International applicant guide 2014 15

internationalapplicant guide

2014/2015

Welcome to Liverpool John Moores University.We are delighted that you areconsidering studying here. We hope that this guide demonstrates why we are rankedamongst the top 400 universities in the world plus what you can expect from us interms of an exceptional student experience in a world-class city.

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Selamat datang ke Universiti Liverpool John Moores. Kami gembira bahawa anda ingin belajar di sini. Kami berharap panduan ini dapat menjelaskan mengapa universiti kami disenaraikan antara 400 buah universiti terbaik di dunia, selain daripada memenuhi jangkaan anda sebagai pelajar di sebuah bandar raya bertaraf dunia.

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Velkommen til Liverpool John Moores University. Det gleder oss at du vurderer å studere her. Vi håper at denne veiledningen viser hvorfor vi er rangert blant de 400 beste universitetene i verden, og hva du kan forvente deg fra denne enestående studentopplevelsen i en by i verdensklassen.

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A message fromthe Vice-ChancellorI am delighted that you are considering studying atLiverpool John Moores University. We are a universitywith ambitious plans for the future and that is reflectedin our steady rise up the UK and global university leaguetables to our current position in the top 400 universitiesin the world.

We offer international students the opportunity tosecure a world-class education in a world-class city. Ourdegrees are delivered by expert academics andinformed by the innovative and impactful research. Ourdegrees are also influenced and guided by our extensive links with employers, industry andother organisations operating in all sectors of the global economy. So whatever your degree,you can be confident that your academic studies will be at the forefront of current knowledgeand will equip you with the skills and expertise required for professional success in yourchosen career.

LJMU is located in one of the UK’s most vibrant and welcoming student cities. Liverpool is asafe, multi-racial and multi-cultural city, where religious diversity is welcomed. The city is alsofilled with interesting theatres, museums and art galleries, parks, clubs and music; it really hassomething for all tastes. Importantly, Liverpool is also a relatively inexpensive place in which tolive, offering a wide range of high quality student accommodation.

We understand that deciding to study in the UK is a big decision, and that’s why we offer allour international students expert support and guidance even before they arrive in Liverpool.Once you enrol, you will be part of supportive community of 24,000 students recruited fromover 70+ countries world-wide. You will also have access to all the facilities, library resourcesand support services you need to reach your full potential and enjoy life to the full.

I hope that you will soon be part of our exciting University community, and that we can helpyou realise your aspirations for a bright and successful future.

Professor Nigel WeatherillVice-Chancellor

Choosing your university is one of themost important decisions you will evermake and we are delighted that you areconsidering studying at Liverpool JohnMoores University.

This guide has been designed to help make this lifechanging decision that little bit easier. Plus it givesyou more information on what it’s like to be aninternational student in Liverpool as well as the nextsteps in the process, such as applying for your visa.

If you have any questions on any aspect ofstudying at LJMU or living in the UK, pleasecontact the International Admissions Team:[email protected]

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LJMU is ranked in the top 400 universities in the world

We are ranked in top 100 universities world-wide aged under 50 Improved ranking in Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014

Study in a world heritage cityLiverpool was the 2008 European Capital of Culture

SECTIONS

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NEXT STEPS - ACCEPT YOUR LJMU OFFER 5LIVERPOOL – A WARM WELCOME AWAITS 6WHAT LJMU CAN OFFER YOU 12THE LIVERPOOL STUDENTS’ UNION 26ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUPPORT 28STUDENT ACCOMMODATION 30HEALTHCARE 33VISA AND ENTRANCE CLEARANCE APPLICATIONS 35TUITION FEES AND LIVING EXPENSES 43

NEXT STEPSaccept your LJMU offerMaking your application is just the first step in getting your place at LJMU. As soon asyou receive your offer from LJMU you need to do one of the following:

n Undergraduate students who applied through UCAS need to select LJMU as their first(Firm) choice university. Simply log on to UCAS Track ( www.ucas.com/students/track) and confirmthat you accept your offer of a place.

n Undergraduate students who applied via an Agent need to accept this offer by emailing their signedreply form to the International Admissions Team ([email protected]).

n Postgraduate taught and research studentswho applied direct to LJMU need to accept this offer byemailing their signed reply form to the International Admissions Team ([email protected]).

n Postgraduate taught studentswho applied via an Agent need to accept this offer by emailing theirsigned reply form to the International Admissions Team ([email protected]).

