undergraduate finance guide 2015

Undergraduate Finance Guide 2015

www.brunel.ac.uk/ug-finance

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CONTENTS

Fees .....................................................3

Government financial support ................................5

Brunel University financial support ................................6

Extra-curricular scholarships .............8

Additional funding ............................9

Earning while you study .................11

Financial information for international students .....................12

Living costs .......................................14

USEFUL WEBSITES


www.gov.uk/student-finance

www.ucas.com/students/studentfinance

www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/oysteronline/2732.aspx

www.16-25railcard.co.uk

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FEES

Brunel University charges a fee of £9,000 per annum for home/EU students on its full-time undergraduate degree programmes. The University believes that this fee level is necessary to maintain its strong focus on research-led teaching and the employability of its students. It also recognises that Brunel University must continue to invest in its facilities and curriculum in order to meet the needs of its students.

Fees for international (non-EU) students are £13,000 (low band), £14,250 (mid band) or £16,000 (high band).

FEES FOR SANDWICH PLACEMENT YEAR

If you choose to take a four-year sandwich placement degree, the total fee for the placement period(s) will be just £1,000. This fee is charged because of the continued support and assessment structures that form an integral part of the placement. Students from under-represented groups will receive a fee waiver, and placement bursaries may also be available. We will also be funding some internships.

FEES FOR A FOUR-YEAR MASTER’S COURSE

To encourage high-performing students from under-represented groups to apply for, or transfer to, our four-year integral undergraduate Master’s degrees in Mathematics and Engineering, we will offer successful candidates a fee waiver of £3,000 for the fourth year of study. This reduces the cost to £6,000 – the national basic fee.

PART-TIME COURSES

The fee for part time courses is 75% of the full time fee, payable in each of four years.

PAYING YOUR FEES

Arrangements for the payment of tuition fees must be made at or before enrolment for each academic year. Full payment by the designated registration date will attract a 2% discount.

Home/EU students can pay in a single instalment at or before enrolment, or in six instalments between enrolment and March. Overseas students can pay in a single instalment at or before enrolment, or can pay 60% of the balance at enrolment and the remainder in January.

The University reserves the right to make certain additional charges for items such as deposits on equipment, registration fees to external bodies, re-registration fees, resit examination fees and charges for lost ID cards.

Pay your fees in advance to get the 2% discount – it saves you money which you can spend during your studies, such as on a laptop, an

iPad or other study materials.

Zahid Ali, Human Resource Management MSc

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GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Undergraduate UK/EU students who are studying for their first degree or other higher education course can apply to Student Finance England for help.

• You apply for student finance every year

• You don’t need a confirmed place at university or college to apply

• Tuition Fee Loans cover the cost of your fees and are paid directly to the University

• Maintenance Loans and Grants help with living costs eg accommodation, books, food and travel

• Loans must be paid back, grants do not

MAINTENANCE LOAN (FULL-TIME STUDENTS ONLY)

All eligible students can apply. The amount you will receive is means-tested, and is paid in three instalments in September, January and April. For 2014 entry, this is what you would receive:

In London (Brunel) up to £7,751

Outside of London up to £5,555

Living at home up to £4,418

MAINTENANCE GRANT (FULL-TIME STUDENTS ONLY)

For the 2014 academic year, if your household income is up to £25,000 you will be entitled to a full grant of £3,387. If your household income is between £30,000 and £42,620 you will be entitled to a partial means-tested grant of between £50 and £2,441.

You might get extra help on top of this if, for example, you are on a low income, have children or dependant adults, are disabled or are a medical, social work or teacher training student.

Use the student finance calculator to estimate your maintenance loan and grant:

www.gov.uk/student-finance-calculator

REPAYMENT

• You must pay back Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans

• You pay interest on these

• You only make repayments when your income is over £21,000 a year

• If your income drops below this amount, repayments stop

• Each month you pay back 9% of any income over £21,000

For 2015 entry, please check with gov.uk in due course.

