InsideBU | 21

Issue 7 | October 2014

Insidefor staff & students

Celebration TimeCelebrate our student and staff success this NovemberPages 10-11

Research Round-UpImportant research that’s happening at BUPage 12

New SUBU TeamMeet your new Sabbatical Officers for the yearPage 6

Celebration Time! Celebrate our

student and staff success this November

2 | InsideBU

#In

sid

eBU

Contents

Message from John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor

Welcome to the October issue of InsideBU – the

magazine that keeps BU’s community of students and staff up to date with what’s going on around the university.

We have another exciting and busy year ahead of us and I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome new students and staff, as well as those who are continuing their journey with us.

We kick off the year by celebrating the outstanding achievements of our students at the Graduation Ceremonies. It’s a fantastic week where our graduates see their hard work recognised and have the chance to

share the day with friends, family and the staff who supported them through their time at university. You can read more about the ceremonies on page 10.

It’s been a busy summer for BU researchers, who have been working on an array of topics from women in politics to global environmental solutions. Find out more about some of the fascinating knowledge exchange and funded research projects taking place on page 12.

2 | InsideBU

Page 3 BU in the Spotlight

Pages 4 - 5 News from around BU

Page 6 Meet your new SUBU team

Page 7 sportBU

Page 8 Welcome to the BioDome

Page 9 Why placements work

Page 10 – 11 Graduation and Vice-Chancellor Staff Awards

Page 12 Research round-up

Page 13 Bright people. Bright futures: Postgraduate study

Page 14 Health, safety and wellbeing

Page 15 We meet…James Stevens and Abiola Shobande

Page 16 New to BU

Page 17 By day, by night – Colin Paterson

Page 18 BU in the news

Page 19 Dates for your diary

As always, there is a lot going on around the university and I encourage you to share your stories and successes at insidebu@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Dr Sarah Bate’s extensive public affairs activity has made impressive steps in raising awareness of prosopagnosia.

Dr Sarah Bate researches prosopagnosia or ‘face blindness’, the inability to recognise faces. Until

the last decade it was thought the disorder was very rare, acquired following a brain injury. We now know that 2% of the population is born with a developmental form of the condition.

Prosogapnosia can vary depending on severity. Some sufferers struggle to put a name to a face whereas others simply cannot recognise people they have known their whole lives. In extreme cases people can withdraw socially, become depressed or leave their jobs.

Sarah has led an outreach programme, striving for formal definition and classification of prosopagnosia and increased awareness of the condition. The campaign enjoyed considerable success over the summer with NHS Choices formally recognising prosopagnosia by adding it to its A-Z of conditions.

This milestone was a result of Sarah’s ongoing conversations with policy makers. Local MPs have asked questions in Parliament on her behalf and tabled two Early Day Motions. Minister of State for Care and Support Norman Lamb MP committed to adding prosopagnosia to NHS Choices last year.

Sarah recently hosted a roundtable event at the House of Commons with Tobias Ellwood, Bournemouth East MP and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Health. Together they called for measures to raise awareness of prosopagnosia, especially in schools, workplaces and the healthcare system. Mr Ellwood MP has since written to the Offices for Health and Education.

“This support from our local MPs has been wonderful and really helps our campaign,”

explains Sarah. “Prosopagnosia being formally recognised by the NHS is a really

important step and puts us in a much better position to tackle our next goals.

“Prosopagnosia is a very challenging condition. People experience social isolation, often leading to depression and other difficulties. Ideally we think prosopagnosia should be covered in GP training, teacher training and in school special needs provision.

“Only then will people really get the recognition and support they so desperately need.”

“This support from our local MPs has been wonderful and really helps in our campaign”

InsideBU | 3

BU

in t

he

Spot

ligh

t

>> The NHS Choices information is informed by Dr Bate’s work and links to BU’s Centre for Face Processing Disorders website - prosopagnosiaresearch.org/

Left to right: Jo Livingston, Hazel Plastow, Lady Christylle Phillips, Dr Rachel Bennetts, Dr Sarah Bate, Monica Zenonos

4 | InsideBU

New

s fr

om a

rou

nd

BU >> BU offers students and staff a wide range of

eating and drinking options. Whether you’re looking for something quick to have on the go, or have the time to relax with something more substantial, you’ll be able to find what you’re after at one of the many eateries available on both campuses.

BU is committed to Fairtrade and sustainability, whilst also providing healthy food by refining cooking techniques and minimising unhealthy ingredients.

If you’re looking for a place to eat or drink at Talbot or Lansdowne, there are a number of options:

>> BU has retained its EcoCampus Gold Award, recognising the university’s continued commitment to managing and reducing its environmental impact.

EcoCampus is a national environmental management system programme and award scheme for the further and higher education sector. It encourages, rewards, and provides universities with the tools necessary to help them move towards environmental sustainability.

“We’re delighted that BU’s promise to manage our environmental impact has again been recognised through the Eco Campus System,” says Stephen Jones, Head of Facilities Management. “It’s important that the university takes this responsibility seriously and that we can demonstrate it openly across all areas of the institution.’’

