When does my full-time College course start?

If you are starting a new course it will start week commencing 12 September 2011 (induction week).  We will contact you beforehand to confirm the arrangements – where to go and what to bring with you.  In the meantime if you have any queries please call Enquiries and Guidance on 01767 626222.

What is enrolment?

Enrolment is an important and compulsory part of becoming a registered student at the College. When you enrol onto your programme of study you will be issued with your College ID card. You will also sign a Learner Agreement – a sort of contract. Enrolment takes place either just before or at the start of your course – we will contact you to tell you when you need to enrol and what you need to bring with you.

What is induction?

During your first few weeks you will be welcomed to the College and introduced to your fellow students and the staff.  This is called induction and may include some or all of the following activities:

• Introductory sessions with your Tutor - you will be given your course timetable and meet your fellow students
• Flying Start – a welcome talk from the Principal
• Campus tours and quizzes – finding your way around the College and getting to know other staff and students
• IT induction – introducing you to our IT facilities and systems
• Library induction – introducing you to all the Learning Resources you will need for your course
• Student Services induction – you will meet a member of the Student Services team and find out about all the help on offer. They will also make sure you know about any financial support you may be eligible for.

Is there a Freshers’ Fair?

We always hold a Freshers’ Fair for students during induction week in September. This is a good opportunity for you to get some freebies and promotional offers from shops in our local area, as well as finding out about what’s going on in College.

What do I need to bring with me on my first day?

We will write to you to tell you what you need to bring, but it will include the following as a minimum:

• relevant form of ID – as specified in your letter
• money – cash, credit/debit card or cheque book
• relevant forms of fee waiver evidence if applicable
• Pen and paper
• Any other stationery, equipment or clothing specified in your letter.

Do I need to pay tuition fees?

If you are aged 16-18 then the majority of our courses are free for you to study, although you may have to buy course equipment such as a uniform or books.

If you are 19+ then there will be tuition and registration fees for your course. You may be able to get a concession on your tuition fees – please click here for more information.

Can I get any financial assistance from Shuttleworth College with my tuition fees?

If you are not eligible for a concession then you will be liable to pay for your tuition and registration fees. Unfortunately there is no financial assistance from the College for fees; however, you may be able to pay by instalments, please contact us for more information.

Is there any other help with my fees?

You may be eligible to apply for assistance from a charity or trust. This source of funding is not guaranteed and you should apply early. For more information please contact Student Services on 01767 626254.

How do I pay for my course?

If you are doing a full-time course and are liable for any fees, they must be paid at enrolment. If you are doing a part-time course and are liable for any fees you may pay:

• in person when you enrol
• over the phone by credit/debit card
• online via our website for some courses.

An instalment plan is available for fees is over £250, for both full and part time courses – please contact us for more information

How do I apply for a College course?

You can now apply online.  First, find the course you want to do on our website.  Before you apply, check you have the qualifications you need to do the course. You will be asked to create a username and password which will be emailed to you.  You can then apply. 

If you prefer not to apply online you can download a copy of our application form via links & downloads on the website, call Enquiries & Guidance on 01767 626222 or email us at enquiries@shuttleworth.ac.uk.

Will I have to have an interview for my course?  What will it be like?

All full-time and some part-time courses require an interview.  This is nothing you need worry about - it is an opportunity for you and for us to make sure you are applying for the right course. We will check your qualifications, including asking you about any exams you are due to take, and find out from you why you want to come to College and do your chosen course.  We will also give you lots of useful information about the course, including what it might lead onto, and about the College in general.  We will even send you a checklist to help you prepare for your interview – it is important that you think carefully about your goals and interests, and about your reasons for choosing this course.  We would also advise you to think about the questions you might want to ask us!  You will probably have a one-to-one interview, but there may also be group information session.  For some courses you may be asked to take part in a practical task or audition – but don’t worry, your interview letter will tell you exactly what will happen.  Your College interview is your chance to make a positive impression, so please arrive on time, suitably prepared and dressed.

How will I know if I’ve chosen the right course?

You can try out one of our courses on a Student Experience Day before you make your final decision about what you would like to study.  Student Experience Days are offered throughout the year and can be arranged by contacting Ellen Punter, our Schools and Community Liaison Manager, on 01234 291313 or email epunter@bedford.ac.uk

Everyone who is coming to College to start a full-time course in September will be invited to our 2 day Taste of the Action event in the summer, which will give you a chance to meet students and teachers on your course, and to find out more about the course and College.  This year Taste of the Action will be held on 4^th and 5^th July 2011.

Your admissions interview will also give you a chance to find out more about the course and you will be able to ask your interviewer lots of questions about it.

If you are still unsure you can make an appointment with a College careers adviser to talk through your options to help you make the right course choice.  Contact Student Services on 01767 626254.

If you start your course but don’t feel it’s right for you, and not what you expected, talk to your tutor and to the student personal adviser linked to your course. Do this quickly, as you may not be able to change courses after the first few weeks of term. You can also ask for a careers interview, to help you make the right decision.

