the music college

STUDENTHANDBOOK

2015/16

ContentsWelcome to Access to Music at Birmingham City University ........................ 04

1. Introduction .............................................................................................. 06

2. Benefits of Higher Education ................................................................... 08

3. A safe and welcoming environment ......................................................... 08

4. What you should expect from us and what we expect from you ............ 14

5. Settling in ................................................................................................. 17

6. Have your say .......................................................................................... 18

7. Assessment ............................................................................................. 19

8. ATM Online ............................................................................................... 22

9. Progression .............................................................................................. 24

10. International students .............................................................................. 25

11. Library and learning resources ................................................................ 27

12. Student Union .......................................................................................... 28

13. Student support ....................................................................................... 29

14. If things go wrong .................................................................................... 38

15. FAQs ........................................................................................................ 40

Access to Music is the UK’s largest provider of popular music education and training. Whether you have just left school or college or you are coming back into education after a gap, we are committed to offering you a dynamic and rewarding learning experience.

Many thousands of people from many different backgrounds and with different ambitions and aspirations have studied with Access to Music, meaning you are part of the largest national network of music students in the UK.

Our many links with the music industry at all levels mean that all of our students have access to a very wide range of expertise from across the music business.

We urge you to value your time with us and to make the most of the many opportunities that will be presented to you.

We are committed to working with you to fulfil your potential and to prepare you fully for the next stage of your career, whatever that might turn out to be.

Best wishes,

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Adrian ArmstrongChief ExecutiveAccess to Music

Welcome to Access to Music at Birmingham City University

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As a student of Access to Music you can enjoy many of the benefits of our unique partnership with Birmingham City University (BCU). BCU are the awarding body for your qualification, but they offer much more than that. You will have access to many of BCU’s resources and facilities including student support services, the student library and selected guest speakers. There are also opportunities to collaborate with students across different disciplines, whether it be in media or other music-related areas. When you enrol at BCU you will be joining a body of around 22,000 students from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. You will learn from first-rate teaching staff and get to live within the vibrant, multicultural environment of Birmingham.

BCU MISSIONTo be a powerful force for learning, creativity and enterprise, promoting economic, social and cultural wellbeing.

BCU VISIONWe will be recognised regionally, nationally and internationally as a university which fosters intellectual, critical and creative endeavour and, through continuous innovation:

• provides an educational experience of the highest quality with a strong commitment to employability and to flexible and practice-based learning;

• is an exemplar for engagement with business, the professions and the community;

• promotes centres of excellence in research and investigative practice;

• is a force for equality and inclusion.

We have put this handbook together to help you make your time with us successful and enjoyable. Your handbook gives you the information you need to access the many opportunities and services that Access to Music and Birmingham City University provides, to ensure you are able to work to your full potential as a student with us.

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1. Welcome to Access To Music1. Introduction

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2. Benefits of Higher Education

We believe the lifelong value of higher education far outweighs any short-term costs – you will develop personally, intellectually and professionally, gaining a distinct advantage in the job market.

• You are likely to earn more – figures from the Office for National Statistics show that, over a ten-year period, graduates earned an average of £12,000 a year more than non-graduates.

• You will have a wider range of jobs available to you – one in three jobs in UK businesses require degree-level skills, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI Education and Skills Survey 2013).

• You get to study a subject that you enjoy in greater depth, with lecturers who are experts in their field.

• You will get the chance to build your employability skills by taking part in projects within the music industry.

• You will develop personally by living more independently, taking part in new sporting or social activities and meeting with students from around the world!

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Equality and diversityAccess to Music and BCU recognise the uniqueness of individuals and embrace this so that each person can fulfil their potential. We welcome and value people from all backgrounds and cultures. We recognise and celebrate diversity and actively oppose discrimination.

Access to Music and BCU strive to remove barriers to provide equality of opportunity by raising aspirations and widening participation in order to support everyone’s success. All individuals can expect to be treated fairly and with respect.

Access to Music and BCU are committed to promoting the values of a fair and free democracy, the rule of law, freedom of speech and the rights of everyone to live free from persecution of any kind.

Access to Music and BCU, therefore, are committed to ensuring that our policies and practices, and those of our partners do not discriminate against anyone.

In addition to this, Access to Music and BCU are committed to challenging stereotypes within the music industry, as well as promoting diversity through its courses and calendar of events.