Eating and drinking at BU Talbot Campus• Starbucks in the Atrium

• Dylan’s

• The Loft

• The Retreat

• The Refectory in Poole House

• Costa Cafe in Weymouth House

• Starbucks in The Sir Michael Cobham Library

Lansdowne Campus• Caffé Liscio and The Market Place

in the EBC

• Costa Coffee in Studland House

• Deli Marche in Bournemouth House

BU Retains Gold Environment Award

InsideBU | 5

>> At BU we are committed to keeping students and staff as safe as possible when on campus.

In the event of an emergency or serious incident at either the Talbot or Lansdowne campus, use BU’s emergency number. It’s 222 if dialling from an internal phone, or 01202 962222 if calling from a mobile.

Calls go straight through to the main switchboard and take priority over other calls in the queuing system. Using these numbers means the reception team can direct the emergency services to the nearest entrance of the correct building, saving vital time.

>> RKEO has recently been restructured to make sure the team is as effective and well-equipped as possible in supporting academics with research and knowledge exchange activity.

Following a BU-wide staff consultation held earlier this year, some significant changes have been made to the department’s structure, which is now grouped into three teams:

Research and Knowledge Exchange Office (RKEO)

>> BU held its position in the National Student Survey (NSS) earlier this year, with an overall student satisfaction score of 80%. This is in comparison to the sector average of 86%.

The NSS is an annual survey which gives all final year students across the country the chance to rate their university, and the results feed into several league tables.

Work is now underway to help bring BU in line with the Higher Education sector average.

National Student Survey

222 - BU’s Emergency Number

Funding Development TeamThis team offers support and advice with all pre-award activities, such as horizon-scanning, identifying funding opportunities and developing and submitting proposals.

Project Delivery TeamThis team manages all post-award activities, including project and financial management of grants and contracts.

Knowledge Exchange and Impact TeamSupport and advice is offered for all knowledge exchange corporate-level initiatives, including business engagement, the Festival of Learning, research communications and societal impact.

>> BU’s Centre for Excellence in Learning (CEL) was launched earlier this year with the aim of bringing renewed energy, enthusiasm and talent in teaching to enhance the student learning experience.

A new learning space is now open in Poole House (PG30a), which will host a wide variety of CEL activities for both students and staff. This will include workshops, seminars, presentations, drop-in sessions and meetings.

To find out more about the events running throughout the year, head to the News and Events page at: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/cel.

New space for Centre of Excellence in Learning

Meet your new SUBU team

InsideBU meets the new Sabbatical Officers for the Students’ Union at Bournemouth University.

As President, it’s my job to represent the student body and let people know what’s in the best interest of

students – whether that’s at top-level university meetings, or speaking to residents in the local area.

I also head up the Activities Council which decides how to get students involved and give them the best experience when it comes to clubs and societies, volunteering and Raising And Giving (RAG).

You can find me, Reece and Ellie in the SUBU office above Dylan’s in Poole House. We also encourage students to use our ideas section at www.subu.org.uk/ideas, so you can let us know what the main issues are for you as a BU student.

@SubuPresident

My role within SUBU is to ensure the welfare of all students at BU is upheld. As well as looking

at the general well being, I also focus on areas around liberation, diversity and equal opportunities.

I work closely with SUBU Advice and the Student Support Services to represent any issues that students may face whilst at BU and bring them to the attention of the university.

If you have any issues please do not hesitate to visit the SUBU offices, or feel free to pop into SUBU Advice.

@SubuWelfare

As the new SUBU Vice-President for

Lansdowne Campus, my primary aim is to look after the students of the campus, including those who live in halls of residence.

So if you’re a student based at Lansdowne and there’s anything you need help with, let me know. If you ever want to come and have a chat, my office is on the ground floor of Studland House.

I’ve just finished a degree in Sports Management and was actively involved with SUBU for the four years of my study. This included being a student rep and also a project leader for volunteering.

@SubuLansdowne

Chloe Schendel-Wilson

President

Peter Briant

Vice-President Lansdowne

Reece Pope

Vice-President Welfare

6 | InsideBU

As the Vice- President for

Education, it’s my job to work closely with students, representatives and BU staff members to ensure the academic experience is the best it can be.

I’ll be working to ensure university

policy is relevant to students and allowing students to help shape their courses and the academic environment.

During my Psychology degree, I became involved in SUBU as a student rep. Last year I was also a school rep sitting on the education council looking at how we could improve the overall BU experience for students.

@SubuEducation

Ellie Mayo-Ward

Vice-President Education

InsideBU | 7

‘Being mobile’ has new meaning for sportBU this autumn, as the team launches a new mobile-friendly website and function on the iBU mobile app. online and mobile

>> To find out more, visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/sportbu or download the iBU mobile app, available from the Apple App Store, Googleplay and Blackberry Store. You can visit the team at Talbot Campus or call them on 01202 965012.

Team sports, exercise and fitness can be an important and fun part of the university experience for many students. They are also great for staff, and

contribute to wellbeing in the workplace.

From this autumn, staff and students will be able to view the group fitness class timetables, book classes, check availability for facilities and purchase membership via iBU or the new website.

You can also follow @sportBU on Twitter to keep up to date with the weekly results from our brilliant varsity teams, as well as other news and events.

