This article explores how to contact the University, and who to contact if you have a problem or question.

Starting a new course or programme can be an exciting, yet overwhelming time. It’s normal to have questions or need support at any stage of your studies, and as such there are many people who can help you.

All Students

If you have any questions, your primary point of contact to the University is the Student Advice Team. The best way to contact the team is via Student Central, our online student communication platform. Simply ask the question you have and the team will answer the enquiry themselves, or assign it to the team best suited in answering. You’ll receive an email when your enquiry has been responded to.

Student Central can be used for queries related to:

• Registration
• Administration
• Finance
• Assessments and coursework
• Mitigating Circumstances
• Taking a break from your studies, or reducing your modules
• Mental health
• IT
• Disabilities
• Contacting tutors and module leaders
• Accessing study support
• Graduation

If you’d prefer to speak to someone over the phone, you can call the Student Advice team on +44 (0)118 921 4696 option 2, available 8.30am – 5.00pm GMT, Monday to Friday.

Apprentices

If you are an Apprentice, you can also speak to your Apprenticeship Outcomes Officer (AOO). You will be given a named AOO at the beginning of your programme with us, and will meet with them every few weeks to discuss your progress. They will be able to support you with queries relating to your Apprenticeship programme, and with any workplace queries.

FAQs

Am I able to change the modules I study in a semester?

For non-apprentices: If you want to change the modules you are due to study in a semester, you should contact the Student Advice Team at the first instance. All non-apprenticeship students are able to reduce the number of modules they are due to study per semester, and this can be a really sensible way to manage your study workload. By studying one module a semester you will need to study on average 7-10 hours per week, compared to an average of 15-20 hours per week required to study 2 modules. Please note that reducing the number of modules you study in a semester will increase your overall programme duration.

For apprentices: As an apprentice, your modules are agreed between you, the University, and your employer at the start of your apprenticeship. Therefore, it is not normally possible for you to change the modules you study in a semester. Please contact your Apprenticeship Outcomes Officer if you believe there may be a genuine need to change your modules.

What are my options if I need to take a break from my studies?

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and as such there are ways to take a break from your studies if you need. The options you have will depend on your programme, so in the first instance it’s best to contact the Student Advice Team for further info. Apprentice students wishing to take a break in their learning should contact their Apprenticeship Outcomes Officer (AOO).

What should I do if I can’t submit my assessment on time?

All students have the option to apply one 7 day extension per module. You can apply for this yourself via the ‘My Assessment’ page on the VLE. Think about timings because there is only one 7 day extension available per module – if you use it for your first assessment, it’s then not available for the second.

Despite the option of a 7 day extension, life does not always go to plan. Sometimes serious, unforeseen circumstances, outside of your control, can affect your ability for or complete your assessments and/or impact assessment performance. At University of the Built Environment, this is referred to as mitigating circumstances. To submit a request, you will need to complete an online mitigating circumstances form, which can be accessed from your Assessment Tracking page.

If your request for Mitigating Circumstances is approved, then you may be able to resubmit your work at a later date.

If you have any questions about Mitigating Circumstances, or need support to complete the form, please contact the Student Advice Team.

Worried about your Assessment?

Please see this Assessment Flowchart for details on support options available to you.

Who do I contact if I need academic support?

If you have a subject specific query, need guidance on understanding an assignment brief, or would like to understand your assignment feedback, then please contact your Module Leader or Lecturer. Contact details are available on your module page, within the ‘Module Team’ section.

If you would like more general study support such strategies to assist with organisation and planning, or support with referencing and academic writing, please contact the Academic Support Team.

• Make time to familiarise yourself with support options such as Mitigating Circumstances, so that you are aware of the process should you need to use it
• Take a look at the guidance and videos on how to use Student Central once you have started your course. Information on this is available on the VLE
• Draw up an example study schedule so that you have a good idea of how much time you will need to spend studying each week. Add quick links to contacts such as the Student Advice Team, Academic Support Team, your Module Team, and the Disability Team so that you can seek out support quickly and easily