FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    A.You will have to fill out the School of Management & Computing Application Form, which can be downloaded from our website at: (http://www.oxfordhousecollege.co.uk/info/management/SMC_CourseApplicationForm.pdf )
We will also require your CV and copies of all your relevant educational qualifications, especially if you are applying for higher levels (Advanced Diploma, Final year, DMS, MBA, etc).

The next step is to return your completed form to us through one of the following methods:

Post:
Director of Management & Computer Studies
Oxford House College
28 Market Place
London, W1W 8AW
United Kingdom

Email:admission@oxfordhousegroup.com

Fax: +44 (0) 20 7323 4582

We aim to process your application within 48 hours but please remember to allow more time if you sent your application form to us by post.

Once we have processed your application form we will send you a “Conditional Acceptance Letter” to confirm your enrolment.

If you are applying for a student visa you have to pay the minimum deposit (see question 3) we require before we can send you an “Unconditional Acceptance Letter” which is suitable for visa applications.

You can find a full detailed “Enrolment procedure” at http://www.oxfordhousecollege.co.uk/management/enrolmentprocedure.htm

    A.You can apply for your course as early as you like, according to the specific start dates of your chosen course. However, given that all of the course and accommodation options we offer are subject to availability, we recommend that you apply as far in advance as possible so as to have the best chance of getting a place on your preferred course and in your preferred accommodation.

Generally, we recommend all students to apply at least 10-12 weeks before the course start date, especially if they need to apply for a student visa.

In the event of unexpected delays, we can defer your course for a maximum of 2 weeks from the scheduled start date. If you anticipate being delayed beyond this period, we recommend you postpone your admission to the next available intake. Please make sure to inform British High Commission about such changes.

    A.This will depend on your nationality:

• If you are an EU National, you must pay at least 1/3 of the total course fees at the time of your application.
• If you are a Non EU National you need to pay the Full fees. However in exceptional cases we can accept ½ or minimum £2500 of the total course fees at the time of your application.

    A.All course and accommodation fees are the same for all students.

    A.Course fees include lectures, study guide, access to modern computer facilities and internet access plus wireless connectivity if you have your own laptop. It also includes free access to our well-equipped Library. There you can find lots of information about London, such as travel, places to visit and nightlife. The Library also acts as a study and resource centre.

It generally includes exams (please, check the information regarding your specific course), but does not include resit and exemption fees, maintenance costs or additional study materials. You will have to purchase the prescribed textbook for each module. On your first day at school, your teacher will inform you of everything you will need.

    A. All course and accommodation fees are the same for all students.

    A.We do not charge a registration fee. However, if you request a refund because your visa was refused or any other valid reason, we will refund the fees you have paid to date less a £65 Administration fee.

Please note that this non refundable Administration  fee will be increased to £95 if you have enrolled for a course that includes the final degree year, for example the BA (Hons) top up or the MBA top up. This is due to the extra administration required when we process degree-course applications.

    A.You can pay by cheque, credit card, bank transfer or in cash.
Our bank details are:
Barclays Bank Marble Arch Corporate Banking
PO Box 32012
London
NW1 2ZH

Bank Sort Code: 20-65-63
Account Number: 60112127
Account Name: Oxford House College
SWEFT code: BARC GB22
IBAN Code: GB09BARC 206563 60112127

    A. We can only accept Sterling pound payments.

    A.You can ask for a “Conditional Acceptance” letter, which can act as your pro-forma invoice and you do not have to pay anything for that.

    A.Undergraduate Degree courses and Diplomas
You can complete a full undergraduate degree programme in only 2 years if you want to study full-time. Part-time students take fewer modules at a time to reduce the workload but just remember that this means you will take longer to complete your course.

The course is divided into different stages so you can start at a level that suits your current academic qualifications. You can finish your studies after the Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Work Placement or Final/Degree Year depending on what you feel your education and employment needs are.

You will receive a globally recognised qualification after each stage.

