Geography

Bournemouth University

I enjoy the atmosphere of the University Campus, but feel like more could be done with the way some units are structured. E.g., I feel there is sometimes too little detail for some lecture slides when going back to revisit content - it can be difficult to understand.

For my course in particular, I feel it is very interactive, and has allowed those that are on the course to make greater connections with field trips etc. From my experience, the staff are really helpful and communication between staff and students is easily achievable, whether it be via email or face-to-face meetings. I also believe that the university is very consistent with notifying students with the opportunities that they are open to. Also, I believe that the staff at Bournemouth University are also very helpful, especially by letting you know exactly what you need to do for your assignments to achieve a top grade.

Best: how close the class gets due to the smaller size, funding opportunities, library. Worst: facilities for the science department isn’t as good as other subjects like film studies, choice of other units is restricted, issue of having to choose a lecturer that’s a nice marker more than a lecturer that specialises in a topic your interested in due to differences in lectures marking for dissertations, careers services are not helpful even though we have to have work experience to graduate with honours the careers services just aren't helpful.

My experience in the last two years has been far from the generic student experience however, I couldn’t picture myself in any other town or at any other university. My course has a small tight knit cohort, the course leader is supportive and shares encouragement in abundance. Our optional units are engaging, we have a lot of field work opportunities which have recently started up again as they were halted throughout the pandemic. They have tried their best throughout teaching online, not everything has gone to plan but it is trial and error and they put in place a no detriment policy as well as granting extensions for those in need. The placement fund helps make a year in industry more accessible, my placement officer is a true gem! She’s so helpful! Completing a placement is great before graduating as it helps get you ahead and make contacts. BU is very geared up for making you employable and have opportunities to study abroad and apply for scholarships, I’ve been lucky enough to have two. The overall area is great, lots to do, a nice coastal town with a student vibe. Overall so far so good!

I've enjoyed it, the societies are really good and inclusive (cocktail and mocktail). Lectures are interesting, not a lot of exams which is good.