SportBU facilities, activities and programmes run throughout the week to ensure there is something for everyone.

Facilities• Fully equipped, state-of-the-art gym • Two large dance and activity studios• Sports hall with four badminton courts• Three fully equipped treatment and rehabilitation rooms• High performance training suite• Dedicated spin studio• Two all-weather 3G astro pitches• Changing rooms and lockers.

MembershipMembership packages for students and staff offer excellent value for money and provide unlimited entry to the gym, bookings on the Group Fitness classes (up to 50 per week) and access to over 15 social sport sessions each week.

Free Your FitnessSportBU aims to get as many people as possible participating in sports and activities. One way this is achieved is through the Free Your Fitness scheme, funded by Sport England. It’s open to all BU staff and students and provides exciting new sporting opportunities in activities ranging from volleyball and golf, to kite surfing and skiing.

Competitive sportAs well as sport and fitness on a social level, there are opportunities for staff and students to play sport at a more competitive level. These range from Inter-BU leagues in sports such as football and netball to varsity fixtures for students to represent BU in their chosen sport against other universities.

Varsity sportThe sportBU varsity programme consists of over 40 teams and individuals competing in the British Universities and Colleges Sports league. BU has had a very successful year and we are currently ranked 30th out of 165 institutes.

Health and rehabilitationThe Health and Rehabilitation services offered by sportBU allow everyone access to chiropractor and sports massage treatments to relieve general aches, pains or injuries. The team can also provide gym programmes and health checks for all users to set goals, improve performance and monitor their health.

Sports campsOn top of the various sports, activities and classes for students and staff, sportBU run holiday Sports Camps for children aged 8-14 years. This is a fantastic programme that allows children to be active and learn new skills and sports, providing fun and varied activities whilst parents are at work.

Welcome to the BioDome

Killer plants, creepy crawlies and exciting experiments:

I f you have spent time exploring BU’s Talbot Campus then you will be aware of the white dome sitting behind Kimmeridge House. It has

echoes of the Crystal Maze Dome from the popular 90s television programme – but BU’s BioDome holds so much more than fluttering foil paper.

The Biodome provides a year-round controlled climate so research can be carried out, and offers a permanent base for students and staff to conduct experiments into a range of forensic, ecological and wildlife projects.

One such research project currently underway sees the BioDome play host to a species of carnivorous plant that has settled amongst Dorset’s countryside, preying on local insects.

Sarracenia Purpurea is a species native to North America that has taken root on the lowland heath near Wareham. Over the last two summers, BU’s dissertation students have been studying these plants in the wild and carrying out surveys to uncover how the plants behave and what they are feasting on.

The next stage of the experiment is to introduce insects to the plants in the controlled climate of the BioDome to see how the plants trap their prey, and to gain further understanding of how the plants work.

The project is being led by Dr Elizabeth Franklin, a demonstrator in Biological Sciences, along with her colleagues Dr Anita Diaz and Damian Evans. “These plants are pitcher plants, so they have lots of little hairs in them and a sticky solution,” explains Elizabeth. “When the flies fall in, they can’t get back

out again. They don’t snap closed like a Venus Fly Trap, they just work by being difficult to get out of.

“In the wild these plants have caught a lot of flies, beetles and bees, so this is what we’re going to be focusing on next in the BioDome. We’re going to try and understand how these plants are trapping invertebrates and what effect this plant might have on our native fauna.”

The experiment will look at what lures the flies into the trap set by the plants, as Elizabeth explains: “Once the flies are trapped they start to break down and create nasty smells that other flies might be attracted to. It could be that the plants are quite clever and use the corpses of their prey to trap more food.

“This particular project is the latest in a long line of experiments conducted in the BioDome. It provides a stable atmosphere for us to run these tests and we can bring the plants here and keep them happy all year round. It’s important that we’re not limited by the need to conduct experiments outside during the summer season only.”

Next time you walk past the BioDome, take a moment to peer through the window at the active experiments within: but do watch out for those carnivorous plants*!

*Plants are not actually harmful to humans, no humans were harmed in the writing of this article.

8 | InsideBU

Over 90% of UK-based BU students find work within six months of graduating, and placements play a huge part in this success. They provide valuable

insight into a particular industry, improve a student’s career prospects and confidence, and look fantastic on a CV.

BU’s Careers & Employability Service help to provide impartial information, advice and guidance to all students on issues related to developing employability, including advice about placements.

Vianna Renaud, Placement Development Adviser in The Media School, has seen countless students complete their placements in prestigious companies such as Saatchi & Saatchi, Walt Disney and Microsoft.

She believes a placement year is necessary in getting on the employment ladder: “As the competition for graduate jobs increases, having a placement or work experience provides students with the chance to outshine their fellow graduates, and essentially their competition. BU prioritises employability and actively helps prepare students for this experience.

“Each year we have students who have made such a great impression that they’ve been offered contracts to go back to their placement company after graduation.”

Overseas PlacementsThe Careers & Employability Service also recognises the considerable value of work experience overseas.

Professor Jonathan Parker and Dr Sara Ashencaen Crabtree have a particular interest in overseas placements for social work students. Their research has demonstrated the new heights UK students reach when operating in unfamiliar cultures, from developed values to increased knowledge.