Bullying and harassment We also are clear on our position with regard to bullying and harassment and believe behaviours contributing to these are unacceptable. Threatening and violent behaviour, victimisation and bullying are major disciplinary offenses. Other students may not share your ideas of what is funny and acceptable. Thoughtless comments, unkind remarks and name calling, use of derogatory language in any form, including cyber-bullying, may result in disciplinary action being taken.

3. A safe & welcoming environment

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Being and feeling safe at universityAccess to Music and BCU take their responsibilities for the safety and wellbeing of all students very seriously.

We believe that the welfare of the individual is paramount and we recognise our duty and responsibility to protect when there is a cause for concern.

All staff and students have the right to:• live and work in a safe environment and be protected from

harm;• experience emotional wellbeing;• feel valued and be supported by a network of professional

relationships;• have a positive self-image;• have a secure sense of cultural, social and racial identity;• developgoodinterpersonalskillsandconfidenceinsocial

situations.

Access to Music and BCU believe: • thatallstaffandstudentswithoutexceptionhavetheright

to protection from abuse regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexuality or beliefs;

• that all concerns and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

Access to Music and BCU are committed to the principle of safe recruitment, selection and vetting of all staff.

Safeguarding includes health and safety (including staying safe online), anti-bullying, protection from abuse, radicalisation or exploitation, avoiding potentially harmful activities and associated welfare issues.

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Safeguarding includes health and safety (including e-safety), anti-bullying, protection from abuse or exploitation, avoiding potentially harmful activities and associated welfare issues.

We ask you at all times whilst you are in university buildings and/or taking part in course activities (e.g. gigs, competitions, marketing activities and events) to take responsibility of others, follow all safety rules and guidelines and conduct yourself in a way that does not put you, or anybody around you, at risk.

Accident, incidents, potential hazards, unsafe situations and broken equipment should be reported to your centre’s staff immediately. It is important that we are made aware of any potential risks, even if an injury did not occur, so that we can take steps as soon as possible to prevent it happening again. If you wilfully damage or break equipment you will be asked to pay for it, as this stops others from using it and learning. ALL students have a duty to observe safe working practices and to comply with any verbal or written instruction regarding health and safety/fire regulations.

All learners, staff and visitors are required to wear university ID both at college and on course activities. Once issued with your ID card, you must look after it as you will need it to access buildings, borrow equipment and sit assessments or take exams. You must not share door codes with anyone that does not study or work at Access to Music or BCU. Please ensure that coded doors are locked behind you and that you don’t allow anyone in the building without a pass.

If you feel you are at risk from harm, or feel another student is at risk, please speak to your tutor, course leader or centre manager. We are all responsible for each other’s safety and welfare and we all need to know what to do when we suspect something is wrong.

All of our centres have a person with responsibility for safeguarding and they will be introduced to you as part of your induction. Their names, pictures and contact details will be on notice boards.You also may wish to contact one of Access to Music’s national safeguarding officers who you can reach atsafeguarding@accesstomusic.ac.uk

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USE EARPLUGSwww.accesstomusic.ac.uk

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PROTECT IT

As part of our commitment to safe working practices we issue staff, students and visitors with ear protection.

Protecting yourself against noiseAs the UK’S leading popular music college and provider of a variety of music and sound-based courses, Access to Music recognises that some of our sites may get noisy.

Noise is part of everyday life, but too much noise can cause permanent hearing damage. This can include permanent hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and other complications. By the time you notice, it is probably too late. Noise also comes from headphones you use to listen to music and it’s important you take this seriously. Keep volume to a minimum.

It is crucial you take responsibility for protecting your hearing. Access to Music provides rehearsal and performance spaces that have been sound treated and we issue all students and staff with ear protection. We also check noise levels in performances and throughout the college day.

The ear protection we supply is industry-standard and expensive, but is necessary and we expect you to wear them as directed. You must wear ear protection to be able to take part in music activities and, therefore, if you lose them, or attend college without them, we will ask you to pay £5.00 to replace them immediately, as they are needed for your course and work in the centre.

As part of Induction we will give you a lot more information on this subject and expect you to follow all ear protection and noise guidelines. We also will ask you to sign an agreement that states you understand our guidelines and that you will use ear protection appropriately.

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Health & wellbeingBCU’s professional and confidential Health and Wellbeing services offer support for your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, helping you to make the most out of your time at university. We can help you with:

Disability supportPractical support and advice for prospective and current students with physical or sensory disabilities, specific learning difficulties (ie dyslexia), autism or chronic medical conditions. We also provide information about additional funding such as Disabled Students’ Allowances, run a Personal Assistance Scheme and offer a dyslexia screening and diagnostic service.

