FUNDING FOR YOUR 2014 STUDY ENTRY
INFORMATION FOR FULL-TIME UK UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
FUNDING YOUR STUDY FOR 2014 ENTRY
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Universities can now charge UK/EU students up to £9,000 a year for all undergraduate courses. This is to make up for the Government’s 80% cut in grant funding for Higher Education teaching.
Remember, you only ever pay back at 9% of your salary; what you pay back will not fluctuate month by month - it will only increase as your salary increases. And then, you will only be paying 9% on any income above £21K.
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UNDERGRADUATE FINANCE IN 2014 You don’t pay up front Whilst fees have increased, it’s important to remember that you or your parents won’t have to repay anything now – the Government is providing loans to cover tuition fees. You start to pay them back once you graduate from university and only when you are earning over £21,000. Repayments will be 9% of any income earned above £21,000, so the amount you pay each month will depend on how much you are earning at the time. The repayments for these loans will start in April following graduation. Interest on the loans will be at Retail Price Index + 3% during studies and then from the April following graduation will range from RPI to RPI +3% increasing with earnings.
FUNDING YOUR STUDY FOR 2014 ENTRY
EXAMPLES OF MONTHLY REPAYMENTS FOR LOANS COVERING TUITION AND LIVING COSTS Salary Monthly repayments £21,000 £0 £21,500 £4 £24,000 £23 £25,000 £30 £27,000 £45 £30,000 £68
TUITION AND LIVING COSTS FURTHER DETAILS Repayments will be deducted automatically from your pay packet. All outstanding repayments will be written off after 30 years.
Staffordshire University Tuition Fee - key facts: • Students don’t have to pay up front for their tuition... the cost will be covered by a tuition fee loan: - repayments will be manageable, and don’t start until you’re earning over £21K - repayments are based on 9% of the salary earned above £21K • University support is available in the form of scholarships, fee waivers and bursaries • Government support is available in the form of tuition fee loan, a living cost loan and grant. Please visit www.staffs.ac.uk/feesandfunding
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Depending upon your family circumstances, a range of bursaries, scholarships, loans and grants could be available to help with the cost of study, accommodation and living costs.
MONEY YOU MAY HAVE TO PAY BACK Government loans A tuition loan is available from the Government to cover the cost of your Higher Education tuition. It’s available to eligible students studying for their first degree. This means that you don’t have to find the money to pay for your tuition costs before or while you are studying. (If you have had funding previously for studying at university, this may affect your eligibility for a loan.)
Loans to help with living costs A living cost loan is also available from the Government to help you with other costs associated with going to university, things like accommodation, food, travel and course materials. The amount you can get is based on where you live and study, your household income and how much non-repayable grant (maintenance grant) you are entitled to. See page 11.
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FUNDING YOUR STUDY FOR 2014 ENTRY
The maximum amounts you can get per year are: living away from home and studying in London, £7,675 living away from home and studying outside London, £5,500 living at your parent’s home, £4,375 studying abroad as part of your UK course, £5,895. For more information visit direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
STUDENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT PACKAGE TUITION FEES LOANS FOR LIVING COSTS
Pay back when you earn over £21,000
MONEY YOU DON’T PAY BACK Scholarships and Bursaries Staffordshire University is offering a range bursaries, fee waivers and scholarships (as part of the Governments National Scholarship Programme) to support students starting in September 2014. Full details about the financial support we’re offering can be found on pages 12-13 of this guide. Grants Other financial support may be available to help with the cost of living while you study. Government grants from £50 up to £3,354 may be available to full-time students from families with incomes below £42,600. See page 11.
Additional Government support Extra financial help is available for disabled students, students with dependent children, and students with adult dependents. Find out more at: direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
STUDENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT PACKAGE GRANTS FOR LIVING COSTS SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND FEE WAIVERS
You don’t pay back
FUNDING YOUR STUDY FOR 2014 ENTRY
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Students starting courses at Staffordshire University in 2014 may be able to benefit from a range of fee waivers, bursaries and National Scholarships. Visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/feesandfunding for the full range of information.
