We will be with you every step of the way, right from you having the idea of, ‘yeah, I could do that’.
We will be your mentor, your partner, your rock. We will empower you, give you the belief, the skills and the vision you need. We’re with you as an individual.
We understand your goals and ambitions. We understand where you want to go. And we understand that everybody’s journey is not the same. But whatever the journey, we’re walking next to you.
We’re delighted that you’ve chosen to join us and become something different: someone who will make a difference in your community or society.
Our aim at BCUC is simple: to empower you to gain the qualifications you need for the best, most rewarding careers in your field. You’ll be given the skills, knowledge and supportcombined with industry-led insight from professional Lecturers.
At BCUC we work closely with our highly-respected, innovative university partners – the University of Greater Manchester, Edge Hill University, the University of Lancashire and Pearson.
During your time as a BCUC undergraduate or postgraduate, we are here to support you and offer any guidance and advice you may require. Our approachable Lecturers and experienced support teams are on-hand in person, via email or telephone, whether it is career, financial, personal or academic support you need.
With over 25 years’ experience of successfully delivering high-quality university education, the BCUC team has the experience and knowledge to help you achieve your dreams. On behalf of all the staff, I hope you enjoy your time studying with us, take advantage of all the additional opportunities studying at BCUC offers you and I wish you every success with your future endeavours.
Nina Parkin Assistant Principal for University and Adult
BCUC has a comprehensive portfolio of university-level courses to meet the needs of our undergraduates and leading employers, locally, regionally and nationally.
BCUC is at the forefront in the development of degree-level education to meet the constantly-evolving needs of industry – and allow its graduates to become recognised leaders in their chosen sector. We have undergone a series of major external reviews of our university education provision, including the Annual Provider Review (APR)* conducted by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
The HEFCE concluded that:
• Qualification standards are reliable and comparable to other providers across the UK
• Student academic experience is of high quality
• Student outcomes are generally good or excellent
• We have demonstrated continuous improvement in relation to student outcomes
• Alongside this, BCUC has also been successful in its registration with the OfS (Office for Students), the independent regulator of university-level education in England.
We are proud to be accredited by the RSB for our BSc (Hons) in Medical Biology. The RSB Standard is recognised by NGOs, companies, governments around the world as a uniquely robust and practical approach to sustainability in the bio-based and circular economy. This accreditation recognises and supports the advancement of skills and education.
BCUC is a member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education which works to safeguard academic standards, enhance the student learning experience and secure the global reputation of UK higher education.
*2024-25
Burnley College’s main building has four floors and wings which branch from an impressive, central glass Atrium which is the location for many additional support services and activities.
The BCUC building, with its own bespoke learning spaces, is situated in the spacious courtyard to the rear of the main Burnley College building.
Social and learning spaces offer the perfect environment for you to work collaboratively, socialise and enjoy your lunch in the BCUC cafe.
There are banks of laptops for undergraduates to use, printing facilities, refreshment areas and designated areas for group work.
There is always a member of BCUC staff on hand to help with any queries.
Our state-of-the-art three-storey expansion is now open and includes: Our £6.6 million three-storey expansion has enhanced BCUC facilities to include:
• 1900 square metres of floor space dedicated to teaching
• Cutting-edge science laboratories for DNA amplification
• Expanded Psychology, Counselling and Medical Biology facilities
• A dedicated Careers Advice and Guidance Team
• Creative spaces for performance and arts studies
• A high-tech esports classroom
• A state-of-the-art lecture theatre
Sustainability is one of the key factors across our Campus and our latest development continues in line with our learners’ passion for a greener world.
Our Campus is a safe and secure environment in which you can learn and grow. Our Security Team is proactive in ensuring all students and visitors are kept safe and the optimum learning environment is maintained at all times.
You will be given the following handbooks to support you with your studies:
Student Handbook
• Welcome and introduction
• Access to learning resources
• Guidance on how to access student support.