Mental health and wellbeingPractical support and advice for prospective and current students with concerns about their general wellbeing (everything from coping with exam stress to sexuality and relationships) or mental health difficulties. We also provide advice and guidance for young people leaving care and applying to or already studying at university.

CounsellingFree, one-to-one counselling sessions with professional, qualified counsellors.

Health careDon’t wait until you become ill to register with a doctor – find out how to sign up on the Health and Wellbeing section of the BCU website. We also offer information about finding dentists and other health care providers in Birmingham.

Faith and spiritual wellbeingOur Chaplains are here for students and staff, whether you follow a faith or not.

Contact usTake a look at our Health and Wellbeing pages at bcu.ac.uk for comprehensive information on our services. Call Student Services direct on +44 (0)121 331 5588 or send your queries online and we will respond within three working days.

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Our commitments to youAccess to Music and BCU are committed to helping you achieve your goals and aspirations. Staff will support your learning in the following ways:1. Staffwillprovidehighquality,inclusivemusicandbusiness

training, incorporating wider educational and employability skills.2. Tutors will start and end sessions on time.3. Cover will be organised for sessions in the occasional event of

tutor absence, or sessions will be rescheduled at an agreed date and time.

4. When tutors set work for formal assessment, they will give you:• written instructions and an explanation of how the work will

be assessed;• a deadline for completion;• a date by which feedback will be given to you about the

work.5. When work is completed and handed in on time, it will be

assessed and handed back to you by the agreed date (usually within 10 working days).

6. Tutors will keep you informed of your progress, and will provide opportunities for you to express your views throughout the course.

7. Tutors will help you access advice and guidance throughout the course and any learning support you require.

8. Tutors will promote and celebrate equality of opportunity and diversity as well as safeguarding the physical and emotional safety and well-being of students.

9. Wewillprovidesafe,well-maintained,fitforpurposefacilitiesforyou to undertake your training in.

Access to Music and BCU are committed to providing you with a valuable, interesting and stimulating learning experience - the chance to develop knowledge and skills aimed at equipping you for work in music and beyond, whatever your goals. However, we require a commitment from you too.

4. What you should expect from us and what we expect from you

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Your commitments to us1. To attend all timetabled sessions. If you have to miss a

session for a genuine reason, please ensure that you follow the centre procedures for absence.

2. To ensure you arrive punctually to all sessions, and have appropriate equipment with you.

3. In the interests of security, please wear your university ID at all times and ensure you request permission for visitors in advance.

4. Tohaverespectforallstudents,staff,equipmentandbuildings and comply with Access to Music and BCU’s Equality and Diversity policy at all times.

5. To understand that theft, violence and being under the influenceofalcoholordrugsarenottoleratedattheuniversityor at external events.

6. To follow all polices and procedures, especially health, safety and welfare procedures, including the use of ear protection (which is provided for you) and ensuring you are safe both on site and when using mobile and online technologies.

7. Togainstaffpermissionbeforemovingequipmentoutofrooms.

8. To hand in all work and submissions by the designated date. Any extensions to deadlines must be supported by agreed extenuating circumstances with the programme leader.

9. To smoke/vapour only in areas made available for this purpose and only eat and drink in designated areas.

10. To keep Access to Music and BCU informed of any changes of circumstances, including mobile, social media and email details.

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There will be an induction period at the beginning of your study.

Induction is there to help you settle in and find out important information about your course and your place of study. It will help break the ice and make you feel comfortable with your surroundings. It should support you and help answer any queries you may have.

Induction is an exciting time where you begin to explore what you are about to get into.

BCU has a Welcome Week packed full of events, talks and social activities to help you find your feet, get ready to study and meet up with other students from across the university. To find out more and ensure you have the most up-to-date information, download the Official BCUSU app and visit the help desks scattered around each campus throughout the week.

Please make sure you discuss any learning needs that you have with your tutors, so we can provide the best possible support for you right from the start of your studies (see page 30 for more information). Again, we ask you to look out for each other and if you note someone else is struggling, please share this information so we can help them. As part of induction, we also ask you what you think of your experience so far as well as what we can do to improve. You will also meet with your tutor to discuss your progress and set targets for the future.

Each course has a programme leader. This person is responsible for overseeing the running of your course, ensuring the course is meeting your needs and that you are happy on it. Any course-related problems should be addressed in the first instance with your programme leader.

