Guide for international students
www.bournemouth.ac.uk/international 1
Contents Greetings.................................................................................................. 4 International experience........................................................................ 6 Industry experience................................................................................. 8 Subject areas..........................................................................................10 Life on campus and in Bournemouth..................................................12 Accommodation.....................................................................................14 Tuition fees............................................................................................15 Start your application...........................................................................16 Entry requirements................................................................................18
2
3
Greetings from Bournemouth, England!
4
Find yourself surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Bournemouth as you study with us. Located on the south coast of England, Bournemouth University is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty less than two hours from central London by train. We are a safe and friendly town welcoming students from many countries. Our 11km award-winning stretch of sandy beaches holds four European blue flags and Bournemouth beach was named one of the best in the UK by TripAdvisor. The town is also close to two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Jurassic Coast and Stonehenge – and benefits from great access and links to London as well as many airports.
Only two hoursal tr from cen n Londo by train
Manchester Liverpool
United Kingdom Cambridge
Birmingham
Oxford Cardiff
London
Heathrow Airport Gatwick Airport
Dover
Southampton
Bournemouth
5
International experience that makes a difference Studying at BU offers an exciting opportunity to: • Develop the skills and mindset to thrive in a globalised world • Build lifelong connections and friendships within a culturally diverse community • Become an exchange student at one of our partner universities abroad • Gain industry experience in the UK or another country with a work placement as part of your study, through our dedicated career and placement support.
Being an international student at BU has been a life-changing experience. I gained a new appreciation for cultural diversity, made new connections and developed critical skills that will be invaluable in my future career. David Cuellar Diaz from Colombia, MSc in Data Science and AI
6
The best thing about my experience was the cultural exchange among the students. That was incredible and really valuable from both a personal and professional perspective. Paula Leardini from Brazil, MSc International Management
Through BU, I secured Turing Scheme funding which allowed me to go to Amsterdam for a summer course which aligned with my interest in sustainability. Linh Trinh from Vietnam, MA Marketing Communications
Linh in the Fusion Building, Talbot campus
7
Gain real industry experience • Taking a one-year or short work placement (internship) will give you the opportunity to put your learning into practice and build your network of professional contacts. • Most of our degrees are accredited by professional bodies, including some of the biggest names in industry. Accredited courses count towards professional qualifications or registration with a professional body, which can really enhance your career prospect.
BU is unique in its wide offerings of work placements, which allowed me to apply my knowledge and gain work experience in real-world settings. Sarah Sant from the USA, MSc Clinical & Developmental Neuropsychology
87%
of our postgraduates say they went on to work in an industry related to their degree1
One of my projects has come to the industry as professional work and was nominated as a Top 5 Music Video in Canon UK and CVP UK events. Thanks to the support from our lecturers. Harley Huyen Le from Vietnam, MA Producing Film & Televison
1 BU Alumni Survey. 2 Longitudinal Educational Outcomes Survey 2021.
Marah talks about the amazing opportunity as a marketing intern for Disney and how it makes her extremely employable after university.
8
90%
of BU graduates were in sustained employment or further study three years after graduation2
9
Subject areas Many of our courses are accredited or approved by professional bodies. Please refer to our website for course details. Accounting, Finance & Economics
Design & Engineering
Archaeology & Anthropology
Disaster Management
Business & Management
Health
Computer Animation, Games & Visual Effects
Journalism, English & Communication Law & Criminology
Computing & Informatics
AC238
Visit the website to find out which courses are accredited by the organisations above.
10
Life & Environmental Sciences
Psychology
Marketing
Social Work
Music & Media Production
Tourism, Hospitality, Events & Sport
History, Politics & Sociology
RECOGNISED COURSE
11
Life on campus and in Bournemouth BU has two campuses, Lansdowne campus and Talbot campus, which are a short distance from each other, from the centre of town and Bournemouth beach. EcoCampus Platinum Award
Study support
Facilities on campus and our ethos enable students to make sustainable choices. We’re proud to hold an EcoCampus Platimum award, recognition of our commitment to minimising environmental impact.
• Students have access to study skills workshops, including English language support, research strategies, academic writing, statistical analysis and more.
Social and collaborative learning spaces • Dotted around campus are digital technology enabled booths for group work as well as quiet spaces for study. • Our 24/7 libraries have one of the biggest collection of e-books and journals in the UK which you can access from anywhere. The libraries on campus also provide excellent spaces for quiet study and access to specialist academic resources. • The Student Centre is a six-storey building, purpose-built to be a hub for students. It is where the Students’ Union (SUBU) are based, and it is a popular hangout for many students.