ONCE YOU’VE DONE THIS YOU CAN START PLANNING YOUR LIFE AT LJMU.

YOU WILL RECEIVE AN LJMU REPLY FORM ONCE YOUR OFFER IS UNCONDITIONAL.

Students with disabilitiesInternational students who have a pre-existing medical condition or disability are required to supply medicalevidence or an educational psychologist’s report when applying for their course. This will help LJMU makean assessment of your needs while at University.

If you have a disability, and haven’t disclosed this to LJMU, please contact the International AdmissionsTeam by emailing: [email protected]

Please note: very limited funding is available to support international students with disabilities and you may be requiredto fund all or part of any additional support you need while studying at LJMU as a result of your disability.

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LIVERPOOLa warm welcome awaits

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Liverpool’s welcomingand hospitable culture means that it is the perfect international student city

award-winning shopping districtsTate Liverpool, Biennial arts festival,Walker Art Gallery over 300 barsand clubs vibrant live music scenetheatre, comedy, music festivalsbeautiful parks and gorgeoussandy beaches Snowdonia andthe Lake District within easy reachof the city centre great publictransport fly to 70+ destinationsfrom Liverpool John Lennon Airportwinner of Trip Advisor’s BestNightlife Destination AwardPurple Flag accreditation meansLiverpool is a safe place to enjoya night out the second safest cityin the UK

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living in LIVERPOOLLiverpool is a fantastic student city and nomatter what you are into, the arts and culture,shopping or music of all genres, you’ll not bedisappointed by what’s on offer.

cultural and religious diversityLiverpool is a multi-racial and multi-cultural city supporting a diverse range of religions andcommunities. The two cathedrals – Anglican and Catholic – may dominate the skyline butGreek orthodox, Unitarian and numerous European churches can be found across Liverpool.The mosque at 8 Brougham Terrace was the first to be established in England and the AlArhma mosque near the city centre can hold up to 1,000 people. Liverpool has a thrivingJewish community too, with numerous synagogues, including the Princes Road Synagogue,one of the finest buildings in the city.

The city’s China Town is the oldest in Europe and Liverpool has well established Nigerian andSomalian communities. Plus there’s a thriving Sikh community, a Hindu temple on Edge Laneand smaller but no less active Buddhist communities.

LJMU too is proud to be a multi-cultural university. Our staff and students come from over 100countries around the world, creating a truly unique and supportive community. LJMU valuesdiversity and we work hard to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, with dignity andrespect, irrespective of gender, race, colour, ethnic or national origins, age, disability, sexualorientation, religion, belief or other relevant distinction.

sport and leisureLiverpool is the perfect student city, bursting withculture, music venues, places to eat, drink, shop andsocialise. The city loves football but it also hosts world classrugby league, horse racing, tennis, sailing and golfcompetitions. Five national parks are only a couple of hoursdrive away, and Liverpool John Lennon Airport nowboasts excellent links with the rest of the UK and Europe. Allthis plus over 2,000 acres of parkland within the city itself.

FREE OFF-PEAK GYM MEMBERSHIP

All LJMU students are eligible for free off-peak membershipto Lifestyles Fitness Centres across Liverpool. Facilities includean Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis centre, athleticscentre, squash and badminton courts and weights rooms.

To find out more, go to: www.ljmu.ac.uk/sport

If you have any questions about University life or living in the UK, contact the InternationalStudent Advisors:

[email protected] n www.ljmu.ac.uk/studentadvice

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WHAT LJMU CANOFFER YOU

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Studying at LJMU will open up a whole new world of possibilities for you: the opportunity to make new friends, thechance to lay down the foundations for asuccessful career and perhaps the excitementof living away from home for the first time.

a warm welcomeLJMU has over 21,000 undergraduatesand we welcome people from all over theUK and overseas. Liverpool is a multi-racialand multi-cultural city supporting a diverserange of religions and communities.

