The Bedford College Group Higher Education Prospectus 2021/2022 (MAIN)

Undergraduate Courses with The Bedford College Group

2021-2022 Courses available in Bedford, Biggleswade, Corby & Kettering

Welcome

to The Bedford College Group Our College Group was formed following the merger of Bedford College, Shuttleworth College and Tresham College in 2017. We are now proud to provide a wider range of undergraduate courses, giving you more choices, opportunities and experiences across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

We have strong partnerships with the University of Bedfordshire and the University of Northampton, allowing you to complete full honours degrees in many of our subjects. We offer courses based at Bedford College, Shuttleworth College near Biggleswade and Tresham College campuses in Corby and Kettering.

By studying with us you will be able to take advantage of great facilities, small group sizes and competitive tuition fees. So whether you’re finishing sixth form or college, or already working and would like to return to education, our courses are an ideal choice.

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Open Days

We can’t wait to meet you, whether it’s virtually or in person.

Choose a date (or two) from below to: • Find out about our campuses • Talk to our tutors • Get careers advice from our team of advisers

Register online today by visiting our website: www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk

Tuesday 10 November 2020, 5.00pm-7.30pm

Tresham College – Corby campus

Tresham College – Wellingborough campus

Wednesday 27th January 2021, 5.00pm-7.30pm

Tuesday 3 November 2020, 5.00pm-7.30pm

Thursday 12 November 2020, 5.00pm-7.30pm

Wednesday 24 March 2021, 5.00pm-7.30pm

Tuesday 19 January 2021, 5.00pm-7.30pm

Thursday 28 January 2021, 5.00pm-7.30pm

Tuesday 8 June 2021, 5.00pm-7.30pm

Tuesday 23 March 2021, 5.00pm-7.30pm

Thursday 25 March 2021, 5.00pm-7.30pm

Tuesday 15 June 2021, 5.00pm-7.30pm

Thursday 17 June 2021, 5.00pm-7.30pm

Bedford College

Shuttleworth College Saturday 7 November 2020 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday 21 January 5.00-8.00pm

Tresham College – Kettering campus Wednesday 4 November 2020, 5.00pm-7.30pm Wednesday 20 January 2021, 5.00pm-7.30pm Wednesday 17 March 2021, 5.00pm-7.30pm Wednesday 16 June 2021, 5.00pm-7.30pm

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Undergraduate Prospectus 2021-22 | www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk | 0345 658 8990

If you can’t wait for an event, go to www.bedfordcollegegroupopendays.co.uk to hear from our Principal and find out more about our subjects and locations.

You can also take a 360° tour of some of our classrooms and facilities.

University partnerships We have strong partnerships with the following universities:

At the University of Bedfordshire we believe that your university experience is about far more than just your course, which is why we offer you more than a great degree.

Our partnership with The Bedford College Group allows you to gain support from both institutions and gives you a wealth of facilities to utilise during your studies, including our new seven-storey library in Luton.

We’re a modern, vibrant University with campuses in Bedford (situated within walking distance of the College), Luton, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury, offering high quality, career-focused teaching, excellent student support and a great global student experience.

We’re an internationally recognised award winning institution with an excellent academic and teaching reputation; we’ve achieved a Silver award in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), appear in the Times Undergraduate World University rankings and we’re sixth in the UK in the People Planet University Green League. We also have high levels of student satisfaction and good graduate employment levels, rising 16 places in the last National Student Satisfaction (NSS) survey.

Graduation

at The Bedford College Group Achievements Ceremony

Successfully completing your undergraduate course is a huge achievement. Each year we invite all our graduating students to celebrate their success at our Achievements Ceremony.

The University of Northampton is proud to be working in partnership with The Bedford College Group.

What motivates us is the drive to help people make the changes that will transform their lives – people like you. We look for this dedication in the partner institutions we choose to work with, and The Bedford College Group embodies this quality.

Working with The Bedford College Group, we are committed to enhancing your graduate employability. Input from academic research, current practitioners and industry ensures that your course curriculum will be up-to-date and industry relevant.

We wish you the best of luck with your studies and look forward to welcoming you to the growing number of University of Northampton alumni across the globe.

About the University of Northampton The University of Northampton has been awarded Gold – the highest possible mark – in the UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

One of the youngest universities in the UK, we are leading the way in adding value to society, which we call social impact.

