Academic scheduling

As part of ongoing improvements across the University of Bedfordshire initiated by the Timetabling Strategy and Process Review, we have changed how staff and students view academic timetables.

We looked at our current processes and systems, and addressed key issues highlighted as part of the timetabling review conducted with internal and external stakeholders from across the university. We took in to account how we manage the collation of scheduling information from our colleagues in Faculties, our timetabling system and how it supports our students and staff, the structures that support the accuracy of the information we collect from our student records system, and the policies that govern timetabling at UoB.

We focused on the key principles of providing a simple, user-friendly and accurate timetable that supports students with their learning.

So what has changed?

• The academic timetable will be live from 12^th August, the earliest it has ever been published, to support our students planning their time, work and caring commitments. It can be accessed by selecting the GeneralBedsTimetable on Timetabling
• We have launched a new interface (mybedstimetable) via our current timetabling software provider EventMAP that provides:
  • An improved look and feel for the timetable so it better reflects our branding as mybedstimetable.
  • New functionality so it is easier to navigate.
  • New functionality that allows students to search and save additional sessions that can be added to personal timetables.
  • An option that allows timetable settings to be customised.
  • An option to synchronise timetables with calendars in real time.
  • A function that allows students and staff to subscribe to mybedstimetable, enabling email notifications in real time, should there be necessary changes to timetables.
• We have improved our reporting to ensure more students have access to their personal timetables once they have completed course and unit registration, supporting our colleagues in identifying impediments to viewing personal timetables.
• We have improved our data structures to facilitate access to personal timetables.
• We have developed the FAQs on our webpages to help students find the answers to any questions about timetables.
• We have developed a ‘how to’ guide to support students and staff in accessing timetables.
• We have developed a Timetabling intranet page to support staff and signpost to all things timetable.
• We have updated our timetabling policy to reflect our change in practice, supporting induction and exams in our timetabling planning, and embedding our group allocation and timetabling change policy.
• We have embedded our Business Partner approach to Timetabling, allowing for nominated representatives to support every department in the university.
• We have developed our processes to enable us to make personal timetables available 6 weeks before the start of teaching (subject to registration).

And what is staying the same?

• Students can continue to expect to have access to personal timetables 48 hours after they have completed course and unit registration and are a fully registered students with the university after 12^th August.
• Provisional timetables will continue to be made available on our webpages to support students with life planning from the end of July.
• Students will continue to have access to support via the Student Information Desk.
• Student group allocations will continue to be facilitated by the timetabling team and will remain a manual process.

What next?

• Look out for training and guidance on using mybedstimetable.
• We will be working with colleagues to explore how exams and induction can be added to students personal timetables.
• We will be scoping alternative systems to significantly improve our service to students via a fully integrated timetabling system.

Timetabling Policy and Procedure 2025-26 [PDF]

The process for requesting unavoidable changes to teaching timetables during semesters is via the Timetabler Change Request

Change Request Policy and Procedure [PDF]

Timetabling preference form [DOCX]