UNDERGRADUATE FEES AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY At Staffordshire University we are committed to making a high-quality university education as affordable as possible – to as many students as possible.
our campuses, not to mention our real-world and recreational facilities to ensure you get the best university experience possible.
Our proposed fee structure for 2014 will provide students with high quality courses that offer value for money. Subject to the approval of an access agreement by The Office for Fair Access, students studying on our full-time undergraduate courses will be charged approximately ÂŁ8,620. An outline of our proposed fee structure is detailed in the table opposite.
Information about the specific cost of each of our undergraduate courses can be found online on each of the individual course pages or within our 2014 Undergraduate prospectus. To request a downloadable copy or to get one sent to you please visit www.staffs. ac.uk/prospectus
By pricing our courses this way it enables us to ensure we are able to continually invest in our learning and teaching resources and 6
FUNDING YOUR STUDY FOR 2014 ENTRY
We will be able to continually invest in our buildings, our teaching and learning resources, not to mention our real-world and recreational facilities, to ensure you get the very best university experience possible.
Under the proposed fees structure, UK/EU students will pay: Full-time undergraduate courses, including Foundation Years/Degrees: approximately £8,620 Foundation Degrees/HNDs offered by our UK partner colleges: up to £6,990 per year Two-year, Fast-track degrees: £9,000 per year Placement fee of £1,000 for the year spent in industry on a four-year sandwich course
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Here is an explanation of the differences between our different course types: Classroom-based courses are usually delivered in the conventional setting of our modern and well-equipped lecture theatres or seminar rooms. As with all courses, you’ll have access to the latest technology, software and extensive learning resources to support your subject (you’ll still need to purchase course textbooks), but you won’t be required to use any specialist facilities or equipment. You will still receive high-quality teaching, from lecturers who are practising experts in their own particular field, but there won’t be any additional expenses to cover. Laboratory/studio-based and resource intensive courses involve additional activities, specialist equipment and dedicated facilities. For example they could include: • compulsory national and international field trips/ conferences/exhibitions • specialist hardware/ software • laboratory consumables • exhibition materials • industry standard equipment • large designated studio areas for fine artists • technician support.
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The courses could also be delivered in the purpose-built environments we have put in place to provide you with real world experience, for example our crime scene house, Human Sciences laboratory, state-of-the-art TV and digital media centres and drama studio. Many of these courses are recognised, partnered or accredited by professional bodies such as the British Computer Society (BCS), National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), The Bar Standards Board, The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). Nationally-leading degrees are a select group of courses which compete at the very highest level with top-ranking universities, and where Staffordshire University has established a very strong reputation in a subject area. The courses are delivered in world-class facilities, ones which require a high level of investment to keep facilities and equipment on a par or better than professional standard within the sector. They are typically
FUNDING YOUR STUDY FOR 2014 ENTRY
partnered/sponsored/ by global brand companies ie CISCO, Panasonic, Vodafone, Lloyd TSB who have a high level of involvement in the way the course is delivered and support students throughout their studies with real world opportunities such as placements, networking events and guest lectures. The courses can usually demonstrate evidence of excellent graduate-level employability – in most cases, higher than average.
Everything we do at Staffs is built around the needs and ambitions of our students, so we have developed a fair fees structure that reflects the teaching and support costs of delivering a top-class, uncompromising, educational experience for everyone.
RESEARCH SHOWS THAT GRADUATES ARE
CONSIDERABLY MORE LIKELY TO BE IN A JOB THAN PEOPLE WITH LOWER QUALIFICATIONS. AND, ON AVERAGE,
A UNIVERSITY GRADUATE EARNS £100,000 MORE DURING HIS OR HER LIFETIME - NET OF TAX - THAN
SOMEONE WHO LEAVES SCHOOL AT 18.
(DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS INNOVATION AND SKILLS)
One of the strengths of our University is in providing courses which are relevant to a modern and rapidly changing world. Our graduates will leave us as knowledgeable, capable, skilled and highly employable individuals.