We have won multiple awards for our work in this area, among others, but what matters the most to us is ensuring that you at partner institutions have the opportunity to make their mark on the world too.

0345 658 8990 | www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk | Undergraduate Prospectus 2021-22

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Why choose us?

The Bedford College Group incorporates Bedford College, Shuttleworth College and Tresham College, giving you more choices, opportunities and experiences.

Study close to your home and work By studying and living locally, you’ll save thousands of pounds by living at home.

Wide range of subjects Find a subject you love and develop the skills and confidence to aim high.

Flexible study options A variety of flexible study options from as little as six hours per week so you can fit your studies around your work and other life commitments.

Honours Top-up Our close partnerships with regional universities give you the option to top-up to a full honours degree in many subjects.

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Competitive tuition fees Take advantage of our competitively priced course fees and you could save thousands on your degree.

More support Small class sizes and more one-to-one support than universities.

Strong links with employers We work with over 1,000 organisations across the region who can recruit directly from us.

0345 658 8990 | www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk | Undergraduate Prospectus 2021-22

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Studying at our Bedford College Campuses in Bedford & Kempston Right in the heart of Bedford Bedford has some amazing spaces and places such as the new Riverside Complex, set in a stunning location on the banks of the River Great Ouse. The development features restaurants, a cinema, hotel and new public open spaces along the river. Bedford also offers the bustling sights and sounds of nightly entertainment at the Corn Exchange to the tranquility of the galleries and museums of the historic Castle Quarter.

Library Our modern Library is the place to study outside of classes, with spaces for both individual and group study and over 30,000 resources including books, journals and DVDs to support your learning. You can also access computers including PCs, Macs and netbooks, or make use of our free WiFi. Plus, when you’re not on site you can access online resources and library services from wherever you are 24/7 through Moodle – our online student portal. If you are studying a course validated by University of Bedfordshire or University of Northampton you will also have access to their resources.

Industry-class workshops Choosing one of our engineering or construction courses means you’ll get the chance to hone technical skills in real-life working environments, getting your hands on modern engineering machinery and some of the most advanced renewable technologies equipment in the UK. Engineering students will also get to study in our £5.2 million Buchanan Centre building, containing state-of-the-art robotic equipment.

Dedicated study spaces These spaces on campus enable you to study and relax with minimal distraction. Our student space has tea and coffee making facilities, chairs and a separate meeting room.

Information technology suites Access to current technology is vital to enhance your learning experience. Our technology suites will provide you with internet access, laser printers, scanners and video conferencing facilities.

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Kempston Campus

Here we house environmental technologies including Solar-PV-heat pumps and rain water harvesting wind turbines. You can benefit from full access to the latest Revit and Auto Cad technology. The Centre has excellent links to the industry including local Eco building projects, which you will visit, as well as exhibitions, to gain knowledge for assignments. Our Industry links provide an excellent opportunity when seeking employment. This campus has free parking.

Undergraduate Prospectus 2021-22 | www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk | 0345 658 8990

South Bank Arts Centre If you’re the creative type, our purpose-built design, music and media studios are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and resources to provide the tools and experience you’ll need in the industry. The £6 million arts centre also hosts a regular programme of exciting events, visits and talks from renowned professionals within the creative industries. Explore more online at www.southbankarts.com

SPRINGS Sports Centre All students can hit the gym at our fully equipped fitness studio for £20 per year. Our modern £2.5 million sports centre gives Sport students the chance to make the most of their studies, and all other students the chance to get active and have fun. Plus, as a Bedford College student, you will also be able to apply for a discount card at our Trinity Arts & Leisure Sports Centre entitling you to 20% off (not applicable on Membership or School of Fish) – to find out more visit www.trinityleisure.co.uk

Munch & Mocha Our restaurant and coffee shop is the ideal place to meet friends and grab a drink or something to eat between classes.

Car parking Car parking at Bedford College is currently charged at £1 per day during term-time with a permit available from the College (permit required at all times). Please note that parking is limited and not guaranteed however there are public car parks close by. The campus is also easily accessible by both bus and train.

0345 658 8990 | www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk | Undergraduate Prospectus 2021-22

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Studying at Shuttleworth College Campus in Old Warden, Biggleswade Set in over 500 acres of beautiful parkland Based in Old Warden, near Biggleswade, Shuttleworth College provides the environment you need to succeed on our Animal Science and Agriculture courses.