LJMU too is an international universityand we are proud to recruit students fromover 100 countries, many of whom are thefirst people in their family to go touniversity.

Whether you are Liverpool born and bredor moving to the city for the first time,studying at LJMU will open up a wholenew dimension to your social life, packedfull of opportunities to experienceeverything that the city and the Universityhas to offer.

Liverpool is one of the best and mostaffordable student cities in the UK, offeringeverything you could possibly need to

have a great social life – a vibrant musicscene, great galleries and culture aroundevery corner, award-winning shoppingfacilities, great bars and clubs and easyaccess to beautiful beaches andcountryside.

Liverpool is really easy to get around,either on foot or public transport, so youmight want to leave your car at home.

WHAT LJMU CAN OFFER YOU

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“My placement helped me gain valuableskills and became more mature. I am alsomore confident about my future choicesand know exactly what I want in my life.”Applied Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences student Marta Kowalczykis originally from Poland. She worked as a laboratory technician during heryear-long paid placement with Sun Chemical in the North West of England.

Competition for graduate jobs is tough but we are confident that our uniqueWorld of Work Programme - the only employability programme validatedby employers in the UK - will enable you to compete against the bestcandidates and win.

World of Work programme


Our World of WorkProgramme has beendeveloped in partnership with FTSE 100 companies and leading businessorganisations.

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n LJMU is ranked 51st in the UK for awarding Firsts and 2:1s demonstrating how wellthe University helps students achieve their full potential (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014)

n Research keeps our degrees up-to-date and gives students insights on current professional practice

n As soon as you enrol at LJMU, you will be assigned your own Personal Tutor.Your tutor will give youfeedback on how well you are progressing with your studies and encourage you to plan for your educational and career development.


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outstandingteachingand learningAll of our degrees are designed anddelivered in a way that best suits thesubject being taught, and the knowledgeand skills you are expected to develop aspart of your studies.

During your induction, your tutors will outline what modules andtopics you’ll be studying during your first year at LJMU. You’ll find outmore about any examinations and assignments you’ll be expected tocomplete. They will also explain what background reading andindependent study are required in addition to scheduled activitiesindicated in your timetable.

Scheduled activities take a wide variety of forms. Depending on yoursubject, these may include: lectures, seminars, tutorials, projectsupervisions, practical classes and lab work, supervised activities instudios or workshops, fieldwork in the UK and overseas, externalvisits and work-based learning, feedback sessions.


all of our degrees take learning out of the lecture theatre and you will beexpected to complete work-relatedlearning as part of your studies

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n placements with PremierLeague and lower division football clubs

n clinical practice suites for nursing, midwifery and paramedic students

n radio studio, television studio and industry-standard editing facilities

n year-long industrial placements

n UK and international field trips

n laboratory sessionsn advanced manufacturing

facilities

n digital creativity and design studios

n multimedia and computer games labs

n mock courtroomn gallery and exhibition

spacesn the UK’s only

360-degree shipsimulator

n outstanding sport and exercise sciences facilities

here are just some of the opportunities on offer:

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Our goal is to give you a fulfilling higher education experience, where you receive thesupport you need to become an independent learner and help you achieve yourambitions for life after graduation, both personally and professionally. That’s why weoffer you a wide range of support services to help you manage your commitmentsand achieve your full potential while you’re at LJMU.

Our Student Advice and Wellbeing Team can give you advice and guidance oneverything from your physical and mental health to money management. The Universitycan also advise you about your eligibility for student funding, such as grants, loans,childcare and bursaries. See your Student Funding Guide for more details.

n Dedicated International Student Advisorsn Study skills courses and specialist supportn Free English language coursesn Free counselling service n Quiet spaces for meditation, prayer and contemplation in every campusn Dedicated facilities for Muslim prayersn Dedicated Disability Advice Teamn Student funding and money management advice

support and guidancewhenever you need it

libraries


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LJMU has three Libraries, with one based in each of theCity, Mount Pleasant and IM Marsh campuses. This means that whatever and wherever you arestudying at LJMU you are never far from one of theseLibraries and with 24/7 opening hours during semesters,you can pop in anytime, day or night, at a time that’smost convenient for you.

