BPP Student Induction Guide 2015

1
Student
Induction
Guide
2015-2016

32
Welcome to BPP University
I am delighted to welcome you to
BPP University. We intend to make sure that
the time you spend with us is a valuable
investment that will provide you with the
knowledge, skills and professional values to
enable you to succeed in your chosen career.
We recognise that your time at BPP University
will be a unique period in your life and we want
to work with you to make it all the more special.
We hope that your studies with us will be
both successful and enjoyable. We want you
to benefit from the academic and pastoral
guidance we offer. You can take advantage of
our comprehensive library and IT resources,
as well as make the most of our specialised
Careers Service, and award-winning
Students’ Association.
The purpose of this handbook is to help you
get the most out of your induction period, and
introduce you to our services and opportunities
at BPP University.
Professor Carl Lygo
Chief Executive, BPP Holdings Limited and
Vice-Chancellor, BPP University
BPP is commited to creating a learning environment, which
is not only stimulating and supportive, but also offers you
memorable and rewarding student experiences.
Contents
Welcome..................................................................2
Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor
Welcome from the President of
BPP University Students’ Association
Getting started.................................................... 6
Registration
Timetables and grouping
IT and the internet
Your learning experience................................14
Teaching styles at BPP University
Expectations
Support and advice............................................17
Student Advice Team
Learning support at BPP University
Accommodation
Your Personal Tutor or Student Manager
Useful Contacts
Additional student services..........................24
Your Students’ Association
Library and information services
Careers Service
BPP’s Pro Bono Centre
Helpful information for
international students......................................31
Attendance and immigration
Working in the UK, tax and banking
Safety and security
Medical care
How to find and contact us............................34
Maps, locations and facilities

54
On behalf of the whole of the BPP University
Students’ Association team, I would like
to extend a warm welcome to all new and
returning students. I hope your time at BPP will
be both rewarding and successful.
The Students’ Association is here to help you
make the most of your student experience and
it consists of several parts:
• The Student Engagement team works closely
with student-run clubs and societies across
all Centres to help offer a number of exciting
opportunities for you to socialise, as well as
to develop skills that will assist you with life
in practice. The team works closely with the
student Centre Presidents to help organise
social events in each BPP University Centre.
• The Student Voice is key to ensuring that
your views and opinions are heard across the
University. I work closely with the annually
elected Student Voice Representatives who
act as an independent voice for students on
various academic committees and school
boards, to ensure a positive experience for
everyone, during their time at BPP University.
• The Independent Education and Welfare
Advisors are here to help you when things
don’t go to plan. They provide an impartial,
confidential service which is independent
from the University and can help with
academic and welfare issues such as appeals,
complaints, deferrals, housing and wellbeing.
Make sure you visit bppstudents.com for
more information and to join our vibrant
student community.
I wish you all the best during your time at
BPP University and look forward to meeting
you all soon.
Morsal Sherzad,
Chief Executive of Students & President,
Welcome from the President of
Welcome

76
Our Registry Team will check your original
documents, take your photo for your Student
ID card and provide you with a Confirmation of
Registration letter. If you have not completed
your registration with us you will need to do
this as soon as possible ahead of the final
registration date relevant to your programme.
Why do you need to be fully registered?
Without being fully registered, you will not
be able to get your student card, student
discounts, discounted travel cards, or access to
the centre computers.
When and where?
You will receive an email confirming the time,
date and location of your registration from the
Student Records Office two weeks before the
date of your registration.
How long?
Registration times vary depending on the
course you are registering for. However,
registration usually takes approximately
15 minutes. Please note that there may also be
other activities/talks taking place on the day
alongside registration.
What happens if I don’t have all of my
registration documents?
If you do not have all your documents it is still
important to attend a registration appointment
and bring the original documents that you do
have as we may be able to temporarily register
you so you can begin your course without
delay. You will need to provide any outstanding
documents to us as soon as possible to
complete the process and ensure you become
fully registered. If you would like advice on
registration documentation then please
contact studentrecords@bpp.com
How will temporary registration affect me?
Temporarily registered students cannot borrow
books from the library, receive a Council Tax
Exemption letter (for full-time students) or
Student ID card.
What if I haven’t paid the first instalment
of my fees?
If you have not paid your first instalment of
fees, you will not be able to register for your
programme of study. If you are planning on
applying for a loan and have not yet submitted
an application, we would advise you to do
this as soon as possible. Alternatively, if you
have made an application under a different
institution, you must notify the award authority
of this change before commencing your studies.
If you have any queries regarding the
Student Loans Company (e.g. attendance
confirmations, change of circumstances etc.)
you can email them at slcqueries@bpp.com
If you would like advice on paying your fees
please contact our Finance Team. You can email
studentfinance@bpp.com or call 0207 0611301.
When will I get my Student ID card?
Your Student ID card will be ready for you to
collect a week after you have fully registered
either from the Student Advice Centre (if you
have one at your centre) or at the reception desk.
What is my Student Registration
Number (SRN)?
Your SRN appears on your Student ID card, it
must be cited on all correspondence within
BPP and any assessments you complete. We
advise that you try and memorise your SRN as
soon as you can.
Registration
How do I get a copy of a student status or
Council Tax letter?
The Student Advice Team will be able to
provide you with a copy of these letters once
you have registered.
To successfully register you must bring the
below documents with you:
• Original degree certificate and/or transcript
(for postgraduate students only)
• Original A-Level or equivalent qualification
certificates or transcript showing
minimum entry requirement (for part-time
undergraduate students only)
• Original valid visa (non-EU students only)
• Original English Language qualification
certificate (for students whose first language
is not English or if you do not hold an
honours degree that was delivered in English,
please check your offer conditions for further
information)
• Student Loans Company confirmation letter
(only for students being funded by Student
Loans Company)
• Proof of meeting professional body
enrolment requirements/memberships (if
applicable)
If you have any questions or concerns about
your registration please contact the Student
Records Office.
We are here to help you.
BPP Student Records Team
studentrecords@bpp.com
Getting started

