Welcome Pack

Degree Courses 2021 / 22

Rethink music education

bimm.co.uk Welcome to your BIMM Institute Bristol Congratulations On Being Offered A Place! ------

Welcome to your BIMM Institute Bristol 2021/22 collaborators to help you achieve your vision and acceptance brochure, and congratulations on being reach your goals. offered a place! I am delighted that you have chosen to study at Europe’s leading establishment for The Bristol music scene is diverse and DIY in its modern music education. ethos. You will become a part of it and make it an even more exciting city to study and enjoy music BIMM Institute Bristol was founded in 2008. I joined in. Through working with your fellow students the college two years later and have been fortunate you’ll build your very own creative team, finding to work across a range of roles supporting students band members to perform with, producers to write in their creative development. In this time, the with, artists to manage or acts to write about. Our student population has grown to over 800, and our unrivalled tutorial program and industry standard diverse lecturing team continues to expand, bringing resources will give you the tools to take it to the next a breadth of expertise and experience from across level. I’d like to give you two bits of advice before you the industry. begin, which you’ll probably hear countless times over. Firstly, say yes and make the most of every Each member of our community brings their own opportunity, there is always something to learn and personal strengths and perspectives, and I’m so someone new to learn from. Secondly, talk to us if thrilled that you are now part of this community as you ever need help, we’re a friendly bunch and always it continues to evolve. As a songwriter and musician here to listen. I can’t wait to meet you all and see myself, I can attest to the power of this creative what you achieve over the coming years. community. Not only is there inspiration all around you – new music, new ideas, new opportunities Hannah Phipps – there is also an endless pool of experts and College Principal Contents ------

Induction and Enrolment 5 Access and Participation 7 Student Support 10 Recommended Resources 12 Bristol Life 14 Get Connected 18 Freshers’ Guide 20 Faculty Information 22 Induction And Enrolment ------Online Enrolment Semester/Term Dates For Your Course ------

------You can check the dates of your course here.

To study at BIMM Institute, you will need to complete enrolment. You will be sent instructions on how to enrol via email. There are up to 3 stages to complete Useful Contacts enrolment before you become a registered student. ------Stage 1 – Enrolment Form Complete the enrolment form and upload essential Enrolment Support personal information, as detailed at the bottom of [email protected] this page. You must complete the enrolment form before you can begin studying on your course. How Monday - Friday 9am - 8pm (GMT) to complete this stage will be sent directly to you Saturday 10am - 4pm (GMT) via email. UK - 0344 264 6666

Stage 2 – Tuition Fees Admissions We need to confirm your tuition fees. You may be [email protected] asked to contact student finance for verification. Student Support Stage 3 – Logging in to BIMM systems [email protected] The last part of enrolment is making sure you have access to the applications and systems you will use Finance daily as a student. We will issue you with your IT [email protected] credentials and show you the student portal where all applications are in one easy to use place. All students are required to complete enrolment. You will have been sent an e-mail with a link to the enrolment portal, which will guide you through all Induction & Freshers’ the required processes. Below are a list of things that MUST be completed before you can start the course: ------Closer to the start of the course, your college will Enrolment form - must be completed in full and contact you with induction and freshers’ information, submitted - the link to this form will have been sent look out for this in your inbox and on social media to you by e-mail. platforms. Some of the events offered to you will be essential for you to attend and others will be more Passport style photo - this will be used for your informal events. Make sure to take full advantage student ID card. Please follow the guidelines on the of the activities and events the colleges are putting enrolment form. You will not be able to enter BIMM on for you. buildings without an ID card.

