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What, When and How to Pay

Please note we reserve the right to change fees and to cancel courses in response to funding changes and student numbers. We regret that if a course does not reach its minimum number we will close the course but we will refund your fees.

College fee

All students must pay a £9 college fee. This pays for your membership of the college library/learning centre, WiFi access to college networks and membership of college clubs. This fee is included in your course fees if you pay them. Any student wishing to use these facilities but who is not enrolled on a course must pay a £50 college fee for that academic year.

Course fees – Full fee or reduced fees

Course fees cover your contribution to the college costs of teaching you. The course listings set out the Full course fee and the Reduced Senior course fee. Zero course fees are available on most courses for students on JSA or ESA(WRAG), and for unemployed students on income based benefits who need extra skills to find employment. Zero course fees also apply to certain courses and students: eg 16-18 year olds, adults for English or Maths Skills courses; for certain courses, under 24 year old students without a Full Level 2, or under 25 year old students without a Full Level 3. Students paying Zero or Reduced fees may have to pay a refundable deposit.

Other fees (exam, materials/studio), charges and costs

An exam fee is payable on some courses but students on low income can ask for help to pay this. Basic materials/studio fees are included in the Course fees. However, on some courses (teachers will give details), if students use extra or very expensive materials further charges may be made, and sometimes students may need to buy their own materials from outside suppliers. Fees for the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check which is required on some courses (details in the course descriptions) must be paid before the course starts.

Overseas students from outside the European Union pay £9 an hour plus any other applicable fees.

Transfers and refunds

Transfers to another course, with transfer of your fees to that course, are possible within 2 weeks from the course start provided you meet its entry requirements, there are spaces and the new teacher agrees.

Fee Refunds are not given for illness, accident or other changes in your circumstances. Refunds of course fees, not the college fee, are given if you cancel your place at least 2 weeks before the course starts. We will refund fees in full if the college cancels or closes a course.

Payment deadlines and unpaid fees

Deadlines & Instalment Payments: All fees must be paid at the time of enrolment. Students who claim Reduced Fees and pay £25 to keep a place must show their entitlement evidence within 7 days or lose the £25 and their place. If Course fees are over £300, payment can be made over 6 months by 6 equal direct debit payments. Other instalment options are available for Art Foundation and Professional Practice students as set out in this prospectus and on our website. There are special arrangements for our FdA students which are set out on our website.

Unpaid fees: We will use debt collection services and make referral to credit reference agencies if fees are not paid. You must pay any outstanding fees from previous years before you will be allowed to enrol.

Help with paying your fees

Students on very low income can apply to the Principal’s Hardship Fund. Ask Student Services for details but please note these applications must be made AFTER you have enrolled and paid, and if successful, we will refund part or all of the fees you paid. Students on low income can also apply to the Learner Support Fund for help with childcare, travel, books and other costs, and details of application deadlines, procedures and priorities will be publicized by Student Services.

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