5. Settling in

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The student voice is very important to us. There are a number of ways that you can ensure your voice is heard. For example, you will have the opportunity to attend focus groups, take part in surveys and elect a student representative who will represent your views directly to Access to Music and BCU. Student representatives will also attend Board of Study meetings with Access to Music and BCU to voice student issues. You can if you wish stand for election to be a student representative.

We encourage you to feedback to us on all sorts of issues relating to your course and your experiences with us, from the quality of lessons through to how safe you feel in centres.

From time to time we will ask you to help us gain important information on how you feel about your course, the centre and programme. We also have an active review process that enables us to review our practices, including observing teaching and learning, meeting with staff and learners as well as a review of learning plans.

Further information on how you can get your voice heard will be given to you during your induction and we urge you to get involved whenever and wherever you can.

We welcome feedback as this helps us improve our service to students, employers and wider community. You can give feedback by talking to a tutor, or you can pick up a feedback form at the Access to Music centre reception at 68 Heath Mill Lane.

6. Have your say

7. Assessment

Assessment regulationsThe way in which your work is assessed is covered by BCU’s assessment regulations. The regulations include information about:• modules, levels of modules and the credits which attach to

them;• requirements for passing modules;• requirements for progression to the next level of your course;• how to achieve an award with Commendation or Distinction and

how degree classifications are calculated;• what happens if you fail a module.

The regulations for your course are the Standard Undergraduate Assessment Regulations (SUAR), Version 5. You’ll receive information about the University’s regulations from your programme leader and you can access the regulations for yourself via the University’s website at icity.bcu.ac.uk/Academic-Registry/Information-for-Students/Academic-Regulations-and-Policies/SUAR-Version-5. Follow the on screen instructions to get to the regulations which you’ll find in the ‘Part I’ folder.

If you cannot access the electronic version and would like a paper copy, ask your programme leader.

Assessment advice and supportWe realise that assessments can be stressful so we try to provide as much support as possible throughout the year. There are number of people who can help with a variety of issues ranging from personal and financial to academic difficulties in Maths or English, for example If you’re worried about anything, you can contact:• programme leader;• the BCU Centre for Academic Success;• the BCU Students’ Union Advice Centre;• BCU Student Services.

Avoiding allegations of academic misconductAccess to Music and BCU takes allegations of academic misconduct, in any form of assessment, very seriously. We class it as a disciplinary offence if a student attempts to gain or helps someone else to gain an unfair advantage over other students. Students who are suspected of academic misconduct will have to attend a formal hearing to explain their case, and if found guilty the penalties can be severe.

You can look at the Disciplinary Procedures covering your course on the website at http://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/academic-regs. The procedures are in Part II.

Here are a few simple principles to follow to avoid allegations of academic misconduct:

In exams:• don’t attempt to see the paper before it is published;• don’t ask another student for help during the exam or copy

another student’s work;• don’t let another student copy your work;• don’t take unauthorised materials into the exam room;• make sure you know what equipment/materials you can use in

the exam and make sure the permitted materials are clear of your additional notes and other recorded information.

In coursework:• don’t pass off someone else’s work as your own. This is

plagiarism and is viewed very seriously;

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• acknowledge all sources that you have used in your assignment or project, including own work which has been previously submitted;

• use quotation marks if you are using the exact words of another person;

• don’t submit a piece of work that has already been submitted in whole or in part for an assessment elsewhere. This is called duplication and, like plagiarism, is viewed very seriously;

• check with your course team whether you can work with others on your coursework, and if so, be sure about what you should be doing on your own;

• don’t allow others to copy your work, or lend your work to other students.

• don’t make up data to prove your point.For more information on referencing your work appropriately check out the Library’s web pages.

Taking your assessments – important informationIt’s really important that you go to all of the exams or hand in work and assignments on time for every module that you’ve registered to take in the year.

If you fail any of the modules you’ve taken, you will have one chance to re-sit them. Please refer to Standard Undergraduate Assessment Regulations (SUAR), Version 5. Having to re-sit or re-study modules means that your workload will be increased and you will be putting yourself under more pressure. If you you have to re-study a module, you will be charged the fee for that module and may have to return to study it at a later date.

If you are a full-time student and you do not complete your programme within the normal registration period you may have to re-study outstanding modules as a part-time student, incurring a part-time fee. If you fail a lot of modules in one year you may have to become a part-time student, incurring part-time fees, to re-study those modules before you can take modules from the next level of the course.

