beds.ac.uk

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DOWNLOAD OUR APP MYBEDS TO GET OPEN DAY INFORMATION DURING YOUR VISIT