98
Keeping your details up-to-date
If any of your details change during
your time at BPP (such as a change of
name, address, phone number, email
address, or emergency contact) then
please inform us by emailing
studentrecords@bpp.com or by
informing a member of Student advice.
Where can I find my timetable?
Your timetable can be found on the
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) by
going to your programme’s ‘Home’ tab
and navigating to the ‘Key Dates and
Timetables’ link. Your timetable will be
made available after your induction.
What if I am having trouble
understanding my timetable?
If you have difficulty in understanding
your timetable, you should contact either
your Personal Tutor or Student Manager,
or a Student Adviser who will be able to
help you.
What if I want to change my group or
the classes that I attend?
You should only attend the classes you
are timetabled for and, as a general
rule, changing class is prohibited unless
there is an extenuating reason (e.g.
regular medical appointments or other
requirements of religious observance).
These reasons do not include personal
preferences or work commitments.
Unfortunately, it may not always be
possible to accommodate. Please note
that you cannot attend a different class
without permission.
What if I am working while I am
studying and it conflicts with
my timetable?
You are reminded that if you have
registered as a full-time student, you
are required to be available for all
classes during a normal working week
(Monday-Friday, 9.00am-6.00pm).
Although it is understood that many
students have to work part-time, such
employment should not interfere
with your studies. Timetables will not
be amended to accommodate
part-time employment.
Timetables and grouping
Getting started

1110
Wireless internet access is available
throughout our libraries and study centres
providing you with convenient access.
Wireless access code:
Username: bppstudents
Password: w1f14all#bpp*
Your BPP network details
Where do I use these?
These details allow you to log into the library
computers at our study centres.
What do I use them for?
Accessing the library computers, printing,
photocopying and for access to some eBooks.
When will I receive my login details?
Your network login details will be emailed to
your personal email before you arrive to register.
BPP network details
Logging on for the first time:
1. Enter your username and password
(these are case sensitive)
2. Check that BPPLS is shown in the ‘Log on
to’ box as the domain and select OK
Changing your password:
To change your network password, please
change your Virtual learning Environment
password - this will automatically change your
network password too since both are linked.
To change your VLE password, do to vle.bpp.
com and click the “Forgotten password” link.
Please note: you will not be able to access the
computers on site until you are fully registered
on your course.
NB For ACCA students:
The following four pages are for credit bearing programmes only.
ACCA students are governed by the professional body so please see the ACCA website for more details at accaglobal.com
Getting started
IT and the internet

1312
My Learning
When you first log in you will see a “My Learning”
page. This contains all of your study modules,
together with a “Home” page for the programme
you are studying.
Study Modules
Each module has its own entry on the
“My learning” list. Within each module you will
typically find:
• The syllabus
• Video / audio recordings
(for example of lectures)
• PowerPoint slides
• Hand-outs
• Tutorial and seminar materials
• Tutorial and seminar e-learning resources
• Reading materials
• Discussion boards
• Announcements from your module tutors
and the module leader
• Assessment information
Home (for your programme)
This is the central point for general information
about your programme including:
• Information on assessments
• Timetables and groups
• Staff contact details
• Announcements
• The programme handbook
Other tabs
Once you are in the “Home” page, or within
any study module, you also have access via the
purple bar at the top to a number of other areas.
Library
Your Library tab gives you access to:
• EBooks
• Journals
• Online resources
• Topping up your printing and
photocopying credits
• Renewing library loans
• Guidance on referencing
• Guidance on copyright
• General information about library services,
such as opening hours and contact details
Registry and Student Support
The Registry and Student Support tab contains:
• A copy of the General Academic Regulations
• The Student Handbook
• BPP’s Manual of Policies and Procedures
• Information on assessment regulations
• Extensions, deferrals and mitigating
circumstances
• Information about appeals
• BPP’s complaints procedure
• The Student Discipline Code
• Contact details for our Examinations Office,
Student Records Office and Student
Advice team
• Forms and Guidance
Careers
An area maintained by the careers services
including their services, applying for jobs,
preparing for interviews and so on.
IT support
Includes information on how to change your
password, FAQs and helpdesk contact details.
Email
A link to access your BPP email and some
guidance (for example regarding mobile access).
More
Various other information and services
including:
• Student Voice
• Student Staff Liaison Committee
• Visa Compliance
• Pro Bono
• Academic Committees
• Inclusion
• Learning Support
• BPP Students’ Association
• BPP locations
Where can I find more information about
my programme?
Information about your programme structure,
credits, modules and assessments can be
found in your programme handbook, which
is downloadable via the VLE, in your learning
resources tab. If you can’t find the information
you are looking for in the programme
handbook, your Personal Tutor or Student
Manager, Programme Leader or Head of
Programme will be able to help you.
Where can I find the Academic Regulations
regarding mitigating circumstances, deferring
assessments and interruption of study?
You can find this information in the academic
registry tab on the VLE which has links the
BPP’s General Academic Regulations and The
Student Handbook. If you want additional
guidance on the regulations or how to make
applications, the Student Advice Team are
there to help you. They can be contacted at
advice@bpp.com
If you find you can’t log on or have any questions,
please contact us at the IT Assistance Centre.
We are available 24 hours a day.
Getting started