The low down on the local area...

Beyond the stunning parkland, lakes and woodland of the College grounds you’ll find an unspoilt landscape of farmland, ancient villages and delightful scenery stretching as far as the eye can see. The larger town of Biggleswade and newly-built large retail park with shops and supermarkets, plus a rail link to London is just 10 minutes away by car.

Dedicated Undergraduate Centre Here you will find computers, lockers, chairs and a kitchen area with tea/coffee making facilities. It’s the perfect place for our undergraduate students to study and relax.

Library The library has a wide range of specialist books, journals and e-resources to support your learning. With quiet areas for individual study equipped with PCs, plus areas for group work, it’s the perfect place to research for your assignments and expand your knowledge. If you are studying a course validated by University of Bedfordshire or University of Northampton you will also have access to their resources.

Sports No matter what your sport of choice we’ve got excellent facilities for many sports and outdoor activities, including a sports hall, squash and tennis courts, gym and pitches for outdoor sports.

Kingshill Farm Our working arable and livestock farm includes over 150 hectares of arable land and a range of livestock including pigs, sheep and cattle.

There is also a range of farm machinery at our Mechanisation Centre.

Car parking and transport Shuttleworth College benefits from ample free parking on site if you are travelling by car. We also provide a comprehensive bus service from surrounding towns and villages, dependent on demand. Find out where we stop at www.shuttleworth.ac.uk/travel

Information Learning Technology (ILT) Boost your studies at our ILT suites where you can access PCs with the latest software, or bring your own laptop and make use of our free WiFi. Photocopying, printing and scanning facilities are also on hand along with digital and video cameras.

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Brand new £3.65m Zoological Education Centre

Shuttleworth College is proud to be a national leader in animal sciences and land-based education. This new state-of-the-art ‘Eden style’ centre, includes a tropical rainforest setting and immersive biome. Shuttleworth College is the first college in the country to boast such a unique facility, housing a wide range of animal species, flora and fauna; providing you with exciting learning and career progression opportunities.

Munch & Mocha Our popular restaurant is open to serve you healthy, tasty food at great prices. Hot and cold food is available every day along with a variety of drinks and snacks – so, if you’ve worked up an appetite, come and grab a bite to eat with your classmates.

Access to animals As an Animal Sciences student you’ll benefit from access to a variety of animals and exotic species at our dedicated animal centre and our British Horse Society (BHS) accredited equine centre at nearby Mount Pleasant, as well as a variety of livestock at Kingshill Farm – the College’s working farm and estate.

Accommodation If travelling to Shuttleworth College is difficult for you, we may be able to offer you a place in our halls of residence based on site, graded as Outstanding by OFSTED in 2018. You’ll get your own single study bedroom plus a modern common room complete with kitchen.

In 2020/21 our accommodation cost was £3,960 per year (usually £1,320 paid termly in advance) including full board during the week (subject to change, check online for the latest information). If you intend to study full-time, you can apply for a loan to help cover living costs including accommodation – see pages 18-21 to find out more about loans.

0345 658 8990 | www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk | Undergraduate Prospectus 2021-22

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Studying at Tresham College Campuses in Corby and Kettering Something for everyone The local area offers a wide range of entertainment to explore, including Wicksteed Park, Rushden Lakes, The Lighthouse and The Core theatres, shopping centres, market places, Odeon and Savoy cinemas and numerous restaurants, bars and coffee shops. If you enjoy the great outdoors, the county of Northamptonshire also provides the opportunity to explore areas of outstanding countryside.

Dedicated undergraduate spaces At each of our campuses, you will be able take advantage of the dedicated quiet spaces to enable you to study and relax without distraction.

Libraries Each of our campuses has excellent library facilities, which provide you with an extensive collection of printed and digital resources to enhance and complement your learning experience. Internet access, quiet study areas and well-stocked careers libraries are also available at each campus. If you are studying a course validated by University of Bedfordshire or University of Northampton you will also have access to their resources.

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Information technology suites Access to current technology is vital to enhance your learning experience. Our technology suites will provide you with internet access, laser printers, scanners and video conferencing facilities.

