Free Higher Education Courses
at Bridgend College
Experienced and supportive industry qualified staff
Free Courses – Higher Apprenticeships
If you are employed and want to study a course which is relevant to your job, you could study a qualification at university level completely free.
Chartered Management Institute (CMI) courses
We offer a wide range of part-time Chartered Management Institute (CMI) courses. The CMI is the leading professional management organisation in the UK and the largest in Europe. It caters for all levels of management from students to senior executives.
Higher Education – full-time or part-time
If you do not match the criteria for free courses, then we offer numerous courses which you can study on a full or part-time basis.
We are a collaborative partner of the University of South Wales and work in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University. We also offer a number of Pearson courses.
93% of our HE learners* successfully complete their course with us
93%
A modern and innovative learning environment
An engaging curriculum, supported by professional guest speakers
Excellent support – learner services, pastoral study care and financial advice
Who are we?
HE Team
Our HE Team offers help and advice on applying for your course and financial support. The team is based at the Cowbridge Road, Bridgend Campus and regularly visit our other campuses to offer support, advice and guidance.
Please contact the team if you need help with your UCAS application, part-time HE application or your student finance application.
Please contact E: heenquiries@bridgend.ac.uk or T: 01656 302302 Ext 251/252
Specialist Support
The Specialist Support Department offers help and assistance for you if you have an Additional Need or Disability. We offer an initial assessment to determine the appropriate on-going support and guidance.
Assistive technology available:
- Magnification devices
- Spelling aids
- Specialist input devices
- Dictaphones
- Communication aids
- Literacy support software
Our staff are qualified in their specialist area to ensure a first class service to any learner who needs this additional help.
The services on offer include:
- Dyslexia Support
- Deaf Support and British Sign Language Interpreters/Communication Support
- Assistive Technology Service
- Classroom Support
- Sight Loss Service
These services are offered to ensure all learners can ‘Be all that you can be’.
For further information, please contact:
Lesley Hayter, Specialist Support Assessor
T: 01656 302302 ext 438
E: ldhayter@bridgend.ac.uk
Dawn Jones, Specialist Support Administrator
T: 01656 302302 ext 417
E: dsjones@bridgend.ac.uk
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
Assessment Service for Higher Education Students
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a Government grant for UK learners enrolled on higher education courses, both full-time and part-time (if studying at least 50% of a full-time course). The DSA pays for extra costs that learners may have whilst studying as a result of their disability or specific learning difficulty.
The allowance can pay for support in the form of equipment and human support, as well as extra travel costs and other course related costs, such as books, photocopying and printing. It is not dependent on the household income.
Who is eligible?
Higher Education students with a:
- Specific Learning Difficult e.g. Dyslexia
- Physical Disability
- Mental Health Difficulty
- Sensory Disability e.g. Hard of Hearing, Partially Sighted or Blind
- Long term illness e.g. Diabetes, Epilepsy, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The DSA Assessment Centre located within the Specialist Support Centre (E-block) at our Bridgend Campus provides assessments for learners who are eligible for the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA). This involves talking to you about your disability and the barriers you experience and then recommending the support strategies and equipment that will allow you to access your education on a level playing field to your peers.
Learners eligible for the DSA are normally requested to attend a Study Strategies Assessment by their Local Authority/Funding Body.
The Bridgend Assessment Centre is a registered assessment centre with the Disabled Students’ Allowances Quality Assurance Group (DSA-QAG) and is a member of the National Network of Assessment Centres (NNAC).
For more information, please contact the team T: 01656 302302 ext 561 or E: dsateam@bridgend.ac.uk
Celebrating your achievements
We hold two key events within the college year to celebrate the achievements of our learners.
Our Annual Awards evening recognises outstanding academic achievement and individual commitment to study.
Our Higher Education Awards Ceremony is a time for our HE learners to celebrate achieving their higher level qualifications with family, friends and representatives from our partner universities attending the day. Held at our Pencoed Campus, the ceremony takes place in our sports hall, with refreshments in a marquee on the lawn.
Application cycle
The typical HE application cycle is given below. However, if you miss any of these dates, don’t worry! Contact us and we will do what we can to help you get a place on the course of your choice; Tel: 01656 302 302.
