Student Handbook

CAPITAL COLLEGE UK is committed to developing and promoting a set of core values, relevant to our mission to provide high quality learning opportunities for students.

CAPITAL COLLEGE UK will provide timely and accurate information on individual students to employers or others providing sponsorship.

CAPITAL COLLEGE UK will require all it’s employees to adhere to its Code of Conduct for staff.

  • Credibility: Our courses will be provided by senior lecturers with close links to popular professional bodies, the majority of those lecturers being examiners for the professional bodies.
  • Flexibility: We offer a wide range of courses in a number of professional qualifications, combined with our “one stop shop” of personal development programmes. Our smaller class sizes allow for greater one-to-one interaction between lecturers and students.
  • Value for Money: We have a firm commitment to keeping our tuition fees well below those found at Universities and competing commercial tuition providers. International students seek and anticipate value for money. CAPITAL COLLEGE’s combination of lower fees and lower cost location will no doubt, appeal to both international and home students.
  • Innovation: Our air-conditioned premises are fully furnished with latest technology and state-of-the-art educational methods.
  • Business Focus: CAPITAL COLLEGE UK offers an environment of study that reflects the “real business world”. We aim to truly prepare our students for the real business world, making you more employable and eligible for promotion.
  • Empathy with the International Student: Our experience, expertise and ethos combined, provide a supportive and structured environment for the international student. CAPITAL COLLEGE UK will assist the international student in meeting the challenges of living and studying abroad.
  • Quality Service: Our focus is on providing a high level of service from which our students will, no doubt, benefit. Your enquiries will be handled promptly, registration for courses will be seamless and course provision will be readily adaptable to meet students’ requirements.
All students of the College have a right to good service. The College is continuously improving the quality of the services offered and have set up mechanisms to ensure quality in all our activities especially in the areas of:

  • Equal Opportunities and Diversity. Read our Student Handbook for more information.
  • Information provided to students and external parties. Request ourprospectus for details.
  • Teaching and Learning within the College. See our list of coursesavailable.
  • Support provided to our students.
  • Confidentiality and easy access to making a complaint.
  • Providing regular updates and feedback to our students.
CAPITAL COLLEGE UK is a non-residential campus Institution. This means that we do not provide accommodation on our campus but we liaise with reputable Estate Agents to assist our students who require accommodation to secure suitable places either on a temporary or permanent basis.

The choices of accommodation include:

  • Lodgings (sharing with the owner/owners of a private house).
  • Flats and Bed-sits (shared common facility) in the private market.
  • Private hostels for youths.

Living Costs It is estimated that renting a room in London will cost approximately £300 a month (£3,600 for a full year). An estimated cost of meeting the basic living expenses such as accommodation costs, food, daily travel, books and equipment and other necessities is in the range of £700 to £1,200 per month, depending on your taste and preferences. This figure is given as a guide only. The following breakdown of costs is designed to give some indication of how this figure is arrived at. Do not forget to include the cost for the type of accommodation you have decided upon:

Food: The cost per week of food based on a western-style breakfast, hot evening meal and weekend meals, plus mid-day meals while at the College is likely to be approximately £30 – £50 per week.

Heating and Lighting: If you choose to live in private rented accommodation, the cost of heating will most likely not be included in your rent. Britain is cold during the autumn and winter months (i.e. October – May). Students from hot countries may need heating for as long as 9 months in the year. Cheaper rented accommodation does not usually have central heating and gas or electric fires provided and can be expensive. It is advisable to allow a minimum of £20 – £40 per month, depending on the season, towards heating the residence.

Books and Equipment: The cost of books varies for different courses and continues to rise, the average figure for one year being £300. Students are advised to check with the College to find out the extra costs anticipated. Second-hand books can often be bought from current students on arrival in CAPITAL COLLEGE UK. Stationery and photocopying are extra costs for which allowances should be made.

Warm Clothes: Like the rest of Britain, London’s climate is largely unpredictable. However, it tends to be milder than other parts of England. Generally, the summer (June to early September) is warm, though rarely hot. The rest of the year is cooler and tends to be damp. The winter months (December to early March) are usually cold and frosty, although temperatures rarely fall below freezing for long periods. If you come from a very different climate, it may be cheaper to buy suitable clothes when you arrive in the UK. The average figure for warm clothes, for one year, is £550.Dress in Britain, especially at the College, is mostly informal. It will usually be made clear to you when you are invited to an occasion, that the occasion may demand something more formal or smart – if in doubt, just ask the organisers of the occasion. You may want to bring your national dress to wear on special occasions.

Other Costs: To cover such items as launderette and dry-cleaning, personal hygiene items and household articles and postage stamps, you will need approximately £30 per month.