Your programme leader, BCU Student Services, and the Students’ Union Advice Centre are on hand to offer advice and support on assessments.

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ATM Online is Access to Music’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

ATM Online is designed to help you with all aspects of your learning throughout your time with Access to Music.

At ATM Online you can:

• access course material that will support you in your main learning programme;

• engage with your Individual Learning Plan which will help you reflect on your progress and plan for the future;

• submit course work and read feedback from your tutors;• take part in quizzes, questionnaires and other learning activities;• discuss music and network with students from around the

country;• develop an e-Portfolio that you can share with potential

employers and academic institutions;• listen to music and watch music videos;• check on your progress in relation to achieving your

qualification(s) and completing your course.

You will also be given your own Google Apps email and account, allowing you to access a suite of tools such as Google Drive and Google Docs.

You can access ATM Online either on a computer, your mobile or a tablet device.

As part of our commitment to e-safety and e-responsibility all learners at Access to Music are asked to take part in lessons specifically designed to ensure you are aware of your role and responsibilities in keeping yourself and others safe online. This includes the use of email, taking part in online activities such as chat rooms, gaming and blogs. We will discuss the advantages of social media and its professional use, as well as the potential dangers and risks that could be involved.

8. ATM Online: he.atm.ac

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To login to ATM Online you will need to use your Access to Music Google account. Simply click on the ‘Login to ATM Online HE’ button at the top of the screen and follow the instructions. Once logged in, you’ll find some useful links in the top menu bar including a list of courses that you’re enrolled on as well as a Dashboard called ‘My Home’ which will give you an overview on assignments waiting to be submitted, work that has been assessed and more.

ATM Online is designed to be simple to use and easy to engage with. Access to Music is committed to developing and refining ATM Online by liaising with you and your tutors to give you the best online learning experience possible.

Access to Music has an official Facebook page as well as a Twitter feed, /accesstomusic. Use the social network icons at the top and bottom of ATM Online to keep up to date with the latest news and activities, as well as interacting with others across the group. Access to Music provides a range of enterprise, work-related and work-based learning opportunities. These will be presented to you as your course progresses.

In all cases, the person responsible for ensuring that you are progressing towards your goals is your programme leader. This person will work closely with you so that you remain on track in terms of your learning and the types of additional opportunity you are afforded, thus ensuring your course is as relevant as possible to you and your aims.

We are also very interested in your future progression when you leave us and go to study elsewhere or start work. Throughout your course we will encourage you to think of your next steps and record your intended progression routes to support you in your aspirations.

9. Progression

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Former students Ed Sheeran and Rita Ora.

10. International students

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Access to Music and BCU welcome international students who wish to enhance their career prospects through studying in the UK. BCU is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

ArrivalWhen you arrive in the UK it is really important to get to your accommodation safely. In your first couple of days it’s a good idea to call home and let family and friends know you’ve arrived safely. In addition you’ll need to buy food and drinks and other items which you may not have been able to carry with you. You also may need to register with the police, if this is a requirement of your visa.More info: bcu.ac.uk/international/arriving-and-enrolling

First weeksDuring your first few weeks in the UK there are a number of things that you will need to do in order to properly settle in and prepare for life as a student. Things like registering with a doctor and opening a bank account are very important and details of what you need to do these are provided here.

This section also provides information on how to deal with culture shock and how to utilise the support network that is provided by BCU through the Student Services Department, the Student’s Union and the Centre for Academic Success.More info: bcu.ac.uk/international/your-first-few-weeks

Registering with a doctorIt is very important to register with a doctor’s medical practice, even if you do not feel ill, within the first couple of weeks of arriving in the UK. This is to make it easier to see the doctor when you need to. You can either register with the University’s healthcare provider or find an alternative GP surgery by visiting the NHS website and searching for a doctor using your postcode.

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Opening a bank accountAs an international student, you will normally be offered a basic bank account i.e. a current account with a cash card which enables you to withdraw cash from ATM machines, more commonly referred to as cash points. You will not normally be offered an overdraft facility or credit cards and only a few banks will offer you a cheque book or debit card. Banks are usually open between 09.00 and 17.00 hours on weekdays and 09.30 and 12 noon on Saturdays.

