Programme Handbook

(BA) Games Art

Burnley College 

Full-time

2026-27

Frequent reference is made throughout this Programme Handbook toBCUC (Burnley College University Courses) policies, procedures, regulations and guidance that apply to you. Parts of these are sometimes summarised here for your benefit. In all cases, these summaries are subject to the full College versions. In the case of any conflict between the latter and any summaries presented here, it is the full College versions, which apply.

Welcome

Welcome to the 2026-27 academic year at the University of Bolton   

This Programme Handbook has been produced to provide you with useful information which you will need during your studies.  It includes details about your programme, key contacts, the support available, as well as information about how you can help us to improve your University experience.

As a teaching intensive, research informed University, we aim to provide you with a unique curriculum that is contemporary, stimulating, employment-focused and informed by the latest research in your discipline.  Student success is at the heart of everything we do at this University. You will receive customised support ranging from study skills development to personalised assignment feedback. You will be presented with opportunities to pursue your areas of interest, develop employability skills and achieve your life goals.  

We have created an environment which is designed to enable you to excel and succeed.  Your tutors are well qualified and committed to your success.  This is an excellent opportunity for you to realise your potential in partnership with the University and its staff.  This will require you to make the time to engage in scheduled sessions and undertake independent learning activities, as well as take advantage of the wide range of support available and participate in extra-curricular activities.  

I would like to wish you every success in your studies.

Dr Julian Coleman

Chair of the Committee of Deans

Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic Operations)

A Welcome from the Head of School/Area/Partner Centre 

Welcome to the BA (Hons) Games Art delivered at BCUC. BCUC has a simple aim, and that is to give you the opportunity to study for the qualifications which will equip you for the best jobs in your field. We can be confident in this aim, because this programme provides you with the academic perspectives alongside experience-based insights from the professional field.  I hope that you will enjoy your time studying at BCUC and I wish you every success with your future endeavours.

Nina Parkin Dean of University Education - BCUC

A Welcome from your Curriculum Manager

We are delighted that you have chosen to study at BCUC (Burnley College University Courses) and the BA (Hons) in Games Art.  Welcome to a stimulating, enjoyable programme of study with our friendly and experienced staff, all from a wide variety of industry and academic backgrounds.  We are here to support you during your time at BCUC and are always on hand to offer guidance and advice.  Please do not hesitate to contact me, or anyone in the team, if you require support of any kind.

Jason Frost and the Team at BCUC.

1. Programme Details, Calendar and Timetable

1.1 Programme Overview 

Welcome to Burnley College University Courses (BCUC) and the BA (Hons) Games Art programme. There are over 1,600 active games companies in the UK, with 195 in the North West area alone.* The Games Art degree was designed in consultation with industry experts from several of these companies and aims to prepare you for a career in creating interactive worlds and charismatic characters for the games and digital media industries.

Taking an intensely practical approach designed to mimic the working environment of the games industry, we will work to develop your understanding of the creative and technical possibilities of game art. Our studio-based course will guide you from the basics of digital art through character and environment modelling, texturing, lighting, level design, and concept art to the latest technologies in traditional, mobile, and virtual reality game art.

We share your passion for games and offer a supportive atmosphere where you can showcase your work and respond to critiques from staff, peers, or guest experts from the industry. These sessions will help you learn to develop your ideas with input from colleagues, offer constructive criticism to others, and improve your presentation and communication skills, preparing you for a career in this ever-growing industry.

*Ukie, July 2020, UK Games Map - https://gamesmap.uk/#/map

This undergraduate degree is delivered and assessed at three levels: HE4, HE5, and HE6. It complies with the Assessment Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes, which are accessible via the Student Information-Policy Zone on the web:

https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/student-policy-zone/student-policies-2024-25

CONTEMPORARY & COHORT – The Games department is constantly reviewing and assessing the content to ensure it is relevant and up to date. This process is carried out by individual module tutors based on their own opinions and feedback captured from students in their Module Evaluation Questionnaires (MEQs). Additionally, it is discussed at a team level among the Games Tutors and with industry professionals to gain current perspectives from potential employers and practitioners who engage with this content daily.