International Foundation Course
You can complete the IFY course in 6 or 9 months depending on your level of English. If you already have an IELTS 5.0 band score you may skip the IELTS classes and complete the course in only 6 months, otherwise the course duration will be 9 months. The 3 month IELTS course cannot be completed part-time, but the other remaining modules which make up 6 months of the course can be extended to 9 months so that your total course duration will be one year. 

Certificate in Hospitality Management
You can finish the Certificate in Hospitality Management (BTEC Level 3) in twelve months if you complete the course within the designated study period. Alternatively, if you do not feel completely confident in your English Language abilities after the designated six-month study period you can also extend the length of your English study at a slight additional cost. This approach is designed to give you as much flexibility as possible when choosing how you want to study.

    A.After successfully completing a Degree programme, you will be professionally qualified to work in managerial positions in the field of your choice. You will find that investing in your education has given you a head-start in a highly and increasingly competitive market.  

Studying the BTEC will significantly increase your chances of finding an entry-level position in the hospitality, catering or hotel industry. This qualification will instantly make you more attractive to potential employers in the hospitality industry. You can also continue your studies at an Undergraduate level in hospitality, hotel management, travel and tourism or finance.

    A.If you fail a module at Diploma level, you may resit the examination in the next session for a fee. You are welcome to attend the class for a module that you have failed or you can just resit the exam.

    A.In order to comply with various regulations, we expect our students to attend a minimum of 85% of their classes throughout their course. Teachers will keep a record of each student’s attendance throughout the term.

You will be marked absent if you arrive more than 20 minutes late for class or leave the class more than 20 minutes early. You are only allowed to be absent for a maximum of 4 classes per module each term and will be sent a warning letter after each class that you miss. You will get 3 warning letters, after which you face expulsion from the school.

If you are ill or have an emergency, you need to inform your teacher who will excuse you from the class.

    A.A work placement can be either paid or unpaid, depending on your skills, the type of experience you are looking for, the nature of the business sector and the length of the placement - few organisations offer paid work for less than six months (24 weeks). So it is possible that you will be paid a salary (at least the national minimum wage) during your work placement period, but in many cases Oxford House College will not be able to arrange this as it is entirely up to the organisations themselves. We will explain just what we can do for you, and in order to stay in this programme we expect you to accept our advice.

Please note that the main objective of the work placement programme is to allow you to gain invaluable work experience, so please make sure that you choose to take the programme on this basis and not on the basis of the salary (if any) during your work placement period.

For more information about work placement, please visit: http://www.oxfordhousecollege.co.uk/workplacement/wpprogrammes.htm

    A.The University of Sunderland is a modern, dynamic university with high standards of teaching and research and a growing reputation as the university for enterprise, employment and opportunity. The city itself is a great place to live and work-right in the heart of the buzzing North East of England.
The University of Sunderland has an international outlook and students from across the globe choose to study on its accredited programmes in partner institutions or on campus.

Website:  www.sunderland.ac.uk
Email:      student-helpline@sunderland.ac.uk
Course Helpline: +44 (0)191 515 3000

    A.Originally part of the National Computing Centre, NCC Education started offering IT qualifications in 1976 and from 1997 developed its Higher Education portfolio to include foundation and Business programmes. With Accredited Partners in over 45 countries, five International Offices and Academic Managers worldwide, NCC Education employs the latest technologies for learning, assessment and support.

NCC Education qualifications include the International Degree Pathway in Business or IT. Its programmes are recognised by universities, professional bodies and employers and its students benefit from unrivalled support and enhanced academic and career opportunities, from examination advice and direct contact with UK university professors to scholarships and careers guidance.

That’s why over one million graduates chose NCC Education as their route to a quality British education.

Website:  www.nccedu.com

Email:      Customer.Service@nccedu.com

    A.The Confederation of Travel, Hotel and Catering Management (CTHCM) was established in 1982 to provide recognised standards of vocational and management syllabi, examinations and awards appropriate to the needs of the hotel and travel industries.