The Libraries are at the heart of the LJMU studentexperience, providing access to many services andfacilities including: enrolment, finance, advice, counselling,careers and employability, IT support, library servicesand all aspects of student administration.

Our Libraries combine the very bestaspects of traditional facilities witheverything you’d expect from a modernuniversity: there’s Wi-Fi accessthroughout; loads of computers; books,periodicals and journals as well as onlineresources. Plus, you’ll find places whereyou can just sit and relax with friendsover a coffee, complete group work orstudy quietly.

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library servicesEvery subject, every topic, every interest is covered inour libraries – in formats ranging from DVDs and CDs,to journals, satellite TV programmes, magazines, andof course books. Increasingly academic publishing andcomment takes place online and LJMU’s electroniclibrary gives you access to 17,000 electronic journals,newspapers, conference proceedings, maps, legaldocuments and much more. With over 650,000 itemsand 11,000 journals - in print and electronic format -available in the University libraries you should have noproblem finding the right books and materials for youracademic studies.

“I chose LJMU because I wanted a university consideredhighly for engineering. Once I finish my InternationalFoundation Year, I will study Electrical Engineering at theUniversity, before returning to work in Qatar and contributingto my country’s development.”Hamed Almulla, International Foundation Year student

1,700open accesscomputersacross theUniversity

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The Liverpool Students’ UnionGet more from yourLJMU experiencewith LiverpoolSU

LiverpoolSU will help you get the most from your sociallife – you’ll be able to find entertainment through oneof the many sports activities, clubs, societies andevents. The Students’ Union also ensures you get themost from your learning experience by representingyour views and lobbying on your behalf whensomething needs to change at the University.

LiverpoolSU can also help prepare you for your futurecareer and you will be encouraged to take advantage ofthe many volunteering and work opportunities availablein the Union and via the Societies.

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Your first contact with LiverpoolSU will most likely be during WelcomeWeek where you will be given the VIP treatment to welcome you to theUniversity. You can expect talks and fairs to help you settle in and a diarypacked full of events to keep you amused.

Liverpool Students’ Union plays a major role in making LJMU’sinternational students feel part of the University community. The Unionoffers a range of dedicated services for international students including:

n networking events where you can meet other international students, share experiences and find out more about the support and services available in the Union.

n ’Chefs on campus’ programme offering students in halls the opportunityto learn how to cook traditional British food.

GIVE IT AGO SCHEMEThe Union’s ‘Give It A Go’scheme offers one-offactivities and trips for bothUK and internationalstudents to destinationssuch as London, York andEdinburgh.

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english languageA very good level of English language competence is required to follow lectures, carry out backgroundreading and research, write essays and dissertations at LJMU. If English is not your first language you needto be clear about the level you need to attain in order to achieve good results on your course (see tablebelow). It’s also why we’d recommend that you:

n raise your level of English as much as possible before you leave home

n practise speaking, reading, writing and listening to English regularly. There are lots of useful resourcesonline, for example: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/

n listen to the BBC World Service: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/

evidence of your english language proficiencyThis table summarises the minimum scores required by LJMU, your specific course requirements maydiffer. Please check your offer letter for details.

You will also need to meet minimum individual component scores as set by the UKBA. You will need toprovide a certificate of an English language test taken within 2 years of the start date for your programme.LJMU will accept other UKBA-recognised English language tests providing you attain the appropriateequivalent score.