COHERENCE - The modules at various levels build and reinforce one another in several ways. As the levels increase, the content around specific topics, such as Level Design or Environment Art, introduces new, more complex elements that students can implement on top of the foundations they have already learned. Additionally, in a broader sense, the content across modules can reinforce different modules. For example, the Introduction to Games Design content can be applied to both the Scripting and Level Design modules throughout the degree. Similarly, elements from Digital Sculpting may be incorporated into the Character Art, Hard Surface, or Environment Art modules as the programme progresses.

CHALLENGE & CONSOLIDATION – Our modules are designed to equip students with the tools needed to create the assets they will ultimately produce in the industry. For instance, Games Programmers learn about AI, culling, and instancing before implementing these techniques into their game projects. Games Artists acquire skills in 3D modelling, 3D sculpting, topology, and efficient asset creation, which they then apply to various assets they develop. Similarly, Games Designers study the basic rules of game design, visual elements for guiding the player, and gameplay loops to incorporate into their own games.

All the courses allow our students to create their respective assets using the comprehensive information, practices, and processes they have learned as they progress. Our courses are also designed to be flexible, ensuring there are sufficient problem-solving elements for students. This flexibility encourages them to reflect on what they have learned and apply it to solve distinct problems, fostering creativity and innovation.

CHOICE – Our students are rarely prescribed specific solutions to our assessments. This approach ensures they have the freedom to choose how they wish to solve the assessment tasks, allowing them to interpret the tasks in a way that is more bespoke to them. For instance, a student may choose to work on a character rather than an environment or opt for a stylised model instead of a photo-realistic one. Alternatively, a student might prefer to develop a bullet-hell style game rather than a platformer.

Most of our modules provide sufficient scope for individuals to put their own stamp on their submissions, ensuring significant differentiation and diversity in student work.

This undergraduate degree is delivered and assessed at Levels 3, HE4, HE5, and HE6, and it complies with the Assessment Regulations for Undergraduate Programmes. These regulations are accessible via the Student Information-Policy Zone on the web:

https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/student-policy-zone/student-policies-2024-25

The official BCUC attendance policy can be found here: https://www.burnley.ac.uk/about/policies-procedures-public-value-statement/ 

A link to the Programme Specification can be found below: https://programmes.bolton.ac.uk/GAM003-F-UOB-SX-03

1.2 Programme Aims 

The principal aims of the programme are to:

• Enables you to acquire knowledge and understanding in a broad range of areas in games art.

• Prepare you for a career in the games industry or closely related industries in the digital media sector.

• Give you experience in content production in an environment similar to that found in the modern games industry.

• To challenge you to show creativity in the interpretation and construction of Programme specification: Games Art (BA) Date: May 2019 assets for 2D and 3D games

• Prepare you to contribute constructive criticism and participate in mature arguments to critique games artwork artefacts.

1.3 Programme Structure and Module Tutors

Module & Web-link Semester Core/Option Module Tutor(s) Credits

HE4

GAR4005 Art Fundamentals S1 Core Julia Skorek 30

GAR4006 Digital Sculpting S2 Core Nadia Kasdaghli 30

GAM4006 Fundamentals of 3D S1 Core Nadia Kasdaghli 30

GAM4005 Level Design S2 Core Julia Skorek           30

HE5

GAR5004 Environment Art S1 Core Heather Fox 30

GAM5003 Technical Art S2 Core Heather Fox 30

GAR5007 Advanced Environment Art S2 Core William Anderson 30

GAR5005Advanced Digital Sculpting S1 Core Nadia Kasdaghli 30

HE6

GAR6006 Hard Surface Modelling S1 Core Nadia Kasdaghli 30

GAM6003 Group Portfolio Project S1 Core Julia Skorek       30

GAM6002 Major Project S2 Core Julia Skorek                       60

* Please see section 2.3 for Module Tutor contact details 

1.4 Programme Calendar

Programme calendars serve as a general guide for the dates and weeks of modules and the overall length of the course. Please note that module content and sessions may be subject to change. For your specific Programme Calendar, please consult your Personal Tutor or Programme Leader at BCUC.

1.5 Programme Timetable 

Each module handbook contains the individual timetable for the module you are studying. The complete course timetable can be accessed via Google Classroom.

1.6 Teaching and Learning

Students should refer to their timetable and Module Guides to determine the mode(s) of delivery for a specific week.