Documents required to open an account:• passport;• letter of enrolment confirming your UK and home addresses

(available after enrolment from the International Office);• your university unconditional offer letter that you received at

your home residential address (the bank is looking for evidence that the university has corresponded with you at your place of residence);

• your university/private accommodation contract for your term-time accommodation;

• a recent bank statement or credit card statement from your home bank translated in to English and containing your residential address (the statement must be less than three months old).

Culture shock‘Culture shock’ is the way in which people are affected when moving from familiar surroundings and their own culture to a new area where the culture is quite different. It is very normal to experience this as an international student coming to the UK to study, especially if it is for the first time. Our professional and confidential Health and Wellbeing services offer support for your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, helping you to make the most out of your time at university.

Visas and immigrationThe Visas and Immigration service, which is part of Student Services, offers a wide range of help and advice to enrolled international students and those who have recently graduated. It includes advice and guidance on student visas, welfare issues and working after your studies.

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11. Library & learning resourcesAll BCU’s five libraries offer a wide range of printed and electronic resources and services to help you through your course. Your student ID card is also your library card. You will need it to borrow items from any of our libraries and also to gain access through the controlled gates.

Your library PIN serves the same function as a bank PIN and you should keep it safe in the same way. It allows you, in conjunction with your Borrower Number, to use all our self-service options. Your PIN will be sent to your University email address after you have enrolled on your course

For more information about the library you can visit the website library.bcu.ac.uk. Main course learning resources are available at he.atm.ac - please see section 8 above. For study guides check out the Library’s web pages at library.bcu.ac.uk/learner/Guide%20Index.htm

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Useful ContactsIf you need help the following link will give you lots of useful numbers:bcu.ac.uk/international/your-first-few-weeks/where-do-i-go-for-help

12. Student Union

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Although at first you may just think of your Students’ Union as being about fun and entertainment, it should be a major part of your life throughout your time here. They not only continue a varied and exciting entertainments programme throughout the academic year, they’re also here to help you with the following:

• becoming more employable through our many workshops, seminars and practical sessions;

• any issues you may have with your work, personal life, housing or anything where you may need extra help and support;

• any changes you wish to see change within the Union or University;

• participating in a wide range of sports and societies (almost 200), from rugby and hockey to fashion and yoga, and competing against other universities;

• enjoying delicious and purse and wallet friendly food from their cafes and lounges. As a not-for-profit organisation, everything you spend gets ploughed straight back into providing extra services for you;

• finding your perfect student home through their own lettings agency;

• providing you with the opportunity to volunteer in many local and national projects that will look great on your CV;

• showing you how to enjoy Birmingham as the great student city that it is. They’ll show you the best places to enjoy nights out, to eat and to shop, and the many great cultural sights.

And more than anything, they’ll be that one extra friend that you can always count on to help you whenever you need it!

For more information visit: bcusu.com

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13. Student support

Whenever you start your course and at whatever level, we have good systems to help you achieve as much as you possibly can. We believe your experience should be enjoyable, productive and challenge you. We want your course to expose you to new ideas, new skills and opportunities both in and out of the music industry. To help you, we have designed specific stages in your study to help you focus on improvement, progression and next steps in your future.

As an undergraduate student you have can also have access to a progression tutor to assist with learning and welfare issues.

How to book a tutorialMake contact with your programme leader and they will arrange for a tutorial at a particular time and place.

What to do in the event of personal problemsIn the event of personal problems, your first contact should be with your programme leader who may, as necessary, refer you to staff with specialist knowledge or experience or to other departments in the university.

Requesting a referenceThe university provides staff with guidelines on providing references for students. If you need an official BCU reference, please contact your programme leader in the first instance. He/she will advise you of the appropriate procedure to follow.

Student issuesStudent’s IT related issues including ID and password issues should be logged with the Service Desk at BCU.

Additional learning needs and disability supportAccess to Music and BCU support the rights of students with learning difficulties/disabilities to attend their place of learning and receive support as appropriate and feasible.

BCU’s Disability and Mental Health Advisers offer advice, information and practical support to all students with a disability, medical condition, illness, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia.

The definition of disability is very wide – if you are not sure whether a condition or difficulty that you have might be a disability which entitles you to support, please contact the Disability Support Team.

The team includes a Pre-entry Disability Adviser, who will offer you information about the support which may be available to you.Contact: disability@bcu.ac.uk

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Mental health & wellbeingBCU’s experienced, professional advisers can help if you are experiencing all kinds of issues, including:• concerns about your wellbeing – anything that is getting

in the way of your studying and enjoying life at university, including concerns about relationships, sexuality and gender, accommodation difficulties, healthy lifestyle and homesickness;

• emerging mental health issues – sleeping problems, feeling anxious or isolated, experiencing low mood, thinking about harming yourself;

• diagnosed mental health difficulties or illness.

