International Students - Parents and Guardians | Blackpool and The Fylde College

For the benefit of our international students and their parents, the list below contains translations of the content of this page :

Encouraging students to consider studying overseas, and then preparing them for it, is an important task and the role of parents, carers and guardians is one which is becoming increasingly complex.

Choosing a course and an educational institution that provides the best prospects for the future involves detailed research and effort, but rest assured that there are lots of ways that Blackpool & The Fylde College can help you and your son / daughter prepare for the most exciting time of their life.

You understandably have a valid interest in where they will study for the next few years of their life, but issues surrounding finance, welfare and the UCAS application process may be of particular concern to you.

We are committed to ensuring that every possible provision is undertaken to look after the well-being of our students. The links below give you useful information about the concerns that most parents, carers and guardians may have and will assist in reassuring you that Blackpool & The Fylde College has the facilities and staff to support international students. We have put together a “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ’s) list to help answer some of the questions you may have.

FAQs from Parents, Carers & Guardians

Q: What support will my son or daughter receive at College?

A: Every student has a personal tutor who keeps a check on attendance and progress of students. Our specialist tutors and international welfare advisor can also help with any additional requirements for support or advice.

Q: How many hours will my son or daughter study at College?

A: Every course has a different timetable, and all students will be given a copy of their timetable when they start on their course. During times when there are no classes, students are free to leave the premises if they wish, though there are study facilities at each campus which students are encouraged to use.

Q: What are the College’s guidelines regarding attendance?

A: Full attendance is essential for success; however there may be times when unavoidable circumstances such as sudden illness prevent a student from coming to College. In these cases we ask students (or their parents) to keep us informed by contacting the student’s personal tutor via the College main switchboard + 44 (0) 1253 352352 between 08.30am and 09.00pm GMT. Because attendance is so important, and because we cannot guarantee that students can catch up after a long period of absence, we ask that parents do not arrange family trips during term time, wherever possible.

Q: Can international students work part-time?

A: Students are able to work up to 20 hours per week during term time when they are studying. There is no limit on the number of hours that students can work during College holiday periods. We feel that up to 8 or 9 hours per week paid work is fine for most students, and can help them to develop time management skills and become more financially independent. Research has shown that 10 hours or more per week can affect achievement adversely.

Q: How will I know how my son or daughter is performing at College?

A: Students will receive regular feedback during the year from their personal tutor. If you have any concerns, please contact your son’s / daughter’s personal tutor via the College main switchboard + 44 (0) 1253 352352 Monday to Friday between 09.00 am to 16:00 GMT

Q: Will students be set homework?

A: All students will have work to complete in their own time, some of which may contribute to their final grade. Some students take this home, and others choose to work at College in one of the Learning Resource Centres available at each of our campuses.

Q: Are there any welfare activities and social events arranged for international students?

A: There are a variety of welfare activities and social events for all students to take part in during the year. Students will be advised of these activities during the Induction Programme and during the year.

Q: What are the College course fees?

A: Course fees vary from year to year. Course fees for 2010/11 are as follows:

Degree, Higher National Diplomas (HND), Foundation Degrees (FD) courses: £6,250 GBP
Vocational courses, A-Levels, National Diploma’s (ND), National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s), and GCSE’s: £4,250 GBP

English Language Courses:

Full academic year (September to May): £4,000 GBP
Term programmes (Entry termly up to and including January): £1500 GBP

*Will run if sufficient student numbers are reached

In addition to the above course fees, examination fees and exam registration fees are payable but these should not exceed £150 GBP in total.

Some courses will require protective clothing, uniforms or special equipment. Costs vary according to the course but should not exceed £400 GBP. The exception is the Photography courses where the costs are approximately £1000 GBP per year. Most textbooks and reference materials are available in the College Learning Resources Centres but you will be required to purchase stationery.

Q: How can I find out more information about Blackpool & The Fylde College?

A: Please visit the section entitled About the College which outlines the College’s awards, achievements and our Government inspection report

Further Help and Support

Should you require further questions please contact the International Admissions team at international@blackpool.ac.uk or call + 44 1253 504322