Overseas FAQ: Staying in the UK during the course
Advice for international students who want to stay in the United Kingdom throughout their course of study
Can foreign nationals stay in the UK throughout their participation in the Journalism Leaders Programme?
Yes. While many participants selected The Journalism Leaders Programme because its innovative structure allows them to earn a higher qualification without interrupting their careers, a number of foreign nationals choose to take time out to experience life in the United Kingdom. The programme can be completed in a minimum of two years.
For those who follow this option, fulltime registration is required. Please note that in this context, ‘fulltime’ refers to the number of modules, not to the course delivery method.
Will i get an Individually-designed career development plan (CPD)
Yes. Following the first residential week, a meeting with your course leader can be scheduled to discuss the options available – from extra language courses, consultancy projects, work placements, field trips, etc. You will also be offered advice on how to develop a personal career development plan, following a framework provided by the Chartered Management Institute. A personal schedule will further help you make the most of your time.
General information about the full range of activities and support available to our vibrant on-campus postgraduate community is at:
Can I get additional help with study and language skills?
Yes. While international students expected to score at least 6.5 on the IELTS exam to join the programme, academic and language support is offered throughout your studies. Amongst these are:
- The university provides a free 4-week Pre-sessional Language and Orientation Programme for international students, which includes weeks of intensive language training. Typically, this programme runs just prior to the first residential week. Details are available at:
http://old.uclan.ac.uk/facs/class/languages/englang/overview.htm , or by contacting Tracy O'Sullivan - The Lancashire Business School’s International Student Support Tutor Lynne Gornall will also support international students throughout their course. Contact her at: lgornall@uclan.ac.uk
- Details of additional support, including free English classes and study skills workshops, is available at the ‘I’: http://old.uclan.ac.uk/the-i/international.htm
What about getting work experience?
Get experience working in the UK media
There are no visa/ work restrictions for EU citizens. Non-EU international students who come to study in UK for more than six (6) months are generally allowed to work for up to 20 hours in term-time and full-time during vacations. This is called a 'restriction ' on work.
If you come to study for six months or less you will be given a 'prohibition' on work, but it is possible to request a 'restriction' from the immigration officer if entry clearance is sought in your home country or, on arrival, from the immigration officer. In both cases it is necessary to explain that you want to work to gain experience in a UK setting. It is essential that you have evidence of sufficient funds to pay fees and to live without working.
More information is available at: http://www.uclan.ac.uk/thebridge/international.htm
For those who would like to explore various UK professional contexts there are opportunities to visit local media and in short-term work placements. Note that while we can help by providing contacts through our extensive links with the media industry, obviously, final decisions in this regard remain the prerogative of the employers.
What about my applied assignments?
Typically the main assignments in each module are designed to be applied to the participant’s professional context. However, it is possible to attach yourself to a media organisation in the UK for the purposes of the assignment.
Note that while the course team will attempt to provide suitable contacts, the final arrangements are the responsibility of the student and the participating organisation.
How much time will I need for my studies?
Remember that if fulltime students should plan to spend at least 8-10 hours per week on work for each module, which typically includes participating in one online chat session per week.
Is there anyone that can help me with non-academic issues?
Yes, there is a range of services for all students. The university has an international student support team, based in the "i" student information service, and can be contacted by email on InternationalStudentAdviceTeam@uclan.ac.uk or by phoning 01772 895000.
They can offer advice and guidance on the following:
International Students Pre-Arrival
International Students Arrival A-Z 2007
General advice on personal and academic problems
Visa extensions
Visitor and dependents visa letters
Schengen visas and travel outside the UK
Departure from the UK
See http://www.uclaninternational.org/studentsupport
Can I start off as a attending only in the residential sessions and then extend my stay in the UK at a later stage?
Yes. You are welcome to extend your stay at the university at any time. As visa and immigration requirements differ, we will need to discuss this
What do I do next? So, if you are a foreign national interested in staying in the UK throughout your studies, contact the course leader François Nel directly at fpnel@uclan.ac.uk to discuss this option further.