Induction events include important information Proof of ID - we require proof that you have the about your course, give you the opportunity to meet right to study in the UK. Ideally this will be a valid your course leader and your future classmates. passport. You will upload a copy when completing the online enrolment form. The Student’s Association is run by students for students. Every year the new elected president will The online enrolment form must be completed in help oversee a range of groups and societies such full before you can become an enrolled student at as Heavy Music Society, LGBT+, Green Society, DJ BIMM Institute. Society, 5 a-side football, Acoustic, Folk Music and Pub Quiz Society. Find out more during Fresher’s and Induction. Access and Participation ------We believe that there should be an even playing field and equality of opportunity, no matter who you are. ------

That’s why we are wholeheartedly committed in - and it’s why our Access and Participation (AP) to widening access and participation from department exists. As a team, we constantly review underrepresented groups in Higher Education. and evaluate our initiatives and progress against the Whether you are an applicant or a current student, targets in our approved Access and Participation we strive to improve the equality of opportunity Plan. That way, we can iron out any inequalities and for all. make ourselves as diverse and inclusive as possible.

What is Access and Participation? You can also check out our BIMM Access and Access and Participation essentially supports Participation Plan here. It sets out our commitment specific groups of students to access higher to remove any gaps or hurdles that might be in place education, improve your success and support career for someone when it comes to access, success and development where there might have been past progression. challenges. In particular, we are encouraging and supporting applications from underrepresented Our Access and Participation Initiatives and groups, such as Black, Asian and ethnic minority Support Schemes communities; students from lower-income As part of our commitment, we’ve developed several backgrounds and areas of low participation in Higher targeted initiatives and activities to help you thrive Education; students with disabilities; care-leavers; throughout your time with us. and mature students. Each of these initiatives provides you with the best We’re dedicated to making higher education more possible opportunity to succeed and progress to a equal and fair. It’s something we passionately believe sustainable career in the creative industries. Bursaries, Scholarships and Financial Support You may have met your AP Coordinator already at We have a package of bursaries and scholarships to an Open Day, they can help with any arrangements remove any financial barriers when it comes you may need to make in advance of starting your to access. These include: course, like disability support and applications to the Disabled Students Allowance. The AP Coordinators • Low Income Household, Care Experienced and are here to help you get everything in place before Disabled Student Bursaries you start your course, so drop them a line if you have • The Fair Access Fund which offers bespoke financial any queries or concerns and they can help get you support to students from Black, Asian and minority up to speed and ready to go! ethnic backgrounds, low income backgrounds and low participation in Higher Education areas Access and Participation Student Group Our Access and Participation Student Group means Further Education students can also access that students can review and feedback on all our additional financial support via New College initiatives. This group of volunteer students meets Swindon, our partner college. Their range of financial every term to discuss progress against the targets in support includes a Learner Support Fund and a the AP Plan. This student-led meeting feeds into the Bursary for Vulnerable Groups. We can help support Access and Participation Committee, which creates your application to these support funds as soon as and oversees new proposals and works with the you have accepted your place with us. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion student group.

Access and Participation Coordinators Our AP Coordinators work within our fantastic and friendly College Student Support teams on initiatives like the Fair Access Fund, the Mentoring Scheme, and help students transition into higher education. Student Support ------

Student Support ———— Students with SpLD, such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia or Student Support Services ADHD, will need a diagnostic report from a registered Educational Psychologist or Specialist Teacher. If ------you do not have a formal diagnostic assessment, please arrange for this before you start your course We are committed to helping you fulfill your potential (DSA will accept a remote professional interim during your time at BIMM Institute Bristol - there evaluation for the academic year 2020/21 due to the are are a range of services available to help you with Covid-19 pandemic). your academic and personal development, as well as mental health support. For help finding an assessor contact Student Services who will be happy to help: studentsupportbristol@ The Student Services team holds individual one-on- bimm.co.uk. The price of an assessment can one sessions with students to discuss any issue they be upwards of £500. Student Services can be may be struggling with. These can include any topic approached for help with the cost of assessment. We ranging from personal issues, attendance related can offer a one-off means-tested grant of up to £250 queries, discussion of special considerations we may to assist with the cost. need to take into account to support your studies and book you into one of the other support services Students who disclose a disability, SpLD or mental we offer. We actively encourage students to book health condition on their application and/or pre- appointments and to come and meet us at any point enrolment portal will be contacted by Student during their studies for extra support. Services to arrange a support tutorial. This is to ensure all students are supported from the outset Contact us and that all requirements are catered for. [email protected] or 0117 9807060 option 3. We advise that students apply for DSA as early as possible to ensure that support can be put in place at the start of the academic year. If you require any additional information or would like to discuss this Disability And Learning further with one of the Student Services team, please contact [email protected] to Support arrange a telephone call back.