• Peer leaders and student mentors are on-hand to offer additional support, particularly to fellow students who may be needing extra help with the course material.
Social life and well-being • Over 100 student-led clubs and societies run via the Students’ Union (SUBU). • SportBU offer a range of sport and recreation facilities, including an on-campus gym, group fitness classes, courts and grounds for social sports, competitive sports and performance sports. • Dedicated specialist teams which students can contact for well-being support. • Spaces for prayer or reflection and a multi-faith chaplaincy service. • On-site medical centre on Talbot Campus.
The bustling campus holds countless opportunities for growth and connection. Embrace the vibrant student life by immersing yourself in clubs, societies, and events. Hem Shah from India, MSc Management with Business Analytics
12
Bournemouth is excellent for students seeking quality education and a great student experience. It has a relatively low crime rate compared to other university towns and cities in the UK, making it a safe place and attractive choice for students to live and study. Manya Deora from India, MA Advertising
I chose BU due to its location; it is 10 minutes from the beach, which is really handy if you want to jump in the ocean during a hot summer day. Also, the uni offers really good career prospects and workshops to improve your CV and skills. Odin Shortt from Portugal, BA (Hons) Business and Management
13
Accommodation From student halls to private rental, there is a range of accommodation conveniently located close to our campuses, near supermarkets and with great bus and train links for easy commuting. BU accommodation is available for both September and January starters. Prices range from £135 to £230 per week* and most apartments come with five to six en-suite rooms and a shared kitchen space. We also offer a limited number of studio rooms in our halls of residence, which are priced separately.
There are lots of letting agents in the local area who provide private housing options, and many of our students live in this type of accommodation in groups. If you conduct an internet search for “Bournemouth student letting agents”, or similar, then lists of these private agents will come up for you to contact to see what they might have available. * Prices are indicative and subject to change
For more information about our accommodation options visit: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/accommodation
14
Tuition fees This table shows the range of annual tuition fees for 2024/25 entry for both full time undergraduate and postgraduate courses at BU.
September 2024/January 2025
Fees (GBP)*
Undergraduate (fees fixed for duration of your course)
£17,800-18,800
Placement year
£1,850
Postgraduate
£16,000 - £18,250
MBA
£18,000
Research (library-based)
£19,000
Research (laboratory-based)
£21,000
*Tuition fees correct at time of printing and are subject to change.
Scholarships
External funding
The following scholarships are available, subject to eligibility criteria:
UK government scholarships for international students: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/ scholarships-funding
• Academic Excellence Scholarship: Tuition fee reduction of £3,750, awarded to all postgraduate taught degree applicants, no application needed; not available to undergraduate and PhD. • BU Music Scholarship: Worth £600 • BU Sport Scholarship: £500 to £5,000 • Bournemouth University GREAT Scholarship: £10,000 tuition fee reduction. Visit: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/scholarships for full scholarship list.
Chevening Scholarship and Chevening Partner Scholarship: A tuition fee waiver plus other allowances. www.chevening.org/scholarships Postgrad.com study bursaries: Worth £500 and students from anywhere in the world can apply. www.postgrad.com/bursaries The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online: www.postgraduate-funding.com/gateway
Living costs For some indicative costs and links to useful budgeting tools and online calculators, visit: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ student-living-expenses
15
Start your application Please visit the webpage of the course you wish to apply to and review the specific entry requirements. These include academic qualifications, English language proficiency tests (such as IELTS) and any additional requirements such as interview or portfolio. Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) programmes
Pre-sessional English and pathway programmes
Applications for most undergraduate programmes in the UK are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). You will need to create an account on the UCAS website and complete the application form.
Pre-sessional English, International Foundation Certificate, International Year One and Pre-Master’s courses are taught at BU International College and you should send your application directly to them. You will receive an offer with your study plan stating your pathway programme and your BU degree course upon successful completion of the pathway programme.