Entertainment: You will also need some money to follow interests beyond your academic studies. Even the most studious need time to relax and unwind.

The following is a guide on how much the items listed below might cost you…

Daily Newspaper  50p +,  Cigarettes (pack of 20)  £4.20 +,   Paperback books  £2.50 +,  Cup of coffee  £1.00 +,  Cup of tea  70p +,  Magazines  £2.50 +,  Soft drinks (can)  50p +,  Glass of wine  £1.50,  + Beer (pint) £1.40 +

The cost of an evening out will vary. There is a wide range of places and prices in London and the surrounding area, and a large variety of places to eat out…

Restaurant lunch  £6.00 +,  Restaurant dinner  £10.00 +,  Restaurant Take Away  £3.50 +,  Cinema  £2.50 +,  Theatre  £10.00 +,  Concert £5.00 +

At  CAPITAL COLLEGE UK we strongly believe that every student should experience a fulfilled education. With this in mind, we have put a number of policies together so that you, as the student, can build your future in the best environment possible.

  • Quality Assurance Policy
  • Equal Opportunity & Diversity Policy
  • Health & Safety Policy
  • Data Protection Policy
  • Breach of Confidentiality

Quality Assurance Policy

CAPITAL COLLEGE UK is committed to the establishment and enhancement of high academic standards. Our quality assurance and enhancement are guided by the conviction that high academic standards are best promoted and achieved by a positive, self-critical and supportive environment in which all the members of the institution accept ownership of those standards and in which responsibility for the assurance of quality is devolved to and exercised by those individuals and bodies best placed to effect them. In implementing its policy, CAPITAL COLLEGE UK will endeavour to ensure that: Our systems and procedures meet high transparent, efficient, reliable and responsive standards. Our educational provision, supporting systems and procedures will be subject to monitoring and evaluation in a commitment to continuous improvement. Whenever appropriate and practicable, procedures and educational provision will be informed by the views of our students and other ‘stakeholders’ and by independent peer review; Learning and teaching activities and the commitment to quality assurance and enhancement will be supported by relevant and comprehensive provision for educational and staff development. The commitment to high quality provision and standards of service will be supported by transparent and accessible procedures for professional appeal and grievance and their resolution. Full recognition is taken of external quality reference points, such as the Quality Assurance Agency’s (QAA) Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, Code of Practice, Benchmark Statements, and Handbooks for Institutional Audit and, as appropriate, standards required by Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Policy

As a provider of education and as an employer, CAPITAL COLLEGE UK is committed to equality of opportunity and treatment. We are committed to the production, implementation, review and monitoring of policies that promote equality for all those who study and work within the institution. CAPITAL COLLEGE UK recognises its statutory commitments. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity by aiming to ensure that its practices and procedures follow legal requirements and good practice as recommended by the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE); the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC); the Disability Rights Commission (DRC); and the Institute of Personnel and Development (IPD). It is our policy to treat all members of staff, students and applicants fairly and equitably regardless of gender, racial or cultural grounds, disability, age, marital status, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, trade union activity, or any other category where discrimination cannot be reasonably justified. We will ensure that no requirement or condition will be imposed without justification that could disadvantage individuals on any of the above grounds. Our detailed policy, which is available on demand, sets out how we intend to meet those commitments.

Health & Safety Policy

It is the policy of CAPITAL COLLEGE UK to comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and safety regulations. We accept our responsibilities regarding safety for students and visitors. It is important for students to realise their responsibilities to CAPITAL COLLEGE UK, to staff and to each other, for safety matters. Students should therefore: Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other people who may be affected by what they do, or don’t do; Co-operate with all our staff to maintain the legal health and safety requirements by following our safety policy and local safety rules or guidance; Never interfere with, or misuse anything provided for health, safety and welfare on our premises (including the fire alarm, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, first-aid equipment, etc). The purpose of health and safety law and good practice is to eliminate or control risks in the workplace and work/study activities. Wherever possible, risks will be eliminated by selection and design of facilities, equipment and processes.If risks cannot be completely eliminated, they will be minimised by the use of physical controls, or through safe systems of work, and as a last resort, personal protective equipment.