Jonathan says, “In a world that’s increasingly mobile across populations and workforce, this kind of experience exposes students to cultural difference and challenges, which they learn to deal with in safer environments, and they learn to be more thoughtful and insightful citizens.”

Jonathan and Sara recently returned from Fusion-funded study leave in Southeast Asia, where they visited some of the social welfare agencies where BU social work students have worked on placement.

Sara comments: “A number of our social work and sociology students have experienced international placements, including work in mental health settings, orphanages, elderly residential care and notably HIV/AIDS outreach work. The students have such a positive impact on the organisations and individual lives – it’s a win-win situation for them and the people they work with.”

Work & Study Abroad FestivalHosted by Academic Partnerships, the Study & Work Abroad Festival aims to increase BU’s engagement with international experience opportunities, raising awareness of the value they add to the student journey and graduate prospects.

Students will have the chance to find out more about the employability and academic value of study exchanges, work placements and extracurricular activities, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone and undertake international activity both on campus and abroad.

To book your place at the Festival, go to www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student-abroad.

In an increasingly tough jobs market, a placement year could give you the edge over other graduates – and working abroad could give your CV an extra boost.

>> For more information on careers and placements, head to www.bournemouth.ac.uk/careers or visit the Graduate and Placements Fair on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 November, 11am - 3pm in Kimmeridge House.

WHY PLACEMENTS WORK

InsideBU | 9

10 | InsideBU

>> To find out the dates of the ceremonies, turn to Dates for your Diary on page 19.

GRADUATION CELEBRATION

B U’s graduation ceremonies are the biggest dates in the calendar – and for good reason.

Students who have spent the last few years working hard towards gaining their degree are given the chance to proudly cross the stage, collect their certificate and then celebrate with the classmates, families and staff who have all shared the journey with them.

“It was important to share the day with my family” says Emma Matthews, who graduated in 2010. “I wanted them to have the chance to celebrate with me and experience a little bit of what my time at BU was like, meeting some of my friends and lecturers in the reception afterwards.”

Emma feels passionately that all students should attend their graduation: “I felt it was really important to attend graduation to round off my whole university experience. It was a bit nerve-wracking but very exciting; putting on the cap and gown and having your photos taken before the ceremony makes it all feel very real and it sinks in that you’re no longer a student, and about to start the next chapter of your life.”

James Thornton, who graduated in 2000, feels the day is the best way to complete your time at university. “After

three years of hard graft I felt my classmates and I had earned our moment in the sun. The graduation ceremony was the perfect way to celebrate our achievements and at the same time applaud each other’s good work.

“It was great having my parents and all my university friends with me. Everyone realised it was a special day and there was a real buzz. I just remember lots of smiling, pats on the back and high-fiving. Everyone was genuinely happy for each other.”

It’s an important day for staff as well, as it’s a chance to watch the students they’ve worked with collect their degrees before embarking on the next important step of their lives. Mark Ridolfo Associate Dean (Student Experience) in The Business School believes it to be “the most important and rewarding day of my academic year. To meet graduates and their families on such a special day, and find out how their fledgling careers are evolving, is a real privilege.

“Graduates really like to meet with staff, especially at the post-ceremony reception, and introduce them to their families. Students greatly value and appreciate the opportunity to meet with their tutors, who

have supported them throughout their studies, on this special day.”

Fiona Cownie, Head of Student Experience in The Media School, agrees. “Sitting on the platform for graduation is honestly one of the highlights of my academic year.

“Each year, whether it’s the endless applause and periodic whoops during the ceremony or after the formal part of the day, being introduced by students to their parents, I’m reminded of how much spending time at university really matters.”

“The graduation ceremony was the perfect way to celebrate our achievements”

Caps and gowns at the ready…it’s graduation time again! A proud day for students and staff to celebrate.

InsideBU | 11

Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Awards

This year’s Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Awards have seen more nominations than ever before. InsideBU finds out who has been shortlisted, and announces the winners of the new BU Learning and Teaching Fellowships.

One of the best ways to celebrate the dedication and outstanding achievements

of our talented BU colleagues is to nominate them for a Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Award.

When the Awards opened over the summer, staff needed little encouragement to put forward individuals and collaborative teams that they deemed worthy, with more names submitted than ever before.

We are now delighted to announce the following staff have been shortlisted for a Vice-Chancellor Staff Award 2014:

Individual Achievement - Academic Staff Dr Ana Adi, The Media School Dr Carol Clark, School of Health & Social Care Dr Zulfiqar Khan, Faculty of Science & Technology

Individual Achievement - Professional & Support Staff Steve Cox, Estates Dan Ford, Marketing and Communications (M&C) Gary Underwood, Faculty of Science and Technology

Unsung Hero - Academic Staff Dr Zulfiqar Khan, Faculty of Science & Technology Lee Read, Kingston Maurward College Dr Chindu Sreedharan, Media School

Unsung Hero - Professional & Support Staff Lauren Duff, Estates Helen Elsey, M&C Jon Mildenhall, Academic Services Dean Pinfield, Estates

Unsung Hero - Affiliated Staff PC Andy Scarratt

Collaborative Team • Business School Placement Development Advisers• Durotriges Project• REF 2014 Submission Team• Service Excellence Conference Team

>> The winners of the Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Awards 2014 will be announced on the Student Portal and Staff Intranet shortly after the ceremony has taken place on 27 November.