1514
types of sessions; for example, not all subjects
have tutorials.
In some courses, seminars tend to involve
discussions on complex concepts, whereas
tutorials are used to focus on the practical
application of such principles.
Generally all these types of sessions are
associated with smaller groups of students,
but the exact size of the group will vary from
around 10 to 30 students.
How to prepare for other sessions
You need to prepare for these sessions in
advance. Very often they involve a team effort
and, therefore to ensure that everyone benefits
from them and that you support your group or
team, you must come to the session with the
knowledge and understanding of the subject
that will enable you to contribute. Read any
material you are asked to look at, such as the
facts of any case studies or scenarios, book
chapters or journal articles and any other
preparatory material you have been given, such
as an online lecture. You may also find it useful
to read through relevant lecture notes you have
made and to formulate some views on the key
points in the scenario.
Your Classmates
BPP University is proud to have students
and graduates from a variety of backgrounds
and cultures.
It is very likely that on your programme of
study you will meet students with many
different experiences and perspectives and we
believe that this contributes to an incredibly
rich learning environment. It also helps prepare
our students for an increasingly global work
place. We encourage you to be respectful of
and, indeed, embrace the diversity you find
amongst your classmates and to view your
peers as valuable connections and assets for
your future career success.
During the session
You should take part in any activity and fully
contribute to the discussions. When you
express your ideas and points of view, it is
good practice to back these up with reasons or
evidence. You may be asked questions about
your pre-reading by the tutor and you will be
encouraged to ask your tutor questions about
the discussion topic.
You should support your fellow team members
by doing what you can to help the overall
team effort, for example, actively engaging in
any role allocated to you and being prepared
to justify and present aspects of your team’s
thoughts or findings if called upon to do so.
To get the most out of these sessions, you should
take notes of the key points covered in the session
for future use, for example, in assessment.
Other resources
If you are new to higher education study in the
UK , you may find the Prepare for Success web
resources helpful. It is an interactive web learning
tool aimed at integrating international students
into UK university education and is funded by
the UK Council for International Student Affairs
prepareforsuccess.org.uk
Our lecturers and tutors use a range of different
approaches to teaching and learning to deliver
BPP University’s programmes of study.
What is a lecture?
A lecture is an educational talk delivered to an
audience; in this context, a group of students.
Lectures may be face-to-face or online or both.
Generally lectures are associated with larger
groups of students, but the exact size of the
group will vary according to your location; the
maximum will be 300 students.
Lectures are not designed to act as a substitute
for private study or to give completely
comprehensive coverage of a particular topic.
They may, however, be your introduction to a
subject and should act as a map to a particular
topic, and facilitate your subsequent, deeper
study of it. You can expect the lecturer to
use software such as PowerPoint and/or
written material, such as flow charts, in their
presentation. If you attend live face-to-face
lectures you may be asked questions and will
be given the opportunity to ask questions
yourself.
To make the most of your lecture experience
you are encouraged to engage in discussion
where appropriate with the tutor or lecturer
and, in many cases, with your fellow students.
However, you are also expected to be
courteous to everyone else present by, for
example, keeping your mobile phone on ‘silent’
and not talking over others.
Lectures have several goals:
• To provide you with an introduction to a
particular topic
• To set a subject in its context, for example,
why a particular principle was developed
• To provide an overview of a topic
• To explain complex or difficult aspects of a topic
• To introduce you to comparative aspects
of a topic
• To help you prepare for assessment
How to prepare for a lecture
It is very important that you prepare for a lecture
in advance by reading over any lecture slides
(if they are available beforehand), the relevant
book chapter from your core text books and any
other preparatory material given. You are strongly
recommended either to attend the lecture when
it is delivered live, or watch it online via the VLE
as soon as it becomes available. You can watch
recorded lectures as many times as you like.
During the lecture
You should listen to the presentation and make
notes of the main points made by the lecturer.
You will then be able to use these for your
private study and group study sessions, and
come back to them when you are revising.
A good set of lecture notes will help you
prepare for seminars (or other small group
sessions) and for the assessment, including
revision for examinations.
Seminars, workshops, small group sessions
(SGS) and tutorials
These are generally interactive sessions
where you can expect to discuss and explore
a particular topic in depth with your fellow
students and/or your tutor. In such sessions
you may work in groups or teams to solve a
problem or examine case studies. You may also
be asked to present or discuss some aspect
of a piece of work that you or your group has
done.
The exact nature of these sessions will vary
depending on the subject you are studying and
for some subjects they may not use all these
Teaching Styles at BPP University
Your learning experience Your learning experience

1716
What to expect of us What we expect of you
Your tutor
will facilitate
team working
activities
Your tutor
will start
on time
Your tutor will
plan and prepare
the class
activities in
advance
Your tutor
will encourage
active learning
and engagement
Your tutor
will act
professionally
and treat you
with respect
Your tutor
will create a
supportive
environment
You will
actively engage
in discussion and
participate in
group activities
You will arrive
at classes before
the class starts
so that you are
ready to take part
immediately
You will come
to class
having prepared
adequately
You will avoid
distractions
by switching off
mobile phones
and other
devices
You will be
professional
and treat your
tutors and peers
with respect
You will attend
all scheduled
classes and
appointments
Expectations
The Student Advice Team are a specialist team
who are here to help you with
non-academic queries. They are a professional
and experienced team offering free,
confidential and non-judgemental advice on
areas of student concern including:
• Academic procedures
• Appeals and mitigating circumstances
processes
• Deferrals, extensions and interruption of
studies applications
• Referrals to counselling
• Student Finance England funding eligibility
• Budgeting and eligibility for hardship funds
• Local area information
• Referrals to BPP’s Learning Support Team
• Welfare and external support services
• Specialist international student support
(including Tier 4 guidance)
The Student Advice Team can provide advice
and guidance, face-to-face and via email and
telephone appointments. Advisers are based at
various BPP study centres and will be present
at many of your induction events.
How to contact us:
You can contact the Student Advice Team
via email advice@bpp.com or if you have a
specific international query, you can email us at
internationaladvice@bpp.com or by phone on
0330 060 3777.
Student Advice Team
Your learning experience Support and advice

