Overview
The Bournemouth and Poole College is one of the largest state colleges in the UK with over 25,000 UK students and 500 international students enrolling for programmes each year. Bournemouth and Poole are international resorts on the south coast of England, 160 kilometres from London, easy access to Heathrow and Gatwick airports, and mainland Europe. The College centres are within walking distance of both Bournemouth and Poole cultural, recreational, sporting and shopping facilities.

The UK government is allowing international students to work, and there are many opportunities in Bournemouth and Poole for obtaining a job. The area has over 300 hotels and many restaurants, pubs and bars, so work is easy to find. Students can work up to 20 hours per week while they are studying and full-time during the holidays. This enables them to improve their English Language levels and earn some spending money.

Academic strengths
The College offers vocational, academic, professional, international access, pre-masters and higher education programmes (accredited by Bournemouth University and University College Winchester), all leading to internationally recognised qualifications. We also offer Intensive English Language programmes accredited by The British Council and The College is a member of English UK. The College offers a wide range of courses for international students and has recently been awarded the Beacon Award for International Student Support.

Facilities The College has excellent study facilities including learning resources centres, IT learning zone, laboratories, kitchens and salons. All students have a personal tutor to monitor academic progress and provide study support.

International students can participate in a year-round programme of cultural and social activities including visits to many places of interest. They are also encouraged to join the Students’ Union which provide sports, social, cultural and recreational events to suit a wide range of tastes. In addition, there is a wealth of sports, leisure and cultural facilities both in Bournemouth and Poole. A ferry service operates each day from Poole to Cherbourg giving students easy access to France and other areas of Europe.

International students on academic, vocational, professional, university foundation and higher education programmes receive free English Language and study support from experienced learner support tutors.

Our Accommodation Officer will arrange homestay to suit your requirements and will help you settle in on arrival. All accommodation is inspected regularly to ensure it is of the highest quality and complies with local and government standards.

The International Student Support Officer follows the progress of all international students and provides help and advice on a wide range of matters.

Student life
Students at the College, Bournemouth University, and The Arts Institute make up a large student population. In addition, Bournemouth is a major UK tourist area for both British and worldwide visitors. There are many shops, restaurants, pubs, clubs and hotels to enjoy. The area is one of outstanding natural beauty with many kilometres of sandy beaches, cliffs and rolling green hills and historic Jurassic world heritage coast. Students can also take advantage of the many activities arranged through the Students’ Union.

The College’s international website provides detailed information in respect of visa and immigration issues, welfare and accommodation, transport, banking services, living expenses and insurance details (medical).

Student profile

Oswaldo Pacheco Useche
Venezuela

"I came originally to The College to study English Language. Before I had studied at a private language school and when I joined The College I realised that this type of learning environment was definitely for me. As I have always been very interested in Tourism coming from a country with oustanding natural beauty, I decided to study the City & Guilds 4865 Diploma in International Tourism. At the end of my course I hope to go on to study Tourism at a UK University. My teachers at College are excellent and have certainly added to enriching my experience of studying in the UK."