Your personal and professional development is paramount to your future career and is therefore an integral part of your studies. As part of this process, volunteering experience will enhance your employability, enable you to learn from new experiences, bring your studies to life, and help you develop personal goals.

In addition to your personal and professional development, underpinning academic rigour to support your continued learning and problem-solving skills is equally important. Therefore, the concepts of critical thinking, evaluation and analysis, self-reflection, cultural sensitivity, and developing mental resilience are key components.

1.7 Assessment 

Please see below an outline of assessments this academic year and the planned submission dates. 

HE4 One semester in length modules

Module Semester Assessment Submission Deadline

GAR4005 - Art Fundamentals S1 Portfolio Week 14

GAR4006 - Digital Sculpting S2 Portfolio Week 14

GAM4006 - Fundamentals of 3D S1 Portfolio Week 14

GAM4005 - Level Design S2 Written Piece Week 7

Portfolio     Week 14

2. Communications and Attendance 

2.1 Communication Systems 

Communication to individual students is usually conducted via email. As a policy, university staff will only respond to emails sent from a student’s university Outlook account to ensure compliance with data protection legislation.

Most module tutors will post announcements through Google Classroom, the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE). Therefore, it is important for students to familiarise themselves with how to access this electronic information.

In some cases, letters may be sent to a student’s local or home address. It is crucial to ensure that student details are kept up to date on the student record.

Useful web addresses: 

• University of Greater Manchester website: https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/

• University of Greater Manchester Student Area:https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/student-area

• University of Greater Manchester Student Record:  https://evision.bolton.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/SIW_LGN

• University of Greater Manchester Library:  https://libguides.greatermanchester.ac.uk/home

•  University of Greater Manchester Student Support Live Chat Ask Us: https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/student-life/student-support/student-services/ask-student-services

• Burnley College University Courses website: www.burnley.ac.uk

2.2 Contacting Staff

The best way to contact staff is by email. Staff will endeavour to respond to emails within two full working days. If a face-to-face discussion is required, students may arrange a mutually convenient appointment with their Course Leader, Module Tutor, or Personal Academic Tutor.

2.3 Programme Staff

The table below identifies programme staff together with their contact details. 

Staff name Position Location Email

Ed Foulds Head of Division CAM Burnley College e.foulds@burnley.ac.uk

Jason Frost Curriculum Manager Game Art, Esports and Media Burnley College jfrost@burnley.ac.uk

Chris Haythornthwaite Programme Lead for Game Art, Esports and Media Burnley College chaythornthwaite@burnley.ac.uk

Nadia Kasdaghli Module Tutor Burnley College nkasdaghli@burnley.ac.uk
Julia Skorek Module Tutor Burnley College jskorek@burnley.ac.uk

Heather Fox Module Tutor       Burnley College hfox@burnley.ac.uk

William Anderson Module Tutor Burnley College wanderson@burnley.ac.uk

2.4 Information about University Offices 

Service/Staff Location Contact Details

Dean of University Education nparkin@burnley.ac.uk

University Education Administration Team University Building headmin@burnley.ac.uk

University Education Admissions Team University Building headmissions@burnley.ac.uk

Student Services (personal and financial support) Student Services HEsupport@burnley.ac.uk

Fitness Evolution Fitness Evolution fitnessevolution@burnley.ac.uk

2.5 Attendance and Engagement 

In order to progress and achieve the award for which they are registered, students must attend all scheduled sessions. The university's attendance and engagement policy is located at:

https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/student-policy-zone/student-policies-2024-25

The official BCUC attendance policy can be found here: https://www.burnley.ac.uk/about/policies-procedures-public-value-statement/

Please note that attendance and/or engagement is taken into account when making Assessment Board decisions. 

Students may be withdrawn due to poor attendance and/or engagement

In order to progress and achieve the award for which they are registered, students must attend scheduled sessions. BCUC expects students to aim for 100% attendance. If, however, you are unable to attend, you must contact your Personal Tutor and Course Leader to inform them of your absence.

3. The Student Experience and Student Support

3.1 Programme Support

Course Leader

Course Leaders are responsible for the organisation and management of a programme. They oversee the scheduling and delivery of modules, support programme developments, coordinate marketing and recruitment activities, and ensure programme quality standards are maintained.