------You can find more information regarding DSA (including eligibility and application forms) here: www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas/ BIMM Institute Bristol is committed to equal overview. We also advise all students register with opportunities and provides confidential advice and a GP as soon as they arrive in Bristol. To find a GP support to students with disabilities, specific learning please use: www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp difficulties (SpLD) and mental health conditions. We are committed to ensuring that all students with specific needs have inclusive support tailored to their individual needs. The college aims to remove In-house Counselling any barriers which might prevent an individual from actively participating in student life, ensuring all Service students can achieve their full potential. ------We recommend all students with a disability, SpLD or long-term mental health condition apply for BIMM Bristol has its own in-house counselling Disabled Students Allowances (DSA) before they service. Student Services can refer students for short start their course. DSA can fund additional support term counselling, which takes place on-site or via such as specialist one-to-one mentoring, study video call. Our counselling service can help students skills tutoring, assistive technology and funding for with a variety of issues, from anxiety, confidence, low travel. To apply for DSA for a disability or long-term mood and depression, family and relationship issues mental health condition, you can approach your GP and much more. The service comprises regular one- to provide evidence. Please use this DSA evidence to-one meetings in a confidential, non-judgemental form for your application. You can then make an space. application via the SFE Student Finance portal. Recommended Resources ------BIMM Institute Bristol recommends that all students start to explore the resources Contextual Reading highlighted below before term starts ------

Journals & Magazines How Music Works by D Byrne The Study Skills Handbook by S Cottrell ------

Crack Magazine CMU (Complete Music Update) Dancecult Journal of Electronic Dance Music Culture Websites & Blogs Music Week (Main UK Industry Magazine) M Magazine (PRS Magazine) ------Mojo Magazine NME PRS – prsformusic.com Q Magazine PPL – ppluk.com The Fly BASCA – basca.org.uk The Guardian Guide SONGLINES – songlines.co.uk The Quietus – thequietus.com Fact – factmag.com Pitchfork – pitchfork.com Twitter Feeds to Follow The Line of Best Fit – thelineofbestfit.com The Guardian Music – theguardian.com/music ------Clashmusic – clashmusic.com Song Exploder Podcast songexploder.net @bpi_music @ppluk @CMU @songlinesmag @IvorsAcademy @musicweek @m_magazineprs @prsformusic @prsfoundation @uk_music @AIM_UK @recordoftheday @officialcharts @guardianmusic @thegreatescape Bristol Life ------These include St Paul’s Carnival, Harbour Festival, Culture Downs Festival, Dot to Dot, Love Saves the Day, ------Simple Things and many more.