CTHCM works with approved centres worldwide and is acknowledged by leading hotel and travel industry organisations. Indeed, CTHCM is the only established specialist professional body in the UK focusing on the training needs of new entrants to the hospitality and tourism industries.

“The Hotel & Catering International Management Association (HCIMA) was formed in 1971 and is the only internationally recognised professional management association for managers in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industries.  

CTHCM programmes have been awarded HCIMA endorsement so all learners on CTHCM diploma programmes are eligible for Affiliate Membership of the HCIMA and learners who successfully complete the CTHCM Advanced Diploma programmes are eligible to apply for Associate (AHCIMA) membership” – CTHCM

    A.Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) is the part of the University of Cambridge that provides qualifications for learners of English. The exams are well known for their high quality assessment of real English, as used in everyday work, study and leisure situations by students around the world.
People take the exams for many reasons. They can help you to:

• improve your English
• follow a course taught in English at university or college
• get a good job
• travel or live abroad.

Cambridge ESOL certificates are recognised by thousands of educational organisations and employers throughout the world for study and work purposes.
Website: http://www.cambridgeesol.org/index.htm

    A.Edexcel was formed in 1996 by the merger of the Business & Technology Education Council (BTEC), the country’s leading provider of vocational qualifications, and the University of London Examinations & Assessment Council (ULEAC), one of the major exam boards for GCSEs and A levels.

In the UK, Edexcel work with more than 5,000 secondary schools, 450 further education colleges, 70 higher education institutions and more than 700 employers and training providers. As the company responsible for marking the national Key Stage 2 and 3 tests, they are also now working with 20,000 junior schools. Their head office is in London, but they have regional offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds and Manchester.

Internationally, Edexcel operate in 112 countries and every year more than four million people trust their respected learning programmes and qualifications.

Edexcel is leading the way in e-learning with flexible and accessible courses, and are using technology to cut bureaucracy by spearheading online marking and administration.

Website: www.edexcel.org.uk/home

    A.If you need accommodation while you study we offer a choice of Hostel accommodation or Homestay with a host family at affordable prices. We want your stay to be special so our Accommodation Officers are trained to find you a place that suits your lifestyle.

To require accommodation, you just need to fill out the accommodation page of your course application form and send it to us by email, by post or bring it in person to the school.

    A.No. You can arrange accommodation by yourself if you wish.

    A.London is divided into 6 zones, Zone 1 being the centre of London and Zone 6 the area furthest from the centre. You can download a map of all zones and tube stations from the Transport for London web site.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/colourmap.pdf

OHC is located in Zone 1 (near Oxford Circus) and our accommodation is located in Zones 1 to 4.

    A.You will be notified of the exact address of the accommodation no sooner than one week before the starting date of your course. We cannot disclose this information to prospective students.

    A.It is certainly possible to extend your period of accommodation or to move to another accommodation. To do so you should make this request as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to accommodate you. We would then settle the balance and you would not have to pay any extra charges.

    A.Unfortunately, our accommodation is for OHC students only. Due to high demand and limited availability you can only stay in our accommodation if you study with us. Therefore, even if you are coming to London with someone else who will be studying with us, we cannot provide you with accommodation.

    A.If you are from outside the European Union you may need to obtain a visa in your own country to enter the United Kingdom. You must check it with the British Embassy or Consulate in your country.

     Visa information Links:

You can find more information on UK visas and entry clearance at www.ukvisas.gov.uk

Visit the Home Office website on Immigration and Nationality for more information about extending your student visas & other visa categories at
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/passports-and-immigration/visas/

You can find out information on visa processing times and procedures from the Foreign & Commonwealth office at http://www.fco.gov.uk and a list of British Consulates worldwide can be found at http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029395231

    A. Usually the UK Home Office will provide you with a tourist visa if you will be studying for less than 6 months and a student visa if you will be studying for more than 6 months. If you get a tourist visa you will not be allowed to work while you are in the UK. If you come to the UK on a student visa, however, you will be allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week.

