Fees and Costs
>> click here if you need help with fees and costs
You will need to have enrolled and paid your fees before you can start your course. Fees can be paid by cheque, cash, credit/debit card in person, by cheque or credit/debit card through the post or by credit card via the telephone. If you are eligible for a reduced fee you will need to enrol in person to show proof of your claim. Flexible payment options are available and details can be obtained from the Fees Office.
Concessions/Reduced Fees
These are available if you are:
- In receipt of a means tested benefit - Entitling you to the reduced rate on both vocational (leading to qualification) and some leisure courses.
- Aged 16 to 18 - You will be exempt from tuition fees on courses leading to a qualification. If, however, you are in full-time education at another institution, you may be liable to pay the full fee.
See the table below for details of the proof you will need to bring with you at enrolment. Please speak to our Fees Office for further information.
Are there any extra costs?
- Examination and registration fees are included in the majority of our course fees.
- All part-time students, age 19 plus, including those eligible for reduced fees will be required to pay a college membership fee (£15). This is reduced to £5 for courses starting after Easter 2008.
- Those students who are eligible for reduced fees will be required to pay their examination and registration fees (if applicable).
- Materials charges may be applicable for some courses.
Payment by Sponsor/Employer
If your employer or a managing agent is sponsoring you, you will need to provide a letter confirming that they will pay your fees. If you change jobs and your employer is unwilling to meet any outstanding fees, you will then become liable for payment of all outstanding fees. Course refunds will not be made to your employer if you leave the employment of your sponsor. The college reserves the right to levy a 5% penalty charge for any payment that is received more than six weeks after the date of enrolment.
Note to Sponsors: The fees quoted in this guide do not apply to Youth Training/Modern Apprenticeships unless specifically indicated. Details of those fees are available on application to the Fees Office.
Overseas Students
If you have not been resident in the UK or any other European Union country within the past three years you may need to pay overseas rates, details of which are available on request. Please seek individual guidance from staff in the College Information Centre.
Higher Education fees
Students, or their parents/guardians, may have to contribute to tuition fees. The amount of the contribution will depend on the income of the students, or their parents/guardians, and can be up to a maximum of £1,150 a year (2006/7 figures). All students, even those who expect that they will be required to pay the maximum student tuition fee, must contact their Local Education Authority (LEA) for assessment as soon as possible after applying for a Higher Education course. Tuition fees are usually paid directly to the college at the start of the new academic year. Please note there is a separate financial loan and bursary system for Higher Education students.
Please call Student Services for more information.
Refunds
Refunds can only be made in very exceptional circumstances as the college needs to ensure its programmes remain viable for those who remain on them. If you feel your circumstances are exceptional you should contact the Fees Office.
Occasionally we may have to close a class prematurely, if this happens we will try to transfer you to a suitable alternative programme or will offer you a refund.
Exam fees which have been sent to outside examination boards cannot be refunded by the college if you decide not to sit the exam. Additional exam fees will be charged for students resitting exams unless in exceptional circumstances.
Upon a refund being agreed according to our terms and conditions, sheque or credit card refund will be made within 10 working days of agreement.
Refunds of payment for a course with cash will only be made by cheque or credit card. The college has a policy of maintaining credit card details confidentially. If a refund payment is to a credit card, details of the card will need to be taken again.
Exam Entry
While every effort is made to support students in their preparation for examinations, where these are a requirement of the course, entry is at the discretion of the teaching staff. Students who do not demonstrate the required minimum standards to pass an examination will not be entered.
On the rare occasion where this happens students will be reimbursed any examination fees they have paid.