A full list of UKBA-approved Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) can be found at:www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf

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TOEFL (IBT)overall score

IELTSoverall score

Type of Programme

60-786.0Undergraduate degrees

6.0-6.5 79-93Postgraduate degrees

4.5International FoundationProgramme

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improving your englishOnce you are enrolled at LJMU you can also attend English language courses to help you withyour academic writing and communications skills. These free workshops run throughout theacademic year. For more details, go to: www.ljmu.ac.uk/studysupport

If you have already been accepted onto a programme of study but want to improve or consolidateyour English language skills, LJMU runs 4, 8 and 12 week pre-sessional English courses for bothundergraduate and postgraduate students. These courses normally run from mid-June to the endof August.

student accommodationAs soon as you have accepted an offer from LJMU, youare eligible to request a room in our accommodation. All new international students are guaranteed a bedroomin LJMU-approved accommodation.

For more details go to: www.ljmu.ac.uk/accommodation/

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The accommodation consists of single bedrooms within flatsshared with other new LJMU students. All the flats containkitchen and living areas where you will be able to prepare food,relax and socialise. Most bedrooms include a private bathroombut there are cheaper bedrooms available in flats with sharedbathrooms. Flats are set aside in a number of locations forpostgraduate or older students who want a quieter studyenvironment.

All rooms are offered on a legally binding tenancy agreementof a minimum of 42 weeks duration. It is not possible to book aroom for a shorter period or to break that agreement after youhave moved into the accommodation. The majority of LJMU-approval student accommodation providers also offer a reducedweekly rent for international students who sign up to 51 weektenancy agreement at the start of their course.

All international students who book a room via LJMU arerequired to pay for the full rental period in advance of arrivingin the UK. It is not possible to pay part of the rent after yourarrival.

If you do not want to book a room via the LJMUAccommodation Office, you are advised to use the officialstudent housing agency, Liverpool Student Homes. Please goto: www.ljmu.ac.uk/lsh for more details.

Contact the AccommodationOffice for advice on therange of accommodationavailable:

[email protected]

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healthcareIf you are an international student and your course is for6 months or more, you will qualify for NHS treatment from thebeginning of your stay, on the same basis as anyone who isordinarily resident in the UK.

courses lasting under 6 monthsIf your course lasts less than six months you will notqualify for free NHS treatment. We would stronglyrecommend that you take out medical insurance beforecoming to Liverpool. Your policy should cover medicalcosts plus any additional possible costs resulting fromillness (such as lost fees if you are unable to completeyour course, and the cost of returning to your homecountry for treatment).

courses lasting 6 months or moreIf your course lasts six months or more, you are entitledto free treatment under the UK’s National Health Service(NHS) from the start of your stay in Liverpool. Thisincludes free visits to the local doctor, free treatment inhospital, and paying a standard cost for prescriptions (formedicine which your doctor says you need) and dentaltreatment.

pre-sessional studentsIf you have been issued with a CAS covering both yourpre-sessional course and your main course, you will beentitled to free NHS treatment from the start of your stay.

If you have been issued with a CAS that covers only yourpre-sessional course, you will not be eligible for free NHS

treatment until you have passed the pre-sessional courseand enrolled on your main course. In this instance wewould recommend that you take out medical insuranceto cover the period of your pre-sessional course.

dental treatment and opticiansYou will have to pay for treatment provided by anoptician or dentist while you are in the UK.

health insuranceHowever long your course, it is recommended that youobtain additional health insurance prior to travelling tothe UK.

more informationYou will find lots of useful information in the followingguides:

n EEA nationals:www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/eea.php

n Non-EEA nationals:www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/keeping_healthy.php

visa and entranceclearance applicationsIn order to obtain a visa you will need to show evidence that the moneyrequired to cover your tuition fees and living expenses has been in yourbank account for at least 28 days prior to submitting your visa application.So please make sure that your finances are in place before applying.

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Visit the UK Border Agency website for the latest immigration information:www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

entry clearance Once you have received confirmation of your place at LJMU, you should contact the Entry Clearance Officeat the British Embassy, British High Commission or Consular Office in your own country to check whetheryou need a visa for entry into Britain.