Module Tutor 

Module Tutors are academics responsible for the organisation and delivery of a particular module. They also design and mark module assessments. If there is an academic problem with a specific module, the first point of contact should always be the Module Tutor. If the query is not resolved, students should contact their Course Leader or Student Representative.

Personal Academic Tutor 

Personal Academic Tutors are members of the academic team within a School who provide individual support for students as they transition into and progress through their university journey. Students are usually allocated a Personal Academic Tutor before they arrive at the university and have the opportunity to meet their Personal Academic Tutor during induction week, along with other tutors, staff, and students.

Personal Academic Tutors will meet with their allocated tutees on a regular basis. Examples of tutorial topics throughout the academic year are provided.

Tutorial Topics Semester and Week

Transition to the University (new students) and next level (continuing students) Semester 1 - Week 4

Review of LEAP Ahead and action plans (new students)

Evaluation of progress (continuing students) 

Feedforward and results support for refer/defer work including support for re-sit exam week (continuing students) 

Identification of any additional support needs 

Promotion of awareness of student support mechanisms  

Tutorial Topics Semester and Week

Evaluation of early formative and summative assessment feedback Semester 1 - Week 10-12

Assessment support and development needs 

Attendance review 

Deadline for final extension requests  

Mitigating Circumstances support – ongoing to final Mitigating Circumstances deadline 

Tutorial Topics Semester and Week

Evaluation of progress Semester 2 - Week 4

Feedforward and results support for refer/defer work including support for re-sit exam week  

Attendance review 

Review of any additional support needs 

Tutorial Topics Semester and Week

Evaluation of early formative and summative assessment feedback from Semester 2 Semester 2 Week 10-12

Assessment support and development needs 

Attendance review 

Deadline for final extension requests  

Mitigating Circumstances support

Personal Academic Tutoring is a cornerstone of the student experience at BCUC, integrating the academic, professional, and pastoral elements of student life. The aim of Personal Academic Tutoring is to support students in achieving their academic and personal aspirations, facilitating a purposeful, professional, and academic relationship. The personal nature of academic tutoring embodies a friendly and personable approach that enables students to become autonomous, confident, and engaged learners, capable of developing their communication skills and interpersonal abilities over time.

Personal Academic Tutors are here to help students gain the confidence to share and ask for support when needed. This ongoing and collaborative relationship builds a deeper connection with the course, academics, and the university, providing support throughout their time at university and beyond.

Peer Support 

It is important for students to build networks of friends and course mates during their studies. Having the right support from fellow students can make a significant difference to life at BCUC and can help students learn more effectively.

3.2 Other Student Support 

Student Services 

There are many services and support options available from staff based within Student Services. Please see below:

Welfare Advice

Student Services at BCUC employ several Welfare Officers to support you through any difficulties you may experience throughout your studies. Welfare Officers provide assistance not only with personal problems but also with financial worries (including benefit issues), health concerns, and accommodation issues. Additionally, Welfare Officers at the College are fully trained and skilled to advise and direct university students to the Access to Learning Fund and Advanced Payment support.

Wellbeing

BCUC offers a holistic pastoral service to ensure that university students receive appropriate and professional support when needed, either through internal or external services. A vastly experienced team of specialised experts supports and advises staff and students on both positive mental health and wellbeing.

Counselling

This service is offered to all University Education students at BCUC who may experience problems within their academic studies or personal life. The move to university education can be stressful and demanding, and the College is fully aware that some students may need extra support during their time with us. The ultimate aim of the Counselling Service is to support students during times of personal difficulty, enabling them to continue with their studies. Personal difficulties may include personal relationship problems, health-related issues, or study-related problems.

Students can arrange appointments with the College Counsellor to fit in with their study timetables, and the frequency of these appointments can be negotiated with the Counsellor. This service is available during the day, and in some cases, evening appointments are also available as needed.

Enhancement

Student Services at BCUC provide and manage extra-curricular activities for University Education students. Activities include clubs such as drones, gaming, and debating, as well as Comedy Nights, music events, volunteering opportunities, and overseas trips.