    A.In order to qualify as a full-term student you need to take at least 3 modules per term (or student at least 15 hours of supervised daytime study per week). Because our courses are fast-track some students find 4 or 5 modules per term a bit demanding. It is possible to reduce the number of modules you take but it is important to understand that you will then spread your study period over a longer time.

    A.Yes, provided that your tourist visa does not expire before the finishing date of your chosen course.

    A.A large proportion of our students come from other countries and are applying for a student visa at the time they enrol with us, so we are fully aware of the UK Home Office’s requirements.

Oxford House College holds all relevant accreditations to operate as an Independent Educational Institution in the UK. Actually we are one of the handful of organisations in the UK to hold The British Council as well as The British Accreditations Council Accreditations.

Oxford House College, London is a member of two professional associations: the European Association for Quality Language Services (EAQUALS),EnglishUK and we are a memeber of the Education UK partnership.

Please note that we are not authorised to offer any advice on visa requirements and apart from issuing your “Unconditional Acceptance Letter” which you will need for your visa application, we do not offer any further visa assistance.

Please consult immigration solicitors who can give you expert advice on visa applications or you can contact the UK Home Office or your local UK Embassy for advice on visa requirements.

    A.If you are on a course that lasts more than six months, you should receive a passport stamp that says "Work (and any changes) must be authorised" or "Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State". This allows you to work part-time during the term (up to 20 hours a week) and full-time during your holidays and on work placements for sandwich courses and internships. However, for immigration purposes, you must be able to show that you can afford to study and live in the UK without needing to work. You must be able to prove that you have other sources of funding apart from your part-time work.

The type of work you can do is restricted. For example, you must not be self-employed or work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer

    A.If you are still studying, even if you are not attending classes, this is not a vacation period for you. This means that you should not work full-time until you have submitted your dissertation or thesis and finished your studies.

    A.No. Given that the work placement forms part of an academic course it is not the same as a job, so you only need to get a student visa to be able to do it.

    A.If you want to defer your studies for a year, you should leave the UK and come back when your studies start again. You can work full-time only in your holidays, when you have finished your studies, and if you are doing a sandwich course or an internship.

    A.This depends on the amount of time you are given to study in the UK. If you are given permission to be in the UK for 12 months or more, then your spouse or civil partner or children arriving in the UK with you should be given permission to work.

    A.This depends on whether you meet the requirements for any of the schemes that the UK Government operates.

Some of these schemes are:

International Graduates Scheme for all those who have obtained a degree or postgraduate certificate or diploma on or after 1 May 2007, or a degree completed before this date from a list of qualifying courses

Work Permit scheme (for jobs where no one in the resident labour market can be recruited, and occupations where there is a shortage of qualified workers)

Training and Work Experience Scheme (for work-based training for a professional or specialist qualification, or work experience)

Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (for those with degrees and work experience and prior earnings at a certain level)
Innovators scheme (for entrepreneurs)

Visit (http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/working_in_the_uk/EN /homepage/schemes_and_programmes/internationalgraduatesscheme.html) for more information about working in the UK and Government schemes.

    A.If you cancel your course before arrival due to visa refusal, we will refund your course fees in full minus a £65 cancellation charge (£95- for degree level course). Please note that we need to see the original refusal letter in order to give you a refund and you must apply for the refund within 6 weeks of the date of the visa refusal.

Your refund application must be supported by the following documents:
 
1) A photocopy of the page of your passport containing the photograph and personal details.
2)  A photocopy of the page of your passport containing the official United Kingdom visa refusal stamp.
3)  A photocopy of the official visa refusal letter.
4)  The unconditional letter sent by the school (original)
5)  A written document containing the details of the designated current bank account to which the College must transfer the money to be refunded.