Do I need to buy any kit or equipment for my course?

Some courses require you to have essential kit or equipment such as uniform, overalls, safety equipment, books or tools.  Your tutor will tell you all about this at your interview.

What if I can’t afford to pay for the course essentials?

The College has a hardship fund called the Student Support Fund which may be able help by giving you a discount on the cost of essential kit or equipment, depending on your household income.  Please click here for an application form or contact Student Services on 01767 626254.

Can I get any support with childcare costs?

If you are aged under 20 years old then you can apply to Care to Learn for help with your childcare costs. Please contact Care to Learn on 0800 121 8989 for more information.

If you aged 20 or over then you may apply to the College’s Student Support Fund for assistance with registered childcare costs. Please be aware that the fund is extremely limited and you are advised to apply early. Applications are accepted from 1^st July 2011, please click here for an application form or contact Student Services on 01767 626254.

What can I wear to College – is there a dress code?

Generally, students are free to wear whatever they like as long as it is not offensive to others. This means that you cannot wear anything too revealing, no offensive wording or logos and nothing that may conceal your identity (unless your religion requires this).  However, some courses will require you to wear specific clothing or uniform, or to follow a department dress code- you will be told about this at your interview.

Are there any rules at College?

We don’t have lots of rules and regulations.  We do however expect high standards of behaviour, including attendance and punctuality, and these are set out clearly in our student code of conduct.  As we are preparing you for your future employment we try to make our code of conduct as close as possible to what will find in the workplace.

We are a large College with students of many ages, nationalities and abilities, and it is important that we operate in an environment of tolerance and respect. We don’t accept any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination and have appropriate procedures in place.

Will I be able to progress at the end of my course?

• If you are on track to pass your qualification, our ‘progression guarantee’ allows you to move up to a course at the next level.
• You won’t need to complete another College application form, as you can arrange a fast-track progression with your tutor or by speaking with an enquiries and guidance adviser.
• If you’d like to change direction after you’ve completed your current course, you may be able to study a different course at the same or next level, depending on the subject. Your tutor, a College careers or enquiries adviser could help you make the right choice, so ask for advice.
• If I have a problem that is worrying me, who can I talk to?

Any student with worries or concerns can seek advice from their tutor or Student Services.  If you are a full-time student aged 16-19 you will also have a student wellbeing adviser, and you will meet them at the beginning of your course.  If you have a personal issue you can turn to your student wellbeing adviser for support.  They may also be able to suggest other services that can help you further. 

Do you have a Counselling Service at College?

Yes, the service is free and open to all students.  Whatever you say to your counsellor will remain confidential, unless we believe that either you or someone else is at risk of harm.  Appointments are available throughout the week, and can be booked directly with a counsellor, by email or text, or via Student Services. 

What will the College do to support my general health and wellbeing?

We have been awarded ‘Healthy College’ status in recognition for the support we give our students to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles.  So whether you want to stop smoking, get more exercise or eat more healthily, we can help!

We also take the safety of our students very seriously, and aim to create a safe and welcoming learning environment.  If we have any concerns that one of our students is being harmed or bullied, we have procedures in place for dealing with the problem.

If I have a problem with my academic work, who can I talk to?

Your personal tutor will provide all the academic support you need to ensure you are able to complete your course successfully. You will meet with your tutor regularly to discuss any concerns and set targets to help you keep on track.

If I’m unhappy on my course what can I do?

Don’t leave it a long time to talk to someone about it.  Speak to your personal tutor or student wellbeing adviser, there maybe things that can be adjusted to make your time at Shuttleworth College more enjoyable.  If it is near the beginning of the course, you may be able to change courses.  

I’m never going to be able to afford all the books I need for my course!

Don’t worry – we have a well-stocked library with friendly staff who will help you find all the information you need. You will have library and IT inductions at the start of your course to ensure that you know all about what’s on offer. Our generous borrowing entitlements will allow you to access all the information you need.

I prefer to study at home – how can you help?

We have a number of e-books and e-resources, which are accessible 24/7 over the internet and which have been chosen with your course in mind. E-resources mean that you are not dependent on getting all your information from the library during our opening hours. Of course, e-books can never get mislaid or accumulate fines, so they have several advantages over traditional formats! Books are still very important here though, so if you prefer not to sit at a computer for very long you will still have lots of resources to use.

The library is far too big to find anything in, so I won’t be able to cope…

No-one is born knowing how to use a library, and we understand that it takes time to get used to such a large collection.  Learning Resources staff are happy to help you learn how to find information quickly and efficiently, a skill which will stand you in good stead throughout your time at College and beyond.

What is a Student Legend?

The Student Legend scheme is a reward scheme which recognises contribution to Shuttleworth College.  Each time you volunteer to help out, it is signed off in your log book so that at the end of the year you can use it as evidence of your achievement.