1918
Learning Support
BPP University provides support for hundreds
of students with a wide range of learning
difficulties and disabilities. We provide support
for all students regardless of nationality or visa
status and we can assist with applications for
Disabled Students Allowances.
There are 5 simple steps to arranging
Learning Support:
1. Contact the Learning Support team
2. Complete a Disclosure form
3. Discuss your support and provide a Doctor’s
note or Psychologist’s report
4. We will draft a Learning Support Agreement
5. We implement your support in class and for
exams as required
We can arrange assessments, mentors,
support staff and dyslexia study skills for you.
We will always listen and assist whenever
we can. Our Disability Disclosure process is
designed to protect and control any personal
information you share with us and we will never
share information about you with prospective
employers.
Don’t leave it too late to contact us and
remember that you need to register with
Learning Support at least one month before
examinations to ensure we have time to process
your concessions.
Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA)
If you have a learning difficulty and/or a
disability, you may be entitled to a
UK government grant to assist with your
studies. Please contact the Learning Support
Team or the Student Advice team for more
details or contact Student Finance England for
more details. Apply early.
DSAs can help pay for:
• Specialist equipment
• Specialist support staff
• Extra travel costs
• General costs
DSAs are paid on top of the standard student
finance package, or on their own. You don’t
have to pay DSAs back and they’re not counted
as income when working out whether you get
benefits or Tax Credits.
How to Contact us:
VLE: Learning Support
Email: learningsupport@bpp.com
Website: BPP.com/Inclusion
Follow us on Twitter: @BPPInclusion
Learning support
Support and advice

2120
BPP’s Accommodation Service can help you
find the right place to stay during your studies.
We have a variety of options available to suit
students whether their accommodation needs
are short or long-term.
We can help you find:
• Places in private halls of residence
• Flat-shares with other BPP students
• Private rental accommodation
• Short term accommodation
• Homestay for international students
Through the BPP Accommodation Facebook
page, we can help you to find other
BPP students to share with, and advertise
rooms available in existing flat-shares.
If you are not on Facebook, you can upload
your spare room photos and availability
information by creating your own advert on
bppstudents.com/rooms-to-rent-form
There’s lots more information, including
our downloadable accommodation guides
and information about our accommodation
mixer events for each study centre. More
information is available at bppstudents.com/
accomodationliving
Still haven’t sorted out
your accomodation?
Support and advice

22 23
As a student at BPP University, you will be
assigned a Personal Tutor or Student Manager
at the start of your programme of study who
will be your first point of contact for
academic queries.
Your Personal Tutor or Student Manager
is there to offer you advice, assistance and
support with any academic and personal
difficulties that may arise, ensuring that,
where appropriate, any problems are known
by the relevant people at BPP, and that you
are referred to the relevant student support
services to help you with any issues that may
be affecting your academic progress.
Your Personal Tutor or Student Manager will
arrange to meet you individually, during the
first term, and will then remain in contact for
the duration of your study with BPP University,
in order to discuss your progress on the
programme and any other issues arising.
If you are studying online or part-time and a
face-to-face meeting may not be practical,
your Personal Tutor or Student Manager can
arrange online or telephone meetings instead
to suit you.
It is expected that as a student you will:
• Attend arranged meetings with your
Personal Tutor or Student Manager
• Contact your Personal Tutor or Student
Manager to inform them of any issue that
may be affecting your academic progress
As a student, you are expected to take
responsibility for both your performance on the
programme and your personal life. However,
in case of any difficulty, it is advisable to ask
for help from your Personal Tutor or Student
Manager or another appropriate source, as
soon as possible, in order to resolve the issue
at the earliest opportunity.
Routine matters should initially be referred
informally to your Personal Tutor or Student
Manager. If you experience any problem which
is affecting your studies, you should see your
Personal Tutor or Student Manager
without delay.
Someone else could have experienced your
difficulty before, and there may be a solution
in place already. Addressing matters early will
help their resolution.
Your Personal Tutor or
Student Manager
Support and advice Support and advice
Student Advice
0330 060 3777
advice@bpp.com
Examinations and Assessments
0330 060 3344
examinations@bpp.com
Office of Regulation and Compliance
orc@bpp.com
Student Finance
0207 061 1301
studentfinance@bpp.com
International Student Advice
0330 060 3777
internationaladvice@bpp.com
Learning Support
0207 430 7069
learningsupport@bpp.com
Study Visas
studyvisas@bpp.com
IT Support
0330 100 0706
bpptac@bpp.com
Library
library@bpp.com
Student Records Office
Students’ Association
0845 075 3506
engage@bpp.com
Out of hours support
In addition to the phone numbers above during
office hours, we have a dedicated phone number
for BPP University Students, for our of hours
support and assistance. Please call 0330 060
3800, between 6.00pm and 8.00am.
Useful Contacts