Programme Handbook
• Detailed content and structure of your course (awarding University Programme Specification)
• Relevant timetable and staff contact details
• Approaches to teaching and learning, assessment details
Module Handbook
• Details of how each module is studied.
• Module Tutor’s contact details
• Overview of the module and Lecture Scheme/Timetable
• Assessment information and recommended reading lists.
Here to support you every step of the way
We’ll help you with pre-university education, such as the admissions process and guidance on entering higher education. This is particularly beneficial for students returning to education after some time out.
Ensuring you have access to the resources, skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your university-level studies and achieve the highest possible degree rankings. This includes BCUC’s comprehensive additional learning support sessions and signposting to financial support.
Talk to us about your future and your career aspirations. We are committed to ensuring BCUC Students progress into successful careers or further study and exceed their personal goals.
We will support you with advice and guidance on applications to Student Finance England and can signpost you to other potential sources of financial support such as the BCUC Bursary and Hardship Fund.
We regularly organise extra-curricular activities and events, such as guest speaker talks, topical activities and workshops. Let us know if you have any requests – ideas are always welcome!
We offer advice and guidance on additional learning support tools and resources to help Students access learning in the classroom in the way that is best for them.
If we feel you would benefit from a DSA (Disabled Students’ Allowance) referral, the team will support you in completing your application. We will also support you in following up on the recommendations given and accessing the tools you need for success.
You can get in touch with the team: he.support@burnley.ac.uk
As a BCUC undergraduate you can access expert advice and guidance on:
Academic writing tools are essential resources that enhance your writing efficiency and clarity, contributing significantly to your academic success
Referencing is the practice of crediting sources accurately, upholding academic integrity and facilitating meaningful discussions
Research skills enable you to locate and synthesise information, empowering you to generate comprehensive and insightful academic work
Assessment methods encompass various evaluation approaches, helping you effectively demonstrate your knowledge and skills
If you need more support, email he.support@burnley.ac.uk Or visit the Student Portal.
Your health and wellbeing is important to us. BCUC has a range of free services and resources available to you during your time as a student with us.
BCUC is dedicated to ensuring you have the health and wellbeing support you need to focus on your career goals and to become a leader in your chosen sector.
As a BCUC student you will have access to:
• An annual Health and Wellbeing support with free taster sessions and a showcase of support services available
• A counsellor available by appointment
• Discounted membership to the on-site Fitness Evolution gym and fitness classes. .
Our Wellbeing Team is a dedicated group of individuals who are highly trained to help Students. They can be contacted or approached to offer ways to deal with feelings as well as signposting you to further support if they feel it would benefit you.
Many of our Tutors and support staff across all divisions are qualified Mental Health First Aiders. They are trained to identify the early signs that someone may be struggling and can support you in talking through any issues or putting you in touch with the Wellbeing Team for further support.
There are many ways you can access these services. You can:
• Speak to your Tutor who can put you in touch with someone from the Wellbeing Team
• Visit the Wellbeing Team Office (Main Building - E Wing) or call 01282 733334
• Contact the Wellbeing team via email, safeguarding@burnley.ac.uk
• Access the Wellness Hub on the Student Portal, which is full of tips on maintaining good habits and developing coping strategies.
Staying fit plays a pivotal role in enhancing mental health and overall wellbeing, as regular physical activity is known to reduce stress, boost mood and improve cognitive function. Engaging in exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, which enhance emotional health and provide a natural energy boost.
That’s why our onsite Gym and Recovery Spa, Fitness Evolution offers a discounted rate to you.
Learn more: fitnessevo.co.uk/gym-membership-prices/
For access to all Health and Wellbeing Support information visit your Student Portal.
ROOM E1-15 EVERYDAY 8.40am to 5pm
BCUC has a range of additional financial and welfare support for students in need, depending on their individual circumstances.
Every full-time Student is entitled to apply for the BCUC Bursary, regardless of financial situation. Depending on your household income and the length of time studying with us, you could be entitled to up to £2,500 over the full length of your course. You will be notified when and how to apply for the bursary, after the start of the new academic year.
