Independent colleges
There
are privately operated education institutions all over the UK.
These schools and colleges are not funded by the government and rely on
fees from students for their income. They encourage applications from
international students and are experienced in dealing with their
requirements.
Courses offered:
Private
schools teach the same material as state schools. They vary in size but
some offer extra tuition, such as music or drama, or specialist courses.
For students aged 16 and over, private colleges provide a wide variety of courses. Some offer specialised teaching of GCSEs, A-levels and Foundation courses and are often termed 'tutorial colleges'.
Some colleges offer specialist courses leading to internationally recognised professional qualifications in areas such as marketing, accountancy, or business. These qualifications are suitable for graduates looking to enhance their degree qualifications.
Resources and fees:
Teaching
resources are generally good and class sizes small, so examination
results are excellent, with many students progressing to degree study
at prestigious universities.
It is usual for a private institution to charge one fee covering tuition and accommodation.
There are many very good courses and colleges that are well worth the fees. Some, however may be more interested in making a profit than providing high-quality courses or a supportive environment.Accreditation:
The
best way to ensure that a private college is reputable is to check if
it is accredited. Organisations responsible for accrediting colleges
regularly inspect and assess institutions on criteria such as quality
of teaching, facilities and staffing levels.
Look for colleges that are accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) or the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), or are affiliated to the Conference for Independent Further Education (CIFE).
The advantages of studying at an accredited institution is that if you are not satisfied with any aspect of your course, you can consult the accrediting body. They have a procedure for dealing with complaints and will insist on resolving matters if necessary.
Colleges of further education
There
are over 500 state colleges of further education (CFEs) in the UK, offering academic and vocational courses to students aged 16
and over.
Some are specialist institutions for art and design, agriculture or other subjects. Courses range from GCSEs, GNVQs and A-levels to HNDs.
Some colleges also offer degrees validated by universities. They also offer arts, technical and professional qualifications. Many colleges offer English language, foundation and access courses designed for international students. Some colleges have their own residences, and many can arrange local accommodation.
Colleges of higher education
Colleges
of higher education (CHEs) have usually evolved from colleges offering
vocational courses – so CHEs often specialise in work-related courses,
rather than purely academic ones. They can offer degree, diploma and
certificate courses.
There is considerable variation in the programmes offered by CHEs. For example, some do not offer degrees but only courses up to HND level. Some also offer the type of courses offered by Colleges of Further Education. Most CHE degrees are validated by local universities, as these colleges do not have the right to confer their own degrees.
There is no clear dividing line between CHEs and universities, and some CHEs may become universities in their own right.
CHEs are most commonly located in cities or towns, and many are spread over several sites. Some CHEs have halls of residence, but you should check before applying. Students are normally aged 18 and over, and many are mature students.