Engineering workshops The workshops at our modern campus at Corby offer fully-equipped computer suites for 3D modelling activities and 3D printers, which are suitable for a variety of applications from prototypes to customised tools. Our bespoke facilities ensure that you will have the best possible working environment to practice and develop your skills for working in the engineering industry.

Undergraduate Prospectus 2020-21 | www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk

Creative Arts & Media Facilities Our impressive buildings include a graphic design Mac suite, photography suites, art rooms, fashion and textile workshops, soundproofed music booths, dance studios and theatre.

Car parking There is ample free parking at all of Tresham College’s campuses.

Coffee shops Our Kettering and Corby campuses include high street coffee shop brands on site, offering all of your favourite treats and snacks to help you get through your day of study!

Sports facilities Our extensive sports facilities include 3G and 4G AstroTurf pitches, fully equipped fitness suites, sport laboratory, outdoor games area and a four court sports hall. At our Kettering campus we also have a sports therapy clinic.

“The support at College is much better as classes are smaller so you get more one-to-one time.”

Amy Ford - Fashion & Textiles HND

www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk | Undergraduate Prospectus 2020-21

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Funding What’s available?

Loans and financial support for Access to Higher Education and Art & Design Foundation BTEC Diploma (Pre-Degree) courses Level 3 • If you are aged 19-23 and studying your first full Level 3 qualification, your course will be free for you to study.

• If you are aged 19-23 and already hold a Level 3 qualification such as A-Levels or a BTEC Diploma, or are aged over 24 you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your tuition fees (see details below).

• If you are receiving a loan for an Access course and go on to complete an undergraduate qualification, any remaining balance from your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off when you graduate.

Loans/Grant

Applicable Courses

Advanced Access, Art & Learner Loan Design Foundation (Available for Diploma Students age 19 and over)

Available to Available to full-time students part-time students Further details Yes - From £300 up to the cost of tuition

Yes - From £300 up to the cost of tuition

A low-interest, repayable loan to pay for tuition fees. The amount is paid directly to The Bedford College Group on your behalf. You’ll only need to start repaying the loan from April 2021, after you’ve completed your course and you’re earning more than £21,000 per year. If you go on to complete a higher education qualification after your course, any outstanding loan amount will be written off. If you don’t complete your course you will be required to repay the loan amount relative to your attendance. When you stop attending, payments will stop and you’ll only be liable to repay the amount (including any interest accrued) that’s already been paid to the College.

Visit www.gov.uk for more information.

Please note, this information relates to Student Finance England, a loan provider separate to The Bedford College Group and does not represent the Group’s fees policy.

Advanced Learner Loan Bursary

Access, Art & Design Foundation Diploma

Yes

Yes

A non-repayable bursary which may be available if your household income is £30,000 or less (this figure may be subject to change) and you have taken out an Advanced Learner Loan (see above). This bursary is designed to provide financial support towards costs such as childcare or travel associated with your Art & Design Foundation Diploma or your Access course. You must have taken out the loan in order to qualify for the bursary.

Adult Support Fund

Art & Design Foundation Diploma, Access

Yes

Yes

If aged 19-23 and studying your first full Level 3 qualification a non-repayable bursary may be available if your household income is less than £30,000 (this figure may be subject to change). This bursary is designed to help with courserelated costs associated with your Art & Design Foundation Diploma or your Access course, such as travel, fees or equipment.

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Loans and financial support for undergraduate courses Level 4 and above Loans/Grant

Applicable Courses

Available to full-time students

Tuition Fee Loan

BA/BSc (Hons) Top- Yes - Up to Up (apply through £9,250 per year the University of Bedfordshire or the University of Northampton), HNC, HND, Foundation Degree, PGCE

Maintenance Loan

Full-time HNC, HND, Foundation Degree, PGCE, BA/ BSc, Top-Ups

Childcare Grant

Available to Further details part-time students Yes - Up to £6,935 per year.

Part-time students must complete a minimum of 25% of the full-time course content each year.

A low-interest, repayable government loan from Student Finance England to pay for the tuition fees of your undergraduate course. The amount is paid directly to The Bedford College Group on your behalf. You’ll only need to start repaying the loan after you’ve completed your course and you’re earning more than £26,575 per year.

Visit www.gov.uk/student-finance for more details.

