Extended BA (Hons)

<p>Please see your Welcome Letter below as a PDF or <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tSGxLod2TldxVEKgeYVx2VeSMPZQaXr1ler7EiKxuRA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked here as a google doc</a>. You have already been sent these in the post, but copies are added here in case you don't have your printed copy. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us by emailing <strong><a href="mailto:hello@pca.ac.uk">hello@aup.ac.uk</a></strong>, calling <strong>01752 203434</strong> or messaging us on <strong>WhatsApp</strong> <strong>07722 744184.</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">The Students' Union is here to represent you and make sure your voice is heard during your time as an Arts University Plymouth student. They support student-led clubs and societies and run events throughout the year too.<br /><br />Find out more about their support and services on their <a href="http://artsuniplymsu.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>, and keep up to date with the Students' Union on <a href="http://instagram.com/artsuniplymsu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://facebook.com/artsuniplymsu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/artsuniplymsu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://tiktok.com/@artsuniplymsu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tik Tok</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://artsuniplymsu.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><strong>Student Discounts</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">TOTUM brings you over 200 UK student discounts and comes with 1-year FREE ISIC, unlocking over 42,000 international discounts. <a href="https://www.totum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your TOTUM card now</a>. You can choose from a range of cards that last either one, two or three years. Simply select "Arts University Plymouth Students' Union" when you sign up!<a href="https://www.artsuniplymsu.co.uk/event-list" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><br /><br /></a><strong><a href="https://www.artsuniplymsu.co.uk/event-list" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freshers</a></strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Freshers is here to give you a massive welcome to the city and the university. We want to make sure you have the best start to Arts University Plymouth and we want to help you all settle in.<br /></p> <p dir="ltr">We want to be as inclusive as possible so we're planning events to suit everybody, from tours of the city to exciting bar nights in the Students' Union, as well as events for LGBTQ+ students, mature students and more. Our events are open to all incoming and returning students, meaning you can meet a great mix of people you’ll regularly see in the hallways.</p> <p dir="ltr">We plan to have everything from paid trips at local attractions, to admission-free events both on campus and around the city, to help you get to know your new home.</p> <p><a href="http://artsuniplymsu.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>We also recommend checking out <a href="https://www.artsuniplymsu.co.uk/blog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the AUP SU blog</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Getting to know your new home</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">If you're new to Plymouth, getting to know different aspects of your new home is important! Check out our <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/student-life/discover-plymouth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discover Plymouth</a> page to find out more about the best bits of our city.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://sites.google.com/aup.ac.uk/student-support/home">Student Support</a> has a broad reach regarding the level of guidance they can offer. Some of the areas include: Registering with a G.P, Wellbeing and Welfare, Mental Health Support, Ear Acupuncture,Mindfulness and Disability and Inclusivity.</p> <p dir="ltr">We have spaces available for you to speak to counsellors in private but also offer group sessions around wellbeing and mindfulness, we always encourage our students to reach out and access this support whenever needed, we are here to help.</p> <p dir="ltr">You can also book in to see our disability advisors, who are able to support any disabled student allowance application, changes to circumstances in your disability, or general queries around reasonable adjustments. <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/disability-support-and-reasonable-adjustments?token=e5lXq_nZYl79bsTWeRcKGV8Dyz95c2Xr">Find out more about the support services we offer.</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Registering with a doctor</p> <p dir="ltr">In terms of doctors – sign up and stock up! If you are moving away from home to come to Arts University Plymouth, you can register at most general practitioner surgeries in Plymouth by searching the <a href="http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/LocationSearch/4">NHS Choices website</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">We'd suggest registering with the <a href="https://peverellparksurgery.com/umc-about-us/">University Medical Centre Plymouth</a>. It is specifically set up to support all Plymouth based students and is very close to Arts University Plymouth. We advise doing this as early as possible as registration can sometimes take a number of weeks to complete.</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Contact the nearest surgery to your new home and register prior to arrival if possible.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Try to stock up on any of your regular medication before you leave home.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Have your usual remedies to hand, such as cold and flu relief.</p></li></ul>