Professor Michael Gunn Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive
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Fees for courses offered by our UK partner colleges Full-time students studying for a Foundation Degree or HND with our partner colleges will be charged up to £6,990 per year*. You will then have the option to top-up to a full Bachelor’s degree by carrying out just one year’s further study. Students coming to Staffordshire University to top-up will be charged the annual fee band rate for the relevant course. (*individual colleges will set their own fee levels with guidance from Staffordshire University)
Part-time students We plan to introduce a fee structure for part-time study that is pro-rata to the fees charged for studying with us full-time. This means that regardless of whether you choose part-time or full-time, you will not be disadvantaged financially.
EU and International students If you’re a EU student, you will pay the same fees as UK students. You are also eligible for loans to cover the cost of your tuition. However loans for living costs and maintenance grants are not available for EU students.
Part-time students studying at least 25% of the intensity of a full-time course will also have access to a loan to cover the cost of their tuition but will not be entitled to any support for living costs. The amount of the tuition loan will depend on the proportion of a fulltime course that is studied each year.
International students are not affected by changes to tuition fees for UK and EU students.
Low Cost of Living The cost of living in Staffordshire was ranked third lowest in the UK in The Student Value for Money Report 2012 by Simple Landlords Insurance.
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NHS-funded students Government changes to undergraduate fees from 2012 do not affect our nursing, midwifery, and operating department practice undergraduate courses. These courses are funded by the NHS and are not subject to tuition fees.
Elibigible students can get either a Maintenance Grant or a Special Support Grant, however they cannot get both.
Maintenance Grant Students entitled to the Maintenance Grant will have their Maintenance Loan reduced. Gross Residual Household Income of parent/stepparent/partner
Maintenance Grant Non-repayable
Student Maintenance Loan
£25,000 or below
£3,387
£3,862
£30,000
£2,441
£4,335
£35,000
£1,494
£4,808
£40,000
£547
£5,282
£42,620
£50
£5,530
£42,875
£0
£5,555
£50,000
£0
£4,836
£60,000
£0
£3,826
£62,132 & over
£0
£3,610
OR Special Support Grant: (this Grant is not counted as income for Social Security Benefits and Tax Credits). Gross Residual Household Income of parent/ stepparent/partner
Special Support Grant Non-repayable
Student Maintenance Loan
£25,000
£3,250
£5,500
£30,000
£2,341
£5,500
£35,000
£1,432
£5,500
£40,000
£523
£5,500
£45,000
£0
£4,163
£50,000
£0
£3,663
£55,000
£0
£3,163
Students applying for the Special Support Grant must meet one of the following eligibility criteria. • single parent • have a partner who’s also a student • over 60 • have a disability AND be eligible for certain disability benefits
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FINANCIAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR NEW STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS*
We want to make it as affordable as possible for as many people with the ability to do so, to benefit from a university education. That’s why we have put together a range of financial support measures for 2014 including the new National Scholarship Programme as well as additional fee waivers and a range of non-repayable bursaries as outlined in the table opposite:
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2014/15 Scholarship and bursaries Financial Support Package
Number available
Amount
Duration
National Scholarship Programme and University Bursaries
557
£2500 in discounted residential accommodation, or support with the costs of travel and food or other institutional services
Year 1 only
£500 cash Bursary
Year 1 only
£1250 in discounted residential accommodation, or support with the costs of travel and food or other institutional services
Years 2 and 3
£250 cash Bursary
Years 2 and 3
£2000 in discounted residential accommodation or support with the costs of travel and food or other institutional services
Year 1 only
183
£500 cash Bursary *Financial support is subject to eligibility and is not applicable for NHS funded part-time students.
Eligibility Decisions to award scholarships, bursaries and fee waivers will be based on grades achieved, household income, residency, age and ethnicity. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not mean an automatic entitlement to a scholarship and/or other University financial support.
Part-time students are available for scholarships under the National Scholarship Programme. NHS-funded students are not eligible for any of the above support packages as financial support is provided by the NHS.
For more information and a full range of eligibility criteria please visit our website. Updates Any updates or additional information can be found at www.staffs.ac.uk/ feesandfunding and via the Students Union Money Doctors web pages.