3.3 Support for Students with Disabilities 

BCUC welcomes students with disabilities and/or additional support requirements and will make every effort to support their needs. University students with disabilities are given advice during interviews about applying for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) and other support options. Weekly timetabled drop-in sessions are held by the College Disability Team, where current or prospective students can gain advice and support regarding DSA applications.

3.5 Careers Support 

Careers Service

BCUC recognises that Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) is essential in supporting students to make realistic, informed choices. Therefore, the University Education support team within Student Services is trained to Level 6 in Information, Advice, and Guidance. Additionally, Student Services hold the Matrix standard.

University Education students at Burnley College can arrange a guidance appointment with qualified practitioners from the National Careers Service, based in Student Services. This service offers a range of career-based tutorials and one-to-one support sessions to help you develop a wide range of employability skills for your next steps.

4. The Student Voice

4.1 Student Representatives and Committees

In order to continuously improve the student experience, volunteer Student Representatives are selected to represent the voice of the student population on key committees.

The role of a Course Representative is to gather views from other students on their programme regarding academic matters and other elements of the student experience, identifying what is working well and areas for improvement. These matters are then discussed at course-level committees called Student-Staff Liaison Committees (SSLCs). SSLCs are usually chaired by a Programme Leader and comprise Module Tutors, as well as representatives from the Library and Administration teams. The minutes of these meetings feed into the University Education Strategy Meeting and ultimately the full Governing Board.

Students interested in becoming Student Representatives will need to put themselves forward for election at the start of the academic year.

4.2 Student Innovators at BCUC

Student Innovators are recruited on an annual basis and are invited to become part of the University Education Strategy team. Below are the roles and benefits of taking on the Student Innovator role:

The Role of the Student Innovator:

⦁ Driving new ideas forward and making them happen

⦁ Positive driving force for BCUC

⦁ Creator of the University Education experience

⦁ Updating Student Representatives on key developments

⦁ Hosting/organising BCUC community events

⦁ Create a social/wellbeing/academic calendar for fellow students

⦁ Member of the BCUC Strategy group (for Campus Life and Student Experience)

⦁ Help BCUC better understand your campus culture and needs

⦁ Representing BCUC on future campus developments

⦁ Represent BCUC at internal/external events

Benefits:

⦁ Receive regular updates on BCUC

⦁ Enhance your professional development, leadership, technical and communication skills

⦁ Be eligible to participate in special events and training

⦁ Expand your skills and professional network

⦁ Receive a reference from the Dean of University Education at BCUC

If you would like to be a part of the Student Innovator Team please speak to your Personal Tutor or Course  Leader for more information on how to apply.

4.2 Programme Feedback 

All students have the opportunity to contribute to the monitoring and enhancement of their course of study. Students can approach their Student Representative (see above), Programme Leader, or Module Tutor informally to discuss issues. The SSLC is also an important forum where elected Student Representatives can speak on behalf of their peers.

In addition, students are asked to complete a satisfaction questionnaire (MFQ – Module Feedback Questionnaire) for each module, as well as a programme questionnaire in their final year (National Student Survey). Students' Perception of College Questionnaires (SPOCs) are also conducted at three points during the year to assess the student experience and develop action plans for the future.

5.    Learning Resources 

5.1 Library Resources BCUC

BCUC (Burnley College) has recently invested a considerable amount of money into an existing building within the College to transform this to a specialised learning/social environment for University Education students studying at the College. The university building is open to students during the following times:

Monday – Thursday 08.30 – 17.00

Friday 08.30 – 16.30

In addition to the plans for a dedicated BCUC (Burnley College) library/learning facility, University Education students also have access to the network of College Active Learning Zones (ALZ)s.  These provisions are high quality and well-resourced learning areas for students.  Each Division within the College has their own dedicated ALZ which supplies resources needed for the curriculum within.  As part of this provision students have access to over 300 wireless laptops with internet connectivity across all of the ALZs within the College.  There is also an area dedicated to periodicals and journals.  In addition to this, students are also able to access a wide range of eBooks and eJournals. 

When students enrol at BCUC, they are automatically allocated library and computer accounts. New students should attend an induction to Library facilities within the first few weeks. As well as delivering inductions, the ALZ team provides support to students in the form of user education classes, workshops and a range of help guides and videos, which show how to access electronic books, journals and databases. 

