International Prospectus
Full-time Courses..........................................
For courses starting September 2014
Contents...................................03 Welcome to Belfast Met
04 Belfast Met joins the 157 Group
05 Why Choose Belfast Met?
06 Campus & Facilities
07 What Our Students Say
08 Bachelor Degrees
09 University Preparation Programmes
11 Foundation Degrees
12 Higher National Diplomas (HND)
13 Other Diploma Courses
14 A Levels
15 English Language Courses
16 International Student Support
17 Life in Belfast and Northern Ireland
18 Accommodation
19 How to Apply
20 Contact Us
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Welcome to Belfast Metropolitan College’s 2014/15 international prospectus. Belfast Met is the largest further and higher education college in Northern Ireland and the ninth largest in the UK with 30,000 students. We take great pride in 107 years of tradition in providing first class training and education and we are confident that Belfast Met will be the right choice for you. We have developed a dynamic new curriculum which reflects the priority growth areas identified for Northern Ireland as this is where future jobs will be created. Our courses also offer you excellent links with the two local universities, Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Ulster.
We continue to invest in our facilities and estate and our brand
new state-of-the-art £44 million Titanic Quarter and £18 million e3
Campuses complement outstanding learning resources, industry
standard facilities and the latest technologies.
The College has welcomed many international students over the
years and has an excellent support team in place to assist. Our
reliable and friendly international office offers excellent guidance
and support to all international students. The team work closely
with the College’s programme areas and student support to ensure
that every student fulfils their potential whilst with us.
We look forward to welcoming you to Belfast Met and ensuring
that you have a rewarding learning and cultural experience with us.
Marie-Thérèse McGivern
Principal and Chief Executive
Welcome to Belfast Met..........................................................................................
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welcome fáilte
fair faa yee
bem-vindobenvenuti
bienvenido
bienvenuehosgeldiniz
soodhawoow
willkommenwitamy
Belfast Met has become the first college from outside England to join the influential 157 Group.
The 157 Group represents 29 of the most influential colleges in the
Further Education sector; its members are strategic leaders committed
to leading on policy development and improving the quality and
reputation of further education.
It was formed in 2006 in response to paragraph 157 of Sir
Andrew Foster’s report on the future of further education
colleges, in which he argued that principals of large,
successful colleges should play a greater role in
policymaking.
Lynne Sedgmore, Executive Director of the 157 Group,
said, “We are pleased to welcome our first college
outside England to membership of the 157 Group.
Belfast Metropolitan College has played an
important role in shaping the social, economic
and industrial history of the city of Belfast and,
in doing so, has had an enormous impact
on local communities and on the lives of
individuals.”
Belfast Met joins the 157 Group....................................................
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Why choose Belfast Met?....................................................................................................welcome
fáiltefair faa yee
bem-vindobenvenuti
bienvenido
bienvenuehosgeldiniz
soodhawoow
willkommenwitamy
Belfast Metropolitan College is one of the largest further and higher education colleges in the United Kingdom with over 30,000 students and 107 years of history. With world-class teaching facilities, international qualifications and excellent progression to UK universities, here are some other reasons why you should choose us:
• Three year university degree programmes
• International Foundation Year and Graduate Diploma/
Pre Masters programmes
• Two year foundation degree and higher national
diploma programmes
•A Levels
•English Courses
•Professional and Vocational Courses
•Excellent standard of teaching from highly qualified
tutors
•Small class sizes
•Excellent student support
•British Council Accreditation for the teaching of
English
•UKBA Highly Trusted Status and Tier 4 licence
Why Belfast?.................................................•Belfast has recently been voted one of the world’s
top 10 destinations by National Geographic Traveller
magazine and Lonely Planet described it as a ‘must
see visitor destination’
•Northern Ireland was recently named the safest region
in the UK (British Crime Survey 2011)
•Beautiful natural scenery
•A unique experience of both UK and Irish Culture
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Belfast Metropolitan College has six main campuses. Each campus is equipped with a library, learning resource centre, canteen and coffee shops. All main campuses offer computer, Internet and printing facilities.
Titanic Quarter
Science LaboratoriesLearning Resource CentreCafé Met
Multimedia Suites
Training Hair and Beauty Salon Fine Dining Restaurant Gym
Campuses & Facilities.........................................................................................................................................................
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Name: Hajijah Mohd Said
Course: HND Applied Biology
.......................................................