2524
Additional student
services
Clubs and Societies
There are a range of student-led clubs and
societies which cover a vast range of sports,
academic, cultural, political and other interests.
Or you can set up a new club or society yourself!
We are able to provide start-up funding and
support to get new club activities off the ground.
Join at bppstudents.com/clubssocieties
We’ve negotiated discounts with local
shops, restaurants, gyms, and others,
as well as national discounts for our
students. Information about applying
for an NUS Extra card is included as
well as eligibility to apply to Transport
for London (TFL) for Oyster cards.
Look through BPP’s student discounts at
bppstudents.com/students-association-
discounts
Discounts
To help you make the most of your experience
at BPP University, our award winning Students’
Association offers many exciting opportunities
to socialise and develop your skills to
enhance your CV. All BPP University students
automatically become members, so make sure
you take advantage of what is on offer.
Here is a snapshot of some of the opportunities
that are available; more details can be found at
bppstudents.com
BPP University clothing
You can feel part of the BPP University
community by getting yourself a
personalised branded t-shirt, scarf, hoodie
and much more. Students can purchase
them at collegecustom.com/bpp
Stay Connected
Visit the BPP Students’ Association at
bppstudents.com
Twitter @bppstudents
Facebook BPP Students’ Association
Contact us at engage@bpp.com
Call us on 0845 075 3506
We have two student publications;
Legal InCite and Business Brief
that are entirely written, edited and
produced by students. Being part of
the editorial team, or simply writing
an article for one of our publications,
is a great way to develop your
research and writing skills as well as
to boost your CV. Find out how to join
the editorial team, or how to submit
an article for the next edition at
bppstudents.com/student-
publications
Student Publications
Keep up-to-date with what is
going on at your study centre by
reading BPP Students’ Association’s
monthly newsletter, The Snews,
which is emailed at the beginning
of each month to your BPP inbox
and can also be downloaded at
bppstudents.com/the-snews
Student Newsletter
BPP University’s Students’ Association
offers an independent voice for our
students, and works closely with BPP
University to put students at the heart
of the institution. The student voice is
championed through various channels of
student representation and so there are
many opportunities for you to be involved
in strengthening the student voice at
bppstudents.com/student-voice
Look out for the student elections in
November and April each year.
Students are able to evaluate their student
experience with BPP in the following ways:
• Staff Student Liaison Committees
• Student opinion surveys/programme
and module questionnaires
• Feedback during focus groups with the
Managing Director and President of
Students
• Feedback to the Student Representatives,
including Student Branch Presidents,
who are elected at each centre and
Student Voice Representatives
Events
There are plenty of opportunities for you,
to socialise with fellow students. We run,
or support students in running, a wide
range of events including Fresher’s Fairs,
welcome parties, activities and nights out.
Find out what events are on at
bppstudents.com/events
Voulenteering Scheme
By taking part in our volunteering scheme
you can develop your CV and show
employers that you want to give something
back to your community. Sign up at
bppstudents.com/volunteering
Student Voice

2726
BPP University’s Library and Information
Service is dedicated to providing you with
access to all of the information resources
required for you to succeed and excel on your
programme of study. The library aims to make
as many resources available online as possible.
Library staff are available to provide support
and guidance to students in making the best
use of information resources. As a new student,
you will have the opportunity to attend a library
induction, which will provide you with all the
information you need to begin accessing and
using the extensive range of resources available
to you.
Library staff also deliver research skills training
sessions targeted to the needs of specific
programmes. They are available, either onsite or
remotely, to answer any questions students may
have about using library services and resources.
If you have any questions, please email them
at library@bpp.com.
Library and
information services
Additional student services

2928
The Careers Service offers a comprehensive
range of services to enable you to achieve your
career goals. We can provide help and support
to assist you in securing a graduate role on
completion of your studies or help you develop
your career skills and knowledge to enter or
progress in a wide range of careers.
It is never too early to start thinking about and
planning your career and we would encourage
you to get in touch with the Careers Service
early in your time at BPP. There are many
opportunities to take part in a wide range of
activities and employer events to prepare you
for your chosen career and the earlier you
contact us the more you can take advantage of
our range of services.
Careers appointments
Book an appointment with a Careers
Consultant, face-to-face or by telephone and
receive individual careers information, advice
and guidance from our dedicated team. Explore
your options, set career objectives and start
working towards your goals.
Careers advice via email
Email us with your career queries and receive
expert advice on your CV, cover letters and
applications.
Mock interviews
Prior to going to your real interview, you can
book in for a practice run. Mock interviews
provide the chance to receive some
constructive feedback on improving your
interview technique. We also have feedback
from students who have attended interviews
at firms and other organisations which you can
review in advance of your interview.
Careers events
We invite speakers from a range of
organisations and employers, including firms
and chambers, for events throughout the year.
These events are the perfect way for you to
decide on a career path and network with
employers, alumni and members of
the professions.
Careers workshops
We provide a number of careers workshops on
the following:
• Planning your career, researching the market
and job search strategies
• Researching potential employers
• Making successful applications through
CVs and cover letters, application forms,
interview skills and practice
• Mock assessment centre and psychometric
testing
• ‘Career Ready Skills’ support such as;
negotiation, presentation, business and
customer understanding, networking and
communication skills
Careers newsletter
Careers Outlook is our monthly e-newsletter,
which is emailed to students with articles and
links to give you a focus on industry insights,
and the latest news from the professions.
Vacancy Bulletin
BPP Careers Service produces a regular bulletin
for BPP students and alumni with details
of vacancies, work experience, events and
activities from a diverse range of firms
and organisations.
Resources and information
We have a wide range of online resources
including careers guides, employer videos,
software for psychometric tests, as well as a
comprehensive range of hard copy information
and resources available in our centres.
And much more
The Careers Service also offers a range of
activities and initiatives tailored to meet the
needs of different students and schools, for
example, our Access to Practice mentoring
scheme, Legal Access Scheme, Employability
Award and our Coaching scheme. Many of
these initiatives are by application only, so get
in touch with us early on to see if any of these
activities might be right for you.
How to contact the Careers Service
Birmingham students:
Birminghamcareers@bpp.com
Bristol students:
Bristolcareers@bpp.com
Cambridge students:
Cambridgecareers@bpp.com
Leeds students:
Leedscareers@bpp.com
Liverpool students:
Liverpoolcareers@bpp.com
London Law School students:
Lawcareers@bpp.com
London Business School students:
Businesscareers@bpp.com
Manchester students:
Manchestercareers@bpp.com
School of Health students:
Healthcareers@bpp.com
School of Foundation and
English Studies students:
Businesscareers@bpp.com
Careers Service
Additional student services

