international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
2 Welcome
Welcome to Bedford College We are an award-winning, Government funded college with more than 16,000 students of 107 nationalities. We have been running courses for international students for 45 years, covering a broad range of subjects including English Language. We are also a Tier 4, Highly Trusted Visa Sponsor (HTS) with the UK Border Agency. Bedford is a beautiful, safe riverside town that enables you to experience the best of life in England. Not only is it 40 minutes away from London, one of the world’s most exciting capitals, but the town also sits between the historical cities of Oxford and Cambridge. Academically, Bedford College students produce excellent exam pass rates – well above the UK national average and in 2011/12 our overall achievement rate was 96%. We have been awarded Ofsted’s highest overall grade, ‘Outstanding’ – so you can be sure that we will provide you with the highest quality education. We pride ourselves on the outstanding support we give our students, turn to page 20 to find out more. And don’t forget that all full-time international students also receive free English Language support as part of their course. We hope that you will join us and we look forward to welcoming you in Bedford.
Ian Pryce PRINCIPAL & CHIEF EXECUTIVE BEDFORD COLLEGE
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
3 Contents
Contents 04
UK education system
06
Why Bedford College is best
10
Our campuses 11 Bedford College Campus 12 Shuttleworth College Campus 13 The Bedford Sixth Form
14
Living in Bedford
16
Great location
18
Accommodation
20
Student support
22
Summer School
23
Living in the UK
24
Courses for international students
26
How to apply
27
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure the information within this prospectus is correct at the time of printing, some details may be subject to change. Bedford College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if student numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course, we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
4 UK education system
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
5 UK education system
UK education system
English as a Foreign Language We offer English as a Foreign Language at various levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference of Languages (CEFR). For Tier 4 student visas, you will need to study at CEFR Level B2 or above. For student visitor visas, you can study at a lower level such as CEFR Level B1 or A2.
There are a number of qualifications available in the UK. Here at Bedford College we offer programmes to international students that start at Level 3 and progress through to Level 5, with options to top-up to Level 6. The table below illustrates how study is structured in the UK.
LEVEL 8
Doctorate PhD
LEVEL 7
Master’s Degree MA, MSc, MPhil Graduate Diploma/Degree top-up
LEVEL 6 LEVEL 5
University Degree BA, BSc
Foundation Degree FdA, FdSc
LEVEL 4 LEVEL 3 INTERNATIONAL ENTRY LEVEL
A-Level
A2 Level AS Level
Level 3 Extended Diploma
Higher National Diploma HND Higher National Certificate HNC Level 3 Diploma
LEVEL 2
GCSE Grade A*-C
Level 2 Diploma
LEVEL 1
GCSE Grade D-G
Level 1 Diploma
ENTRY LEVEL 3
Key Stage 3
Entry Level 3 Diploma
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
6 Why Bedford College is best
Why Bedford College is best We are a Government funded college and provide you with a friendly, supportive environment in which you can learn, develop and succeed. Here at Bedford College we have an excellent track record and above average exam pass rates. We have also won several awards and accolades for the high-quality education we provide. Just a few of our key achievements include:
Recognised for Excellence Quality Standard We have received the highest recognition from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) for our approach to quality. The College was the only English organisation shortlisted for the overall excellence award at the prestigious UK Excellence Awards.
Highly Trusted Sponsorship (HTS) UK Border Agency Bedford College has been granted Tier 4, Highly Trusted Sponsorship (HTS) by the UK Border Agency.
Outstanding Ofsted We are delighted to have achieved an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’, the highest grade available, by the UK’s independent Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).
international@bedford.ac.uk
British Council We are fully accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English, and we are members of English UK.
Education partners Matrix accredited Our student support staff have gained the national Matrix Standard for their professional, high-quality guidance and support. In addition, they’ve also been rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in this area.