I am originally from Brunei and I am
studying a HND in Applied Biology.
I chose to do the course as it was
the most relevant for my career and
I wanted to improve my knowledge,
experience and lab technique.
I enjoy the various modules covered on the HND and although it is
a lot of hard work I would have no hesitation in recommending the
course.
The facilities in the College are superb and my lecturers are always
willing to give me any additional help and support that I need.
After I complete my HND I am aiming to go to Queen’s University
to complete my degree.
e3 Building at Springvale Campus
Name: Mohamed Abdel-gawwad
Course: ESOL Upper Intermediate
.......................................................
I moved to Northern Ireland from Egypt
and have studied in the College from
September 2013. I did some research
online and also talked to my friends and
they all highly recommended Belfast
Met because of its range of courses
and the friendly and supportive environment.
I am currently doing my ESOL Upper Intermediate but I would like
to continue to enhance my qualifications and now I’m thinking
about other courses that I can do.
In class you get lots of opportunities to work in groups so you are
able to learn from each other and the lecturing staff are so helpful,
friendly and encouraging and use a wide variety of teaching
methods. Speaking English every day has greatly improved my
language and communication skills.
Campuses & Facilities.........................................................................................................................................................
What our students say:........................................................................................................................................................
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BSc (Hons) in Business Studies (Validated by University of Ulster) .............................................................................
You will enrol in HND in Business Studies first.
Upon completion of the HND, you may top-up
for additional one/two years for BSc (Hons)
Degree in our partner universities.
In year one you will study a range of general
business units which include marketing,
economics, human resources and finance. In
the second year, to tailor your qualification to
career aspirations, students may decide to
follow an accounting, marketing or knowledge
management pathway or may continue to study
general business.
There is an emphasis on preparation for the
workplace, through on-going development
of employability and personal development
planning skills, and via the completion of
employer-led projects at our new e3 building.
BSc in Fashion Management (Validated by Manchester Metropolitan University) .............................................................................
You will study a range of units which will include
Fashion Design/Digital Design Skills for Fashion;
Fashion Marketing; Pattern Construction
Techniques and Processes; Production (Sewing)
Techniques for Fashion; Textile Materials;
Quality Management; Business Management;
Fashion Retail Management and Global Supply
Chain.
Projects and written assignments are industry-
related and usually involve live projects. These
will be assessed by your tutors throughout
the year. Some modules require class tests or
monitored workshops at the end of each unit.
The duration of this course will be three years.
If you choose to do work placement in year
three (sandwich year), it will be four years.
BSc (Hons) in Social Work (Validated by University of Ulster) .............................................................................
This is a three year honours degree programme.
Years one and two are studied at Belfast Met,
whilst year three studies are undertaken at the
University of Ulster.
Although the programme includes underpinning
learning in the social sciences, such as social
policy, psychology, sociology and law, the
focus of the programme is on the development
of skills, values and knowledge required for
practice.
You must successfully complete a preparation
for practice module prior to undertaking
practice learning. You will undertake two
practice placements - at Level 2 this will last for
85 days and at Level 3 it will last for 100 days.
Bachelor Degrees........................................................................................................................................................Belfast Metropolitan College offers a wide range of courses with the majority commencing in September each year.
Tuiton Fees: £6,700 per year. Concessions available for good IELTS score.
Entry requirements: •IELTS6.0orequivalentifEnglishisnotthefirsteducationlanguageinyourcountry. •ALevelsorequivalentrecognisedqualificationsinyourcountryorInternationalFoundationProgramme.
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Belfast Metropolitan College delivers two full-time one year university foundation year programmes in collaboration with the Northern Consortium UK (NCUK). These qualifications are accepted by a range of universities in the UK and Ireland. For more information go to www.ncuk.ac.uk.
The NCUK International Foundation Year A one year full-time modular programme that
prepares students for first-year entry to a wide
range of Bachelor degree courses. Students take
combinations of modules appropriate for their
intended degree course.
Entry requirements:
•Students must be at least 17 years old and
have successfully completed 12 years of school
education and should have completed their
national high school leaving exams.
• IELTS 5.0 or equivalent if English is not the first
language.
The NCUK Graduate Diploma and Pre-Masters Programmes
The NCUK Graduate Diploma (Grad Dip) and Pre-
Masters Programme (PMP) provide specialised
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) training and
an introduction to the research methodology skills
needed for success at Masters and PhD level. These
qualifications can be completed by choosing different
pathways:
• Graduate Diploma Route A (one year/three terms)
• Graduate Diploma Route B (two terms)
• Pre-masters programme (one term)
Entry requirements:
• Students should have completed a degree.