BU’s educational excellence derives from a powerful combination of research and professional practice. Staff share our commitment to these activities and work hard to ensure students are well equipped to have a positive impact in their chosen field.

To celebrate this we have launched the new BU Learning and Teaching Fellowships (BU L&TF) and nominations opened over the summer. The awards are open to any member of staff from across BU who supports and promotes excellence in student learning.

Following a large number of nominations, six staff members have been recognised, who live and breathe this passion and have set their sights on extending their influence beyond BU. Those recognised for their excellent practice in supporting student learning are:

Dr Milena Bobeva, Business School Dr Bethan Collins, School of Health and Social Care Joanna Hawkes, School of Tourism Dr Mel Hughes, School of Health and Social Care Marian Mayer, The Media School Dr Mark Readman, Centre for Excellence in Media Practice

BU Learning and Teaching Fellowships

Recognition Awards will also be presented to staff at the ceremony:

• Qualifications Relevant to Role, including Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy

• The Long Service Award

• Promotion to Professor

• BU Learning and Teaching Fellowships

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education Practice Outstanding Achievement Award

• SUBU’s ‘Most Outstandingly Brilliant!’ Gold Award

12 | InsideBU

Wellbeing as a destination resource Dr Heather Hartwell is leading an Economic and Social Research Council-funded project, ‘Promotion of wellbeing as a destination resource’.

The project sees BU researchers sharing tourism and wellbeing expertise to inspire healthy lifestyle products and initiatives with local businesses. Early examples include developing cycling facilities at a local hotel.

At the heart of the project is student-employer engagement. Twenty business consultancy projects will be assigned to hospitality, sport, tourism and wellbeing students.

Chronic Lower Back Pain PhD student Fiona Mellor’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) fellowship comes to an end this month.

Fiona has been researching how spinal motion differs in those with chronic lower back pain and those without. The research helps determine whether those with chronic lower back pain have a mechanical disruption in their spine. This will facilitate treatment, leading to better health, occupational and social care decisions, and reduce the amount of ineffective treatment.

Bio-beach Pupils at two local schools have been helping BU researchers develop designs for structures to increase biodiversity on the town’s beaches.

Bio-Beach is a BU and Bournemouth Borough Council collaboration to place structures on groynes along the local coastline. The creatures living within them will then be recorded by underwater cameras – giving insight into their habitat and behaviour.

INEA project The INEA project team from the Faculty of Science & Technology recently returned from an important Neolithic site visit in Southwest Asia.

Little has been known about the area until now, which holds important information about sedentism, agriculture, and ultimately the move from nomadic to settled societies.

The team have brought their fieldwork to life through a fabulous presentation of image and diary entries, which can be viewed by searching ‘INEA’ on the BU website.

The project is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Women in Politics The Media School’s Dr Heather Savigny spoke at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sex Equality over the summer, chaired by Diane Abbot and Bernard Jenkin MP. Dr Savigny presented findings of her research into press coverage of female politicians, which was co-authored with Deirdre O’Neill.

The research found women politicians in 2012 received less coverage in proportion to their relative numbers in Parliament than in 2002 and 1992. Conservative and Labour women received proportionally more negative coverage than their male counterparts by 2012, while female Liberal Democrats were generally ignored.

BU Global Environmental Solutions (BUG) BUG’s diverse research team applies academic and practical expertise to provide solutions to wide-ranging ecological concerns.

They have worked on projects such as fish age interpretation, predicting food requirements for wading birds and assessing the impact of environmental disturbance. They have worked with regional governments, charities and fishery owners, among other organisations. BUG is a Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) project.

BUG is a Higher Education Innovation Fund project.

InsideBU finds out more about some of the knowledge exchange and funded research projects that have been going on in and around BU.

Research round-up Dr Heather Hartwell

>> For more information on these and other projects, please visit research.bournemouth.ac.uk

InsideBU | 13

Thinking about taking up further study? InsideBU takes a look at some of the reasons behind gaining a postgraduate degree.

Bright people. Bright futures.

E nhancing your career prospects. Gaining a more in-depth knowledge around a subject you’re passionate about. Challenging yourself

intellectually and personally.

People’s motivations for applying for postgraduate study vary hugely. With the current competitive job market, many want to gain a Master’s to give them the edge over other candidates, and in some sectors a postgraduate qualification is essential.

For others, the biggest draw is their passion for learning. A postgraduate degree can help broaden existing skills and knowledge of a subject you love, whilst developing your ability to learn independently.

BU graduate Summer Abrahams undertook further study after completing her undergraduate degree as a way to get ahead in the world of law. “Successfully passing my postgraduate Legal Practice Course has helped me immensely,” she explains “as I’ve been able to get excellent law-based experience and employment in a well-known firm in the area. I really enjoyed studying at BU because of the support from lecturers, which was invaluable in helping me achieve my degree.

“I chose to continue my studies at BU as I wanted to stay near home to keep costs to a minimum, but also because of the reputable status the university has, especially for Law.”