Payments will be made after the completion of the first semester; you must maintain an attendance of 90% and remain up to date with your coursework.
The BCUC Bursary is subject to eligibility. Information correct at time of print.
Find out more at burnley.ac.uk/support/financialsupport/#university
Provided by BCUC to support Higher Education students facing financial hardship.
• Standard awards are means tested to discover whether a student is eligible. They are assessed on case-by-case basis
• Non-standard awards are offered to students who have to meet exceptional costs, including cases where the student may be considering leaving their course due to financial hardship
This is awarded by Student Finance England to help with extra costs essential to access studies. This application process can take some time so we recommend students apply as early as possible.
You will need to undergo a Needs Assessment to identify any specialist equipment or support required such as:
• Specialist equipment allowance. This is a one-off payment towards essential study items
• Non-medical Helpers’ Allowance. This is an annual payment towards the cost of academic support
• Travel allowance. Help towards any reasonable extra cost of travel. This does not cover basic travel costs that anyone would normally have to pay for
• General allowance. Help towards the cost of other necessary study items not already mentioned (e.g. specialist books, Braille, large print, photocopying).
If you are a Care Leaver, £1,000 worth of support is available per year of study, for fulltime Students aged under 25 years. This comes in the form of three payments of £250, plus £250 in campus credits per year whilst studying on your course. If you’re a Care Leaver, please email he.support@burnley.ac.uk for further information and to apply; you can apply for this support in addition to the BCUC Bursary.
You may be entitled to savings on your council tax bill, as a Student. If you are a fulltime Student and the sole occupant of your property or your property is only occupied by full-time Students, you may be exempt from council tax. If you are a full-time Student living with other non-Students, you maybe entitled to a discount. You will need to contact your local council to apply for the reduction in your council tax bill, and you might have to repeat this every year. A council tax letter will automatically be provided to you within the first few months of your studies; you may be asked to provide evidence that you’re a fulltime Student.
The financial support available to BCUC students is subject to change each year.
Please contact Student Support for more information.
Email: he.support@burnley.ac.uk
Phone: 01282 733551
Make your money go further by taking advantage of a range of student discounts.
Some services may require sign-up using a BCUC email account.
For a small annual fee you receive a range of discounts online from national shops and restaurants.
For a wide range of discounts, vouchers and offers.
Discount codes at major retailers and restaurants.
Make your money go further by taking advantage of discounts you’re entitled to, from council tax to cheap train travel as well as a place to talk to other students for support and celebration.
It’s All In One Place
You can discover all the savings open to you right now by visiting the Student Portal. Under “Financial Advice and Support” go to “Student Incentives”.
Council Tax Exemption
As a Student you could be exempt from paying Council Tax. Follow the link online to discover more.
Save The Student
A website full of ideas, discounts, jobs and more all designed to save you money.
The National Union of Students
The NUS is the longest running and most well known Student Union and uses its reputation to secure excellent deals.
The Student Room
A super-friendly and supportive community for school, college and university Students.
UNiDAYS
UNiDAYS offers amazing discounts with some of the biggest names from Apple to Nike, ASOS to FootAsylum.
And more…
You will automatically receive a free BCUC student email account within 24 hours of enrolling: this is accessed via our Student Hub
https://www.burnley.ac.uk/Burnley-Student-Hub
The first time you sign in, you must be on college premises and connected to the College WiFi.
Username:
This is your student number, found on the bottom of your ID card e.g. 1003459652.
Password:
This is student (all lower case). You will be prompted to change your password at first log-in.