• A minimum of IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent) is required
for Graduate Diploma Route A and IELTS 5.5 for
Route B/ Pre-masters programme. Relevant work
experience is highly desirable.
The benefits of choosing NCUK are:
•Successful completion guarantees you a place in a
partner university.
• ‘Fast Track’ university application process.
•Bespoke English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
courses.
Belfast Metropolitan College offers a wide range of courses with the majority commencing in September each year.
University Preparation Programmes.......................................................................................................................................................
Tuiton Fees: International Foundation Year £6,700 per year; Pre-Masters £6,875 per year. Concessions available for good IELTS score.
Entry requirements: •IELTS6.0orequivalentifEnglishisnotthefirsteducationlanguageinyourcountry. •ALevelsorequivalentrecognisedqualificationsinyourcountryorInternationalFoundationProgramme.
NCUK Owner Universities
University of Bradford
University of Huddersfield
University of Leeds
Leeds Metropolitan University
University of Liverpool
Liverpool John Moores
University
University of Manchester
Manchester Metropolitan
University
University of Salford
University of Sheffield
Sheffield Hallam University
Other Universities welcoming NCUK students
Queen’s University Belfast
University of Ulster
Aston University
University of Bristol
University of Kent
Kingston University
Queen Mary, University of
London
Ireland University Partners
Dublin City University
Dublin Institute of Technology
National University of Ireland,
Galway
National University of
Ireland, Maynooth
University College Cork
University of Limerick
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BelfastExperience
Cou
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Vis
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Bur
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A two year full-time university level programme designed along with employers and universities. All our foundation degrees
offer an industrial placement with Northern Irish employers.
Successful completion can lead to direct fast track progress to the second or third year of a university degree programme in
the UK.
AccountingArchitectural Technology with Sustainable Design
Building Services and Renewable Energies
Civil Engineering
UCAS Application Only
Early Childhood Studies UCAS application only
Event Management for the Tourism Industry
Health and Leisure Studies UCAS application only
Hospitality and Tourism Management
iMedia MarketingMechanical Engineering -
UCAS application onlyProperty, Planning and
Housing
Software Engineering Sustainable ConstructionTravel and Tourism
Management
Entry requirements:
•You must have A Level or equivalent qualification in your country
•IELTS 5.5 or equivalent if English is not your first language
BelfastFoundation Degrees...........................................................................................................
Tuition Fees: £6,000 per year. Concessions available for good IELTS score.
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Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) .................................................................................................................
Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are very practical two year programmes, often with a significant element of
work experience. HND graduates may progress to the second or third year of a university degree programme in
the UK.
Applied Biology Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Applied Chemistry Hair and Beauty Management
Animal Management Health and Social Care
Business Graphic Design
Computing and Systems Development Music
Creative Media Production (Computer Games Design) Performing Arts (Acting/Dance)
Creative Media Production (Journalism) Sport (Coaching and Sports Development)
Creative Media Production (Moving Image) Sport and Exercise Science
Entry requirements:
•A Level or equivalent qualification in your country.
•IELTS 5.5 or equivalent if English is not your first language.
Tuition Fees: £6,000 per year. Concessions available for good IELTS score.
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Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) .................................................................................................................These courses offer students practical help in developing their skills for work.
• BTEC National Diploma courses – a combination of academic theory and practical work-based skills.
• NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) – work related, competence-based qualifications developed by Industry for Industry.
Diploma Courses:
Administration (Business
Professional)Animal Management
Applied Science (Applied Science/
Forensic/Medical)
Art and Design (Art/Graphic/
Photography/Fashion and Clothing)
Aviation Operations
Beauty Therapy/Body Therapy/Hair Dressing/
Theatrical, Special Effects and Hair and
Media Make-Up
BusinessChild Care and Education/Children’s
Care Learning & Development/Playwork
Construction and the Built
Environment
Creative Media Production (Games/
Interactive Media/Film/TV/ Multi-platform
Journalism and Social Media)
Dental Nursing Electrical and Electronic Engineering /
Manufacturing Engineering
Health and Social Care Hospitality/Professional Cookery IT/PROCOM (System Support) Music/Performing Arts (Dance/Acting)
Public Services Sport/Football Academy/Rugby Academy Personal Training Travel & Tourism
More courses are available at: http://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/
Entry Requirements:
•You should be at least 16 years old and have successfully completed 10 or 11 years of high school education.