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
We work in partnership with a wide range of organisations both regionally and nationally to provide you with the best possible opportunities. Just a few of our partners include:
+44 (0)1234 291000
7 Why Bedford College is best
FACT FILE • Highly Trusted Sponsorship (HTS) – UK Border Agency • British Council accreditation for English courses • Outstanding Ofsted Report • European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) 5-star award • Matrix Accredited
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
8 Why Bedford College is best
University destinations ty ty rsi rsi e e m v v i ni ha Un g U n n y ki tti rch sit th us er hu No R v ou i C f th a n t o i m l s U ly g ou ri ty i P a n h s m p f C A S o er rts ty ry g th 8 on niv rsity Po rsi d bu f U e Ba r n din v o e e i y a o t v t y i 8 n 8 Re eld Un yL rsi sit Un Ca ffi sit ve of er iff i r e v d y i e n y h 8 r 8 ck t t r U fS Un rsi niv wi Ca rsi y r rt o e t ste e U i a o v v n s y i f n i 8 i y r 8 t t n t n i W o n e s U Ci on stm ndo of er nd sU niv e v o M y i h 8 U o 8 L t t k f W st L Un rsi De mi ge an e yo ive B lds lle 8 8 t n i o o f W rk U ty C th rs G i o e o u s s y iv 8 er 8 So nt : ng Yo sit Un Ki e niv on of er y d o ing g U t v d e e i y i l 8 8 n ss lud rs sit oll Un oo ire Lo re c er ive rp v sh yC n i og K in r 8 e 8 d r U a r Un U m Liv sp fo rd rin ha nt the ed 8 te fo 8 g e x e B d s in O a lV of tu os gli irm ya 8 r s acr ty n i B o u s A f R s r o on t yo ive ar rsitie as nd 8 t e n i E o y ve U rs tL of st i ich ive as 8 ty e La un n i E s nw f U r y hir e o e s n e v r a d y i 8 G m or sit Un of er rtf v e y i 8 t H Un rsi ds of r ive ee 8 ty n i L te s f U r es o e c i v y i 8 Le ln sit r Un of er co te v n y i i 8 es n t n i L h s c f to U r an Guaranteed higher education yo ive mp 8 t n i M a U rs th of or progression routes ive 8 ty n i N s f U r yo ive 8 We work closely with the University of sit Un r ive 8 Bedfordshire to provide all our successful Un Foundation Degree and HND students the 8 chance to top-up to a full Honours Degree.
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
9 Why Bedford College is best
STUDENTS SAY See what our international students have to say about studying at Bedford College by visiting our website:
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
FACT FILE • 97% of our students would recommend their higher education experience at Bedford College** • 97% of our students feel very happy or happy with the quality of the College’s teaching* • 95% of our students agree that their course tutors are friendly and helpful* • A-Level students achieved a 97% pass rate in 2012 • Higher education students achieved a 95% pass rate in 2012 * Bedford College higher education student survey 2012/13 **National Student Survey 2012
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
10 Our campuses
STUDENTS SAY See what our international students have to say about studying at Bedford College by visiting our website:
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
Our campuses Depending upon which course you choose to study, you will be based at one of the following sites: • Bedford College Campus page 11
international@bedford.ac.uk
• Shuttleworth College Campus page 12
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
• The Bedford Sixth Form page 13
+44 (0)1234 291000
11 Our campuses
Bedford College Campus Situated on the banks of the River Great Ouse in the heart of Bedford, our Bedford College Campus is close to major train and bus links plus the vibrant shops, cafes and restaurants of the town centre. Just a few of our fantastic facilities include:
Learning Resources Centre (LRC) Our modern LRC is the place for you to spend time studying outside of classes, with study spaces and over 30,000 resource items including books, journals, DVDs and 90 computers with free WiFi.
South Bank Arts Centre If you’re taking an Art & Design, Performing Arts, Music Technology or Media course you’ll benefit from industry standard technology including media and music suites, a theatre, TV studios, editing suite and a graphic design studio. For more details visit: www.southbankarts.com
The Mezz Restaurant & Coffee Shop
SPRINGS Sports Centre Our modern £2.5 million sports centre gives you access to a fully equipped fitness studio and full-sized sports hall.
Industry standard workshops If you choose an Engineering course you will work in real-life working environments, including a real aeroplane engine.
INFORMATION international@bedford.ac.uk
The Mezz serves a wide range of hot and cold food, including meals, snacks and vegetarian options.
English Language Department As an international student, you can access English Language courses where the tutors make use of the very latest equipment such as interactive whiteboards, audiovisual i-tools and podcasts.
For more information on our Bedford College Campus please visit: www.bedford.ac.uk/facilities
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
12 Our campuses
Shuttleworth College Campus Set in over 500 acres of beautiful parkland, Shuttleworth College is a self-contained, leafy campus in the heart of a traditional English village dating as far back as the ancient Domesday Book survey of 1086.