Safety Hints

Spotting Danger: Relatively few accidents happen on our premises as they are generally a safe environment. However this can only be maintained by everyone taking responsibility for spotting hazards, and reporting them before someone is harmed. If you see a potential health and safety problem, tell your tutor, the registrar or the reception and administration staff. Housekeeping: All work/study areas should be kept as clear as possible. Passageways, corridors and stairs must be kept free of obstructions that might lead to slipping or tripping accidents. In particular, fire escape routes and fire exits must be kept clear and free of combustible materials. Try to avoid spilling any liquids, especially on polished floors, or if you do spill something, please clear it up immediately. Don’t run in corridors or stairways, and never carry anything that obstructs your view. Smoking Policy: We have adopted a NO SMOKING policy throughout our building. However, smoking is permitted in certain designated or marked areas. Computer Safety: Problems associated with long periods of computer use are on the increase, and can result in long-term or even permanent injury. The College will endeavour to ensure that all computer workstations comply with the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) regulations. However, students are advised to note the following suggestions: – Avoid bending your wrists when typing/using the mouse. – Take frequent breaks. – Adjust your chair height/back rest if you can. – Report any muscloskeletal problems promptly and seek medical attention (if necessary). Children on our premises: Although we try to take reasonable care of the safety of all people on our premises, most areas of our premises may be unsuitable for children to access safely. Therefore, students and staff are not permitted to bring children under 16 years of age onto our premises except under adult supervision Aggressive Behaviour: It is our policy to promote the protection of all staff and students from all forms of violence, so far as is reasonably possible. Violent and aggressive behaviour is unacceptable, whatever form it takes and for whatever reasons. CAPITAL COLLEGE UK will not tolerate the use of harassment, verbal abuse, bullying, threats or physical assault against members of staff, students or visitors. Emergency & Accidents: The names and telephone numbers of First-Aiders are displayed on signs in the building. In the event of sudden illness or accident students should inform any member of staff or the receptionist. Emergency & Hospital Treatment: If a casualty requires hospital treatment: – Do not hesitate, call 999 on any available telephone. – Ask for the ambulance services. – Give full details of the casualty and the building address. – Don’t put the phone down until this is confirmed. – Call the reception desk and warn them to expect an ambulance, and where to send the crew. – Minor casualties should be taken to hospital by taxi. Fire and Emergency Procedures: Fire drills are held in all premises regularly, and these are vital training for all staff and students. You should familiarise yourself with the location of fire alarm points, exits and designated assembly points. Any students with mobility disabilities, or other problems which may prevent them from evacuating a building quickly and unaided (when lifts are not available) should contact the College’s Registrar for a Personal Safety Plan to be drawn up.In the event of fire or other emergencies or on hearing the alarm: – Leave the building by the nearest escape route (not the way you came in) by following the FIRE EXIT signs or as directed by any member of staff. – If you come to a locked door, push/turn the handle or break the glass bolt and exit. – Do not stop to collect personal belongings that are not immediately to hand. – Offer assistance to anyone with special needs or visitors unfamiliar with the building. – Do not use the lift, but walk quickly to the stairs and go down to the nearest exit, and then out to the assembly point. – Do not wait by the building obstructing the pavement (at risk from falling glass) and preventing access by the emergency services. – Do not try to re-enter the building, but wait patiently at the assembly point until you receive instructions from the Fire Brigade/evacuation controllers (reception and administration staff). If an external bomb threat affects our premises, the Police will manage the situation and evacuation instructions will be passed to staff (and students) by telephone.

Data Protection Policy

CAPITAL COLLEGE UK will protect all personal information you provide to us in trust. Data collected about you will be treated in confidence in accordance with our Data Protection Policy which fully complies with the Data Protection Act of 1998. We will only use your information for dealing with the administration of your studies and related statistical analysis only.

Breach of Confidentiality

It is an offence under the Data Protection Act of 1998 to use your personal information for any other purpose(s) than that expressed at the time you provided the information. It is also an offence to pass on your data or information to third parties without your wilful and expressed consent. If you experience or reasonably suspect any breach of confidentiality relating to your records with us, please report this to the Managing Director immediately and we will act promptly against the relevant official as we take such issues very seriously. The Data Protection Act states your seven rights as: Right of subject access. Upon making a written request and paying a fee (£10), individuals are entitled to be told whether the data controller or someone on their behalf, holds personal data about them and if so to be given:- A description of the personal data – The purpose for which it is being processed – Those to whom it may be disclosed. Right to prevent processing likely to cause damage or distress. Right to prevent processing for the purposes of direct marketing. Rights in relation to automated decision-making – no decision is taken against an individual by purely automated means. The individual has 21 days to require the data controller to re-consider the decision or take the decision on a different basis. Right to take action for compensation for damages caused by the data controller. Right to take action to rectify, block, erase, or destroy personal data – by application by an individual to the Courts. Right to request that the Commissioner assess whether any contravention of the Act has occurred. Obtaining Your Details: You will receive a copy of information we hold about you if you apply for this in writing. A fee of £2 is payable for providing this information.