Hannah Simpson who studied MSc Archaeological Practice, had different reasons for tackling postgraduate study: “I wanted to challenge myself to conduct a good piece of research as a potential practice run before a PhD. The course was flexible and helped me to become more self-sufficient and develop my own ideas and theories.”

She continues, “I chose to stay on after my undergraduate degree as I felt comfortable at BU and it had all the equipment I would need to conduct my research. I was also awarded a scholarship which meant the costs were lower than moving somewhere new. However, the biggest draw was the approachable staff and that the lecturers always had time and listened to me. I didn’t feel like another number.”

There are many benefits to continuing your studies at BU, including:

• An unlimited number of Academic Excellence Scholarships worth £2,000 off your tuition fee* are available

• Up to a further 25% off your tuition fee* with graduate loyalty and early-bird discounts

• If you work at BU, your immediate family members are eligible for a 20% fee discount.

• Conversion courses are available if you’re looking to change your subject

• Certificates of Personal and Professional Development can be gained, further enhancing your employability

• Dedicated postgraduate accommodation options*

Studying at postgraduate level may be an idea worth exploring if you’re looking to pursue your passion, boost your knowledge and further enhance - or even change - your career.

*Terms and conditions apply.

*Terms and conditions apply

“The lecturers always had time to listen to me. I didn’t feel like another number”

InsideBU | 13

>> For further information visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student/postgrad

14 | InsideBU

I n July 2013, BU launched its Wellbeing Strategy which outlines the university’s commitment to enhancing staff and student wellbeing. Over the coming months

BU will also be working towards the Wellbeing Charter and will host the Universities Safety and Health Association Conference next year.

But what does this mean for you? Whether you would like to lose a couple of pounds by joining the gym or need guidance with something you’re struggling to manage on your own, BU has a range of information and support services available for staff and students.

Line Manager/HR Manager BU staff with any concerns should contact their Line Manager or HR Manager in the first instance.

Occupational Health & Wellbeing Advisor A confidential service for staff to discuss any health or wellbeing matters.

Recourse Recourse provide free 24 hour support for staff within the Further Education and Higher Education sector, offering information and advice, telephone counselling, online coaching and financial assistance. Find out more at www.recourse.org.uk.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) A free and confidential help, advice and support service (including counselling) for staff. Available 24/7 on any matter, work, home or personal.

Dignity, Diversity & Equality James Palfreman-Kay, Dignity, Diversity & Equality Adviser, can provide support and advice for any staff member on any issues related to diversity and equality. Contact him on 01202 965327.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Health, Safety and Wellbeing at

your place of work or study is important for helping you achieve your goals. InsideBU looks at the services in place to support you.

14 | InsideBU

For more information on any of these services, students can visit www.studentportal.bournemouth.ac.uk/health.

Staff should visit the Health, Safety and Wellbeing pages under Working at BU on the Staff Intranet.

Chaplaincy Chaplains are available to discuss life concerns along with providing counselling services. Discussions are not restricted to ‘religious’ issues and are kept confidential. The Chaplaincy can be found in Talbot House.

sportBU SportBU is located on Talbot Campus and offers excellent gym facilities plus a wide range of classes, group activities, kids summer club, personal health checks, chiropractic treatments and massage.

Complementary Health Therapies A range of therapies such as Indian head massage, Thai yoga massage and reflexology are available at Lansdowne and Talbot Campus.

Mental Health ‘Time to change’ videos A set of videos has been created by BU and Dorset Healthcare, which look at reducing the stigma around mental health issues. Check out the videos at www.youtube.com/bournemouthuni.

Occupational Health The university has access to a professional Occupational Health Service based at the Student Medical Centre in Talbot House and via the associated Talbot Surgery.

GP & NHS You should always consider making an appointment with your GP for any health related matters or contact the NHS on 111 or visit www.nhs.uk

InsideBU meets a staff member and placement student from the IT department to find out more about what it’s like to work together.

We

mee

t...

The IT Crowd

James Stevens

>> I’ve used the IT skills gained during this year to set up a website for my hair extensions business – I’m delighted to say it’s becoming more and more popular!

Information Security Manager

Before joining BU a year and a half ago, I worked for an advanced engineering company, focusing on land and naval defence systems. I wanted to explore new challenges and opportunities though, and BU offered both.

As Information Security Manager, I work with various key internal and external stakeholders to support and continually improve the protection of students, staff and operations of BU.

My role focuses predominantly on protecting our systems from threats related to forms of cyber-crimes. This could include anything from hacking, the spread of viruses, harassment and fraud via phishing and other scams and data theft.

We often work with placement students like Abiola in the IT department, and there are huge benefits to doing so. They offer fresh ideas, different perspectives and have the curiosity to explore situations and challenge things rather than just accept them.

Fourth year Computing student

One of the main reasons I was attracted to the course here at BU was because it offered the opportunity to complete a year on placement.

Whilst applying for placements, I discovered BU had an opening in its IT department for a web developer and the job description included many of the aspects I was interested in. I’m so pleased that I was given the chance to take the position, as the last year has been everything I hoped it would be.