The bank details that we will need are:
-   Beneficiary (Account Holder)’s name and full address (Registered with beneficiary’s bank).
-   Beneficiary’s Account Number
-   Beneficiary’s Bank, Branch name & address
-   Correspondent bank details (name & address)
-   SWIFT of BIC Code (if known)
 
Once we receive all the mentioned above we will proceed with your refund.

    A.You must let us know as soon as you find out about the delay and we will then advise you as to how to proceed.

    A.Many Oxford House College courses are eligible for student loans. Some of our previous students have obtained financing through “Career Development Loans” and some “Student loans”.

Oxford House College’s UK learning Providers number is 10004937

You need to speak with your bank first and need to find out all necessary information.

For more information, you can visit UK Government’s official web site for Career Development loans at
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/CareerDevelopmentLoans/index.htm

or

http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/student/source_funding.php

    A.We do offer scholarships to selected students in the form of a fee reduction of up to £3000 per year over a 2 year period (Undergraduate programme) and £1000 per year (International Foundation Year and BTEC).

To apply for a scholarship you must write an essay of about 500 words entitled: “Why should I receive a grant and what can I bring to enhance the Oxford House College Community?”

Please submit this essay together with your application form and other documents to the Director of Management & Computer Studies. Your specific situation and financial circumstances (as outlined in your letter) will be considered when we make our decision.

    A.You should contact your local British Council office about scholarships and other sources of funding for students from your country who want to study in the UK.

British Council offices in the UK do not have information or scholarship application forms. Please note also that the scholarships administered by The British Council are allocated more than one academic year in advance of the start of the course, so you should start finding out about them at least 18 months in advance.

    A.For many of the courses we offer it is possible to arrange/attend a trial lesson before enrolling. To find out if this is possible for your chosen course, please contact us directly.

    A.The following table shows estimated basic weekly living costs for a student (in £). Numbers are only approximate; there can be very big differences according to where you live and your lifestyle. Note that course costs and other one-off costs are not included in these tables. Remember the exchange rate between your currency and the pound may change while you are staying in the UK.

Cheap (£6,000 per year)
These costs may be relevant if you live close to your school outside London or south-east England, or if you live in student accommodation at a university. It may be difficult to live comfortably in London on this budget.

Average (£9,000 per year)
These costs may be relevant if you are a language student in London, living in cheap accommodation in a reasonably central location (within zone 2), and using a 'youth' weekly travel pass (for zones 1 and 2). It may also represent the costs of a student with a more expensive lifestyle at a school outside London or south-east England.

Expensive (£12,000 per year)
These costs may be relevant if you live in basic accommodation in a more expensive area in central London or south east England.

Notes:
(1) Accommodation: Rent; more if meals provided as part of rent. Includes gas/electricity
(2) Food: Normal living; less if meals provided as part of rent
(3) Travel: Local travel on bus/underground
(4) Entertainment: Cinema/eating out/sport
(5) Other: Books/telephone calls/clothing/insurance/personal hygiene

General living expenses may be about 25% greater in London than elsewhere.
Note that costs may also be high in parts of south east England and areas close to London.
As an approximate guide, for a couple living together, add 50% to the cost of a person living on their own.
For example, if the single person's annual cost is £8,000, the cost of living as a couple may be £12,000.
As an approximate guide, for each child living with you add 25% of the cost of a person living on their own.
For example, if the single person's cost is £8,000, the cost of a couple with two children might be £16,000 (£8,000 for the single person + 50% of £8,000 for the partner + 2 times 25% of £8,000 for the children).

    A.If you are on a course lasting six months or more you can get treatment from the National Health Service (NHS) from the beginning of your stay. You will not have to pay for hospital treatment, but you may have to pay for some dental treatment and a standard charge for medicines prescribed by a doctor, depending on your income. This also applies to your spouse or civil partner and children. Children under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education, do not normally have to pay for any treatment.