We can help you if you are finding it difficult to manage your learning or make progress in your studies or research.

We have lots of teams who can provide academic and learning support with any issues you may face whilst at university. For further information about BU’s academic support services, contact AskBU who will be able to signpost you towards the appropriate support or answer your queries.

Personal Tutor 

Your Personal Tutor is an academic staff member who is your first point of contact for discussions around your learning experience and academic progress. They can help you to understand and manage your development as a learner and signpost you to other sources of academic support. You can contact them directly to make an appointment to speak with them. If you are not sure who your Personal Tutor is, contact AskBU or your Programme Support Officers, who can give you their name and contact details. 

Your Programme Team

Your Programme Team is here to support you throughout your academic programme. Talking through problems can help to resolve worries or queries early on.

Your Programme Team includes:

  • Your Programme Leader (PL) who has overall oversight of your programme and your engagement and progress within it. They co-ordinate the delivery and organisation of your course, can provide information and advice on course requirements and academic questions. On larger programmes a PL will work with Level Leads who support each year (level) group on the programme.
  • Your Programme Support Officers (PSO) are responsible for supporting your course and the students on the course. They are your first point of contact for information on assessment processes, absences and managing circumstances which are affecting your studies.
  • Other members of your teaching team for each unit will be able to answer questions about the content of the unit, the assessment requirements and your assessment feedback.

You can see the full details of your Programme Team in your programme area on Brightspace or visit the Programme Support Reception for your faculty:

  • BU Business School (Talbot Campus) - D232, Dorset House
  • BU Business School (Lansdowne Campus) - 401, Executive Business Centre
  • Faculty of Health & Social Sciences - BG309, Bournemouth Gateway Building
  • Faculty of Media & Communications - W304, Weymouth House
  • Faculty of Science & Technology - C114, Christchurch House.

Disability & Additional Learning Support 

The Additional Learning Support Team (ALS) is available to all BU students throughout their time at the university. If you are likely to need support during your studies, please contact the ALS team as soon as possible so reasonable adjustments and one-to-one support can be tailored to your individual needs. The variety of support you may be entitled to will vary depending on many factors. 

You can find more information about the Additional Learning Support team on the BU website, or read their Frequently Asked Questions. You can also contact the team direct. 

Library and Learning Support 

Our libraries offer resources and support to students of all stages of study, from reference guides and e-resources to exam revision workshops. Many of these learning resources can be accessed via the ‘Library and Study Support’ tab of our Virtual Learning Environment, Brightspace. 

You can also find out more about using the library, Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL), Academic Skills Hub and English Language Support on the BU website. 

For further information, contact the library team via phone or email, or by using the library online chat facility. 

Achieve@BU team 

You may also wish to speak to our Achieve@BU team who can provide support and advice if you are experiencing any personal issues which may be impacting your studies. 

IT support 

BU students have access to a wide range of IT facilities, tools, services and support. Our IT information pages should give you all the information you need about what’s on offer and how to make the most of out of our IT services during your studies

If you’re having any problems with any BU-related hardware or software, you can contact our IT Service Desk 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call Freephone: 0808 196 2332 or +44 (0)1202 965515 from outside the university, or raise any issues and requests or chat to our team online. 

Students' Union 

SUBU Advice provides independent and confidential advice to all our students. Call 01202 965779, or email [email protected]. You can also visit them at the Student Centre on Talbot Campus or Bournemouth House at Lansdowne Campus.

Find when the SUBU Advice office is open and further information about the service on the SUBU website.