PLEASE NOTE: To obtain an Entry Visa you should go to the British Embassy or High Commission in your own country,and present the following documents:n Passportn A valid LJMU Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)n Evidence of the appropriate financial support for your programmen Two recent photographs of yourself (passport-size)n All relevant educational diplomas and certificates (as stated in your CAS)n A declaration of your intent to return home on completion of your course of studyn Appropriate Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance (if applicable)n Academic evidence of your ability to progress on the course you intend to study, as detailed in your CASn ATAS certificate (where applicable)

Applicants from the EEA (European Economic Area) or Switzerland: If you are from the EEA or Switzerlandyou do not need a visa or entry clearance to enter the UK. For a list of EEA countries please see the UKCISA(UK Council for International Student Affairs) website: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/eea.php

UK Border Agency: Information is also available on UKBA website:www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/

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confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)Before you can apply for permission to enter or remain in the UK under Tier 4 you will require a validConfirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS. This is a ‘virtual document’ similar to a database record.Each CAS has a unique reference number, and contains information about your course of study andyour personal details.

The CAS also includes details of the documents LJMU has used to assess your suitability as a student.As part of your visa application, you will need to present an original version of any document listedwithin your CAS. LJMU will only assign a CAS once you have satisfied the conditions of any offer madeto you.

Your CAS will give you the latest date by which you can enrol at LJMU. If you think you will be unableto make this date you must contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team ([email protected])as soon as possible as you will not be allowed to enrol at the University after this date and may evenbe stopped from entering the UK.

In addition to any academic conditions or English language requirements, you may be asked to provideLJMU with supporting documentation (such as your passport) in line with the University’s obligationsas a Tier 4 Highly Trusted Sponsor.

LJMU will send you a CAS once you have met the conditions of your offer. Please note: A CAS cannotbe assigned more than 6 months prior to the start of your course.

You are advised to check carefully that your CAS letter is correct, paying particular attention to the coursetitle, your name, tuition fees and course dates. If any of these or other details are incorrect on your CAS,please contact The International Admissions team ([email protected]) as soon as possible.

academic technology approval scheme (ATAS) certificateIf you have applied to study a taught Masters, Masters by Research, MPhil/PhD or EnhancedUndergraduate Degree (MEng) course at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic TechnologyApproval Scheme or ATAS certificate.

It can take four to six weeks to receive an ATAS certificate, so please make sure you apply as early aspossible.

If you need advice about whether or not you need an ATAS certificate or any aspect of the applicationprocess, please contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team ([email protected]) or visit theForeign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk/atas.

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points based system (PBS)The UK Government operates a points based immigration system, commonly referred to as ‘PBS’. If youwant a visa to study in the UK for more than 6 months, you will need to apply for a Tier 4 (general) StudentVisa using the CAS number provided in your LJMU unconditional offer letter.

Under PBS, your application will be allocated points based on:

n The evidence you have enough money to pay for both your tuition fees and living costs. You will need toshow that you, or your parents, have held this money in your bank account for a consecutive 28 day period.

n Your CAS from LJMU.

n Academic evidence of your ability to progress on the course you intend to study, as detailed in your CAS.

n ATAS certificate (where applicable).

The exact criteria for scoring the necessary points are subject to change, so please make sure that you readthe UK Border Agency’s Tier 4 Visa Application Guide and the Tier 4 Policy Guidance before you apply foryour visa. For details go to: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

Another helpful guide is published by UKCISA:www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/applying_home_country.php

country specific guidanceThe visa application process varies from country to country. The following website gives the latestinformation on how to apply for a UK student visa in your country: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

You are advised to follow this guidance very carefully as you must submit all the documents required.If your documents do not exactly match the requirements set out in the policy guidance, your applicationwill be refused.

checking your visaWhen you get your visa, it is essential that you check it carefully to ensure that:

n your name and date of birth are correct

n it starts on or before the date you want to travel to the UK

n it says you are a Tier 4 student

n it does not end sooner than expected (See ‘Visa start and end dates’ section on page 11)

If any of these details are incorrect, please ask to have your visa amended before you travel as it is verydifficult to make changes afterwards and may affect your right to remain in the UK.

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visa start and end datesAll students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate taught degree programmes, PhD study,or pre-sessional courses should receive entry clearance starting one month before the beginning oftheir course.