As well as gaining practical skills, which will help with my final year project, I’ve also grown in confidence, which I know will help me when working in the industry after graduation. Seeing how things work behind the scenes at the university has also been interesting.

There have certainly been challenges in the role, but members of the team I work with have been so helpful and I’ve always been able to ask them for advice.

Abiola Shobande

>> In my spare time I really enjoy powerlifting and strength training. I also like to keep up with various aspects of science, technology and politics.

InsideBU | 15

16 | InsideBU

NEW TO BU

Every term BU extends a warm welcome to new members of staff. InsideBU talks to a

selection of new starters that have joined us over the summer.

I’m graduating from BU in November with a BA (Hons) Communications Media degree, so this is my first role since finishing my course. It’s my job to communicate the key messages of the Dorset LEP to both its stakeholders and the wider Dorset business community.

Whenever I have any free time, I love writing, and curling up on my sofa in my penguin onesie.

It’s my job to teach production skills in camera, sound and lighting. Previously I was involved in films and TV production and have worked in education in Central America. I recently left Farnborough College of Technology to join BU, and was attracted to the dynamic environment here.

Outside of work I research and create documentary films and enjoy funky music!

I joined BU two months ago after leaving a position at London South Bank University. I wanted to work at BU because it has a great reputation and I knew the people would be good to work with.

Outside of work I enjoy gardening, baking, going along to music festivals and enjoying some of the best views in Dorset!

I’m currently studying Tourism Management at BU and have started my placement year working in RKEO. I’ll be working on public engagement events, including the Festival of Learning and I’m looking forward to learning more about the industry.

Outside work, I have an interest in most sports, prominently football, and socialising with different groups of people.

I work with my teams to provide a range of marketing and communication services to support the implementation of BU’s strategy plan. Right now I’m busy delivering the new website which is currently being rolled out.

My pleasures outside of work come from spending time with family and friends and I still get a kick out of seeing the sea.

David Wakeford – Careers Adviser

Anushka Naidoo – Dorset LEP (Local Enterprise Partnerships) Communications Assistant

Julio Molina Montenegro – Demonstrator in TV Production

Beverly Barker – Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Advertising in The Media School

Harry Gibson – Events Organiser for Research & Knowledge Exchange Office

Amanda Procter – Head of Marketing Services

I work in the Careers & Employability Team, providing a range of services including careers interviews, support with career planning and CV reviews. BU offers so much to students in terms of employability and enterprise and placement opportunities.

In my spare time I love playing tennis, walking, going to music gigs and amateur dramatics.

Colin Paterson

By day, by night

Colin Paterson, Practice Fellow in Physiotherapy in the School of Health and Social Care, loves the balance of teaching and working in practice – especially if it takes him to the Gold Coast of Australia.

I ’ve been a physiotherapist for about 15 years and started at BU in 2004 – the same year that the Physiotherapy programme started – so I

was one of the first members of staff in the team.

As a Practice Fellow, I think I have the best of both worlds. It means I get to teach students, but also work as a physiotherapist and I really enjoy the mix of both.

Working in practice provides me with lots of material that I can bring to my teaching, and vice-versa. As a profession, knowledge around physiotherapy is evolving rapidly through more and more research, so working at BU helps me to keep up to date with things that I can then transfer into practice.

Physio is a really intensive course with highly motivated and demanding students, so it’s great that my industry links can help them develop their skills. Lots of them have taken part in extra-curricular activities, such as the Bournemouth Rugby 7s. Putting their learning into practice will definitely help once they graduate.

I ’ve worked at a number of major sporting events, including the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics in Bejing, and I’ve just completed

my third Commonwealth Games.

For these kinds of events, there’s a lot of intensive preparation - you’re exposed to all kinds of training, including how to deal with the media. You have to be aware of all kinds of scenarios, such as interest in an athlete’s injury, or allegations of doping. It certainly adds to your skill set, but it’s a big build up for something that you hope doesn’t happen!

It might sound quite glamorous, but there are long days involved and you find yourself living in a bit of a bubble. After two weeks of 17-hour days, you realise you’re unaware of what’s been going on in the real world and it can take some time to adjust.

However, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. I really enjoy working in a high pressured environment with people that are striving to do their best – it’s good to feel part of the team. Working with physios that I don’t normally work with is great from a developmental point of view, as you learn from them and vice-versa.

Would I do another Commonwealth Games? The next one is in the Gold Coast in Australia, so that would be quite nice!

InsideBU | 17

18 | InsideBU

@B

Un

ewsh

ou

nd

Archaeology students and staff made international news headlines after

discovering five skeletons – thought to be from the same family – close to the remains of a Roman villa. This is the first discovery of its kind in Britain. First year student Demi Wiskerke, who is from the Netherlands, told the British Council: “To find actual important finds like these graves is incredible.”

Students and graduates who came to BU through Clearing and Adjustment shared their

experiences of the process, with Forensic Science student Alex Curwen-Reed saying the askBU service was “incredibly helpful” throughout. BU staff also gave advice in several articles, which appeared in The Guardian, The Independent, The Telegraph, and on local radio.