For help downloading free Microsoft Office Software, queries regarding your WiFi connection or any other IT queries, please access our online help desk:
https://helpdesk.burnley.ac.uk/
Other useful direct links:
Office at home
https://helpdesk.burnley.ac.uk/knowledgebase/how-do-i-download-microsoft-office-forhome/
What WiFi network to use
https://helpdesk.burnley.ac.uk/knowledgebase/what-wifi-network-should-i-use/
How to access emails on the web
https://helpdesk.burnley.ac.uk/knowledgebase/email-sign-in/
For Pearson and University of Greater Manchester students
Please speak to your Programme Leader for further information on how to:
• Access your course materials, such as reading lists and lecture slides,
• Take part in activities such as online discussions, blogs etc.
• Submit assignments for your courses through this Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
• Advice & Guidance
• Academic Support
• Health & Wellbeing
• Financial Support
• And more
burnley.sharepoint.com/sites/studentportal/sitepages/burnley-courses.aspx
You’ll never be stuck for somewhere to eat if you need to take a break from your studies. Our Refectory has a five-star hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency.
BCUC Cafe:
Exclusively for BCUC students - open breakfast until 2pm
Refectory (Level 0, Main Building):
7.45am – 11am – breakfast
11.15am – 2pm – lunches – from salad and wraps, to roast dinner and pizzas
Café (Level 1, Main Building):
8am – 8pm – light breakfasts, lunches and snacks
Street Eats:
Enjoy tasty street food from our Street Eats van. Watch out for it on Campus.
Vending Machines:
Selling snacks, hot and cold drinks - including Starbucks Coffeeavailable throughout the main college building.
We ask that, as a BCUC student, you always make yourself aware of your nearest fire exit, evacuation route and evacuation point, wherever you are working in the BCUC building or main building.
Please refer to the Burnley College Fire Procedures set out on at the links below. https://burnley.sharepoint.com/sites/HealthandSafety/SitePages/Fire-Safety.aspx
BCUC Policies and Procedures
https://www.burnley.ac.uk/about/policies-procedures-public-value-statement/
At BCUC we value input and suggestions from students on how we can continually improve our university-level offering to meet your needs and aspirations.
Student Representatives are chosen each academic year, within all Programmes, to be a voice for their peers and to take part in the wider discussion around developing the Student experience. By gathering and relaying feedback to tutors and by engaging in meetings that are held throughout the year, Representatives influence teaching and make sure that Student perspectives are heard Representatives also have the opportunity to support change and inform key projects across BCUC.
This role is perfect for those looking to build communication, interpersonal and problemsolving skills.
Your tutor will give you the opportunity to put yourself forward to be a Student Representative for your course group.
At the start of the academic year, you have the opportunity to apply to join the BCUC Executive Board. Students on the board will meet with leadership to influence the decision-making process and will be involved in the development of activities that give improvements across BCUC.
This role is for those who want to shape policies and initiatives, while developing crucial leadership and decision-making skills.
You will be asked to express your interest in this role and successful applicants will be invited to an initial group session.
At BCUC your thoughts and opinions are vital, and we arrange regular opportunities for you to share your feedback, throughout the academic year. Your responses are valued and we appreciate the chance to understand what is working well and if you have any constructive suggestions for improvements.
As a Student we want to understand why you have chosen to study with us, how you feel after your first few weeks and if you have all the information about BCUC, that you need to get started.
We will share an online survey with you, at the start of the academic year, which you can access and complete either via a link (shared by your tutor) or through the Student Portal.
As you progress through your course, we encourage you to reflect on your experience so far: the teaching on your course, assessment and feedback, organisation, and the support that you’ve had access to. As your course is made up of different modules, which may be taught in varied ways or offer different opportunities, you are given the chance to share your feedback on each module studied.
We will share an online survey with you before the winter holidays, at the end of December, and again before spring break in March/April.
This is an opportunity for your course group to collectively discuss your time on the course: the support from tutors and peers, engagement, communications and any developments. These meetings are run by a member of the academic team, who will record notes and anything that they have agreed to look into further.
The academic team will arrange when your group meeting will take place, generally before the winter holidays and again before spring break.