Yes • Living at home (up to £7,747) • Living away from home (up to £9,203 per year)

Yes For more information visit: www.gov.uk/ student-finance/ parttime-students

A low-interest, repayable loan to pay towards your living costs such as rent – the amount is paid to your personal bank account through instalments across the duration of your course. You’ll only need to start repaying the loan after you’ve completed your course and you’re earning more than £26,575 per year.

Full-time HNC, HND, Foundation Degree, PGCE, BA/BSc, Top-Ups

Yes (up to 85% of your weekly costs) • Up to £174.22 a week for one child • Up to £298.69 a week for two or more children

No

This grant helps with childcare costs for children under 15, or under 17 if they have special educational needs. You do not have to pay this money back and you must be eligible for student finance to apply.

Visit www.gov.uk/childcare-grant for more information.

Adult Dependent Grant

Full-time HNC, HND, Foundation Degree, PGCE, BA/BSc, Top-Ups

Yes • Up to £3,094 per year depending on household income

No

This grant is for students with an adult who depends on them financially. The money is paid in three termly instalments direct into your bank account and you do not have to pay this money back.

Visit www.gov.uk/adult-dependants-grant for information.

Parents’ Learning Allowance

Full-time HNC, HND, Foundation Degree, PGCE, BA/BSc, Top-Ups

Yes - Up to £1,766 a year depending on household income

No

Help with course-related costs if you have children who depend on you. You can apply for Parents’ Learning Allowance even if you choose not to apply for a Childcare Grant. You can get up to £1,766 a year dependent on other income sources. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/studentfinancesteps

Disabled Students’ Allowance

HNC, HND, Foundation Degree, PGCE, BA/BSc Top-Ups

Yes

Yes

You can apply if you have a disability, including a: longterm health condition; mental health condition; specific learning difficulty, eg dyslexia. You must meet the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010. The support you get depends on your individual needs and not on income. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/studentfinancesteps

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Please note, you will generally only get student finance for your first undergraduate qualification.

If you decide to pay for your course yourself, we offer an affordable direct debit instalments option to help spread the cost of tuition fees. Terms apply, for further information about paying by instalments or any of the options listed above please email us on studentservices@bedford.ac.uk or studentservices@tresham.ac.uk Please note: The information on fees and loans is correct at the time of printing (September 2020) and is based on the academic year 2020/21, this may be subject to change for the 2021/22 academic year. The information applies only to students from England.

If you are from Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland or anywhere else in the EU, please visit www.gov.uk/student-finance for further details.

We take the wellbeing and safety of every single student very seriously. We strive to ensure a safe and welcoming environment at The Bedford College Group and have safeguarding and anti-bullying policies in place. Access on to our site is by ID Card only and our teams regularly check everyone is wearing their ID. We are following government guidelines and our up-to-date policies and procedures relating to COVID-19 can be found here: www.bedfordcollegegroup.co.uk/covid19

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Student support

We pride ourselves on our extensive range of student support services. Whichever course you choose to study, we are here to help you make the most of your time studying with us.

Award-winning support

Equal opportunities for all

Additional support

At The Bedford College Group, we want you to make the most of your journey with us – which is why we’re dedicated to providing you with the best advice and information.

Our Enquiries & Admissions and Student Services teams are proud to hold the Matrix quality standard, awarded in recognition of the professionalism and quality of our support and guidance.

We are fully committed to providing equality of opportunity for all of our staff and students. We believe that the unique experiences, abilities and background of each individual adds to the overall learning experience, and we work hard to provide a friendly and supportive environment to help everyone achieve their full potential.

Additional support is available to students who receive the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). Our dedicated team can provide support and guidance when applying for DSA and once funding is confirmed we will work with you to arrange the support you need.

No matter what your individual learning needs may be, we aim to ensure that The Bedford College Group undergraduate experience is accessible to you.

Careers advice

Wellbeing How you feel can have a huge impact on how you work. We don’t want your personal wellbeing to get in the way of achieving success. So should you ever need to talk to someone confidentially about issues in your private or College life we have a dedicated counselling service where our trained staff are ready to help.

Financial guidance With a constantly changing world of fees and funding rules for undergraduates, we know it can be difficult to understand exactly what financial support is available to you and how to access it. Thankfully we are on hand to provide help and advice. For more detailed information on undergraduate funding refer to pages 18-20.