A creative spirit is something that Bristol takes pride in having, encompassing everything from Nightlife its street art to its music scene. Music has always played a huge part in maintaining Bristol’s cultural prominence and continues to do so to this day. There ------are venues scattered all over the city, catering to your needs whatever your tastes. Within a half-mile radius There is a big dance music scene in Bristol, as the of BIMM’s King Square building, you can find some of UK rave scene is often considered to have begun the largest venues Bristol has to offer - O2 Academy here. People would find abandoned warehouses, and Bristol Beacon, as well as some exciting smaller derelict homes or even disused sports centres to establishments such as the Canteen and Crofters install a sound system, heavy on the bass, to throw Rights. Not much further afield, you can find parties. Lots of Drum and Bass, Breakbeat and House yourself at prestigious venues such as The Fleece, music originated here. Trip-hop is a Bristol invention, the Exchange, the Old England and the Louisiana. and the city takes pride in the success of its artists Whether it’s established acts that you want to see, or Massive Attack, Portishead and Tricky. simply just an open mic night with local performers, Bristol has you covered. Bristol nightlife is vast and ever expanding. There are a large number of student nights across all different Keeping up to date with what’s on and coming up types of clubs, bars and pubs. Some popular clubs across the city is also easy, with local publications are: Thekla, Bunker, the Lanes and, for the more such as Crack Magazine and Bristol in Stereo seasoned clubber, Motion. providing comprehensive listings of events and shows. For newcomers to the city, it’s also well worth O2 Academy also hosts club nights, including following some of the local independent promoters Ramshackle, a weekly rock and indie party for the such as 1% of One and Gravy Train, who regularly put student masses. on gigs across a wide range of genres. Propaganda is held at The Fleece and is regarded Anyone with an interest in theatre will also be as the UK’s biggest student night with sets from spoilt for choice, as the city plays host to venues guest DJs such as Huw Stephens and Jay from The such as the Bristol Old Vic, the Hippodrome, the Inbetweeners. You will hear everything from chart Tobacco Factory and the Wardrobe Theatre. With the Pop to Indie to some Dance anthems. Hippodrome usually opting for pantomime, musicals and stand-up comedy, the Old Vic showcasing the If you prefer something a little less intense, Mr Wolf’s best of classic plays and the Tobacco factory putting is a great student bar. They serve up noodles till late on a number of smaller, intimate productions, there in the evening and play reggae, dancehall, soul, rock’ is certainly an array of entertainment for you to delve n roll, funk and occasionally some disco. They also into. put on live music.

There are also a few independent cinemas showing You can find a more relaxed night out at No.1 international, independent, classic cult films and that Harbourside or The Social on Stokes Croft - both host parties and events. The most notable of these great bars with good food that often host acoustic or are the Watershed, situated on the harbourside, and open-mic nights. The Cube Microplex, again only a stone’s throw from the King Square campus.

Also on the doorstep of the King Square building is The Great Outdoors Stokes Croft, an area which has long served the heart of Bristol’s cultural landscape. Here you can find a ------showcase of work by some of the UK’s most prolific street artists including Stik, 3Dom and, of course, Not far from the centre you can find the Clifton Banksy. There is a street art festival held every year Downs. Clifton Village itself is a nice place to visit on by SEE NO EVIL where many artists from across the a sunny day as you can sit in the shadow of Clifton world come to display their art on Bristol’s streets - Suspension Bridge and enjoy a drink at the White specifically Nelson Street in the city centre. Lion at the Avon Gorge Hotel. Opposite Clifton is Bristol thrives in summer, and there are festivals Leigh Woods, a very peaceful patch of greenery and nearly every weekend from late May to October. woods to take a walk through. Bristol’s harbourside is also a nice place to visit to take a walk along the river. There is lots to do and many pubs to visit along the Transport route. You can travel out to Cheddar Gorge, Blaise Castle, the Mendip Hills and many other beauty ------spots around the South West with relative ease from Bristol. There are lots of attractive towns to visit nearby too, like Bath and Gloucester. BIMM is well connected to the rest of the city via public transport

Bus - BIMM Institute Bristol’s buildings are very close Shopping to the city centre and approximately 3 minutes’ (Kings Square) and 15 minutes’ (Passage Street) walk ------from the central bus station.

