FAQ

We are international advisers for students who want to study at a UK university to open up their opportunities for careers abroad and at home. We draw on over 20 years’ experience in the field of UK Higher Education and student recruitment, so we put your needs and aspirations at the forefront when advising you and your family. What’s truly unique is that we have an office in Luton, Bedfordshire, in the UK and regional representatives in your country, so we’re always within your reach.

We know better than anyone that moving away from home can be a daunting process, so we’ve made it our mission to help you from start to finish. In essence, we deal with the practicalities to make your transition as smooth and simple as possible. Our complete service includes: advice on choosing the right course, filling out all required applications, pre-departure briefings and full support on arrival.

You can choose from over 250 courses across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, in subjects including: Accounting & Finance; Art & Design; Biological & Biomedical Studies; Business, Management & HRM; Computer Science & Technology; Creative & Performing Arts; English Language & Linguistics; Law; Marketing, Tourism & Hospitality; Media; Psychology; Social Sciences; and Physical Education, Sport & Exercise Science.

Unfortunately, these programmes are not currently available for students from outside the UK. But don’t worry, there’s a variety of related programmes which will enable you to enter an allied field.

A degree at the University of Bedfordshire will give you the qualification, the knowledge and the practical skills to help you secure the graduate career of your choice. Each degree is the stepping stone for a range of careers in the subject or related fields. Check out each individual course you are interested in and the careers it leads to before making your final choice. At Partnerships for Change we will help you identify the course which is right for you and your career plans, so that you are on the right track from day one.

You will typically study about 16 hours per week, over two semesters per year, starting in October and February. You will have a three-week Christmas break and return to the University the second week of January for exams and assessments. You will also have a reading week during this period, which means that you have access to all the University’s study facilities so that you can prepare for your exams/assessments. Semester two begins mid-February and runs until May/June, followed by another set of exams and assessments. After finishing your exams you will have your three-month long Summer break where you can choose to work, travel or relax before starting your second year in October. The second and third years (or fourth year if you choose to study a sandwich degree) will follow the same structure.

If you have already started your undergraduate studies in your home country, we will need to do a qualification match on your current level and module you have completed. You may be eligible for University credits, which means that you will have exemptions from certain modules.

To start your studies at the University, you will need to bring with you the following: your Passport or National ID card; the offer letter we send you; the original certificates stated on your application form.

Yes, all full-time students are entitled to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours (full-time) during term breaks such as Christmas, Easter and Summer. The Careers Services within universities assist students with finding part-time work and volunteering opportunities in a variety of roles – some of which relevant to your studies.

The tuition fees for an Undergraduate study programme (Bachelor’s) at the University of Bedfordshire are £9,000 per year and are paid in full by the Student Loans Company on your behalf. You only start to pay this back once you are earning over £21,000 per year or the equivalent in a different currency. You must complete a Student Finance application alongside your course application. At Partnerships for Change we will help you with completing both applications successfully and without any hassle. The tuition fees for a Postgraduate study programme (Master’s) at the University of Bedfordshire are £4,500 for the duration of the course. The tuition fees for a Master’s programme are not covered by the Student Loans Company so you will have to cover the cost in full. We appreciate that students may not have all the funds upfront so the University offers the facility to pay in installments.

Yes, you can change the field you have been studying, as long as your degree is not completely different from the subject you wish to study at Master’s level. If you finish your degree with a First Class Honours (70% or above) the University of Bedfordshire offers you a Master’s programme for free.

Yes, most universities offer scholarships and bursaries based on academic achievement, income and other such criteria. This is money which you receive to support your studies and you do not pay back. We can help you identify all the financial support you are eligible for and assist you in applying for it.

We know that some students and their families have worked hard to save up for their education. However, under the UK student finance scheme, you will be better off in the long run if you were to receive a student loan to cover your tuition fees. This is because you will only start paying back once you start earning over £21,000 per year – and you will only pay back 9% per month from any earnings over the £21,000. For example, if your salary is £25,000 per year, you pay 9% of £4,000 (£25,000-£21,000), which is £30 per month. Repayments will normally be deducted from your salary through the tax system.

Rent in Bedfordshire is relatively low cost compared to the renting costs in London. There are many accommodation options for students and we will support you in choosing and securing the right housing for your needs and budget. You will need to decide whether you prefer to live in University halls or choose to rent a property privately. Typically, university halls are between £100-£150 including bills depending on your chosen room facilities, while privately rented houses can range from £70-£80 per week excluding bills.

No you don’t, as during your induction process you will automatically be registered with the University’s student medical centre. This is free for all students.

Luton is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse towns. More than 140 different nationalities make up this vibrant, multicultural society. 140,000 people come to Luton for the annual International Carnival. However you enjoy spending your free time, Luton offers a wide variety of pubs, clubs and restaurants all in close proximity from where you’ll be staying. You can also benefit from the local market offering world foods alongside Eastern European delis for a taste from home. Luton is also conveniently located around 30 minutes by train from London, and on the direct line into London St Pancras International station (where you can jump on the Eurostar).

Yes, the Students’ Union provides support on all aspects of student life and organises a vast range of activities, social events and clubs to help you settle in to university life. It also provides welfare and educational support.

To find out more about us and submit a query, email us at: info@partnershipsforchange.co.uk or complete the Contact Form on our website.