•You must also have a minimum of IELTS 5.0, and be able to show an interest in the chosen area.
Other Diploma Courses........................................................................................................................................................
Tuition Fees: £4,890 per year.
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A Levels are recognised worldwide as being of the highest standard and are accepted by universities for entry
to degree programmes. These are usually taken over two years and normally three A Levels are taken together
as a single programme of study.
Biology Business Studies
Chemistry Creative Writing
Economics English Literature
Film Studies Geography History of Art History Government and Politics
Government and Politics
ICT(Information and
Communication
Technology)
Mathematics Media Studies Physics Psychology Religious Studies
Sociology
Every effort is made to timetable individual learning programmes to accommodate the needs of each individual
student.
Duration: Two years full-time.
Entry Requirements:
•You must be 16 years old.
•You must have successfully completed 11 years of high school education, equivalent of UK GCSE level and
with good results.
• IELTS 5.0 or equivalent for the students whose first language is not English.
A Levels (Two Years Full-Time, Traditional UK Student Route).................................................................................................................
Tuiton Fees: £6180 per year for three A Levels
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English Language Courses........................................................................................................................................................................English language courses are offered at a variety of levels – from Entry 3 to Proficiency level. We also offer short IELTS courses to help you prepare for your IELTS exam.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Intensive Course (Full-Time)
No. of Weeks Hours per week Dates Fees in Total £
One year 28 17.5 + 1 hour tutorial Sept - May £4,500
One semester 14 17.5 + 1 hour tutorial Sept - Dec & Jan - May £2.400
IELTS course Per semester 14 4 hours Sept - Dec & Jan - May £405
One year Intensive course plus IELTS 28 17.5 + 1 hour tutorial + 4 hours IELTS Sept - May £5, 310
One semester Intensive course plus IELTS 14 17.5 + 1 hour tutorial + 4 hours IELTS Sept - Dec & Jan - May £2,805
Part-time £7.20 per hour
IELTS Preparation Course (Part-Time)
• We offer a 14 week IELTS preparation course at two different start dates during the year (September and January)
• Students who choose to enrol on an intensive course (17.5 hours per week) may also enrol on our IELTS preparation course (4 hours per week) to help them
achieve the IELTS score they need for their future studies.
• The cost of text books is not included in the course fee.
For further information, email: [email protected]. Check with the international office for start dates.
Exam fees are included in the cost of all courses except for IELTS and part-time courses.
• The maximum class size is 20.
• There are 4 levels in our International qualifications programme- Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET), Cambridge English: First (FCE), Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) and Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE). These
courses lead to an internationally recognised qualification accredited by Cambridge English.
• For those on a Tier 4 International Student Visa, the minimum English level of entry requirement is CEFR B2 or IELTS score of 5.0 in each component and 5.5 in total.
• There are no minimum entry requirement for students on a Student Visitor Visa (though an IELTS score of 4.0 is recommended). Applications are considered individually.
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Our International Office is here to support you as we
understand that it can be difficult to settle into a new
culture and our staff are here to make that transition
as easy as possible.
We will provide the following support:
•Visa Application Advice/Guidance
•Airport pick up if required
•Assistance with banking
•College enrolment
•Registering with a GP (doctor)
•Introductions to relevant tutors
•Arranging social activities
•Additional English Language support if required
•Environment familiarisation
•Welfare support - A range of sports/clubs and
student societies
Information, Advice, Guidance and Counselling
Taking a new course and the opportunity to study
in a different country is a wonderful opportunity.
You may be very excited about coming to
Northern Ireland and finding out about a whole
new culture. But leaving family and friends can
also be difficult. The Guidance and Counselling
Service is here to help and support you if you have
any problems during your time with us.
For example if you are feeling a bit homesick, you
can talk things over with one of the counsellors
who will help you find ways of coping.
At the beginning of the course, you will meet one
of the Guidance and Counselling team who will
explain more about the service and let you ask
questions.
International Student Support.................................................................................................................
Progression ............................................................................................
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Northern Ireland’s economy is thriving with new
industries being created and cities being revitalised as
millions of pounds are invested in regeneration. There
is a new cultural vitality, pride and optimism. Instead
of emigrating, our brightest graduates are staying.