3130
The Pro Bono Centre offers opportunities for
law students to engage in projects for the public
good. Many students find this a valuable way
of giving back to society, as well as offering
experience of legal work in a variety of ways.
A few of the projects offered include:
Legal advice clinic
Providing free legal advice to the local
community on housing and family law issues.
Students interview and advise individual clients
under the supervision of volunteer lawyers
gaining practical legal experience.
Legal translation service
Providing other legal advice centres and
not-for-profit organisations with free
interpretation and translation skills. Students are
invited to take part as and when opportunities
arise. Students develop good listening and client
skills and are exposed to varied real-life
legal issues.
Streetlaw
Introduces projects which promote
understanding about legal rights,
responsibilities and the role of law to
individuals who would not otherwise have
access to legal knowledge or education in
schools, homeless shelters, prisons and
youth groups. Students gain experience of
researching a range of legal issues. They then
learn advocacy and presentation skills through
delivering interactive presentations.
Many other opportunities are available at each
site, if you have ideas for other projects or
opportunities, do get in touch at
probono@bpp.com
For more information visit
bppstudents.com/pro-bono
Supporting You
‘If you have just joined us from overseas, you
will have already been in regular contact with us
already. Please be assured that we are here to
support you for your entire student journey from
settling into the UK through to graduation.’
Visas
‘It is essential that you look after your visa and
ensure that you follow the conditions that it
places on you. If you think that any errors have
been printed on your BRP (Biometric Residence
Permit) or you are unsure if you need to
register with the Police, please come and speak
with one of our experienced international
student advisers.
Working during your studies
Tier 4 visa students on a programme at degree
level can work during term time up to
20 hours per week. If you are a tier four
student studying below degree level the
permitted working hours is up to 10 hours
per week.
If you are unsure whatw applies to you, please
check the back of your visa. Students on all
BPP University programmes can work
full-time during holidays, enabling you to gain
work experience that will support your studies.
Additional student services Helpful information for international students
BPP University’s
Pro Bono Centre
Attendance and
Immigration

3332
Do I need to open a bank account?
Yes, when you arrive in the UK, you will need
to open a bank account in order to receive
funds from overseas from either your own,
or your financial sponsor’s account. (Please
note that if you wish to bring cash and/or
traveller’s cheques with you, that there is a cap
of £6,750/foreign exchange equivalent. Any
funds over this amount will need to be declared
going through customs).
How do I open a bank account?
To be able to open an account you will need to
choose a bank and then provide them with the
following documentation:
• Your passport with student visa
sticker (vignette)
• Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
if you have one
• If you are from an EU country, your national
photo ID card
• A letter from BPP confirming that you are
a student with us for ‘banking purposes’.
If you would like to request this, please
email advice@bpp.com or ask your Student
Advisor at your study centre
We can print or email this to you within
48 hours of making your request.
How do I choose a bank?
There are a number of banks available to you,
the type of bank account can vary greatly
and you will need to decide which type works
best for the kind of transaction that you will
be making. The British Banking and Financial
Association has produced a helpful guide to
UK bank accounts at bba.org.uk/publications/
entry/international-students/leaflets
Can I work while studying in the UK?
You can work part-time during term time and
full-time during the holidays. Please check the
endorsement on your visa for confirmation.
If you work more hours than your visa allows
the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
may revoke your visa.
How do I show my employer my work
entitlement?
Your work entitlement can be found on your
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Entry
Clearance Vignette (visa sticker in your
passport). BPP will not confirm your work
entitlement to your employer. BPP does not
issue “holiday letters” confirming that you are
able to work full-time during holidays.
How can I prove that I am a full-time
student?
We will be able to provide you with a status
letter confirming that you are studying
full-time with BPP and your term dates. You
can request this letter from Student Advice or
from Student Records.
What do I do if my work entitlement is
incorrect on my visa?
Your work entitlement is clearly marked on your
visa. If you believe that your work entitlement is
incorrect please email studyvisas@bpp.com with
a copy of your visa and provide us with details
as to why you think your work entitlement is
incorrect. We will check it for you and contact
the UKVI on your behalf to have it amended if we
believe it is incorrect.
How do I get a National Insurance Number?
To be able to work in the UK, you will need to
apply for a National Insurance Number. You
don’t need to have one of these before finding a
job, but will need one to start working. To apply
for a National Insurance number you will need
to phone Job Centre Plus on 0845 600 0643.
You will need:
• To be fully registered with BPP University
• To hold a current visa which shows your
work allowance
• A Student Status letter from BPP confirming
that you are registered on your course
Do I have to pay tax while working?
UK Income Tax applies to international
students in the same way as UK residents.
Income Tax is automatically deducted from
your pay, however, you are allowed an amount
of income that is tax-free, which is known as
your personal allowance.
The personal allowance for 2014-15 is £9,440.
What happens if I earn less than the personal
allowance?
You will not need to pay income tax on your
earnings, but you must fill in and complete a
P389S form which you can get from
your employer.
What happens if I earn more than the
personal allowance?
You will be given a tax code to help your
employer calculate and deduct tax from
your wages.
WorkingintheUK,taxandbanking Openingabankaccount
Helpful information for international studentsHelpful information for international students