Our focus is the same as yours – firmly on your career. From help with applications to information on your work and study options, our expert careers advisers are available from before you join us, right up until the end of your journey here, providing the impartial guidance you need to make the right choices. Access FREE careers advice today at www.bedford.ac.uk/careers or www.tresham.ac.uk/careeers

Small class sizes Thanks to small class sizes, you will benefit from more personal time with tutors.

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) You will have access to a VLE, enabling you to access course information, study notes and assignments online. These resources ensure that you can work, wherever and whenever suits you.

Student voice Your views matter, so at The Bedford College Group we make sure they’re heard. Whether it’s becoming a Student Governor, student course representative or taking part in student voice groups, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with student life.

Students’ Union The Bedford College Group Students’ Union is run by students for students ensuring your views are heard. Student events are held too, both educational and social, keeping you up to speed on national student issues. If you’re enrolled on a course that’s accredited by the University of Bedfordshire you’ll also have access to the Beds Students’ Union (Beds SU). Visit www.bedssu.co.uk to find out more. If your course is accredited by the University of Northampton you will automatically be part of their Students’ Union. To find out more visit www.northamptonunion.com

0345 658 8990 | www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk | Undergraduate Prospectus 2021-22

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How to apply

Found your perfect course? Just follow these simple steps to apply...

Stage One: Submit your application online The application process to apply for our courses is different depending upon which type of course you are applying for and whether you want to study full-time or part-time. Don’t worry - you can find full information against the course details on our website or in this guide.

Full-time courses – HNC, HND and Foundation Degrees You will need to submit an application for our full-time courses through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Detailed information about how and when to apply can be found at www.ucas.com We can take applications received through the UCAS scheme up to 15 January 2021 if there are still vacancies on your course but we do advise you to apply earlier.

For some courses you will need to apply directly to the University of Bedfordshire or the University of Northampton using their UCAS institution codes. You can find this information on the individual course pages.

Full-time courses – BA and BSc (Hons) degrees including Top-Ups from HND These courses require you to apply directly to either the University of Bedfordshire or the University of Northampton. Please go to the relevant course webpage and follow the instructions to apply online.

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Part-time courses If you would like to study a part-time HNC, HND, Foundation Degree, a teaching qualification, Access to Higher Education course or the Art & Design BTEC Foundation Diploma then you will need to apply directly to the College. You can find the links to apply on either www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk

Stage Two: Selection process For the majority of our courses you will be offered a place based on meeting the entry qualifications for your course. However, for some courses you’ll need to attend an interview with one of our tutors to ensure that the course you’ve chosen is right for you.

If you are a mature applicant without the necessary entry requirements for your course but you have relevant work experience we will ask you to come to College to discuss your application, answer any questions that you may have and check which level you should be starting at.

All students applying for an Art & Design, Performing Arts or Teacher Education course will also be required to attend a guidance interview and/or assessment. You may be asked to bring a portfolio of your work (Art & Design) or give an audition (Performing Arts & Music) as part of the interview. Full details of the format of your interview will be included as part of the invitation.

Most interviews take place within four weeks of receiving your application.

Undergraduate Prospectus 2021-22 | www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk | 0345 658 8990

Stage Three: Receiving an offer You should receive a formal offer of a place on a course within one week of us receiving your application or within one week of the interview (if applicable). Offers will be made either through UCAS (full-time courses) or through the Group’s online application portal.

Offers may be conditional on you meeting certain conditions, usually qualifications that you may need to pass or specific grades.

At this stage you will also receive a pre-contract information sheet which will include additional information about the course you will study such as contact hours for teaching, course costs, assessment methods and the units you will study on the course.

Stage 4: Attend an Offer Holder Event If you have been offered a place on a course you will be invited to attend an Offer Holder Event on Tuesday 22nd June 2021 where you can experience what it is like to study at the College, meet staff, see our facilities and find out about bursaries and support available.

This is a really important event so please make sure you keep the date free.

Stage 5: Enrolling onto your course If you are applying for a full-time course you will be asked to complete your enrolment in September. Part-time applicants can enrol onto their course at any time from May onwards, either over the telephone or in person.

At enrolment you will be asked to pay for your course (if you are paying for the course yourself), or provide evidence of your student loan or commitment from your employer.

Stage 6: Starting your course You will receive details of your course timetable at enrolment however term typically starts in early October.