<p>More information for International students can be found <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/international/arrivals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <p>The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course. You'll usually get a decision on your visa <strong>within 3 weeks</strong>. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/student-visa#:~:text=Applying%20from%20outside%20the%20UK,your%20visa%20within%203%20weeks." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Find out more.</a><a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-outside-the-uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Digital Education</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The Digital Education team works to enhance your experience at AUP through the use of digital tools and learning technologies. We believe that technology shouldn’t be a barrier and aim to make learning materials more accessible to everyone, whilst also staying on top of upcoming digital trends.</p> <p dir="ltr">The team offers a range of support options for students, including one to one or group meetings, workshops, teaching sessions and drop in services. They can help with anything from basic IT skills, using the Google Workspace for essay writing, presentations and sketchbooking to emerging digital trends such as AI tools and creative tools.</p> <p dir="ltr">Before you arrive…</p> <p dir="ltr">At Arts University Plymouth, we use a host of technologies to support your learning and creative development. While you are with us, you will have access to a collection of Google productivity, collaboration and sharing tools collectively known as the Google Workspace. These are used for academic writing, presentations, storage, hosting learning materials and submission of work.</p> <p dir="ltr">Below you will find descriptions of commonly used apps in the Google Workspace. We recommend viewing the videos and reading the guides prior to your arrival as you will be using some of the programmes in your first few days with us.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/9582544?hl=en&amp;ref_topic=9049890#zippy=%2Ccommunicate-with-your-teacher-or-classmates%2Cjoin-a-video-meeting%2Cstart-or-turn-in-your-classwork%2Csee-your-feedback-or-grade%2Cmanage-your-account-classes-or-notifications%2Cexplore-the-classes-page%2Cexplore-the-stream-page%2Cexplore-the-classwork-page%2Cexplore-the-people-page">Google Classroom</a> - Classroom is our online learning environment where you will be able to access your teaching material such as unit briefs, course information and updates from your lecturers. Download the Google Classrooms app for mobile on <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.classroom&amp;hl=en_GB&amp;gl=US">Google Play</a> or the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/google-classroom/id924620788">App Store</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9247501">Google Calendar</a> - A fully integrated and customisable Calendar to manage your time effectively. It can be fully integrated with our timetabling system to keep track of your tutorials, lectures and 1 to 1 sessions. Get notifications and reminders of events - ensuring you don't miss a thing.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9259748">Gmail</a> - Gmail is our email system. Access your emails anywhere on your computer or mobile device.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282958">Google Drive</a> - Google Drive is a cloud-based storage system that allows you to work, access and share your documents online... anywhere, anytime.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/10005650?visit_id=637582261775558899-1671463286&amp;hl=en&amp;rd=1">Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets</a> - These are the basic programmes to support you with your studies and operate in a similar way to that of their Microsoft equivalent e.g. Word, Powerpoint and Excel.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you need any further help and support with any of these apps then please contact our friendly Digital Education team on <a href="mailto:digitaleducation@aup.ac.uk">digitaleducation@aup.ac.uk</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Library</strong></p> <p>The Library is a treasure trove of information and resources, with over 25,000 items comprising physical and digital resources including <strong>books and journals </strong>(both print and online), <strong>DVDs, computer games, a digital video collection and subscriptions to over 130 renowned print publications</strong>, our team have you covered. We are on hand to offer you support and advice, online and in-person, at our help-desk on topics such as researching, finding books, referencing, digital literacy and academic practice.</p> <p><strong>Study Guides and Reading Lists</strong> - the Library study guides have all of the resources you will need to succeed on your course, as well as your reading lists, all in one place.</p> <p><strong>Journals</strong> - On this page you will find a list of all the journals that the library subscribes to, plus online access where available.</p> <p><strong>Academic Skills</strong></p> <p>Our friendly and experienced Academic Skills team delivers a range of advice, guidance and skills development to support you with your studies. They offer one to one or group support with things like time management and procrastination, essay writing, dissertations, creative writing, referencing, confidence and presentation skills. The team also offer help for students with Dyslexia and can work with other academic staff members to ensure you are fully supported and have confidence in your writing.</p> <p dir="ltr">Re-framing learning as a creative process in itself, our range of short courses not only provide students with the opportunity to build essential skills and confidence, but also ask participants to reflect on their relationship with these practices and develop approaches and processes that feel authentic, empowering and exciting.<br /></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The Art of Writing</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The Art of Research</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The Art of Time Management</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The Art of Presenting</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The Art of Learning</p></li></ul> <p>Students can find course dates, content information and book their place via Smarthub under ‘Workshops’. Email the Academic Skills team at <a href="mailto:academicskills@aup.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">academicskills@aup.ac.uk</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>Careers &amp; Employability</strong></p> <p>The Careers team are here to help you strengthen your employability skills and help you discover more about your chosen creative industry. The team can help you with CV's and cover letters, applications, industry experience, work placements and business advice.</p>