You will also be invited to take part in the two surveys below, towards the end of your course and after you have completed. To support these surveys and to make sure that you can be contacted, BCUC are required to hold up to date contact information for you, including a telephone number and e-mail address.
National Student Survey (NSS) – the survey launches in January and runs annually across the UK, with eligible Students invited to take part, in their expected final year of study. The overall results are made available on the Discover Uni website; to help future Students make decisions about where to study. We also rely on the feedback, to help us to share what’s good and look at what need’s improving.
Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) – is the biggest UK annual social survey, which hopes to understand your experiences around 15 months after you have completed your course.
Should BCUC (Burnley College University Courses) decide a student will be withdrawn from their studies, this is known as Institutional-led Withdrawal. The decision will be based on evidence related to attendance, engagement and other relevant factors.
Where it becomes clear a Student will not meet the academic or other course-specific progression requirements, or if the student fails to fulfil module/ course attendance requirements, they may be withdrawn.
A student will remain registered and liable for fees, until BCUC makes a decision at a Course Assessment Board about termination. The final date of attendance (date of withdrawal) which will be used in all statutory reporting, including to Student Finance and financial sponsors, will be 15 days after the date of the Course Assessment Board. This allows for the 14-day time period in which a student has the right to submit an appeal against that decision.
Please note, this is a simplified summary of the process. Please ask your tutor if you would like to see a full copy of the Student Engagement and Attendance Monitoring (SEAM) policy.
Applicant paying own fees or Employer paying fees
August
You will be invited to the BCUC enrolment event via letter
Applicant requires loan for tuition fees
Apply for loan via Student Finance online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance
Please send a screen shot of your loan application to he.admin@burnley.ac.uk
Within 6-8 weeks
Once application is approved please email a copy of the University or College Payment Advice Slip letter to he.admin@burnley.ac.uk
FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN DELAYED ENROLMENTS AND PAYMENTS
You will attend the BCUC enrolment event (all university courses)
Documents that must be brought to enrolment are:
• Proof of ID (birth certificate, driving license, or current passport)
• Proof of highest level of qualification
• Proof of Maths and English qualification
• Payment:
• Loan - if not already provided, screenshot of student finance application or a copy of University or College Payment Advice Slip
• Employer - Employer cheque or purchase order confirmation on letter headed paper
• If paying own fees you must bring payment (or first instalment payment if paying by instalments)
FAILURE TO PROVIDE ANY OF THE ABOVE WILL RESULT IN DELAYED ENROLMENT
We will take a passport-style photograph of you on the day which will be used for your BCUC ID Badge and College Systems.
All applicants enrolling on University of Lancashire courses must also enrol with University of Lancashire directly.
You will be sent an email asking you to validate your email address. Once validated, you will receive an email with your University of Lancashire username and password, along with a link to enrol. Please follow the instructions via the link to enrol.
University of Greater Manchester
All applicants enrolling onto a University of Greater Manchester course will be completed via BCUC.
After your enrollment is complete you will be invited to an induction to learn more about your time at BCUC.