Learning Resources Centre (LRC) The newly refurbished LRC has a wide range of specialist books, journals and e-resources to support your studies, with plenty of computers available. Our Information Learning Technology (ILT) suites also have WiFi and the latest PCs and digital equipment.
Natural resources Our parkland estate contains almost every kind of habitat. Depending on the course you choose, you can work on the Kingshill Farm, and access our animal unit, fisheries centre and equine centre.
Sports We have excellent facilities for many sports and outdoor activities available to all students including a sports hall, outdoor pitches, tennis courts and a gym.
Garden restaurant Hot and cold food is available every day along with a variety of drinks and snacks.
INFORMATION international@bedford.ac.uk
For more information on our Shuttleworth College Campus please visit: www.shuttleworth.ac.uk/facilities
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
13 Our campuses
The Bedford Sixth Form If you choose to study A-Levels then you will be based in our wonderful, period Sixth Form building. It is a typical example of 19th Century English architecture, but contains all the up-to-date, modern facilities and equipment you need for your studies.
Learning Resources Centre
Common room and restaurant
As well as computers, these IT suites include a wide range of books, DVDs and journals.
Grab food, drinks and socialise in the downtime between lessons.
Sport Access fantastic sports facilities including an indoor six-lane swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, sprung floor dance studio and large sports hall at the Trinity Arts & Leisure sports complex, based right on campus.
Classrooms Access fully-equipped science laboratories, design workshops, art studios and a large theatre for drama performances.
INFORMATION international@bedford.ac.uk
For more information on The Bedford Sixth Form please visit: www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk/ourfacilities
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
14 Living in Bedford
Living in Bedford FACT FILE • Traditional English market town • Very safe and friendly • Large student population • Great transport links
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
Bedford is an historic riverside town on a beautiful stretch of the River Great Ouse, only 40 minutes north of London by train. It is very safe and has a large, friendly student population due to the College, university and numerous schools being based in the town – so you will feel at home straight away. Bedford also offers a wide range of leisure and entertainment activities to occupy your time when you’re not studying.
+44 (0)1234 291000
15 Living in Bedford
Great entertainment
Arts & culture
Sport
The Aspects Leisure Centre complex is home to a multi-screen cinema, a bingo hall and gym. There are also a number of music venues and theatres including Bedford Corn Exchange and Esquires.
The Higgins Bedford museum and art gallery hosts exhibitions throughout the year and provides a rich history of Bedford. To find out more visit: www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk
Festivals & events
The town also hosts an annual Bedfringe arts and cultural festival.
There are also several swimming pools in the town centre, a wealth of parks and other sporting options such as The Bedford International Athletics Stadium, Bedford Cricket Club, Bedford Town Football Club and Bedford Blues Rugby Club.
The Bedford River Festival is held every two years in July on the banks of the River Great Ouse. Each November sees a firework display for Bonfire Night and in December there is a traditional Victorian Christmas Fair.
international@bedford.ac.uk
Shopping Bedford’s historic market is still located in St Paul’s Square on the banks of the river. The Harpur Shopping Centre and Bedford High Street provide a large range of popular retailers.
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
In addition Bedford College students can access Trinity Arts & Leisure facilities at a discounted rate. Visit: www.trinityleisure.co.uk to find out more.
+44 (0)1234 291000
16 Great location
Great location FACT FILE • London: 40 minutes by train • Cambridge: 50 minutes by bus • Oxford: 1 hour 20 minutes by bus
ROYAL PARADE, LONDON
international@bedford.ac.uk
Bedford has excellent transport links to the rest of the UK as it sits between two major motorways. It takes under an hour to get to the famous city of Cambridge and an hour and 20 minutes to drive to Oxford. London, England’s exciting capital city, is a short train journey from Bedford, taking only 40 minutes directly to St Pancras International Station.
RADCLIFFE CAMERA, OXFORD
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
The rest of Europe and the world can be accessed via two nearby airports – London Luton and London Stansted. Alternatively, Gatwick airport can be reached directly by train from Bedford and Heathrow is accessible within two hours by car.
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
+44 (0)1234 291000
17 Great location
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
18 Accommodation
Accommodation We offer a range of accommodation options for international students but by far the most popular is our ‘Homestay’ scheme.
Homestay
latest information.