Our servicesYou don’t have to get to crisis point before you talk to us. Every year, BCU sees around 350 students who have all kinds of wellbeing concerns or mental health support needs, so you are not alone in what you are experiencing.

Their services are free, confidential and can be accessed on or near to the site where you are studying. BCU can provide one-off general advice, or longer-term support, including a mentoring service for students in receipt of Disabled Students’ Allowances.

Care leaversBCU also provide an information and guidance service for young people leaving local authority care who are thinking about coming to university, applying or currently studying here.

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CounsellingAll students enrolled with Birmingham City University can access the Counselling Service. The Service is professional, confidential and free of charge.

Counselling is a way of addressing problems by talking them through with someone who is able to be supportive, but who is not directly involved in the situation.

A counsellor will:• give you an opportunity to talk in confidence about whatever is

troubling you;• enable you to express your feelings;• help you to explore and understand your difficulties;• help you to find ways of managing these more effectively.

Although it might sometimes be appropriate to offer advice or guidance, the emphasis is very much on enabling you to make changes rather than on telling you what to do.

Counselling can help you deal with all kinds of issues, for example: anxiety, feeling depressed, low self-esteem, coming-out, grief and loss, trauma, and relationship difficulties whatever your background or sexual orientation.

If you might benefit from specialist interventions or advice, you’ll be referred to resources within the NHS or the wider community. This could involve an initial referral to our Mental Health Advisers within the Health and Wellbeing Service.

As a BCU student, you’ll also be able to access a wide range of counselling service resources on our iCity student portal, including: self-help books and leaflets, useful links, a guided relaxation audio exercise, workshops and group programmes.

If you’re moving to Birmingham to start your studies, don’t wait until you are ill to register with a doctor!

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Health careBCU provides a comprehensive, convenient, NHS* health care service for current students who register as a patient with the University health care providers. They have medical consulting rooms on the main City North (Perry Barr) and City South (Edgbaston) campuses.

BCU’s health care service is provided by Handsworth Wood Medical Centre (part of the Vitality Partnership), one of the largest surgeries in the heart of Birmingham. It is staffed by an experienced female nurse practitioner.

How we can help youHealth care staff offer confidential help and information on a range of health-related issues, carry out treatment and make referrals to other health care professionals. BCU’s services include:

• medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses;• new and repeat prescriptions for medicines;• advice about problems with food, diet and weight management;• support for and management of mental health difficulties;• contraception provision and sexual health screening and

treatment;• monitoring of existing chronic diseases (e.g. asthma, diabetes,

epilepsy);• guidance and support for alcohol and drug-related difficulties;• travel advice and travel booster vaccinations;• university medical notes (e.g. for extenuating circumstances).

*The NHS (National Health Service) is the UK’s state health service which provides treatment for UK residents through a wide range of health care services. Some services are free and some have to be paid for. If you are not normally resident in the UK, please visit the UKCISA website for more information about health care in the UK.

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ChaplainsStarting and studying on a course at university may be quite a challenge, as well as offering many opportunities. Sometimes when we’re learning new things, a point of reference is needed. As chaplains, we believe we can provide that. We are available to all students, whether they are of any faith or none.

What is a chaplain?A chaplain is someone you can talk to in confidence and in the knowledge that you will not be judged or looked down on. We will listen sensitively, and although we are from a religious background ourselves, we will not attempt to talk you round to our ways of seeing things.

The chaplaincy teamThe team is inter-faith, representing the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Free Church, Quaker and Jewish communities. There is a Catholic Chaplaincy with a lounge and a chapel at Cedd House on City North Campus. There are facilities for prayer at City North, City South and Millennium Point (City Centre) campuses.

The chaplaincy team offers you:• Friendship and support• Opportunities for spiritual growth• Prayer and worship• Opportunities for meeting others• Advice on spiritual and ethical concerns• Information on places of worship for all religions.

Our Students’ Union also runs a range of religious societies for students.

Further information and guidance on your personal safety and wellbeing, as well as looking out for the safety and wellbeing of others, can be found at :bcu.ac.uk/student-info/student-services.

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Unfortunately, sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances things may go wrong. To ensure any issues are dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible, we have included this section which details who you can go to if there is a problem.