3534
Here are some tips for keeping safe:
• Do not walk around with valuables such as your
mobile phone, camera and laptops on display
• Guard your credit or debit card PIN numbers at
cash point machines and when paying by card
• Use registered taxis or black cabs, and do
not get into unregistered mini cabs
• When out at night, do not leave your
drinks unattended
• When walking at night, where possible
take busy main roads and avoid walking
around alone.
Who to call in an emergency?
If you need immediate emergency assistance
dial 999 (free) on any telephone. An operator
will ask which service you require: Police,
Ambulance or Fire Service. If you need
to report an incident, but do not require
immediate assistance you can call 101 or go to
a police station.
Am I entitled to the UK’s
National Health Service (NHS)?
All international students studying in the
UK for six months or more are eligible to
receive full healthcare under the NHS. This
includes hospital treatment as an in-patient,
the treatment of pre-existing conditions, full
maternity services and registering as a patient
with a doctor/general practitioner (GP).
The spouse and dependent children
accompanying an international student in the
UK are also entitled to the same healthcare
benefits as outlined above. You can find further
information on the services available to you on
the ‘Keeping Healthy’ section of the
UKCISA website.
How do I register with a doctor?
You should register with a doctor near to where
you live as soon as you have started your course.
You can find a local doctor on the following link
of the NHS website nhs.uk. Please note, that if
you miss classes due to illness we will require
a doctor’s certificate from an NHS registered
doctor. It is therefore very important to register
with a GP as soon as possible.
To register with the doctor you will need:
• To be fully registered with BPP University
• A Student Status letter confirming that you
are registered on a course at
BPP University course for at least six months.
You can request this letter from Student
Advice or from Student Records
Do I need medical insurance?
Yes, even if you are entitled to NHS treatment
you must have insurance, with enough cover to
meet the costs of substantial treatment and to
return home if necessary.
How do I get medicines?
Common medicines are available over the
counter, without prescription, at pharmacies,
chemists or supermarkets. However, some
medicines will require a prescription from a
doctor which authorises a pharmacist to give
you that medicine.
Do I have to pay for my prescriptions?
Yes, you will have to pay part of the cost of
your prescriptions at the pharmacy, unless
you are a full-time student between the age
of 18 and 19. If you are over 19 and are on a
low income, you may also be able to get free
prescriptions by filling out an HC1 form. You
can order the HC1 form from nhsbsa.nhs.uk/
HealthCosts/1128.aspx
How do I register with a dentist?
Registration with a dentist is separate from
your medical centre registration. However,
you need to be registered with a doctor (GP)
in order to qualify for NHS dental treatment;
otherwise you will have to pay the full cost of
private treatment.
You should register by filling in the medical
form provided by the dental practice. You
will need to give them the NHS number on
your medical card. If you have an exemption
certificate, you should take it with you.
Do I have to pay for dental treatment?
You do not need to pay for dental treatment if:
• You are under 18 years of age
• You are under 19 years of age and in
full-time education
• You are pregnant and hold a valid exemption
certificate
• You have had a baby within the last 12 months
and hold a valid exemption certificate
Keeping your details up-to-date
As a Tier 4 Sponsor, BPP is required by the
UKVI to maintain up-to-date contact details in
the UK for the duration of your enrolment.
These include:
• Your correspondence address
• Your telephone number/mobile number
• Your email address
It is not acceptable to give the contact details
of a friend or relative in the UK, unless you do
not have your own telephone number. It is your
responsibility to let us know if any of the above
details have changed.
If your contact details change please email
studentrecords@bpp.com with your new
address/telephone number/email address.
You can also give your contact details to the
International Advice Team.
Both BPP and the UK Visas and Immigration
may need to notify you of important changes
to your enrolment or immigration status (for
example if you fail to attend, your leave is
reduced). Therefore, you must ensure you
always keep your details up-to-date so that we
are able to contact you.
Please note that we will not accept
responsibility, nor will this be an acceptable
reason for an appeal or a concession
application if you have changed your contact
details and failed to inform us.
Useful contacts
International Student Advice Team
internationaladvice@bpp.com
Student Visa Team
studyvisas@bpp.com
Student Records Team
Helpful information for international studentsHelpful information for international students
SafetyandSecurity MedicalCare

3736
With carefully selected locations,
we mean business
• London (inc. Croydon)
• Manchester
• Liverpool
• Birmingham
• Bristol
• Leeds
• Cambridge
• Abingdon (Oxfordshire)
BPP University is in eight choice locations
across the country. For example, if you want
to study law, business or accounting you can
study in some of the biggest business and
legal districts in the UK, so you will already be
acclimatised to the professional environment
when you start work.
Getting here
BPP Holborn is easily accessible by bus
and underground, and is just a few minutes
walk from Holborn and Chancery Lane
underground stations.
Directions from Holborn Tube station: Take
the right-hand exit out of Holborn Tube station
(signed High Holborn). Turn right and walk on the
same side, past Waitrose, once you have passed
the entrance to the Rosewood Hotel, cross the
road. Carry on in the same direction at before
and turn left when you see the Red Lion pub on
the corner of Red Lion Street. BPP Law School is
the large glass-fronted building on the left, on the
corner of Red Lion Street and Eagle Street.
BPP opening hours
Monday to Thursday, 7.00am - 12.00am
(midnight)
Friday, 7.00am - 10.00pm
Saturday and Sunday, 8.00am - 8.00pm
Facilities
• 320 seat lecture theatre
• 43 classrooms with the latest
audio-visual technology
• BPP University library that offers
a range of quiet study zones
• Mock courtroom for realistic role-play
for law students
• Free internet and Wi-Fi access
• 314 computers
• Student lounge and breakout area
• Disabled access
• Multi faith room
• Cafe and snack vending machines
• Secure cycle racks
How to find and contact us How to find and contact us
Maps, locations
and facilities
London Holborn