You will have the option of being placed with a suitable family in the Bedford area and it will provide you with the perfect way to sample British culture first-hand and to practise your conversational English. All families taking part in the scheme are inspected by Bedford College so you can be reassured that your accommodation will be of a high standard and provide a safe and comfortable home. You will have your own room in the host family’s house. In 2013/14 our charge per week for ‘Homestay’ was £110*, which includes all bills and food. To find out more about this, please call the International Office on +44 (0)1234 291000.
STUDENTS SAY See what our international students have to say about studying at Bedford College by visiting our website:
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
*These figures are for 2013/14 and may be subject to change. Visit our website for the
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
19 Accommodation
Private rented accommodation If you would prefer to stay in private, rented accommodation in Bedford, then we have a list of letting agencies that we can recommend, visit www.bedford.ac.uk/international for more details.
Shuttleworth College Campus Depending upon which course you apply for, we may be able to offer you a place in Shuttleworth College Campus halls of residence. You may get your own single study bedroom and our halls also include a modern common room with kitchen facilities, comfy chairs, sofas and TV. In 2013/14 our accommodation cost was ÂŁ3,850 per year including all your meals during the week*. *These figures are for 2013/14 and may be subject to change. Visit our website for the latest information.
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
20 Student support
Student support In addition to gaining the national Matrix Standard for professional, high-quality guidance, our support staff have also been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Here are just a few of the services that international students can benefit from:
Visas and immigration We understand how daunting it can be to organise your student visa, so our Enquiries & Guidance team are here to help guide you in the right direction. See page 23 for more details about applying for visas.
Meet & greet If you need to be picked up from the airport we can arrange for a reliable local taxi to meet and greet you. The cost of this service will depend upon the arrival airport. To request a taxi transfer, please email us your full flight information at least two weeks in advance of your departure. Our staff will book your taxi and send you a confirmation email. Our email is: international@bedford.ac.uk
international@bedford.ac.uk
English Language support
International Officer
All higher education full-time international students are offered English Language lessons as part of their course at no extra cost. This support is focused on improving English for academic success and includes an integrated approach to reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, vocabulary and English usage.
We have an International Officer who will be your main point of contact when you're studying here. They will help point you in the right direction and advise you where to go for help and support. They will also help organise international student social events so that you can meet other people in similar circumstances to you.
You will be given the opportunity to sit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test* that enables you to progress on to university in the UK. Alternatively, you may be able to sit a Cambridge English examination* with the other international students of the English Language Department.
Your own personal tutor As a full-time student you’ll be assigned a professionally trained personal tutor as soon as you enrol with us. They’ll give you continual, one-to-one support throughout your time at Bedford College.
*The IELTS test and the Cambridge exams are all subject to exam fees. Please ask for further details.
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
21 Student support
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
22 Summer school
Summer School Every year, at the end of July and the beginning of August, we host a two-week English Language Summer School. In a relaxed and friendly environment you can improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
international@bedford.ac.uk
Learning takes place through an assortment of activities including whole group, small group and individual learning, in addition to role play and interactive online exercises. Included in the cost of the Summer School are chances to taste UK culture through trips and activities outside the classroom which include visits in Bedford and other nearby historic towns.
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
At the end of the two weeks, you will gain a Bedford College Certificate of Attendance and you will also have the chance to enrol on a more substantial English Language course that will prepare you for one of the Cambridge English Language Assessment examinations. Some of our Summer School students progress on to fulltime courses at Bedford College and some students then gain a place at university, (which requires a Tier 4 visa).
+44 (0)1234 291000
23 Living in the UK
Living in the UK By choosing to study at Bedford College, you will learn about new cultures, meet lots of new people from a variety of backgrounds and experience living in one of the most dynamic countries in the world.
Visas Bedford College has a UK Border Agency sponsor licence Tier 4 (students) with Highly Trusted Status. Before you can study and live in the UK you must apply for entry clearance (unless you are a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) country). The visa you require will depend upon the programme you intend to study. You may only need a student visitor visa if you choose to study one of our short courses or English Language programmes. If you are studying a one or two year programme you will need to apply for a Tier 4 student visa. Your course must be a weekday course involving attendance for a minimum of 15 hours organised daytime study per week.
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
Before you apply for your visa you must be in receipt of a Confirmation of Acceptance for Students (CAS) and you must apply for clearance in advance of travel to the UK. It is Bedford College’s policy that you must pay all the fees for your course in one single payment before we send your CAS letter. This can take up to a week after payment has been received. For more information about applying for a student visa please visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs website: www.ukcisa.org.uk Please note: If you are on any other type of visa you may be able to study part-time. Please contact us on +44 (0)1234 291000 or email international@bedford.ac.uk for more details.