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FUNDING FOR NURSING AND MIDWIFERY OPERATING DEPARTMENT PRACTICE STUDENTS STARTING IN 2013/14 Eligibility: Ordinarily resident and settled status
Fees: paid in full by NHS
Non-income assessed grant: £1000 per year Additional Means tested allowances: (2014/15) Income assessed bursary based on 45 weeks (or more) study: Up to £3351 per year (home) and £4395 per year (away) Childcare costs The allowance pays up to: £126.65 a week for 1 child £187.85 a week for 2 or more children Adult Dependants Allowance If an adult is financially dependent on you when you’re training. How much you get depends on your household income. Parents Learning Allowance up to £1303 per year Practice placement expenses If your practice placement is in a hospital or community health centre and not at your university. It costs you more to travel to your placement than it costs to travel to university
Disabled Students Allowances: Non- means tested: Non medical helpers, Specialist equipment allowance, travel allowance and other costs allowance
Student loan (apply to SFE, not income assessed) 2013/14 rates: £1744 (home), £2324 (away) This is reduced in the final year to: £1,324 (home), £1,811 (away)
https://www.gov.uk/nhs-bursaries/overview 14
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Why Staffs? Our commitment to equipping you to become the ‘Staffordshire Graduate’ with the knowledge, attributes and expertise that employers look for. How our industry-leading vocational and teaching facilities, such as our mock courtroom and crime scene house, can give you a head start in the world of work. Our close links with national and international businesses and organisations such as Cisco, Vodafone and Lloyds. Our lecturers’ real-world experience and how they know exactly what you’ll need to succeed. Journalism Lecturer, Sarah Rowlands, for instance, has been voted Media Journalist of the Year four times and has won four gold Sony Awards. Our strong graduate employment rate; 71% of our students went into graduate-level jobs within 6 months of graduating, earning an average salary of £21,000* How we continually invest in your learning environment – our £30m Science and Technology Centre, for example – to ensure we’re always up-to-date. A diverse multicultural environment - with over 10,000 international students, 1,500 of whom are on campus in the UK. Our hands-on, practical approach to learning – it’s not just about learning from books. Our central location, low living costs (third lowest in the UK in a recent survey**) and vibrant social scene. Read on and you’ll also discover many more reasons why Staffs. But the only way to really find out if this is where you want to be is to join us on one of our Open Days. Learn more on page 23. *Source: Staffordshire University ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey 2011 (based on those surveyed and emplyed within 6 months) **Source: The Student Value for Money Report 2012 by Simple Landlords Insurance.
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE FOR YOU With over 150 courses across 45 subject areas, we want to help you make the right choice when it comes to studying with us. We have a range of information and advice available to give you the everything you may need. Attending one of our Open Days is also a great way to come and see us for yourself. You can register your interest and reserve your place at www.staffs.ac.uk/opendays You can find more detailed course information online at www.staffs.ac.uk
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Alternatively, if you would like a downloadable version or to receive a copy of our 2014 full-time undergraduate prospectus in the post, simply fill in your details and preferences at www.staffs.ac.uk/prospectus
ENTERPRISE
ConfidEnce
success
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
professional
DRIVEN
make your mark on the world
STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY PREPARED
FLAIR
ABILITY FOR LIFE INDEPENDENT ENTREPRENEURIAL EXCEED EXPECTATIONS
we promise better!
Our Open Days take place on: Saturday 21 September 2013 Saturday 19 October 2013 Saturday 16 November 2013
You can also find us on:
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FIND OUT MORE
For the most up-to-date information please visit www.staffs.ac.uk/feesandfunding
Other sources of useful information: www.ucas.com – for information on applying to go to university, a range of resources for students, parents, advisors in addition to key upcoming events. www.gov.uk/browse/education/student-finance provides the latest Government information on the cost of University, financial support and repayment information. www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance and Student Finance England www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk (tel: 0845 300 50 90) have information and guidance for students and their parents/carers on funding and finance when going to university www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students provides more information about NHS bursaries and funding for students considering studying Nursing, Midwifery, Operating Department Practice or Social Work. www.staffsunion.com/advice
www.staffsunion.com/moneydoctors Financial advice and guidance is also available from our Students’ Union Student Advice Centre and Money Doctors Services.
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M4750 AJC 06.13
The information in this guide is correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change. For the latest information, visit our website, call us on 01782 294400 or email enquiries@staffs.ac.uk