3938
London Waterloo
Getting here
The Business School is just a short walk away both
from Bank and Liverpool Street stations. Aldgate,
Monument and Fenchurch Street underground and
overground stations are also within easy reach. You
can also reach us on numerous bus routes. Buses
8, 25, 26, 35, 40, 42, 47, 48, 78, 100, 149, 242,
344, 388 all stop nearby.
BPP opening hours
Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 9.00pm
Facilities
• Vanta centre: a multi-functional collaboration
area with integrated technology
• Dedicated student advice and
careers service on-site
• 42 computers
• Disabled access
• Snack vending machines
London City
Getting here
BPP Waterloo is easily accessible by bus and
underground, and is just a few minutes walk
from Waterloo station with connections to
tube, train and bus routes.
Our building is located at the corner of
Stamford Street, opposite the Imax cinema.
BPP opening hours
Monday to Thursday, 7.00am - 11.00pm
Facilities
• Lecture theatre
• Dedicated student advice and
careers service on-site
• Pro Bono centre
• 203 computers
• Disabled access
• Secure cycle rack
How to find and contact usHow to find and contact usHow to find and contact us

4140
Getting here
The new overground rail station, White City
bus station, and London Underground Central
and Hammersmith and City lines, all converge
by the Westfield Shopping Centre, and are only
a few minutes walk from the centre. There is
also easy access from both Paddington and
King’s Cross stations.
BPP opening hours
Facilities
• 92 computers
• Disabled access
London Shepherd’s Bush
Getting here
Just a five minute walk from one of London’s
busiest transport hubs, the centre is
conveniently served by a total of six tube
lines, countless bus routes, four national rail
networks including; First Capital Connect and
the Eurostar.
BPP opening hours
Saturday, 8.00am - 5.00pm
Facilities
• Eight computers
• Computer-based assessment lab
• Disabled access
London Kings Cross
How to find and contact usHow to find and contact us

4342
Croydon (Outer London)
Getting here
The closest train station is Manchester Oxford
Road, which is two minutes’ walk from the
centre. The main train station is Manchester
Piccadilly which is 10 minutes away, as is the
main bus station. The closest tram stop to the
centre is St Peter’s Square, just a five minute
walk away.
BPP opening hours
Facilities
• Mock courtrooms for realistic role-play
for law students
• Free Wi-Fi and internet access
• Dedicated student advice and careers service
• Pro Bono centre
• Disabled access
Manchester
Getting here
Located in the heart of Croydon, we’re just a
five minute walk from East Croydon station,
easily accessible by train, tram and bus.
BPP opening hours
Facilities
• Eight classrooms with the latest
• 48 computers
• Disabled access

4544
Birmingham
Getting here
BPP in Birmingham is easily accessible via
trains, buses and the Metro. We are located
just 500 yards from Birmingham Snow Hill
train station, a short walk from the city centre
bus links and only 10 minutes’ walk from
Birmingham New Street station.
BPP opening hours
Facilities
• Dedicated student advice and careers
service on-site
• 84 computers
• Disabled access
Getting here
The closest train station is Manchester Oxford
Road, which is two minutes’ walk from the
centre. The main train station is Manchester
Piccadilly which is 10 minutes away, as is the
main bus station. The closest tram stop to the
centre is St Peter’s Square, just a five minute
walk away.
BPP opening hours
Facilities
• Mock courtrooms for realistic role-play
for law students
• Dedicated student advice and careers service
• Pro Bono centre
• Disabled access
Liverpool

4746
Getting here
BPP in Bristol is easily accessible via public
transport – it is only a 15 minute walk from
Bristol Temple Meads train station, and there
are numerous bus stops just minutes away.
If you wish to drive, the Grove car park is
located opposite BPP in Bristol. You can also
use the NCP car park on Queen Charlotte
Street, a three minute walk away and offer
discounted all-day tickets to BPP students at a
cost of £7 each.
Please note: discounted tickets must be collected from
reception prior to parking to qualify for the discount.
BPP opening hours
Facilities
• BPP University library
• 23 computers
• Disabled access
• Secure cycle racks and showers
• Two nearby cafes which give BPP students
a discount
• Corporate gym membership for students
• Staff/student running and Tough Mudder team
• Access to Bristol University Societies on
payment of a small annual fee
Bristol Leeds Whitehall Quay
Getting here
BPP in Leeds Whitehall Quay is only a three
minute walk from Leeds train station and a 15
minute walk from the city centre bus station
on York Street. Students can make use of
the Leeds CityBus service, which links all key
locations including the train station.
BPP opening hours
Facilities
• Mock courtroom for realistic role-play
for law students
• 94 computers
• Disabled access

4948
Getting here
BPP Cambridge is easily accessible and is just
a few minutes walk from the main bus station
on Emmanuel Street. It is a five minute bus ride
from Cambridge train station.
Parking
We recommend that students travelling to
Cambridge by car use one of the many park-
and-ride car parks around the city. You can also
use the Grand Arcade short-term car park.
BPP opening hours
Facilities
• Six comfortable air conditioned classrooms
with the latest audio-visual technology
• Student lounge
• University library and study space that seats 32
• 21 computers
• Cycle racks nearby
• Tea and coffee and snack vending machines
• Several independent cafés, sandwich shops
and restaurants nearby including; Eat, Pret
A Manger, Boots, Marks Spencer, Pizza
Express, Nandos and Ask
Cambridge
Getting here
BPP’s McTimoney College of Chiropractic
is located in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. This is
centrally located just south of Oxford, only a few
minutes from the A34 trunk road, and within
easy access of the M4 and M40 motorways.
To take a train you can go to Oxford or Didcot
stations and take a bus to Abingdon.
BPP opening hours
Facilities
• 2,000 square foot technique room with
practical benches and teaching models
• On-site eight room clinic suite
• Six classrooms with the latest
• BPP University library that seats 42 and
offers a range of quiet study zones
• IT room
Abingdon

52
Contact us
www.twitter.com/bppstudents
www.bppstudents.com
This guide was created by BPP Students’ Association and is correct at time of printing on 08 September 2015.
Any changes or updates to this guide will be available on www.bppstudents.com

BPP Student Induction Guide 2015

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