<p><strong>Plymouth is among the top 20 safest cities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland</strong>, with one recent study ranking Plymouth as the safest major city in England and Wales. Overall <strong>Devon and Cornwall remain one of the safest areas in the UK</strong> according to crime statistics, making Plymouth an excellent place to study and enjoy everything the city has to offer safely.</p>

<p>MyAUP is our campus app, which pulls together all the data and information held across the separate systems at AUP and presents in one easy to use place.</p> <p>It allows you to see a bespoke selection of news, information and updates, tailored specifically to your level of study.</p> <p>MyAUP gives you the ability to manage your academic life by having access to all relevant information at any given time, from any location. The app is designed to reduce the number of emails you are sent and also allows efficient delivery of urgent updates, i.e. campus closures or weather warnings.</p> <p dir="ltr">Download it for free for your mobile or tablet, from:<br /></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.apple.com/uk/app-store/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">App Store</a> (Apple version)</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps?gl=GB&amp;utm_source=emea_Med&amp;utm_medium=hasem&amp;utm_content=Oct2020&amp;utm_campaign=Evergreen&amp;pcampaignid=MKT-EDR-emea-gb-1001280-Med-hasem-ap-Evergreen-Oct2020-Text_Search_SKWS%7CONSEM_kwid_43700007011863914&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw94WZBhDtARIsAKxWG--sSZA96IQVrWgQlOzRjxE6KQAzz1_t3QB4uxeAz8TeLOLopzPLCaYaAtnHEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Play</a> (Android version)</p></li></ul> <p>Or, if you don’t have a smartphone, you can visit the <a href="https://aup.myday.cloud/dashboard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">browser version of MyAUP</a> on a computer.</p> <p><strong>Please note:</strong> you won't be able to access MyAUP until you have fully completed your enrolment and our IT teams have ensured that all new students are added to the correct user groups, so please don't worry if you can't access our campus app straight away. If you need any help with enrolment, please please email <strong><a href="mailto:enquiries@aup.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enquiries@aup.ac.uk</a></strong><strong><a href="mailto:enquiries@aup.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://sites.google.com/aup.ac.uk/student-portal/home?authuser=0">Student Portal</a> is home to all of Arts University Plymouth’s online resources for students.</p> <p dir="ltr">The content is organised into easy to navigate sections, such as the Student Services available to you, important information for Student Life and a range of Digital Tools you will need for studying. Each section has a description of what you will find so you know where to go for the information you need.</p> <p dir="ltr">Most students access the Student Portal using the Student Login button near the bottom right of the website. You cannot access the Student Portal until you have fully completed your enrolment. If you think that you have completed your enrolment, but you still can’t access the Student Portal, please email <strong><a href="mailto:enquiries@aup.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enquiries@aup.ac.uk</a></strong>.<br /></p>

<p>To see the Undergraduate term dates for the academic year 2024/25, <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/key-dates#key-dates-for-undergraduate-students-for-academic-year-24-25">click here</a>.</p>

<p>If you're a care leaver entering higher education before your 25th birthday, you may be entitled to a non-taxable £2,000 bursary from your local authority. <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/fees-financing-and-funding#local-authority-support-for-care-leavers">Click here for more information.</a></p>