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?

You can apply for a visa which will allow you to stay in Preston for the 10 week module. The Journalism Leaders Programme is an excellent choice for professionals because its innovative structure allows them to earn a higher qualification without interrupting their careers. As a foreign national you can choose to take time out to experience life in the United Kingdom during your 10 week module. The programme can be completed in a minimum of two years.

If you are considering applying for this course you must apply for a ‘Student Visitor Visa’ which allows you to undertake part-time study. Full details of this can be found on the Home Office website.

. The International Student Advice Team will be happy to discuss these visa issues with you and assist in the preparation university documentation to support your visa application. They can be contacted by email

TYPICAL 10-WEEK MODULE
Weeks 1-2	Week 3	Weeks 4-10	Week 10
Background reading to be mailed; links to electronic resources available on the programme website. Weekly online chat sessions; no classes.	Intensive residential week on campus in the UK.	Supportive Online discussion hosted on the programme web site provides a platform for on-going discussion. Weekly online chat sessions; no classes.	Final assignments due. Typically these projects can be applied to your professional context.

Please see our printable programme calendar.

Will i get an Individually-designed career development plan (CPD)

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:
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/international/index.php

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 International Student Advice Team provides a free 4-week Pre-sessional English Programme for international students, which includes weeks of intensive language training. Typically, this programme runs in August just prior to the first residential week. (Details)

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’

What about getting work experience?

Get experience working in the UK media

Non-EU international students who come to study in UK on a Student Visitor Visa are not allowed to work.

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?

You will need 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 are a range of services for all students. The university has specialist International Student Advisers. They can offer information, advice and guidance on a wide range of issues including:

• immigration and visa issues including visa extensions
• visas for other countries
• pre-arrival and on-arrival information and support
• orientation programmes
• work regulations
• advocacy and liaison
• on-going support e.g. issues relating to personal problems, health, work, tuition fees, sudden financial hardship, personal safety, keeping within the law etc

See UCLan International office.

In addition, there are a lot of clubs and societies that provide networking opportunities across the campus. Amongst those is the Mature Student Society.

Can I start off as a attending only in the residential sessions and then extend my stay in the UK at a later stage?

Under UK immigration rules, you will be attending this course on a Student Visitor Visa. At the end of each visa you will be expected to return to your home country. You will not be able to extend your visa in the UK nor will you be able to switch to a different visa category.

For information about this go to:
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/studentvisitorinfo

or contact the International Student Advice Team.

What do I do next?

So, if you are a foreign national interested in staying in the UK throughout your studies, contact the course director François Nel directly to discuss this option further.

Useful websites

Prospects guide to funding postgraduate study
DfEE guide to Career Development Loans
Charity Commission (searchable online Register of Charities)
British Council guide to postgraduate scholarships for international students

Useful books/addresses/phone numbers

The Educational Grants Directory Published by Directory of Social Change (ISBN: 1903991269).

The Grants Register 2003 Published by Palgrave Macmillan (ISBN: 0333964748) - this is a very expensive book, so you should try to find it in your library.

The Charities Digest Published by Waterlow Professional Publishing (ISBN: 1857839315).

The Educational Grants Advisory Service (ESAG). Write, including an explanation of your situation, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to: Educational Grants Advisory Service, + 501-505 Kingsland Road, London E8 4AU.

Learndirect (free telephone helpline to help with career and learning opportunities, including financing your study) - +(0)800 100900.

Career Development Loan information line - +(0)800 585 505.