Bristol is popular for shopping as it is the only major For more information and to plan your journey visit city in this part of the South West. People flock from the First Bus website: https://www.firstgroup.com/ all over North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and bristol-bath-and-west/plan-journey/journey-planner/ Wiltshire to visit the many shops and boutiques Bristol has to offer. The town centre is home 70 – Bristol Temple Meads – Centre – Ashley Down – to Broadmead, the shopping district. Within UWE Broadmead sit a number of banks, cafés, travel 73 – Bristol Temple Meads - Bristol Centre - Filton agents, and clothing and goods retailers. At either Avenue - Bradley Stoke - Cribbs Causeway end of Broadmead you will find Cabot Circus and the 75/76 – Harbour – Bear Pit – Gloucester Road – Galleries, both indoor shopping centres. Cabot Circus Cribbs Causeway boasts a collection of modern and high-end retailers 8/9 – Bristol Temple Meads – Bear Pit – Clifton – including Hollister, Vans and Urban Outfitters. There Redland are also a number of restaurants, a cinema, indoor 1/2 – Bristol Temple Meads – Victoria Street – Centre crazy golf and a few other entertainment outlets – Clifton – Cribbs Causeway within the centre. Train - Temple Meads – Bristol’s central station. If you venture out of the centre you can visit Park It is a 13-minute walk from Passage Street and a Street or Gloucester Road. You will find more 25-minute walk from King Square and connects you independent boutiques and charity shops which to the rest of the country via First Great Western and offer a more intriguing collection of clothes and Cross Country. accessories. You will also find some fantastic independent bars, cafés and restaurants. Gloucester Parkway – a large station connecting Bristol to Road is famous for its self-sustained nature and its Wales, surrounding Bristol towns, London and the anti-corporate attitude. There is some fantastic food Midlands. to try and a friendly atmosphere to socialise in. They love to accept the Bristol Pound, a local initiative Montpelier – A 26-minute walk from Passage Street encouraging residents to put more into Bristol’s or a 13-minute walk from King Square, the nearest economy. station to the King Square campus. Montpelier connects you to other parts of Bristol too, including Out of the centre you can get to Cribbs Causeway, a Clifton, Temple Meads and Lawrence Hill. large plot with lots of opportunity to spend money. It contains a large indoor mall, a few retail parks Redland – Another platform near King Square (16 including bowling, cinemas and other entertainment, minute walk), or a 31 minute walk to Passage Street. a number of large supermarkets and some Connecting you to other parts of Bristol including restaurants. Shirehampton, Avonmouth and Severn Tunnel Junction. If you have more expensive taste, you can visit Clifton for a few fancy boutiques with designer and made- Bike - Bristol is a very popular cycling city. It’s a more to-measure clothing and accessories. There are lots efficient way of navigating the very congested roads of music retailers including Idle Hands (very near and complicated one-way systems. If you cycle you King Square), Rough Trade and, of course, Friendly will find you are not alone and there are initiatives Records. There are a few musical instrument retailers laid out by Bristol City Council to get people out on including Drum Bank, Mickelburgh’s, Hobgoblin their bikes. Bikes cannot be brought inside either of Music and PMT all in the centre of town. the BIMM Bristol Campuses but there are nearby bike racks at both locations. Skateboards must be kept in the lockers at Reception. Get Connected ------Trinity Centre, SWX, Thekla, The Exchange and The Networking Events Fleece. These are ticketed events free for BIMM students, with all proceeds going to one of BIMM’s ------nominated charities, and are a great opportunity for students to get some live performance experience BIMM holds networking events, which are a great and put on a brilliant show for their peers, friends opportunity to get together with other students from and families. different courses that have similar musical interests. Not only is it a great way to find new friends and swap some phone numbers, but it’s also a good place to start finding band members. We also run open HUBB Records mic nights, networking and other events throughout the year, where you can demo your songs and meet students from other courses. ------

The BIMM album is a showcase of BIMM’s best songwriters and artists. Students have the BIMM Shows opportunity to submit their demos to be reviewed by a panel of music industry experts, and a selection ------of these songs will be professionally recorded and released through BIMM’s own student ran record Students can audition for one of BIMM’s live shows, label HUBB Records. Previous albums have had tens plus a dedicated Music Production night. When of thousands of streams - many of which came from venues re-open these will be held at some of the the industry. amazing venues that are on our doorstep, such as Freshers’ Guide ------Freshers’ events are a great way to meet people and local doctor’s surgery so that if you fall ill you can get make friends; we’ll provide you with information the right care. If you are feeling stressed or sad talk about these at enrolment. to the Student Support team, they will find you the right support; know when you need to get some extra help.