Thinking of leaving your courseIf you decide you wish to withdraw from your course please speak to your programme leader or to your progression tutor before making a final decision. Access to Music and BCU are committed to ensuring that withdrawal from your course is the final course of action and wishes to ensure that all is done to preserve your place on your course prior to that decision being taken.

ComplaintsAccess to Music and BCU are committed to ensuring your time with us is as fruitful and trouble free as possible, and we will endeavour to provide you with a stimulating, safe and rewarding learning experience.

However, there may be times when you feel dissatisfied with one or more aspects of your experience. If this is ever the case we would urge you to raise your concerns with your programme leader, in order that steps can be put in place to remedy the situation and so that we can understand where things are going wrong.

If you have tried everything in your power to resolve an issue yourself and you are still dissatisfied with the outcome, you can make a formal complaint by filling in the form which can be downloaded from:

• bcu.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/policies-and-procedures/complaints-procedures

Disciplinary mattersFailure to uphold expected standards in behaviour, attendance, and work will in most cases result in disciplinary action being taken. At

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14. If things go wrong

this stage we may involve parents if we feel this is appropriate.

Instances of gross misconduct will result in immediate disciplinary action being taken.

For further information relating to student codes of practice, please see your curriculum and operations manager.

You can look at the disciplinary procedures covering your course on the BCU website: bcu.ac.uk

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Illness and Emergency1. What if I am ill and unable to attend my class? You are expected to attend all of your classes to fully participate in the course – remember, the more you put in, the more you will get out!! But, if you have a valid reason for being absent then you must let your programme leader know as soon as possible by phone or email.

2. What happens if I am too ill to hand in my assignment? If you can’t submit an assignment or attend an exam for valid reasons beyond your control you can apply for either a deferral of assessment or a coursework extension. Please talk to your programme leader in the first instance.

3.HowdoIfindadoctorifI’mill?It’s important that you register with a doctor while you’re at University. To be seen by a doctor you must be registered, so don’t wait until you feel unwell – register as soon as you arrive! Student Services provides a range of healthcare services. For more information visit: bcu.ac.uk/student-info/health-and-wellbeing/healthcare/overview

Your Course 1. What if I want to change or leave my course?If you think you want to leave your course, it’s a good idea to talk it through with your programme leader before making any final decisions. They can discuss your options with you, which could include transferring to a more suitable course. You can also get support from the Students’ Union Advice Centre and BCU Student Services.

15. FAQs

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2. What if I want to take some time out from the course?Taking time out is called ‘an interruption of study’, which is an approved leave of absence from all study and may be taken for a number of reasons e.g. health, financial, academic or personal. If you’re thinking about interrupting, you should talk to your programme leader, first before completing the necessary paperwork. It is also vital that you let funding bodies, such as the Student Loans Company, know you’re interrupting your studies. Have a chat with Student Services for more advice.

Induction1. What will happen at induction?You may have already heard about Welcome Week that the Students’ Union offers, where you can sign up to the sports clubs and societies. There are also organised evening events, but your Access to Music/BCU induction offers much more than that. It includes:• a chance to meet staff and other students;• information on what it’s like to be a student;• an introduction to academic activities;• an introduction to your course;• guidance on using the libraries and services;• guidance on where to go for help and advice;• tips on making the most of your time at Birmingham City

University.

Problems

1.WhocanIspeaktoforfinancialadvice?For financial advice from Student Loan information to council tax issues you can either speak with a trained adviser from the Students’ Union Advice Centre or Access to Music at 0800 28 18 42.

2. How do I make a complaint?If you’re unhappy about any aspects of your experience at Access to Music/BCU, we want to know about it so talk to your programme

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leader In many cases, they will be the best person to help you but if they are unable to resolve matters for you. You may need to refer to the formal complaints procedure (contact Student Services for more information). You should also seek some advice from the Student Support who can discuss your case with you and advise you on the processes involved in making a complaint.

Change in Personal Details1. What should I do if I change my name during the course?If you change your name during your studies and would like your new name to be used on your records and award certificates, you must make a formal request to your ATM. You must make the request before you finish your course. No changes can be made to your student record after the final examination board for your course has met.

You must provide evidence of your change of name. Acceptable forms of evidence are:• passport;• marriage certificate;• birth certificate (original birth certificate issued within 12 months

of birth);• divorce decree absolute.

Please note that your student number will remain the same throughout your course, even if you change your name. For more information contact your programme leader.

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