Our support services will be available for both face-to-face appointments where permitted and online appointments, subject to any restrictions in place at the time. This includes a range of student services such as the Centre for Academic Success, Graduate Plus, our careers service and our library and learning resources.
Key points for you to know
- All of our support services will be available to you in-person, where possible, and online.
- School reception points will be available on campus for any questions you need answering.
- Disability support will be available both on and off-campus throughout the academic year.
What can I expect?
We’ve set out below a list of some of our key services and how they will operate so that you can continue to access help and advice as a BCU student.
Academic support
Our Centre for Academic Success is offering a range of support and advice online and in-person on topics such as academic writing, English language, assignment planning, dissertations, study skills, referencing, computing, maths and statistics. Online 1:1 tutorials are available for you to discuss your work with one of our friendly expert tutors over MS Teams or email, and our popular group workshops are being scheduled both on-campus and online. On our resource page in Moodle you will find videos, study guides and advice to help with assignments, studying and making the most of your time at BCU.
The team is also offering an online Moodle course; the Success course, which provides guidance and advice around academic writing, study skills and numeracy topics.
Disability support
The Disability Support Team will be offering face-to-face appointments and drop-ins, but if you prefer to chat to us online via telephone, email or MS Teams, we can do that too. Our dyslexia screening and diagnostic services will be provided face-to-face only.
The team can support with online teaching and assessments too, including advice on using assistive software like My Computer My Way from AbilityNet.
Support for other vulnerable students and international students
If you are an international student and you do not arrive in the UK at the start of your course, we will expect you to engage with learning online. A tailored session will be organised for a member of the course team to discuss a support plan for you, which will then be in place until you are able to join us on campus.
If you are required to self-isolate, you should continue to engage with learning online during your period of isolation. The University will provide food vouchers to you during your isolation period. Support will also be offered to students required to self-isolate by the University’s Mental Health and Wellbeing team.
If restrictions are re-introduced and vulnerable people are advised to shield again, you will be able to speak to our Student Engagement Team to discuss your options to continue your learning.
Enhance your employability
Our Graduate+ scheme is continuing to get students job-ready with online tutorials and resources, including access to professional development tool Potential.ly and online language app Rosetta Stone.
Help with careers
Similarly, our Careers+ team is around to offer you advice on your future career, job applications and CVs with appointments throughout the week.
Looking for work or volunteering opportunities? Visit the team’s online jobs board for current vacancies.
Your Students’ Union
BCUSU will continue to represent you and enhance your time here at BCU by providing a variety of services from the Advice Centre to representation and accommodation.
Visit the Students’ Union website to find out how they can support you and to speak to a member of the team.
Library and learning resources
Our libraries will remain open for all students to access during opening hours. Students will be able to book study spaces in our Curzon and Mary Seacole libraries using the online space booking system. Spaces may be booked for a maximum of three hours.
You will also be able to reserve and borrow essential resources using our click and collect service.
Our Library team is continuing to expand the range of resources available online. Search for eBooks, online databases and journals relevant to your studies.
Help is available 24/7 through our online Chat service. You can also book online tutorials with subject expert librarians who can help you make the most of our online resources. There is also a guide to help you study from home.
Keep an eye on the Library and Learning Resources page for updates and information on library loans and visiting the library.