Tourism is thriving too, with our moderate climate and
world famous hospitality, scenery and quality of life -
it’s a great place to live, study and explore.
Belfast, as the capital city, is the political, economic,
cultural and educational hub of Northern Ireland. As
a gateway to Europe, this modern, English speaking
country, whose vibrant Celtic origin continues
to regulate the pulse of the nation, offers a truly
rewarding experience for the visiting student.
Belfast has lots to offer if you choose to study here:
•Northern Ireland was recently named the safest
region in the UK (British Crime Survey 2011)
•Belfast is only 50 minutes by air from London and a
short flight from most major cities in Europe
•Dublin is only a two hour journey from Belfast
•With a Tier 4 Student Visa, international students
can work 10-20 hours per week while studying on a
full-time academic course
•The Times of London has also named the city as
one of its top 12 world travel destinations
Useful Websites:
•http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/
•http://www.gotobelfast.com/
Life in Belfast and Northern Ireland.................................................................................................................
The Mourne Mountains
Mussenden Temple
Whiterocks Beach
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Accommodation...................................................................................................................................................................................
Homestay
The student lives with a Northern Irish family in
their home. Homestay differs from other lodging
type arrangements in that it is primarily a cultural
exchange and the student is made to feel part of
the family for the duration of their stay.
Facilities and Living Style:
•All meals (except weekday lunch) to be
provided by your host family and are included
in the price.
•Bed linen and towels to be provided and
laundered at regular intervals.
•Adequate storage and study facilities.
•Electricity and gas bills are included in the
price.
•Your own front door key for independent
access
•Limited Internet access
Price:
Approximately £500 per person each month
Halls of Residence
We will introduce you to the nearest university
Halls of Residence. They are usually divided
into good quality apartments and have a
shared kitchen or bathroom.
Facilities and Living Style:
•Single study bedroom fully furnished and
centrally heated
•Self catering or catered
•Internet access.
•Cafeteria, bar, convenience store and
launderette in the accommodation area
•Live with other students. Good for
socialising
Price:
Range from £100 - £120 per week depending
on your choice. Minimum six months’
contract. Deposit required.
Private Rental
There are a variety of properties (apartments/
houses) to rent in Belfast and all are of a high
standard due to government regulations. You
enter a lease arrangement with a landlord for a
period of 9 -12 months but in some cases this
can be negotiable.
Facilities and Living Style:
•TV, cooking facilities and laundry facilities
will normally be provided by the landlord
•You will have to provide your own bed linen,
cutlery, cups and bowls
•Usually electricity, gas and food bills are not
included in the rent
Price:
From £150 - £300 per person per month
(sharing), whole house/apartment £400 -
£1000 per month.
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How to apply..................................................................................................................
02:Complete the international application formContact the International Office for an application
form ([email protected]).
You may also be asked to provide supporting
evidence (e.g of English language ability or
previous examinations) and may also be asked
to conduct a further assessment or interview.
04:Confirmation of offerIf we wish to offer you a place, we will send you
a conditional offer letter. We will tell you how to
pay the deposit or full balance of the course and
request any further information required to confirm
your place.
05:Certificate of Acceptance of Study (CAS) offerAfter we receive the required payment, we will send
you a CAS. You will need the CAS number to apply
for your student visa.
01:Choose your courseThe international Office can offer further
guidance on selecting the right programme of
study for you.
03:Review of applicationWe will carefully consider your application.
06:AccommodationPlease contact us with your requirement for
accommodation at least one month before your
arrival.
For further advice and an application form please contact the international office,
email: [email protected].
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Contact Us...............................
International OfficeBelfast Metropolitan College
Titanic Quarter Campus
7 Queens Road
Belfast
BT3 9FQ
UK
Tel: +44 (0) 028 9026 5192
Email, Rosie Laing: [email protected]
Website: www.belfastmet.ac.uk
Copyright© Belfast Metropolitan College 2014/15. We reserve the
rights of course explanation/degree content that we offer.
Belfast Metropolitan College is committed to an equality of
opportunity. We aim to provide the opportunity for all members of the
community, irrespective of perceived religious belief, political opinion,
gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnicity, those with or
without a disability or dependants, to participate fully in the full range
of academic, vocational and leisure courses which we provide.
Requests for Alternative Formats: Requests for the provision of all or
part of this document in alternative formats – Braille, Daisy, large print,
audio, computer disc or alternative languages will be considered.