The Student Support Team are here to support you across a wide range of areas throughout your studies at UCFB. The team has four key sections, Pastoral and Wellbeing Support, Student Voice/Experience, Learning Support and Access & Widening Participation. Our priority is to ensure that you enjoy your time at UCFB and feel supported to succeed both academically, professionally, and personally. We are the first point of contact for students and help to guide them in the right direction when looking for additional support alongside their studies and beyond.
Pastoral support and wellbeing
The Pastoral and Wellbeing Support provides students with a friendly and confidential environment where they are encouraged to talk and are listened to when they have a worry, a concern or just need someone to talk to.
The staff have expert knowledge in a wide range of areas, from budgeting and pastoral support to knowing how to help you get involved with activities and the student community. We can signpost you and supporting you in accessing a range of external services that you may need during your time at UCFB, including support agencies and counselling provisions.
We offer 1-to-1 pastoral support that is tailored to meet the needs of students on an individual basis. Our Pastoral Team take a holistic approach to student support and are dedicated to helping you make the most out of your time at UCFB and beyond. Our staff can be found on campus and virtually. Our advisors are available to support students in a way that suits them with meetings available face-to-face, via teams or a phone call.
Alongside the work the pastoral team do, we are partnered with Health Assured who run the Student Assistance Programme. The programme provides students with a 24/7 365-day confidential support line, an app with guidance and advice on a variety of topics such as, bereavement, gambling, finance, anxiety, and low moods. They also offer counselling programmes which typically last for 6 weeks.
We also work closely with the Student Experience team to put on some amazing wellbeing events across both campuses, most recently a dog therapy day. To find out more information about our service or if you are interested in accessing pastoral and wellbeing support contact StudentSupport@ucfb.ac.uk.
Student voice and experience
The Student Experience Team form part of the wider Student Services provision and work alongside the Students’ Union and Athletic Union to promote positive health and wellbeing within the UCFB Community. Together they provide and develop opportunities that enrich the student experience including social events, activities, student representation, societies, and active sport.
Learning support
At UCFB we aim to help you get the most from your experience in an inclusive learning environment.
We provide confidential advice and guidance throughout the application stage and during your studies, offering students support with specific learning difficulties, long standing health conditions, mental health difficulties, autism spectrum disorders and sensory difficulties.
If you have any difficulties in accessing the information you require, then please contact us via email on learningsupport@ucfb.com or call us on 0333 241 7333.
Our Learning Support Team offers information, advice, and guidance from application to graduation on a range of areas, including:
- Support for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA)
- Reasonable Adjustments (academic and assessment)
- Support with setting up your Non-Medical Helper provision
- Obtaining up-to-date supporting evidence
Liaison with academic and support departments
Our team supports students in identifying the most appropriate solutions to potential barriers to learning. We provide a pastoral service designed to meet your individual needs.
We can offer a range of reasonable adjustments for students who have declared a disability and have registered with our Learning Support service. Reasonable adjustments can also be put in to place for those with short-term support needs that affect access to study. i.e., recovery period because of temporary injury or medical procedure.
If you have a disability or any support requirements, it is essential that you inform us as soon as possible so that we can work on any requirements that you may be entitled to. Once you have informed us and registered with our service, we can work with you to support you throughout your studies.
Following your registration to our service and your consent for us to share information with key parties, we will be able to assist you with the implementation of reasonable adjustments and external support.
If you would like more information about this ahead of your enrolment, please contact our Learning Support Team via email on learningsupport@ucfb.com or call us on 0333 241 7333.
The information from our web pages can be provided in alternative formats, if required.
Access & widening participation
UCFB and GIS' scholarship schemes are designed to encourage students to embrace their time with us and graduate with more than just their university degree. These initiatives offer students the chance to gain a number of individual skills that will enhance their CV, employment prospects and enhance their overall experience.
UCFB Means Tested Bursary Scheme is intended to help level the playing field for students from lower income, disadvantaged and traditionally under-represented backgrounds in Higher Education (including those from low higher education participation neighbourhoods, independent and mature students, students from diverse backgrounds, students with dis/ability, care leavers, etc.) to ensure that higher education is available to everyone.
The bursary and scholarship awards represent our commitment to accessibility and widening participation for higher education.
To find more information on scholarships and bursary schemes click here.