Find out more:

www.gov.uk/student-finance

Keep track of everything. I worked out how much money I could spend on food etc each week from my maintenance loan and if you stick to this budget as far

as you can you’ll be fine.

Home cooking is less expensive. Team up with your flatmates to cook meals; it’ll be cheaper!

Laura Dunnett, Creative Writing BA

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BRUNEL UNIVERSITY FINANCIAL SUPPORT

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES

Comprehensive information on Brunel University undergraduate finance and funding for 2015 is available on the website:


For specific scholarship enquiries please email:

[email protected]

Brunel is offering over 400 scholarships and bursaries based on a whole range of criteria available for students entering the University in 2015.

You may be eligible if you:

• obtain three A grades at A-level or D*D*D* for BTEC

• are from a low income household

• are from a low socio-economic group

• are a Care Leaver and those from the Foyer Federation

• are disabled (includes dyslexia)

• are mature

• are from a low participation neighbourhood

• have parents without a HE qualification

• are from one of our Partnership Schools and Colleges

Please see the Web for further information, including eligibility criteria contained in the full Terms and Conditions and application details.

www.brunel.ac.uk/scholarships

Buy in bulk. There are certain necessities you need that can be more than 50% cheaper if you buy them by the box.

Daniel Jurawan, Financial Mathematics BSc

n Brunel BursaryValue £3,000 cash award

How many 300

For how long £1,000 a year for three years (subject to meeting progression criteria).

Application process none required

n Care Leaver (Foyer Federation) BursaryValue £1,000

How many every care leaver registered on a Brunel undergraduate programme

For how long up to three years (students on a sandwich placement will be entitled to a Placement Scholarship to cover the fee of their placement year)

Application process none required. This bursary is in addition to any other financial entitlements.

n Academic Excellence ScholarshipValue £6,000 cash or fee waiver

How many 30

For how long three years (subject to meeting progression criteria)

Application process completion of an online scholarship application form by 31 January, including a personal statement

n Local Boroughs ScholarshipAnnual Value £6,000 cash or fee waiver

How many 30


Application process no application required

n Brunel Alumni ScholarshipAnnual Value £6,000 cash award

How many five new entrants each year



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2015n Urban Scholarship

Annual Value up to £3,000 cash award

How many all those that meet the eligibility criteria



n Mathematics ScholarshipValue £1,000 cash award

How many 10



n Nexen ScholarshipValue £3,000 cash award

How many one Mechanical Engineering student

For how long three years for BEng or four years for MEng (subject to meeting progression criteria)


n Placement ScholarshipValue full fee waiver for sandwich placement year

How many all students who meet the eligibility criteria

For how long one year – placement year only

n Engineering Excellence ScholarshipValue £2,000 cash or fee waiver

How many all students who meet the eligibility criteria



n PGCE Access ScholarshipValue £2,500 fee waiver

How many up to 20

For how long one year only


Brunel also offers a range of other scholarships and awards in specific subject areas. Please check with your subject area for more information.

Photo: James A. Harris / Shutterstock.com

Being awarded the Academic Excellence Scholarship in recognition of the hard work and effort I put into my A-levels has not only given me

access to opportunities which may have been previously out of reach, but it has

also motivated me to study harder.

Without the financial worries associated with studying for a degree, I have been

able to take opportunities that arise and my overall learning experience has been enhanced, such as joining

the University of London Air Squadron. Employers are looking for more than

just a good grade; they are looking for experience and skills. This scholarship has given me financial help which has allowed me to partake in a wide range of activities and I have developed skills which will benefit me in the world of work, such as leadership training.

Applying for the scholarship was really easy and there were a range

of other scholarships on offer for students who met certain requirements. I just filled out an online application and waited for my A-level results to find out whether I was successful.