The date your visa expires will depend on the type and length of your course. In general, your visa will end:

n 4 months after the end of your course if your course lasts 12 months or more.

n 2 months after the end of your course if your course lasts between 6 – 12 months.

n 1 month after the end of your course if your course is a pre-sessional course of less than 6 months.

n 7 days after the end of your course if your course is less than 6 months long and is not a pre-sessional course.

what to do if your visa is refusedIf your visa application is refused please contact the International Admissions Team with a copy of your refusalnotice as soon as possible for advice on what to do next ([email protected]).

family members and dependantsIf you are a government sponsored student and your course is over 6 months long or you are a postgraduatestudent and your course is longer than 12 months, you may be able to bring your family with you.

If you are studying a course at undergraduate level or below you are not allowed to bring your dependentsfor the full length of your course, although they can come and visit you for up to six months.

Please contact the International Admissions Team for further details ([email protected]).

The following guide may also be helpful: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/t4_family/index.php

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checklist for making your entryclearance or visa application

Submit your application at the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consular Office(British diplomatic post) which issues visas or entry clearance. For a list of all British diplomaticposts go to: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

Visa applications can be made a maximum of 3 months before the course start date.

You are advised to make your visa application as soon as you receive your offer from LJMU,remembering to factor in the time it will take to provide biometric data (photographs andfingerprints). For further information, please visit:www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

Check if TB (tuberculosis) screening programmes operate in your country or a neighbouringcountry and, if applicable, take into account the time this will add to your visa applicationprocess. For further information go to: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

Complete a VAF9 application form plus Points Based System Appendix 8 if you are applyingfor the student Tier 4 (General) visa from outside the UK. Forms are available to download fromBritish diplomatic post websites and from the UK visas website: www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/. In2012, the fee to make a student entry clearance application from outside the UK is currently£289 (see table on page 13 for more details).

If family members are accompanying you, you will also need to complete a VAF10 form. Eachdependant must fill in a separate application. Please note that dependants may only accompanyyou to the UK if you are studying a postgraduate course of 12 months or longer.

Remember: If you are not an EEA or Swiss national, you must apply for ‘entry clearance’ (avisa) before you leave your home country. It is very important that you do not enter the UK asa visitor as you will not be able to switch visa categories once you are here, and you will notbe permitted to start your course.

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student entry clearance application fees

Fee if you areapplying by postin the UK

Fee if you areapplying in personinside the UK

Fee if you areapplying outsidethe UK

£289£716£394Main applicant

£289 for each familymember

£358 for each familymember included onthe main applicant’sapplication form

£197 for each familymember included onthe main applicant’sapplication form

Partner or child agedunder 18 (if they areapplying at the sametime as the mainapplicant)




Partner or child agedunder 18 (if they areapplying later), orchild aged over 18

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To apply for your visa, go to: www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk

Main applicant -permission to changesponsor - formigrants that appliedfor permission tostudy between 31 March 2009 and 4 October 2009

£160

tuition feesand living expensesIn order to be admitted into the UK you will need to demonstrate that you havesufficient funding to cover your:

n Tuition fees

n Accommodation costs

n Living costs

n Study costs

n Travel and visas

n Childcare costs (if appropriate)

Here is a quick guide to how much it will cost to study at LJMU in 2014/2015 (average figures only).

Living expenses £7,200 per year for undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes

£9,600 for postgraduate research degrees

Course tuition fees £9,000 - £12,000 depending on course studied

Flights to the UK £300 to £1,000

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email: [email protected] advice on paying tuition fees and living costs

tuition feesHere is a breakdown of our tuition fees for 2013/2014 entry:

Type of Programme Tuition Fee

English Language Preparation Course £3,365 per term

International Foundation Year Programme(Business, Law and Social Studies) £10,095(Engineering and Science) £10,350

Foundation/HND Programmes £9,000

Pre-sessional English Language validated courses £1,125 per 4 week block

Class-based £11,055(Undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes)

Laboratory-based £12,040(Undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes)

MBA £11,925

MSc Maritime programmes £11,055

MBA Maritime Management £11,925

Class-based postgraduate research programmes £11,055

Laboratory-based postgraduate research programmes £12,040

PgDip Legal Practice £11,350

For 2014/2015 tuition fees for LJMU’s pre-degree, undergraduate, taught postgraduate and researchdegrees, please go to: www.ljmu.ac.uk/international

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self-financing students Your annual tuition fees are payable in full when you complete your enrolment at LJMU at the start of yourcourse. Alternatively, you can choose to pay 50% at enrolment or before, with the balance paid in full fourmonths later.