BU IN THE NEWSPRESS AND PR COVERAGE

A selection of news stories from the last three months

More details can be found at: news.bournemouth.ac.uk/bu-in-the-media

BU research into the impact that respite care at children’s hospices has on parental relationships was raised during Prime

Minister’s Questions. The work being done by PhD student Ashley Mitchell in conjunction with Julia’s House hospice was mentioned by MP Julie Girling, with Prime Minister David Cameron responding: “I’m sure that this research from Bournemouth University will help to inform our work in the future.”

BU Midwifery Professor Vanora Hundley’s research into clean birth kits was featured in a New York Times article looking at how

‘frugal innovation’ can support the world’s poorest people. The inexpensive kits are designed to prevent deaths from avoidable causes in pregnancy and childbirth in the developing world, such as an unsterile environment. Vanora told the journalist that the kits work best when they take into account cultural practices in the country.

Prime Minister’s Questions

Clean birth research in New York Times

Clearing Media success

The work of Bournemouth University Dementia Institute (BUDI) orchestra was featured on BBC Radio Solent and in the Bournemouth Echo after the moving performance

during the Festival of Learning. “Their achievements show us that people living with dementia are still full of life and creativity, and can still make invaluable contributions to our lives,” said BUDI Research Assistant Laura Reynolds.

Regional coverage for BUDI Dementia Orchestra

The Big Dig goes global

Senior Lecturer in Political Communication Dr Darren Lilleker appeared on the BBC Radio 4 programme to discuss changes in the

way the public perceive politicians and the role of the media. “What we’ve ended up with really is a choice of managers,” he said. “It’s about the person. It’s about their ability to get things done.”

Dr Darren Lilleker on The Moral Maze

InsideBU | 19

InsideBU | 19

Dates for your diary

How to submitIf you would like to submit a story for the next issue of InsideBU, please email insidebu@bournemouth.ac.uk by 31 October. We reserve the right to edit your copy and the editor’s decision is final. Photographs for print must be 300dpi.

>> For more information about events at BU, please visit news.bournemouth.ac.uk/events/ or contact the Events Team on 01202 961018/buevents@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Undergraduate Open DaysSaturday 25 OctoberSaturday 15 NovemberOpen Days for prospective students on the Talbot and Lansdowne Campuses.

The Study and Work Abroad FestivalWednesday 29 October, Kimmeridge HouseAn event for students to explore the range of international experience opportunities available at BU.www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student-abroad

Graduation 2014Bournemouth International CentreThe biggest event in BU’s calendar sees students and staff celebrate their hard work on the following dates:Tuesday 4 November, 10am; The School of Health & Social CareWednesday 5 November, 10am; The School of TourismWednesday 5 November, 2.30pm; The Business SchoolThursday 6 November, 10am; Faculty of Science & Technology (School of Design, Engineering & Computing)Thursday 6 November, 2.30pm; Faculty of Science & Technology (School of Applied Sciences)Friday 7 November, 10am; The Media School.www.bournemouth.ac.uk/graduation

Bournemouth Chamber Music Society ConcertSunday 2 November, Kimmeridge Hall, Talbot Campus, 3pmBournemouth Chamber Music Society Concert – Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow perform a professional piano duet.www.bournemouthchambermusic.co.uk

Green WeekMonday 10 - Friday 14 NovemberA week of events across both campuses, open to both staff and students, raising awareness of sustainability and environmental issues.

Graduate and Placements Fair 2014Wednesday 12 - Thursday 13 November, Kimmeridge HouseOrganisations will be on campus to offer insight into their placements, summer internships or graduate opportunities.www.bournemouth.ac.uk/graduate-and-placements-fair

Postgraduate Open DayWednesday 19 November, Talbot and Lansdowne CampusAn event for those interested in studying for a Master’s degree at BU.www.bournemouth.ac.uk/pg-visit

Vice-Chancellor’s Staff AwardsThursday 27 November, Talbot CampusAn awards ceremony that recognises the achievements of our staff.

BU Christmas ConcertSunday 7 December, The Royal Bath HotelFestive favourites performed by BU/AUB Big Band, Orchestra and Choirs.studentportal.bournemouth.ac.uk/news/events/music-arts.html

Back to the futureWednesday 10 – Thursday 11 December, Executive Business CentreThis one-day event will look at some of the newly emerging issues related to the future of sport.

Christmas ClosureThe university will close at 1pm on Wednesday 24 December and reopen on Monday 5 January 2015.

Creative TuesdaysEvery Tuesday in the Atrium Art Gallery Balcony LoungeA weekly drop-in between noon and 2pm for anybody that would like to knit, sew or make/create drawings, arts and crafts.news.bournemouth.ac.uk/events/event/creative-tuesdays/

Café ScientifiqueFirst Tuesday of every monthExplore the latest ideas in science and technology in Café Boscanova, 650 Christchurch Road, Boscombe. Doors open from 6.30pm, with the speaker at 7.30pm.www.cafescibournemouth.wordpress.com

To order additional copies of InsideBU please contact Internal Communications, BU Marketing and Communications. Telephone: 01202 961033 Email: insidebu@bournemouth.ac.uk

Produced by Bournemouth University on recycled paper. Bournemouth University has Fairtrade status.

Alternative formats are available on request: formats@bournemouth.ac.uk

6394-05/14 SAM