+44 (0)1234 291000
24 Our courses
Courses for international students We have a range of higher education and other courses available for international students, including:
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
25 Our courses
English as a Foreign Language International students who choose to study English as a Foreign Language as their main course generally sit a Cambridge English exam such as Preliminary (PET), First (FCE), Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE). These courses are suitable for full-time students studying 15 hours per week, for student visitors and for European Union students who visit the UK for a limited time. The Student Visitor Visa allows for part-time study for up to 11 months when you study English as a Foreign Language as your main course or up to six months if you are combining courses. We also offer a range of English+ short courses. Please see our website for more details at www.bedford.ac.uk/international
INFORMATION international@bedford.ac.uk
A-Levels We offer a range of A-Levels covering 24 subjects including: Business Studies, Chemistry, English, Mathematics and Psychology. For the full list please visit: www.bedfordsixthform.ac.uk
Art & Design Foundation We offer an Art & Design Level 3 Foundation Diploma (Pre-Degree). The long-established reputation of this course has given the College an enviable reputation for developing individuality and creativity, helping students to gain places at prestigious art and design schools, colleges and universities across the country.
Corporate training and short courses Our short courses and training programmes can be designed to meet your needs. Some of the areas covered are: Agriculture, Art & Design, Beauty Therapy, Fashion, Horse Management, Management programmes and Teacher Training. For more details please visit: www.bedford.ac.uk/international
Visit www.bedford.ac.uk/courses for more information about these courses.
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
26 How to apply
How to apply Enquiries
• A copy of your current valid passport
Please contact our Enquiries & Guidance Department on +44(0)1234 291000 or e-mail us at international@bedford.ac.uk for further details about any of our courses.
• Copies of any UK Visa(s) that you have held.
Applications If you are applying for a higher education course you will need to apply through UCAS at www.ucas.com. For all other courses you will need to complete an international students’ application form that you can post, fax or email to our Enquiries & Guidance Department. For all courses we will require the following: • Copies of your official academic qualifications and certificates, including proof of your level of English Language (where relevant) • A one page personal statement in your own handwriting. This should tell us why you want to study your chosen course, any work experience relevant to your chosen course and what you hope to gain from the course
You will be given a student reference number which should be used in all correspondence.
Administration fee A non-refundable administration fee of £195 (for 2013/14)* should be included with your application before the processing of your application can begin. *These figures are for 2013/14 and may be subject to change. Visit our website for the latest information.
Offer Your application will go to the department to which you are applying, and once they have made their decision we may then be able to offer you a place. We will write to explain any conditions of the offer. You will need to complete and return the Notice of Acceptance card and return it to us within two weeks of receipt.
Visa Please see page 23 for more details.
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
27 FAQs
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) What are the English Language requirements for Bedford College?
Will I receive any support to improve my English Language?
We expect students to achieve an IELTS level of 5.0 to 6.5, but this may differ for particular courses.
Yes. We are committed to helping all international students on full-time higher education courses to improve their English Language skills. What’s more we offer this at no extra cost. Please see page 20 for more details.
When should I apply for my student visa? You can apply for your student visa once your course application has been accepted, you have paid your course fees in full and you have received a CAS letter from the College. For more information see page 23 or visit: www.ukcisa.org.uk
Can I work and study? If you are have a Tier 4 visa you can work up to 10 hours per week during term time and work full-time during the vacation period.
What is the weather in Bedford like? Bedford, like the rest of the UK, has a moderate climate. Our summers are usually warm (up to 30 degrees centigrade) while in spring and autumn the weather is changeable, often with rain. For more information visit the UK Met Office website: www.metoffice.gov.uk
Can I achieve a full Honours degree with Bedford College? Here at Bedford College we offer a wide range of higher education options (see our course listings on page 24 for more details). Our Foundation Degrees are accredited by the University of Bedfordshire and once you have completed your first two years with us you can top-up to an Honours degree at the university.
international@bedford.ac.uk
www.bedford.ac.uk/international
+44 (0)1234 291000
Bedford College, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AH, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1234 291000 Fax: +44 (0)1234 342674 Email: international@bedford.ac.uk www.bedford.ac.uk/international