Claire Kelly, History BA

Photo: James A. Harris / Shutterstock.com

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MUSIC AWARDS

These are made each year to singers and instrumentalists who are not studying music performance as part of their academic course. Successful students may have all or part of the cost of their music tuition covered while studying at Brunel. The Arts Centre administers the awards through an annual audition system, and you can apply once you have received an offer from Brunel. The number of awards made each year will vary but there will be no fewer than four new awards made each year.

www.brunel.ac.uk/services/artscentre

SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

The Sports Scholarship scheme is one of the most well established in the UK and has helped Olympians such as Kate Walsh (hockey), Perri Shakes-Drayton (athletics), and Heather Fell (modern pentathlon) to balance their sport and study commitments whilst at Brunel. The scheme offers:

• a financial award and assistance with competition expenses

• accommodation allocated next to the sports facilities if you choose to live on campus

• mentoring support to help you manage your commitments

• free use of the sports facilities

For further information on Sports Scholarships please email details of your sporting performances and the course to which you are applying to:

[email protected]

EXTRA-CURRICULAR SCHOLARSHIPS

I have been lucky enough to be a recipient of an Arts Centre Music Award

throughout my undergraduate English degree, having auditioned at the

beginning of my first year. The award enables students such as myself, who

are doing non-musical degrees, to keep up their training which would otherwise

be too expensive for many students.

I have had individual singing lessons throughout my time at Brunel and

joined many other Arts Centre courses such as Voices, a modern choir for

experienced singers, and the musical productions put on twice a year, both of which I was encouraged to join upon audition by Arts Centre staff.

Without the Music Award, my university experience would not have been as

vibrant, with many people I met through these courses becoming my closest friends. I would encourage anyone who wishes to continue their musical

enthusiasm at Brunel to apply for a Music Award – they are truly invaluable.

Katy Gough, English BA

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2015Additional funding is available for those on professional health courses,

students training to be teachers, those with dependants, disabled students and those who experience financial difficulties during their course.

TEACHER TRAINING

You can get student finance for the following full or part-time teacher training courses if you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate:

• Initial Teacher Training (ITT)

• Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)

• School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)

You can apply for student finance, including a Tuition Fee Loan to pay for your course, a Maintenance Loan (full-time students only) and a Maintenance Grant (full-time students only) to help with living costs.

You may be eligible for a training bursary from the National College for Teaching and Leadership – how much you get depends on your teaching subject and degree class.

Find out more:

www.gov.uk/teacher-training-funding

SOCIAL WORK BURSARIES

If you are training to work in social work, you may be eligible for an NHS bursary. Social work bursaries:

• help with living costs and tuition fees

• don’t depend on your household income

• don’t have to be paid back

Find out more:

www.gov.uk/social-work-bursaries

NHS BURSARIES

If you’re training for medicine, dentistry or healthcare you may get an NHS bursary to help with living costs and tuition fees. NHS bursaries don’t have to be paid back.

Find our more:

www.gov.uk/nhs-bursaries

HARDSHIP FUND

The hardship provides financial assistance to students who face difficulty in meeting their living costs or course costs. This can be due to ongoing personal circumstances, or because you fall into hardship unexpectedly through no fault of your own. You can only apply once you have enrolled as a student, and the University will assess how much should be awarded.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING

Brunel offers fantastic ‘Money Doctor’ services which are a great way to maximise your loan. Calculate how

much money per day your loan provides after paying accommodation fees and then allocate money for each

week. Ensure you have ‘emergency’ money by saving any money left over

each week in a separate account.

Lydia Moy, Business and Management BSc

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DISABLED STUDENTS’ ALLOWANCE (DSA)

DSA can pay for any extra costs UK disabled or dyslexic students may have in attending their course. Students with any disability may be eligible, including mental health conditions, Asperger syndrome and medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, arthritis and sickle cell. It is not a loan and does not need to be paid back. The list below illustrates the type of support that may be funded:

• computer, printer, scanner

• assistive software

• furniture for study purposes

• recording devices

• training in use of assistive software

• note-takers

• study skills tuition

• mentors

• readers/scribes and proofreaders

• library support

• non-core textbooks

• photocopying

• Internet connection

• consumables (cartridges, paper)

• additional costs of en suite accommodation

• helpers to carry course-related materials and for mobility around university

Students referred by the Disability and Dyslexia Service for a diagnostic assessment of a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, may be eligible for funding to cover the cost of the assessment.