Resources at the University of Greater Manchester

The Library provides access to a wide range of resources to help students succeed in their studies. Over 200,000 ebooks and numerous online journals and databases can be accessed via Discover@Bolton on the Library website.

Students will need their University of Greater Manchester username and password to access online library resources. Information on getting started using the Library can be found athttps://libguides.greatermanchester.ac.uk/home

Subject Guides provide a subject-specific overview of Library services and have been developed by Academic Librarians to highlight the most useful resources for specific academic areas. Please seehttps://libguides.greatermanchester.ac.uk/subject-guides - This is a great starting point for research for assignments.

Students should also look for the Resource Lists Online (RLO) link on their Moodle sites. Resource Lists Online will provide a link to the resources recommended by module tutors. This will include a direct link to key eBooks, eJournals and databases. Students can create their own profile in RLO to add personal notes to their lists. 

Students can also check their library account and access online resources via the Library section of the MyBolton app. 

5.2 Library Support 

Students will be set up with a University Network Account when they enrol: they will receive the login details by email. Students will use these login details to access the majority of the Library’s resources. For further information, see the Accessing Online Library Resources guide:  https://libguides.bolton.ac.uk/accessingresources 

Academic schools/areas may arrange a Library induction session when students start their programmes of study. The Library also offers online sessions on its resources at various times of the year that they can sign up to. Visit the Library website for details. 

As well as delivering inductions, the Academic Librarian team provides support to students in the form of workshops, help guides and videos and bookable online appointments.  

Videos are available via the Library website and YouTube channel. Students can also find answers to Frequently Asked Questions via the Library website and the MyBolton app. 

Students can get help with Library resources and services as follows:

• Online:

  • https://libguides.greatermanchester.ac.uk/about-us/contact-us

• By online chat, between Monday-Friday: 

  • https://libguides.greatermanchester.ac.uk/home

• By phone (during staffed opening hours) :

  •  01204 903094

• Book an online appointment with an Academic Librarian:

  •  https://libcal.greatermanchester.ac.uk/appointments/online

5.3 LEAP Online  

LEAP Online is the University of Bolton’s award-winning interactive online tutorial which is designed to support students through their academic and personal development journey, with the emphasis on getting the most out of their time at University.  The content can be used to help achieve academic and personal development goals. 

Sections include My Student Engagement, My Academic Development, My Digital Literacy, and My Personal Development. It is packed with activities and assessments for students to complete and to work towards digital badges which demonstrate to their tutors that they have completed the section and have improved their knowledge and skills in areas such as referencing or time management.  

If students are undertaking modules such as study skills for employability skills it is ideal to use in portfolios or as evidence of CPD/development.  LEAP Online is located at:https://leaponline.greatermanchester.ac.uk/Home.aspx

6. Mitigating Circumstances, Academic Appeals Complaints and Report & Support

6.1 Mitigating Circumstances 

Mitigating Circumstances refer to unforeseen, severe and exceptional personal difficulties which adversely affect academic performance. Students can apply for Mitigating Circumstances by completing a Mitigating Circumstances Submission Form (see link below) and providing a covering letter, evidence of circumstances and evidence of assessment deadlines (this must be done as soon as possible and before the published deadline). 

Please note that students who are unable to submit an assessment due to unforeseen, severe and exceptional circumstances should first check with their Module Tutor if an extension can be granted. 

Support for applying for Mitigating Circumstances applications can be sought from a Personal Academic Tutor at BCUC. 

For further details:

https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/student-policy-zone/student-policies-2024-25/mitigating-circumstances-regulations-and-procedures-2024-25

The official BCUC attendance policy can be found here: https://www.burnley.ac.uk/about/policies-procedures-public-value-statement/

6.2 Academic Appeals

Academic appeals may be submitted following an Assessment Board (and before the appeals deadline specified) if a student believes that:

• Circumstances affected his/her performance which, for good reason, the Assessment Board may not have been made aware of when making assessment decisions, or

• there was a material administrative error or procedural irregularity in the assessment process; or

• there is evidence of prejudice or bias or lack of proper assessment on the part of one or more of the tutors/assessors

Please note:  An appeal which questions the academic or professional judgement of those charged with the responsibility for assessing a student’s academic performance or professional competence will not be accepted.

