Book for Beds 2024 - Arts and Creative Industries

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Welcoming students who are studying:

Media and Communications

Art and Design

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

WELCOME TO ARTS AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

We are delighted that you will be studying with us and we look forward to you becoming part of our caring family of diverse students where you can belong and achieve your potential.

Our excellent staff will guide you through your studies and collaborative projects and inspire you to work just as you would in the creative industries. Like former students, you could go on to work with the BBC; ITV; KISS radio; Simbodies; Mouldlife; work as a freelance sports journalist; artist; filmmaker; presenter; or designer.

I encourage you to make the most of the facilities available to you, including our industry-standard TV studios and editing rooms, our award-winning student-run radio station and our vibrant Art and Design studios which are located in the heart of Luton’s creative quarter. I would also encourage you to immerse yourself in the many events and activities run by the School that will help hone your skills, deepen your knowledge and grow your professional network.

This booklet provides you with important information that will prepare you for your course and with taking your first steps at university. If you have any questions before you arrive, please do get in touch. We are all looking forward to meeting you during Welcome Week.

Carlota Larrea Head of School of Arts and Creative Industries

SUPPORTING YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

During your time with us, you will have a dedicated team to support you through your studies. This includes a course coordinator, a personal academic tutor and unit coordinators. The course team has weekly office hours so if you need academic support, you can book an appointment online or in person. They will be with you every step of the way!

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

Beds SU (Luton and Bedford)

bedssu.co.uk

help@bedssu.co.uk

ESSENTIAL CONTACTS

Media and Communications

Film Production, Media Production and Film and TV Production

• Anthony Greenbank

Sports Journalism and Media, Marketing and PR

• Jon Boyle

If you need to contact your course coordinator, visit our Meet the Teaching Team page on our website for their contact details.

Art and Design

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

• Dawn Hesketh-Joslin

BA (Hons) Photography

• Dr Nicoló Giuduce

BA (Hons) Art and Design

• Nigel Grimmer

BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Animation

• Noel Douglas

BA (Hons) Fashion Design

• Adam Gefen

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING

WELCOME WEEK

Welcome Week is an essential part of navigating student life and your studies and is a brilliant way of getting to know staff and students and finding out more about campus life more broadly.

The following is a typical Welcome Week schedule (your exact schedule will be available before you start):

Introduction to university life:

Day 1

Day 2

Student Services, Students’ Union and Library Services

Treasure hunt

Introduction to collaborative project

Meet the Head of School and course teams

A day in the life – what to expect (including Q&A with current students)

Find out about your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT)

Library and academic support

Course activities

ID and document check appointments for international students

Day 3 & 4

Day 5

Freshers’ Fayre and Students’ Union activities

Course activities and meet your PAT

Ready for studies: research and support

Getting online and finding your way around

Introduction to BREO (our online learning environment)

CHECKLIST YOUR

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.

PREPARING FOR YOUR

FIRST WEEK

You may be given reading and tasks before you start your course, so make sure you have completed these before you arrive on campus. Your course coordinator will give you a list of any specialist equipment you will need during your induction week.

Once you are an Arts and Creative Industries student you will get free access to Adobe software for use on your home computer or laptop. The School is equipped with Macs and PCs throughout our studios and library, and the University also has laptops available to borrow.

SOMETHING TO WATCH

Meet students from the School of Arts and Creative Industries and view their work by following us on Instagram

• @uniofbeds_creative

• Watch our student-run television station Beds TV

HAVE A LISTEN

• Tune in to our award-winning student-run radio station Radio LAB

ABOUT THE CAMPUS

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

ACCESSING YOUR TIMETABLE

As a first year student, you will typically have scheduled taught sessions over three days every week, with one day for reading and research. 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

WHAT YOU WILL STUDY IN

During your first year you will be introduced to a range of creative skills such as:

Fundamentals of creative making

How to present and exhibit your work

Art and Design

Academic writing and research skills

Exploring materials and methods in your field of practice

Learning digital and technical skills

Meeting visiting industry professionals who will offer expert advice and insights into what it is like to work in the creative industries

Visiting exhibitions, galleries and museums and going on study trips to design and artists’ studios throughout your course

Media and Communications

Collaborative practice and group work

Practical skills and techniques

Industry-led professional practice through masterclasses

Q&As with visiting industry professionals who offer expert advice and insight into what it is like to work in the creative industries

Visits to exhibitions, galleries and museums and study trips

Plus plenty of other activities!

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.

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:

Reports and essays

Professional portfolios

Skills based projects

Presentations

Written evaluations

Artefacts

Group exhibitions.

Assessments are purposefully diverse and created to relate to industry practices.

DON’T FORGET!

Your unit coordinator will guide you with your assessments and further support is available from the Study Hub and Learning and Wellbeing Support Services.

UP TO DATE HOW YOU CAN KEEP

We use a virtual learning environment called BREO (Bedfordshire Resources for Education Online) which helps our students keep up to date with everything that’s happening.

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 advise all students to log in to BREO every day once you arrive on campus as it is regularly updated. You can only access BREO once you have registered with us as a student but you can read more about it on our website

Once you register as a student of the School, you will have access to our Collaborate website where we post work experience opportunities throughout the year. This can range from production to post production and design. We will tell you more about that during your Welcome Week inductions.

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

Our Art and Design course tutors are practising artists and photographers who exhibit their work internationally and use their industry links to develop live briefs for students to work on, mirroring contemporary working environments.

Art and Design

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.

Media and Communications

We are members of The Association of Fashion and Textiles Courses, enhancing our Fashion Design students’ opportunities to make creative industry connections and build employability.

Fashion graduates have entered many areas of the fashion industry and completed internships with Alexander McQueen, Mary Katrantzou, Sophia Webster, Amanda Wakeley and Jimmy Choo, to name a few.

FIVE REASONS TO STUDY YOUR COURSE AT THE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

You will have access to our 3D workshop with a laser cutter; 3D printer; digital pattern cutter; CNC machine; and a variety of drills, saws and other tools. Our print room enables printing on a range of materials including textiles, wood and paper, and extensive screen-printing equipment.

Interior Architecture and Design students benefit from the course’s professional connections with the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID); Royal Institute of Architects (RIBA); and BREEAM, the world-leading certification system for sustainably built environments.

You get to develop live projects and enjoy work experience at industry organisations such as the BBC.

Our Film and TV courses rank 7 th for teaching quality and 9 th for student experience in their subject field (Times University Guide, 2024) and 8 th for student satisfaction in their subject field (Complete University Guide, 2024).

Our graduates have gone on to work for the BBC and ITV as well as on or in top TV shows and films including James Bond: No Time to Die; Mission: Impossible; Strictly Come Dancing; Gogglebox; Dr Who; The Graham Norton Show; Game of Thrones; and Champions League Football with BT Sport.

You will learn your craft from an experienced team of industry experts, using high-spec, industry-standard facilities including HD multi-camera television studios; radio facilities; broadcast TV studio and Mac-equipped newsroom with radio news booth and transmission gallery and Netflix-approved film cameras.

We bring the creative industries to you with visiting experts who are part of the delivery of our courses as well as presenting masterclasses. Plus you can engage directly with the industry through networking events, guest talks and workshops.