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

As part of our initial advice and guidance, interview and enrolment procedures, we will take into account the experience and knowledge you have gained from outside the formal education and training system. Consequently, we are open to accepting a wide range of evidence sources for RPL provided that the following applies.

Any evidence provided should be: • Sufficient – to demonstrate competence • Current – how recent the experience is can be a factor in its relevance • Authentic – some evidence may require endorsement from third parties • Relevant – the requirements of a particular qualification will act as a determining factor in identifying a suitable evidence base.

For more information call us on: 0345 658 8990

0345 658 8990 | www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk | Undergraduate Prospectus 2021-22

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Qualifications guide Art & Design UAL Foundation Diploma (Pre-Degree)

BTEC Higher National Certificates/ Diplomas (HNCs/HNDs)

WHAT IS IT? This course is designed to prepare students wishing to enter undergraduate programmes within the field of Art & Design. It’s a widely recognised pathway that aims to give you further knowledge of a range of disciplines so that you can then choose where to specialise. The course is often required by many colleges and universities for entry on to Art & Design-related undergraduate courses.

WHAT ARE THEY? These undergraduate qualifications focus on industry skills and are valued by employers as an alternative to university. HNCs and HNDs are mainly assessed through assignments, projects and practical tasks that you complete throughout the course – not usually through exams. They’re designed to lead straight to a career in industry or on to further study at undergraduate level.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? The Art & Design Foundation Diploma takes one year to complete. Find out more about this course on page 38.

HOW LONG DO THEY TAKE? HNCs take between one and two years to complete depending on the study route you choose, and are generally equivalent to the first year of a full honours degree at university. You can continue your studies at The Bedford College Group by moving on to the HND qualification after your HNC. HNDs represent the next level of study up from HNCs, taking an additional one to two years to complete, depending on the study route you choose. They are generally equivalent to the second year of university and you can ‘top-up’ your HND with a further one or two years of study to convert it to a full honours degree. Alternatively, a HND is a standalone, recognised qualification that prepares you to progress directly into employment.

Access to Higher Education courses WHAT ARE THEY? These courses are designed to provide a route to undergraduate study if you don’t have the right qualifications or experience to start a degree. Access courses aim to introduce you to a subject area, develop your study skills and build your confidence and ability with undergraduate study. Access courses are recognised by universities across the UK and allow entry on to undergraduate programmes at The Bedford College Group and beyond.

HOW LONG DO THEY TAKE? Our Access to Higher Education courses typically take one year to complete.

However, our part-time Access courses take two years to complete. Find out more on pages 26 and 27.

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Undergraduate Prospectus 2021-22 | www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk | 0345 658 8990

Foundation Degrees (FdA/FdSc) WHAT ARE THEY? Foundation Degrees are undergraduate qualifications that have been developed with employers to advance your skills in a specific industry sector. They are assessed through project work, reports, exams, practical work and presentations.

HOW LONG DO THEY TAKE? A Foundation Degree takes two to four years to complete depending on the study route you choose. It is equivalent to the first two years of a full honours degree and, just like HNDs, you will have the option to ‘top-up’ your Foundation Degree and convert it into a full honours degree through an additional year of study.

BA and BSc ‘Top-ups’ (from HND or Foundation Degree) WHAT ARE THEY? Run in partnership with the University of Bedfordshire or the University of Northampton, these courses enable those who have graduated with a HND or Foundation Degree in some subject areas to ‘top-up’ and achieve a degree qualification without the need to take a full three or four year degree programme.

HOW LONG DO THEY TAKE? BA and BSc ‘top-ups’ take one or two years to complete depending on whether you study on a full-time or part-time basis respectively.

Teaching qualifications WHAT ARE THEY? We offer Certificate of Education (Cert Ed) and Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) qualifications that are designed to build your teaching skills if you’re looking to begin or develop your career within post-compulsory education.

We also offer University Certificates in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) across a range of teaching skill areas, which may be taken as building blocks towards a full Bachelor’s degree qualification.

HOW LONG DO THEY TAKE? Our Cert Ed and PGCE courses take one to two years to complete depending on the study route you choose. Each of our CPD University Certificates is offered on a part-time basis via classroom learning, distance learning or through a combination of both, and take one year to complete.

Find out more about our teaching courses from page 104.

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