Section 9 - International Students
.1 Entry Qualifications and English Language Support
The University has avoided placing an over-heavy reliance on international student numbers in its expenditure plans and is firmly committed to maintain high academic entry standards and English Language requirements. For postgraduate entry the Postgraduate Admissions Office, in consultation with academic Schools, have compiled lists of recognised overseas institutions and qualifications in the light of experience over many years. Applications from international candidates who offer qualifications not previously recognised are subject to individual scrutiny. The English Language Requirement included in the University's General Entrance Requirement, though not applicable to exchange students, is waived only in exceptional circumstances for students registered for a degree award.
The Student Support Centre provides language support to international students throughout the year. Over the February to September period, intensive pre-sessional courses are run providing general orientation and tuition in English for Academic Purposes and study skills. During the academic year a programme of in-sessional English language classes and workshops are offered, and some individual support is available for students who need it. Bespoke courses for departments can also be delivered if required.
.2 International Office
The International Office provides a support service for the University's recruitment activities (see para 7.2). One of its principal activities is to provide a seamless support service for applicants and newly-arrived international students.
.3 Other Support
Through the International Student Programme, the Student Support Centre aims to help international students feel part of the university community, by sending regular newsletters, running informal support groups and organising a programme of social events throughout the year.
The Student Advice and Support Service, based in the Student Support Centre, offers confidential and impartial advice to international students and their families on a wide range of issues including: immigration, visa extensions, police registration, the right to work, and school placements. Our International Student Advisor is also able to provide individual help and support for any international student who experiences difficulties whilst studying and living in Britain, and works closely with the rest of the Student Support Centre staff and other colleagues to ensure the best possible provision and support for international students within the University.
The Student Support Centre is responsible for the International Orientation Programme, and provides input into the Orientation Programmes of academic Schools throughout the University. In addition, the International Student Adviser can offer guidance to academic and support staff in working effectively with international students.
The Careers and Employability Centre has a range of resources available specifically for international students including a dedicated section of its website and a range of careers leaflets. The international careers adviser runs workshops for international students and arranges for a specialist solicitor to deliver talks on changes to immigration and work permission regulations in conjunction with the Student Support Centre.
The Centre for Faith and Spirituality provides facilities to develop, explore and learn about faith and spirituality whilst also providing help and support to all students on spiritual, ethical and moral issues. The Centre is open to anyone and provides space and facilities for prayer, meditation and reflection. It has a library and resource centre and chaplains are available to give personal and confidential help and support.
The Counselling and Disability Service (CDS) provides a range of support for students through the following departments within the service.
The University Counselling Service has expertise in cross-cultural counselling and is available to international students who need help with issues such as culture change, transitions, homesickness, adjustment, psychological and social difficulties and any other issues that the student is affected by.
The Disability Office and the Mental Health Support Team is open to all international students. They contact any students who indicate a disability on application to establish any support needs they have, although international disabled students are welcome to make contact with either team at any time during their course. Support can be provided in a number of areas, including physical and sensory impairments, Specific Learning Differences (such as dyslexia), mental health problems and medical conditions.
All disclosures of a disability, including mental health, are treated in confidence.
As international students do not qualify for external funding from the Disabled Students' Allowance, international disabled students with additional support needs may require additional university funding to provide academic related support, this will be coordinated through the Disability Office and MHST as appropriate, and referred to departments accordingly. The Disability Office also maintains a stock of assistive technology to loan to international disabled students where necessary.
.4 Policy Determination
Policy for the support of international students is determined by Student Experience Committee on the advice of its International Students
Support Network, which, in addition to representatives of the appropriate
support services, includes within its membership the local British
Council representative, providing an impartial external view, and the
President of the International Students Association.