For more information or for help in applying to either of these schemes, contact the Disability and Dyslexia Service:

+44 (0)1895 265213

[email protected]

ADDITIONAL FUNDING (CONT)

I applied for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) once at Brunel.

The Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) went through the process with me and helped me apply.

I got lots of useful things out of my DSA – a new laptop with voice-

recognition software, a printer, course books and an iPad. I also have a

support worker who takes notes in my lectures and provides support outside of lectures, such as by helping me get books in the library. The most useful thing has been my iPad, as it’s very

convenient for me and easy to access.

I’d definitely recommend that students take the time to apply for DSA, as it’s really helpful. I’ve been very fortunate

at Brunel, I’d really recommend it as the support is fantastic!

Tahir Tariq, Sociology BSc

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2015We understand that you may need

to offset your university costs with part-time or vacation work. Our sandwich courses often involve paid placements, which also help you to command a higher salary after graduation, and the Job Shop helps students find part-time work.

THE JOB SHOP

Brunel’s Job Shop helps students to find part-time, temporary and vacation work. We recommend that undergraduates work for a maximum of 15 hours per week during term-time. International students should always seek individual immigration advice for working rights in the UK.

The roles available on campus can pay £6–£14 per hour and vary from the Student Ambassador, Employability Rep and Job Shop Temp schemes to roles within administration, customer service, IT support and everything in between. We also offer the chance to apply to work on a selection of summer projects including Graduation Stewarding, Alumni Fundraising, the Clearing Call Centre and the catering team, to name a few. Roles on campus often offer flexible working hours or are event-based, enabling you to find working solutions that fit with your timetable.

For more information and examples of the types of roles available, visit:

www.brunel.ac.uk/jobshop

EARNING WHILE YOU STUDY

I applied for an internship at the Placement and Careers Centre in their marketing department and then they hired me to work one day a week in their office, which easily fit around

my studies. I also took up a job in the students’ union as bar staff, which was

extremely flexible – when I was busy with coursework I could easily decrease my hours, but was able to work throughout the year so I haven’t had to rely solely on my student loan. I have developed skills and gained experience, which has increased my employability and confidence. When I graduate, I’ll be able to show potential employers that I can manage my time well and that I

made the most of university by working on my professional skills outside of class time. Having a job whilst at university is

definitely doable, and has many benefits. The money I’ve been able to save whilst working has given me the freedom to apply for internships and volunteering

opportunities over summer. It’s something I would definitely recommend.

Emma Jeremy, English and Creative Writing BA

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DEPOSITS

Applicants holding an unconditional offer can guarantee their place on an undergraduate course. A course fee deposit of £3,000 is required from all students along with a £350 deposit to reserve accommodation. Course fee deposits are non-refundable unless a visa application is refused and evidence of this can be provided. Accommodation deposits are also non-refundable unless notice in writing (email or fax) is given to the Accommodation Office seven days prior to the commencement of the licence period.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

The Brunel International Scholarship Programme is an annual award that is open to all international students. Scholarship holders will represent Brunel as ambassadors throughout their time at the University.

For 2015 we are offering 37 awards, which will comprise of a 15% discount off the cost of tuition fees. These awards are open to all students who are classed as overseas for fee purposes.

Other scholarships and discounts for international students include the Academic Excellence Scholarships – awards of £3000 – and the 2% discount for self-funding students who pay their fees in full by enrolment.

SPONSORSHIP

If you are sponsored by a company, organisation or charitable trust, not by family members, guardians or friends, a copy of the documents confirming your sponsorship should be presented before Registration and before re-enrolment each year. You will not need to submit a deposit for course fees if this information is supplied.