Common Feelings Make a budget – Work out how much money you have for the semester, and how much you will have to spend on unavoidable costs like rent, food and bills. ------This way you will know how much you have left to spend on yourself. Doing this will avoid running out of Starting university is an exciting opportunity for a money half way through the semester, which can be big change. You get to make a whole new start in a very stressful. new place with new people. You might feel a mixture of great excitement and nervousness – what will the Don’t work all the time – As independent study is course really be like? Will I make friends? How do I so important at University, it can sometimes be hard look after myself? to give yourself time off. Give yourself regular breaks and occasional days off. Please remember that you are not alone in feeling this way. These are all questions that everyone in Do work some of the time – It can be easy to your situation is asking themselves. If you’re worried neglect your work and fall behind in the course. Make about making friends, or not knowing the city, or how sure you find the time for your studies to avoid a to make a Bolognese; remember that every other stressful situation. person around you feels the same way, and soon you will feel more at home and comfortable than you can Be yourself! – People can’t get to know and like you even imagine. for who you really are if you don’t act like yourself. There are so many people to potentially become friends with, be yourself and you will find the right Strategies For Coping friends for you. ------

There are some important things to keep in mind when going through this experience of going to university, these will prepare you and help you to cope with any situation you stumble across.

Look after yourself – It takes time for new friends to really know you properly, which means you need to put your own welfare, health and safety at the top of your priorities.

Know yourself and what you can handle – This is a time when you can experiment and find a way of living that really suits you, but this can take time. Try not to be pressured or influenced by others’ opinions and actions.

Confront difficulties – In a new environment it’s easy to waste time worrying about things you don’t understand or can’t control. Don’t be afraid to ask the Student Support team and many other agencies external to BIMM who are ready and willing to help you with any problem or query, big or small. Begin to see challenging situations as a chance to overcome something rather than a problem in your way.

Be healthy – Maintain a good diet, get adequate sleep and try to be active when you can; people are often happier if they are healthy. Register with a Faculty Information ------BIMM Bristol Student Common Rooms ------

25 King Square There is a common room in each of our buildings, Bristol Passage Street and King Square. There are also BS2 8JN online forums which you will be introduced to where you can share your work, achievements and get to 1 Passage Street know other students. Bristol BS2 0JF Student Cards Practice Facilities ------You will be issued with a BIMM student card and lanyard provided we receive a scanned photo. It is When our buildings are open, students can access compulsory that you wear your student card at all free rehearsal space and recording studios (King times while you are in college buildings. Square) during evenings and at weekends. You can book these rooms using Siso, which you will find through Moodle. BIMM Institute Bristol has currently teamed up with Pirate Studios’ rehearsal rooms. These off-site spaces are available for students to book 24/7 for practice and rehearsals for free during term time and subject to availability. BIMM Bristol has two main buildings: King Square and Passage Street. It is a 10-15 minute walk between the two buildings.

BIMM 25 King Square Hamburg

BIMM 1 Passage Street Hamburg

IT and Technical resources ------

To help you navigate your way through your studies Please help us help you during your time at the at the BIMM Institute we have supplied you with a BIMM Institute by : number of technical resources which are at your disposal during your time with us. Whether you want email on the go, a place to store all your data or just • Choosing a complex password that you will want to ask for technical support on all the various remember that incorporates… offerings available, we have you covered: - 8 characters or more - Uppercase, lowercase, numerals and symbols • A downloadable offline copy of the latest version of - Combine words, don’t use one word office 365 - Make up a new word that’s not in the dictionary! • A terabyte of cloud data dedicated to you • Always maintain software versions on your personal • An online self service password management tool devices that match the software versions in the • A virtual e- Library packed with resources to aid Mac Labs your studies • Backup your important work in the cloud so it’s safe • A student IT Support channel • A one stop dedicated student web page where all your resources are housed • Mac Labs with an extensive software estate for qualifying courses We’re here to help you

We are committed to helping you throughout your studies with us at BIMM Bristol and offer a wide range of support services designed to meet your academic and welfare needs, don’t hesitate to speak to us whenever required.

(UK) 01179 807 060 option 3 (INT) 0044 8442 646 666

1 Passage Street Bristol, BS2 0JF

25 King Square Bristol, BS2 8JN [email protected] bimm.co.uk