For more information, visit www.ucas.com/undergraduate
Postgraduate (Taught Master’s and Research) programmes Applications for most of our postgraduate programmes, including Research, must be completed directly using myHub, our online application portal, www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ online-applications
Exceptions: MA Social Work, MSc Adult Nursing, MSc Mental Health Nursing and MSc/PG Dip Physician Associate Studies: Applications for these course must be submitted through the UCAS website, www.ucas.com
16
For more information, visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ preparatory-programmes
In-country assistance We work in partnership with a number of local representatives all over the world, who can help you with your application. They are familiar with with our course portfolio and application process, so can help with any questions you have about studying at BU. Find a rep: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ country-reps
How to apply 1
Prepare
2
Apply
3
Offer
4
Accept
5
Confirm
6
Plan
Prepare your application documents In order to make an application you will need to prepare the required documents. These include qualification transcripts and certificates, your personal statement, academic references, and your most recent English qualification. For a full checklist, visit: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/international
Make your application to BU Applications for undergraduate courses are made via UCAS. Please visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/apply for more information. Applications for postgraduate courses can be made directly via our application portal MyHub, www.bournemouth.ac.uk/pg-apply or through one of our official representatives in country, visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/country-reps
Receive an offer BU aims to make you an offer as soon as possible providing you have submitted a fully completed application. Courses requiring additional selection measures such as interviews may take a little longer. You will be issued with a conditional offer (if you are still completing a qualification) or an unconditional offer (if you have met all entry requirements for your course).
Confirm your offer Accept your offer on myHub to confirm your place at BU. You will also need to pay a deposit to secure your place if you are an international postgraduate applicant. If your offer is conditional, you will also need to upload any final documents required.
Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) International applicants will receive a request from BU asking for certain details (such as current passport) which are required to issue a CAS. Postgraduate applicants who require a Student Route visa to study in the UK will be issued a CAS once they have paid a deposit. CAS’s are issued from six months before the course starts.
Plan to come to BU Apply for a Student Route visa. For tips on how to apply for a visa, visit: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/visa To apply for BU accommodation visit: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/accommodation
17
Academic entry requirements Undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree) • UK A-levels or equivalent high school leaving certificate from your country • International and European Baccalaureates, Cambridge Pre-U Diploma • SAT, ACT and AP exams • BU International College Foundation Certificate and other recognised foundation.
Undergraduate (Top-up degree) • Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) or equivalent • Overseas qualifications that are equivalent to the first two years of a UK undergraduate course or 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits (e.g. a college diploma).
Postgraduate (Master’s degree) • UK Bachelor’s degree (including Top-up degree) or overseas equivalent • Professional qualification equivalent to UK Bachelor’s degree level (e.g. Chartered Institute of Marketing) • BU International College Pre Master’s and other recognised pathway programme
Research Degrees (MRes, MPhil and PhD) • A first or upper second class (2:1) honours UK Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant subject (MRes and MPhil entry)
18
• A UK Master’s degree or equivalent in a discipline appropriate to the proposed research (PhD entry). To find out more visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ postgraduate-research or email PGRadmissions@bournemouth.ac.uk
BU International College courses If you cannot gain direct entry to a degree, BU International College offers preparatory courses to help you. Successful completion with the required grades guarantees access to your chosen course. • Foundation Certificate Available in Business, Law or Finance; Computing; Events, Tourism & Hospitality Management; Media & Communications; and Science. These can also be accepted for entry onto many other BU undergraduate subjects. • International Year One Offered in Business, Law or Finance; Events, Tourism & Hospitality Management; and Media & Communications, for direct entry to year 2 in selected Bachelor’s degrees. • Pre-Master’s Available in Business, Law or Finance; Events, Tourism & Hospitality Management; and Media & Communication, leading to a wide range of BU Master’s degrees, including many other subject areas. For more information, visit: www.kaplanpathways.com/whereto-study/bournemouth-universityinternational-college
English language requirements For entry to most Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees at BU, you will need to have achieved a minimum of IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall (with no less than 5.5 in each component) or equivalent, if English is not your first language.
including KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English) and ELLT (Oxford International English Language Level Test), amongst others. Check www.bournemouth.ac.uk/englishlanguage-requirements for how to book the tests with BU discount codes.
To be accepted on to a Research Degree programme, you will need to have achieved an IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent. The language requirement may be higher for some programmes, specifically those which involve a high level of communication skills.
Successfully completing a pre-sessional English for university study programme with the required grade at BU International College, or with other recognised providers in the UK or overseas.
Other acceptable English Language qualifications for entry
Check our website below for comparison scores between IELTS, TOEFL and other tests. We use this to decide whether you have met the level required to study at BU. www.bournemouth.ac.uk/englishcomparison-scores
We accept several easy to access online English language tests that can be taken from home, with results available quickly,
English Language Comparison Scores
Student Centre, Talbot Campus
19
Contact us futurestudents@bournemouth.ac.uk +44 (0)1202961916 To find a representative in your country, visit: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/country-reps
www.bournemouth.ac.uk/international Connect with us /buinternational
/school/bournemouth-university
@BUInternational
user/bournemouthuni
Undergraduate prospectus
Postgraduate prospectus
20
12089
Notes