Please note, the University will not accept:

n cash payments

n standing letters of credit from overseas banks or third parties as payment for tuition fees

If you have any queries about your tuition fees, please contact: the International Admissions Team([email protected]).

paying your tuition fees before you complete your enrolmentPayments can be made online using a Visa or Mastercard credit card, or a Visa or Maestro debit card. Alternatively,you can pay via Uni-Pay. For more information on either option please visit: www.ljmu.ac.uk/epayments

arrangements for sponsored studentsIf you are receiving sponsorship for your studies, you must have written confirmation of this, on officialheaded paper. If your fees are being paid for by family members this is not classified as sponsorship, youwill still be classified as self-funding in this instance.

If your sponsor is also paying your accommodation fees, please contact LJMU’s Student AccommodationOffice ([email protected]).

Please note:

n Sponsors must be a legitimate organisation such as a government or public body with a UK invoicingaddress.

n A sponsor letter must be written in English on formal headed paper and must state your name andapplicant number. It must also confirm liability for the payment of course fees in Sterling (UK Pound)and the duration of sponsorship.

n A financial guarantee is not a sponsorship letter.

n You will be expected to pay the full tuition fees if your sponsor fails to make a payment.

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what happens if you don’t pay your tuition feesThe penalties for non-payment of tuition fees are very serious. Ultimately, you will lose your place on yourcourse and the University will inform the UK Border Agency (UKBA) that you are no longer a student at LJMU.

accommodation and living costsIn addition to your academic fees, you must budget for living costs such as accommodation, food, clothing,books, local travel and entertainment. The good news is compared to most UK cities, Liverpool is a veryaffordable place to live.

The UKBA states that you must budget for a minimum of £800 per month to cover your living expenses,which means that undergraduates following a 9 month course will need £7,200.

If you are accompanied by your family, the British Council estimates that you will need around £5,500 moreper year for your spouse and a further £2,000 per year for each of your children.

You’ll find up-to-date information on fees charged for LJMU-approved student accommodation at:www.ljmu.ac.uk/accommodation

Please contact the Student Advice Team if you need any advice about paying your tuition fees, living costsor working out a budget: [email protected]

You can also use the International Student Calculator to help you plan and manage your money while studyingat LJMU. Go online to build your own budget at: http://international.studentcalculator.org.uk/international/

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Liverpool is a veryaffordable place to live

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Getting toLIVERPOOLLiverpool is extremelyaccessible from almost anylocation, thanks to excellenttransport links by rail, roadand air.

Liverpool Lime Street Station hasfrequent services to LiverpoolAirport, Manchester Airport,London, Birmingham andEdinburgh. Train travel in the UK isfast and reliable, with London just2 hours 20 minutes away andEdinburgh only three and a halfhours away.

Liverpool Airport is just sevenmiles from the city centre andwell connected by train. There aredirect flights to Liverpool frommajor European airports, includingAmsterdam, Madrid and Paris,with onwards connections tomajor international airports.

Manchester airport is a largerairport and only one hour 15minutes away from Liverpool citycentre by train. As well as morethan 15 flights per day to andfrom London, there are frequentEuropean services too. Plusdirect flights to Manchester fromAbu Dhabi, Cancun, Doha, Dubaiand Lahore, to name just a few.

If you are arriving in the UK by air,rail services provide the mostefficient way of reachingLiverpool.

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By applying to study at LJMU you have taken the first step to achieving arespected degree from a world-class UK university. We look forward to welcomingyou to our fantastic city and to helping you achieve your ambitions for the future.

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International applicant guide 2014 15

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