Introducing Winter Intake Prior to Changes in UK Dependant Visa

Introduction:

In response to the changing needs and circumstances of international students, universities in the UK are introducing new postgraduate intakes in November and December. These alternative start dates offer more flexibility for students who may have missed the traditional September intake or who are coming from the Southern Hemisphere. However, the recent ruling by the UK government to prevent applicants from bringing family members as dependants may impact the January intake in the future. Despite this, universities like the University of Law and Ravensbourne University London are already offering November starts, and Teesside University’s London campus is offering November courses for international students. The University of Bedfordshire has been offering a November intake since 2016, and other institutions like BPP and UA92 operate rolling-admissions systems. These alternative start dates have proven to be successful in attracting international students, and Coventry University even created a July intake in response to Brexit-related fee changes. While there may be concerns about the legality and awareness of these new intakes, universities remain committed to providing choice and flexibility to students.

Full Article: Introducing Winter Intake Prior to Changes in UK Dependant Visa

New Intakes Offered by UK Universities in Response to Government Ruling

UK universities have introduced new intakes in response to a government ruling that prevents applicants from bringing family members as dependents. These additional intakes aim to accommodate international students from the Southern Hemisphere or those who failed to secure a visa for an autumn start.

December Intake at the University of Law

The University of Law has recently introduced a new December intake for certain postgraduate courses starting in 2023. Students joining this intake will be required to take an additional module on academic study skills to bridge the gap to the January intake and the course-specific content.

November Starts at Ravensbourne University London and Teesside University

Ravensbourne University London, known for its expertise in digital media and design, is one of the universities offering November course starts. Teesside University’s London campus in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park also provides a limited number of courses starting in November.

Longstanding November Intake at the University of Bedfordshire

The University of Bedfordshire has been offering a November intake since 2016. Their course finder returns 45 postgraduate courses with a November start, including degrees in law, business, computing, engineering, economics, and tourism. The university reports no significant change in applicant behavior related to November demand.

Flexibility as an Attractive Proposition for International Students

Universities are increasingly adopting flexible course start dates in response to the demand of international students. Private universities like BPP and UA92 have rolling-admissions systems that allow students to join every few months.

Coventry University’s July Intake

In the summer of 2020, Coventry University created a July intake to allow European Union students to enroll ahead of changes to their fee status due to Brexit. This move was seen as a success, although some EU nationalities faced challenges in enrolling due to delayed examination results. The legality of introducing new intakes is also a point of discussion.

Future Impact of Rule Changes on Intake Dates

Several UK institutions are considering introducing a November 2023 intake while monitoring applications to assess the impact of the government’s ruling on dependent visas. Although the January intake numbers remain strong, it is unclear if students in key source markets are fully aware of the rule changes.

Teesside University London’s Long-Term Strategy

Teesside University London has implemented a delivery model that includes three intakes of students starting in September, November, and January. This approach aims to provide choice and flexibility for all students across a diverse range of programs.

Summary: Introducing Winter Intake Prior to Changes in UK Dependant Visa

Universities in the UK are offering new intakes in November and December 2023 to attract international students. These off-track intakes provide flexibility for students from the Southern Hemisphere or those who missed the autumn start. However, the UK government ruling to prevent applicants from bringing family members may affect future intakes. Despite this, universities like the University of Law and Ravensbourne University London are introducing November starts for certain courses. Flexibility in course start dates is seen as attractive for international students, with private universities like BPP and UA92 operating rolling-admissions systems.