September onwards
- Attend a Bridgend College open day
- Apply via UCAS B68 for full-time courses (note, the usual deadline is 15th January)
- Apply via Bridgend College for part-time courses
- Application processed by the HE team
- Reply to your course offer within the specified deadline
March onwards
- Financial advice (fees, grants and loans available)
July / August
- Enrolment information issued
- Late applicants processed and interviewed
- Exam results issued
August / September
- Enrolment and course induction
- Late applications will be considered
Attend one of our open days and experience a taste of what it’s like to study with us at Bridgend College.
How to Apply
Full-Time
The Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS) receives course applications each September, effectively ‘opening the books’ a year before the course actually begins. Applications then continue to be received throughout the admissions cycle, although some courses do fill early in the year. Note, UCAS has specific application deadlines for a range of courses/subject areas – check for details at ucas.com
Making your application
- Apply online at ucas.com – Bridgend College code is B68
- Don’t forget to check and insert the relevant course code and campus code (where applicable)
The next step
Once UCAS receives your application, a copy will be sent to Bridgend College for consideration by the academic staff. They will consider the information provided by you and the comments from your referee. Successful applicants (at application form stage), may be invited to attend an interview or applicant day at Bridgend College.
An offer of a place on your chosen course
Should you be successful in gaining an offer of a place on your chosen course, then this offer will be communicated to you via the online UCAS system. If you are successful, and receive an offer for a place on the course, the offer could be one of two:
Unconditional offer
The course tutor is confident that you have satisfied the entry requirements for the course, and your place on the course is unconditional. You will be advised via UCAS how to accept or reject this offer.
Conditional offer
You have been accepted onto the course on the condition that you obtain:
- certain examination grades OR
- a certain number of UCAS tariff points OR
- meet other course entry specific criteria
Confirming your place
Once you have met your conditions, UCAS will confirm your place. You will be advised via UCAS how to accept or reject this offer.
Haven’t quite met your conditions of offer
For some learners, finding that you may have fallen slightly short of your conditions of offer or specific course entry requirements leads to a very stressful and often confusing few days. Do not despair, contact us to discuss the options that may still be available to you and we’ll do our very best to provide impartial advice and guidance and/or signposting to other course opportunities available locally.
Tel: 01656 302 252
Part-Time
All applications for part-time HE courses are made directly to the College and are received throughout the year. Applicants are advised to submit their applications as early as possible, to avoid disappointment.
Making your application
- Apply online
- Request a Bridgend College HE application form, Tel: 01656 302 252 or E: heenquiries@bridgend.ac.uk
The next step
Once your application form has been received by Bridgend College, a copy will be sent to the appropriate department for consideration by the academic staff. They will consider the information provided by you and the comments from your referee. Successful applicants (at application form stage) may be invited to attend an interview or applicant day at Bridgend College. During this process, you will meet the course team, have an opportunity to discuss your application, ask any questions you may have and view the high quality teaching facilities and learning resources on offer.
An offer of a place on your chosen course
Should you be successful in gaining an offer of a place on your chosen course, then this offer will be communicated to you via email from the HE Team at Bridgend College. Bridgend College aims to process applications as soon as possible, after receiving your application form. If you are successful, and receive an offer for a place on the course, the offer could be one of two:
Unconditional offer
The course tutors feel you have satisfied the entry requirements for the course, and your place on the course is unconditional. You will be advised by the HE Team how to accept or reject this offer.
Conditional offer
You have been accepted onto the course on the condition that you obtain certain grades or points in exams or qualifications. Learners given a conditional offer need to let the college know their exam results as soon as they receive them.
Confirming your place
If you have an unconditional offer, you can accept your offer at any point. If you have a conditional offer, you are requested to contact the HE Team to confirm your position.
If you don’t meet your conditions of offer
For some learners, finding that you may have fallen slightly short of your conditions of offer or specific course entry requirements leads to a very stressful and often confusing time. Do not despair, contact us to discuss the options that may still be available to you.
Tel: 01656 302 252
Financial advice for full-time HE learners
Tuition fees for full-time Higher Education learners – academic year 2017/18
The College charges an annual tuition fee for full time courses. Most learners from Wales or a non-UK EU country are entitled to a repayable tuition fee loan of up to £4,046 towards their fees and a non-repayable fee grant which covers the difference between the maximum tuition fee loan available and the Tuition Fee charged by the College. Most learners from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland can apply for a repayable tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of the fees. Learners taking out the tuition fee loan will be required to begin repayments when they have finished their course and are earning at least £21,000. Repayments will be automatically deducted from your salary.
