Getting Started
When can I start?
Online: At any time.
Onsite: Follow the term dates. Allow yourself enough time to apply for a visa, if you need one.
How do I enrol?
Online. Complete a simple application form. If you wish to come and study in Canterbury, we will schedule a formal interview with you.
What about English?
If English is not your first language, you should demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or higher (depending on the qualification you are planning to achieve). Students whose English is deemed weak (to the point where it will affect your studies negatively) will be compelled to do additional English lessons and take a new proficiency test to determine if they have the ability to complete the course. If you study in Canterbury, we can provide English and Study Skills classes.
Can I talk to someone about my options?
Yes. Just contact us. Our advisors can discuss your academic and career needs.
Academics
How do I study?
Online: Access your course notes online, anywhere. Learning is step-by-step and you are guided from one section to the next.
Onsite: In addition to all the online materials, you will receive face-to-face tuition in a classroom situation, and you have direct access to your teachers so you can ask them questions in class.
How can I get support during my studies?
You will get unlimited tutor support by email. You can pay for personal face-to-face or telephone/Skype support. Details about assignments/learning outcomes/assessment will be provided, and assessors follow ATHE requirements.
What about assessments?
There are NO formal examinations. Each qualification level has a number of written assignments that you must complete. You will continually receive feedback on your assignments which are about 6,000 to 8,000 words. When we are satisfied with the quality, we will submit these to be verified by ATHE. There will be no surprise fails.
Can I get Advanced Placement?
Yes. We are happy to consider your Recognised Prior Learning (RPL). This could shorten your pathway towards a qualification.
Do you accept transfer students?
Yes. If you are studying at another similar school or university, we would be happy to facilitate a transfer of your academic credit.
I live overseas – will I still get online support?
Yes. We do not discriminate.
I live overseas – can I study in Canterbury?
Yes. You may need to apply for a standard visitor visa. See our guide for international students (opens in a new window).
Can I take courses while on a Gap Year or working?
Yes. All you need is access to the Internet, motivation and good planning. Remember, study is self-paced.
How does progression work?
- Level 3 students can apply to join a university directly without needing ‘A’ levels.
- Level 4 students can apply to enter the second year of a university degree.
- Level 5 students can apply to enter the third year of a university degree, and graduate with a Bachelor’s when they finish.
- Level 6 students can apply to join a Master’s degree programme (even without a Bachelor’s degree).
- Level 7 students can apply to do a ‘top-up’ programme to get their MBA from a partner university.
There are no formal exams in any of the levels. You only need to do a simple online multiple choice questions test after completion of each module, and submit your assignments. Some partner universities offer an online option for the final year or Top Up so you do not even have to attend campus.
When will I get my ATHE level diplomas?
Just completing all modules and assignments. When your results are ratified by the ATHE, it represents a formal QAA recognition of accepted university credits. The ATHE will then issue you your Level Diploma.
What if I have problems with my study?
There is a dedicated support team to help you, as well as student learning forums and webinars. All students enrolled can communicate with each other.
What goals can I achieve by the end of my studies?
Either a full BA degree or a postgraduate qualification such as an MBA. These are qualifications that can open doors to many career options, only that you achieved them in a non-traditional way – saving both time and money.
Costs
What is included?
Your learning materials through our online learning platform. Unlimited tutor support by email. First-time assessment fees.
How do I pay?
Pay as you go by Credit Card, PayPal, bank transfer, or cash (if you are in Canterbury).
What about payment plans?
Yes. We have several payment-plans which are interest free. Student loans may be possible for ‘Top-Up’ at your chosen university.
Are there any additional costs?
The following will cost, if relevant.
- Registration fee: £150 (non-refundable)
- Assessment re-take fee if ATHE rejects the assignment: £30.
- Any additional learning resources, ebooks, optional short courses that you wish to purchase.
- Health Insurance – check to see if you have to pay an immigration health surcharge with your visa.
- Online students only: Face-to-face/voice support per hour.
- Onsite students only: A higher tuition fee, travel costs, accommodation (must be pre-booked and prepaid before a visa support letter is issued), visa fees (if required), insurance, pocket money.
- Any fees related to applying to study at another institution/university.
Credibility and Quality Assurance
Who are ATHE?
The Awards for Training and Higher Education (ATHE) provides centres with a wide variety of qualifications in management, business, tourism law, IT, and health and social care. ATHE provides recognised Ofqual qualifications with progression routes to university degrees. Pre-agreed arrangements with certain universities allow for course exemption for programmes offered on campus or off campus. This is termed ‘university top-up’.
Who are Warnborough College?
A recognised independent British college founded in Oxford in 1973. It is accredited by ASIC as a Premier institution, and is an approved ATHE satellite centre. Many of our students have gone on to graduate successfully from top universities.
General
Warnborough College cannot act as a sponsor for a student visa, unless a student is coming to study in Canterbury for a period of 6 months. In some cases, students can up to 11 months. A visa is not required for online study – you can study from anywhere in the world. However, if a student wishes to take a ‘Top-Up’ on campus in the UK, a student visa will be required from the chosen university.
We will advise you on any needs or options throughout your university access programme.