At Burnley College we are committed to ensuring that all learners are equipped with, and promote, the Burnley College core values, high expectations, behaviours and skills that will enable them to:
• Achieve challenging aspirations
• Be prepared for ambitious next steps
• Confidently embrace diverse experiences and opportunities
• Foster curiosity, creativity and responsibility for their own progress and learning
BEHAVIOURS THAT DEMONSTRATE HIGH EXPECTATIONS
• Trying new activities, events and ideas
• Enjoying and achieving new learning challenges
• Being flexible in your approach to learning and activities throughout your College time
• Attending all lessons, on time and fully prepared – maintaining 100% attendance and punctuality
• Fully embracing and engaging in lessons, enrichment and personal development opportunities
• Representing yourself and the College positively and professionally at all times
• Proactively seeking out help or support that will ensure you succeed
• Submitting all work to the highest standard
• Being prepared to learn and taking an active positive part in lessons and workplace activities
• Working hard to achieve agreed targets and goals
• Sharing ideas and supporting others to succeed
• Demonstrating fairness and respect
• Actively seeking out opportunities to use your Learner Voice to shape the best experience for all learners
BEHAVIOURS THAT DO NOT MEET HIGH EXPECTATIONS
• Not engaging with opportunities or taking full advantage of trying new activities or approaches that will be beneficial to your progress and development
• Not fully engaging with all learning, enrichment and personal development opportunities
• Poor attendance or punctuality
• Behaving inappropriately when at, or representing, the College, internally or externally
• Not submitting work, to deadlines, or submitting work of a poor quality
• Plagiarism, cheating or other fraudulent behaviour
• Disrupting your own or others’ learning
• Not working proactively to achieve agreed targets and goals designed to help you succeed
• Not following instructions which help keep the College a safe, secure and positive learning environment
BURNLEY COLLEGE CORE VALUE
BEHAVIOURS THAT DEMONSTRATE HIGH EXPECTATIONS BEHAVIOURS THAT DO NOT MEET HIGH EXPECTATIONS
• Wearing ID badges and lanyards at all times to show you are part of the Burnley College community
• Demonstrating mutual respect and tolerance of others in behaviour and language, including awareness of the impact of negativity on other people
• Valuing and respecting the college environment and resources, which are there for all learners and staff
• Being honest
• Positively contributing to an environment free from bullying and harassment
• Dressing appropriately for a college or work environment
• Ensuring a safe environment by following instructions
• Fully embracing opportunities for personal and skills development that will prepare you for ambitious next steps
• Taking responsibility for your learning in and outside of lessons – setting, agreeing and working towards ambitious targets
• Providing and responding to constructive feedback – acting on it positively to ensure excellent progress
• Recognising and respecting individual differences
• Celebrating your own and others’ successes
• Showing commitment to equality & diversity in College
• Undertaking activities and opportunities that will equip you to become role models and leaders in society
• Fully embrace all opportunities at College that will ensure you are:
• Creative, Curious & Collaborative
• Ambitious, Resilient & Adaptable
• Socially Responsible Role Models
• Self-aware & Committed to SelfDevelopment
• Employable & Entrepreneurial
• Globally Aware
• Not wearing, lending or borrowing ID badges/lanyards
• Not wearing PPE, protective clothing and/ or uniform specified by staff
• Not following safety instructions
• Smoking or vaping on College premises except in the designated smoking area
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Being in possession of drugs, drugsrelated paraphernalia or alcohol.
• Physical or verbal abuse or intimidation of staff, learners or visitors to college
• Harassment, bullying or discriminatory behaviour including: emotional, physical, sexual and verbal abuse and gestures
• Swearing, oppressive or intolerant language, taunts, literature or graffiti
• Online bullying in or out of college including messaging, email, social or learning platform misuse
• Possession and circulation of offensive materials
• Misuse of digital technology and equipment
• Mistreating college property
• Choosing to engage in behaviours that do not positively contribute to ensuring your own excellent progress, development, and success at College and beyond.
• Choosing to engage in behaviours that do not positively contribute to your holistic progress and development, designed to equip and empower you to pursue and succeed in ambitious next steps
Mon 7 September 2026 Induction week
Mon 14 September 2026 University starts for all Students
Thurs 22 October 2026
Mon 2 November 2026
Students finish for October Half Term, University closed from Friday 23 October
All Students return
Thurs 17 December 2026 Students finish for winter break, University closed from Friday 18 December
Mon 4 January 2027
Fri 12 February 2027
Mon 22 February 2027
Thurs 25 March 2027
Mon 12 April 2027
All Students return
Students finish for February Half Term, University closed from Friday 15 February
All Students return
Students finish for Easter break, University closed from Friday 26 March
All Students return
Mon 3 May 2027 University closed for May Day
Fri 28 May 2027
Mon 7 June 2027
Students finish for May Half Term, University closed from Monday 31 May
All Students return