Tuition fees are not fixed for the duration of the course and may increase year-on-year.
Most learners will be eligible for funding towards their tuition fees providing they have not previously studied at higher education. For any queries regarding eligibility, please contact the relevant funding body.
If you are using a tuition fee loan and/or grant to pay for your tuition fees, you will be required to bring in your financial notification documentation from the SLC to the enrolment session. If you are paying the tuition fees yourself, you can either pay the full amount up front or you will be able to pay in instalments if you wish. If you have a sponsor paying your fees, you will be required to bring in a letter from your sponsor to this effect to the enrolment session.
Living costs
There are loans and grants available to help you with living costs. The amount you can get depends on your household income and where you live. You may also be eligible for extra financial help if you meet certain criteria. More information can be gained by visiting the relevant website as detailed below. Learners taking out the maintenance loan will be required to begin repayments when they have finished their course and are earning at least £21,000. Repayments will be automatically deducted from your salary.
Applying for funding
For learners living in Wales, England and Scotland, applications for funding are completed online at the relevant website. The websites on the right of the screen also contain detailed information about finance available.
For applicants living in Wales:
For applicants living in England:
www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
For applicants living in Scotland:
For applicants living in Northern Ireland:
Student Loans Company (SLC):
Please note, it is important that you make an application for financial assistance towards your tuition fees to the appropriate body prior to enrolment onto your course. Failure to apply for funding or providing alternative means of payment will result in the College invoicing you for the fees. Learners are liable for any part of the fees not paid by the above bodies. If you withdraw from the college, you will be liable for the payment of fees up until the final term you attended.
University of South Wales (USW) Progression Bursary 2017/18*
If you study a course franchised by the University of South Wales, they want to help you to achieve your ambitions.
USW offers a Progression Bursary to college students who choose to top-up their University of South Wales accredited HND or foundation degree to a full honours degree through a top up course at one of our USW campuses. Worth £500, this bursary could provide financial support towards your travel, living and study costs while studying at a University of South Wales campus. This bursary is not means tested.
http://money.southwales.ac.uk/undergraduate/bursaries-and-scholarships/progression-bursary/17-18/
*University of South Wales scholarships and bursaries are offered on the basis that they are potentially subject to change in the event of changes to the fee and student support regime applicable in Wales. The University also reserves the right to limit the number of scholarships and bursaries available.
Financial advice for part-time HE learners
In the first instance, please contact Student Finance Wales for financial support:
www.studentfinancewales.co.uk or Tel: 0300 200 4050
All applications are individually assessed and learners are able to access loans and grants dependent on personal circumstances.
Tuition fees for part-time Higher Education learners
Tuition fees for part-time courses can be paid in their entirety at enrolment or by instalments. If your employer or sponsor is paying your fees, you will be required to bring a letter from your employer / sponsor to that effect to your enrolment session.
Tuition Fee Loans are available for learners studying courses with at least 25% intensity (30 credits) when compared to a full time course, providing they have not previously studied a Higher Education course at the same or higher level. Learners taking out the tuition fee loan will be required to begin repayments in the April 4 years after the start of your course or the April after you leave your course – whichever comes first. However, you will only start making repayments when you are earning at least £21,000. Repayments are only based on your income above £21,000 and will be automatically deducted from your salary. If you are using a tuition fee loan to pay for your tuition fees you will be required to bring in your financial notification documentation from the SLC to the enrolment session. Visit www.studentfinancewales.co.uk for details.
Living costs
If you are studying at a course intensity of at least 50% (60 credits), you can apply for a non-repayable course grant. This is means tested and is dependent on household income but you can get up to £1,155 (*based on 16/17 figures). You may also be eligible for extra financial help if you meet certain criteria. Visit www.studentfinancewales.co.uk for details.
Please note, it is important that you make an application for financial assistance towards your tuition fees to the appropriate body prior to enrolment onto your course. Failure to apply for funding or providing alternative means of payment will result in the College invoicing you for the fees. Learners are liable for any part of the fees not paid by the above bodies. If you withdraw from the college, you will be liable for the payment of fees up until the final term you attended.