Classifying students as ‘home’ or ‘overseas’The University is responsible for classifying students as ‘home’ or ‘overseas’ for fee purposes. It must follow complex rules, and the following provides only an outline of those student groups who may be considered eligible for ‘home’ fee status, at the time of writing:

• UK residents with settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and three years’ continuous ordinary residence

• EU (including UK) nationals, their spouses or children under the age of 21 with three years’ continuous residence in the EU

• individuals with formal UK refugee status or their spouses/children, who have been ordinarily resident since gaining such status

• individuals who have been granted Humanitarian Protection by the UK Government

• UK residents and EU nationals temporarily absent from the EU due to temporary employment overseas

• students on reciprocal exchange programmes

The University reserves the right to make full and final decisions as to fee status at the time of application and Registration. The above is only a guide and applicants should not take it as forming any part of a contract with the University. This information and the legislation on which it is based may change from time to time, so applicants should not rely upon it. If you have any doubts about your likely fee status, you are strongly advised to contact Brunel Admissions prior to taking up your place.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Usman Shafiq, Business and Management BSc

The student Oyster card gives you 30% off weekly or monthly passes. By getting

a 16-25 Rail Card you can get even more discounts – you save 30% on UK rail travel and on London travel as well.

If you want to visit town to get groceries or go to the Odeon, walk! It takes

hardly 20 minutes to get there on foot from campus, you save £1.40 of bus fare plus you stay healthy and active.

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Avoid takeaways and eating out as much as you can! The £25+ that you spend on ‘one off’ meals can be stretched out to a two week shop for breakfast, lunch, dinner and maybe even dessert. Make a shopping list and stick to it!

Spending all your funds on ASOS and in high-street

stores is very tempting but can lead to a lot of regret and debt! What you want

and what you need are two different things! Only shop

when discount events such as ‘student lock-ins’ take place, or wait for seasonal sales.

Get a part time job, it counts as work experience which enhances your CV, and it gives you a regular source of income. Even if it doesn’t seem that much a month it helps keep you

out of your overdraft.

Groupon is a great free website to sign up to as it offers daily deals and discounts on day trips,

holidays, nails, hairdressers, gym passes/fitness classes etc. It’s great to save money for presents or even if you

want to treat yourself. Always ask if a place does student

discount, it doesn’t hurt to ask!

Dianna Reid, Anthropology BSc

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Our on-campus accommodation currently costs between £102 and £130 per week, including heating, water, electricity, basic insurance and Internet.

Off-campus accommodation costs between £80 and £95 a week for a room, but you may also have to pay bills on top of this.

Please see the Accommodation Guide, or visit our accommodation Web pages for more information.

www.brunel.ac.uk/accommodation

You will also need to budget for:

• food and drink

• toiletries

• study materials

• travel

• mobile phone

• clothes

• social life

LIVING COSTS

I have Vouchercloud which I think is a bonus for shopping or eating out. I would recommend getting a Boots

card as when purchasing your make-up and toiletries your points build up so

when you’re short for money you have your points to buy essentials with.

Natalie Fewkes, Law LLB

The use of world class coaching and facilities here at Brunel has guided me through the start of my athletics career.

Taking advantage of great Sport Scholarship accommodation next

door to the track and having flexibility in my course has taken

away unwanted stress to allow me to concentrate on my performance on the track and in the classroom.

With added benefits of financial support, kit and physio, the Brunel Scholarship is a very well-rounded support programme.

Ashley Bryant, Sport Sciences BSc

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I ride a pink bike around campus. It’s cheaper and believe it or not, quicker than the bus (waiting and stops). It is ‘greener’ – better for the environment – and I get a cheeky bit of exercise whenever I cycle, making me feel better about all those study snacks!

Porscha Bennett-Skepple, Drama and Music BA

This information is correct at time of going to press. For up-to-date information please check the website www.brunel.ac.uk/courses/ug/fees

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this brochure and the University will take all reasonable action to deliver these services in accordance

with the descriptions set out in it. However, the University reserves the right to vary these services, using all reasonable efforts to offer a suitable alternative. All cost, rates and prices

stated in this brochure are subject to amendment and should be taken as a guide only.

Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the University’s summary of terms which is published on the web at www.brunel.ac.uk/about/administration before accepting a place.

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undergraduate finance guide 2015

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