Students who believe they have grounds for an Appeal should contact their Personal Tutor, Course Leader of University Education Administration team.  Appeal forms should be submitted to: headmin@burnley.ac.uk

6.3 Complaints 

The University welcomes comments and suggestions about how things might be improved, we also recognise that students and others with a legitimate interest have a right to complain if they feel that something is wrong.

If the complaint is about services provided by BCUC at Burnley College, students should complain using the College procedures by contacting Simone Lomas on: slomas@burnley.ac.uk

If the complaint relates to the quality of teaching, the curriculum and/or the standards of the programme, then students should raise the complaint using the Burnley College process initially. If a student is unhappy with the outcome of a formal response from Burnley College, they can then ask that the decision be reviewed using The University of Bolton’s procedure. Further details can be found at:https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/student-policy-zone

The official BCUC attendance policy can be found here: https://www.burnley.ac.uk/about/policies-procedures-public-value-statement/

7.   Health and Safety 

7.1   First Aid

Students requiring first aid within the College, or seeking assistance for somebody else, should inform any available member of staff.  

7.2   Accident Reporting

Students should always report all accidents, no matter how minor, and make sure that an accident report form is filled in. Students should report accidents as soon as possible to either their Module Tutor, if in class, or to a relevant member of staff e.g. Course Leader, ALZ staff, Site Supervisor etc. 

Students should also report accidents which occur off-site when undertaking an activity sanctioned by the College e.g. a field trip.

7.3   Smoking  

The policy of BCUC at Burnley College is that all of its workplaces are smoke free, and all students and employees have a right to work and study in a smoke free environment. Smoking is therefore not allowed in any College building or around their entrances. Staff and Students are only permitted to smoke in the designated smoking area.  Please note that this Policy also applies to electronic cigarettes.

7.4   Fire Evacuation Procedure 

The emergency evacuation alarm is a siren.  If the alarm sounds continuously, buildings should be evacuated following the procedures set out below.

• When the alarm sounds, windows should be closed and all machines, gas valves, equipment and electrical appliances switched off.

• Students should leave the building by the nearest designated emergency exit in accordance with the instructions given by staff, closing doors as directed.

• Disabled students should be assisted as required.  In the event that any disabled student is unable to be evacuated, the Fire Marshall should be made aware of the location of the student, and any other relevant information which may assist in his/her evacuation.

• Students should not re-enter unless advised by a member of staff known to them.

• On no account should lifts be used.

• Holdalls, briefcases or any other bulky items which would impede evacuation should not be taken.  

• Students should report to the designated assembly point irrespective of the exit by which the building was evacuated.  They must not leave the assembly point unless authorised by a recognised member of staff.  

• If a student is concerned that another student has not been able to evacuate the building, he/she should advise a member of staff of that person's last known location.

7.5   Safeguarding and Prevent 

Safeguarding is a process of making sure children and adults at risk are protected from being abused, neglected or exploited. The University of Bolton recognises that it is unacceptable for a child or adult at risk to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility to safeguard children and adults at risk of harm within BCUC and those who come into contact with University activities. There are many forms of abuse and neglect. Some examples of types of abuse are: sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological/emotional abuse, domestic abuse, discriminatory abuse, and financial abuse. 

BCUC safeguarding responsibilities include Prevent which is about safeguarding people and communities from the threat of extremism/terrorism.  Prevent is one of the four elements of Contest, the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy. It aims to stop people becoming radicalised, extremists/terrorists or supporting terrorism.

If students have any safeguarding/Prevent concerns, are experiencing any kind of abuse or are concerned about another student, they can speak with one of our Safeguarding staff available here:  safeguarding@burnley.ac.uk  

8.  The Role of the External Examiner

All university programmes have at least one External Examiner. As the title implies, External Examiners come from other institutions and play a key role in ensuring that marking and the standards of our programmes are in line with those of other UK universities. External Examiners are involved in the assessment of student work and are key members of Assessment Boards. They write an annual report to the university outlining their findings. 

Please note that the External Examiner details are provided for information only. If students have any comments or issues relating to their programme, they should contact their Course Leader, Personal Academic Tutor, or Student Representative.