SAE Institute UK :: FAQ SAE London

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SAE stand for ? back to top

Originally, SAE stood for the School of Audio Engineering. When SAE branched into multimedia studies, its name was changed, briefly, to SAE Technology College. It is now known, globally, as SAE Institute.

How long has SAE existed ? back to top

The School of Audio Engineering was established in 1976.

How do I register? back to top

An applicant filling in the SAE registration form

The enrolment procedures may vary slightly from course to course. Specific details appear in the appropriate registration documentation. The following steps are common to all courses and can be used as a check-list in order to speed up your application.

Check that you have received all the course information. If you have not already done so, you may find it helpful to come for a tour of our facilities prior to making your final decision.
Make sure you understand the entry requirements for the programme of your choice.
Email or call the Institute to check the availability of courses.
If you are a non-European Union national, contact your British Consulate of the British Home Office to find out what the visa requirements are for study in the United Kingdom.
Fill out the registration form and sign it.
Read and initial the registration agreement (on the reverse side of the Registration Form).
Enclose the appropriate registration fee and photographs and mail them, with the form, to the Institution. Please do not send cash via the mail.
Also enclose all your application-supporting material with the form, eg copies of certificates from school and other previous study. It is a good idea to enclose a brief resumé in order to speed up your application.
If your application is in order and you have been accepted onto the course, you will be informed in writing. If, following your initial assessment, it is necessary for you to complete a suitability questionnaire and/or interview, you will also be duly informed.

Note: Applicants wishing to study a full, 'stand-alone', two year degree option (BA (Hons), Recording Arts, Multimedia Arts or Film Making), may make initial application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). UCAS application forms can be obtained from your current school or from UCAS. If you intend to study the degree as a progression from the diploma, you can apply directly to the Institute of your choice.

Is it possible to work whilst studying at SAE ? back to top

Students following part-time courses will find adequate time to work whilst studying. Due to the intensive nature of the full-time courses, we do not recommend that students on these programmes work outside the Institute at the same time.

Should I do a full- or part-time course? back to top

Your choice of full- or part-time study may be influenced by a number of factors. In summary these are:
* The amount of time you have available. For example, if you intend to work whilst studying, we would not, generally, recommend that you undertake full-time study. Ancillary to this, you should note that the full-time courses at SAE are extremely intensive and that, often, there are attendance demands placed on students that preclude their ability to commit to work outside the Institute.
* Your living expenses.
* Your residential status within the United Kingdom. For example, the British Home Office will, generally, not issue study visas to foreign nationals unless they are in full-time study.

What is advanced standing? back to top

All degree programmes are based on the awarding of so-called 'credit points'. For a BA (Hons) degree, a successful graduate will have earned a minimum of 360 points.

Individuals who have previous, applicable experience in the audio or multimedia industries and/or who have partially completed courses, in similar disciplines, at other institutions, may be able to apply for some academic credit prior to enrolling on a degree course. Those who are awarded such credit, will normally not have to complete all degree modules with SAE and can, thereby, save time and money. For further details, please see the SAE Institute Degree Courses Handbook.

Are the degrees awarded by SAE or Middlesex University? back to top

Degree programmes at SAE are taught and administered by SAE and validated by Middlesex University, England. The BA (Honours) qualifications are awarded by Middlesex University.

What is the relationship between theory and practicals? back to top

Courses at SAE are taught 'hands on'. This means that the theory lectures are supported by individual and group practical time for each student, using equipment that is housed on site. Theoretical topics are dealt with in formal lectures given at prescribed times and student performance is gauged through a series of tests and final exams. Practicals are booked outside of, and in addition to, lecture times. Normally, students are required to complete a set of practical assignments before being able to sit the final practical exams. In the final assessment for most courses, theory and practical are given similar weightings.

Which course is right for me? back to top

The course you choose is determined by a range of factors which, in summary, include:
* Your current level of skill and experience.
* Your area of interest.
* Your intended aims including, for example, whether or not you intend to study for a career or merely to deepen your current knowledge of a subject.

Certificate study is normally at an introductory level whilst diploma courses are designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to succeed with careers in the audio or multimedia industries. The degree programmes expand, still further, on topics introduced at certificate and diploma level and, in common with most Arts qualifications, tend to offer a broader base of education in the Humanities, thereby opening up opportunities beyond those offered by the lower-level qualifications.
For further details, please see the SAE registration documentation and Degree Programs Prospectus.

What are the course entry requirements? back to top

The prerequisites for SAE courses vary from course to course and are detailed in the registration documentation and Degree Programs Prospectus.

Are the courses at SAE state approved? back to top

The courses run by SAE are state approved in certain countries. Currently, there is no official state approval of courses in the UK. However, Middlesex University, which validates the SAE degree programmes, is a state-recognized academic institution.
Our degree programmes have received specific designation for student loans by the DfES. SAE Institute is also on the DfES register of education providers.

Can I get funding for the course? back to top

SAE Institute is a privately-owned and operated organisation, and does not, therefore, attract government assistance with the paying of its fees for non-degree courses. We have compiled a seperate page with relevant information, please follow this link: Fee and funding information

What are the employment opportunities after completing an SAE course? back to top

Your job opportunities, after completing an SAE course, will vary according to a number of factors, the main one of which, is the level of the qualification and the area in which you have chosen to specialise. Certificate and diploma courses are aimed primarily at vocational training whilst, in common with most Arts degrees, the SAE degree programmes offer a more broadly-based education in the Humanities in general and, thereby, extend employment opportunities beyond the scope of merely the audio, multimedia and film disciplines.

Do all the SAE Institutes teach in English? back to top

No. Most SAE Institutes based in non-English-speaking countries teach in the national language. Exceptions are branches in the Netherlands, Slovenia, Middle East and Singapore. As far as degree programmes are concerned, since it is a UK degree, all students are expected to have some competence in English, and at some degree locations English language tuition is provided.

Does SAE provide accommodation? back to top

SAE Institutes in the UK do not currently supply accommodation.
We have compiled a page with accommodation advice: London Accommodation

What are the best areas in London to look for accommodation? back to top

SAE London is situated in an area known as Islington which is close to both the City of London (the commercial district) and the West End. Areas that border on Islington include: Camden, Holloway, Angel, King's Cross, Archway, Kentish Town, Tufnell Park, Seven Sisters and Finsbury Park. The cost of rent varies widely across all of these areas.

Can I reserve a place on a course? back to top

A place is reserved for you on the course once your correctly-completed Registration Form, supporting documentation and registration fee have been received and you have been accepted on the course.

When are the deadlines for registrations? back to top

All registrations at SAE are taken on a 'first come, first served basis'. Courses do tend to fill up very quickly, often up to six months in advance so candidates are advised to register as early as possible.

For degree programmes, registrations must be completed at least one month prior to course commencement but preferably sooner to avoid disappointment.

When should I pay the registration fee? back to top

The registration fee should be paid as soon as you decide to take a course. Places are only held on courses once this fee (and registration paperwork) has been received by the Institute.

Are there additional costs involved besides the course fees? back to top

Students at SAE are required to provide their own stationery and storage media, including tapes and/or discs. For students on audio courses, multitrack formats are supplied by the college although students may, if they want to, elect to buy their own. All course material is provided by the college but it is advisable for students to purchase one or two good text books in order to supplement their study. However, these books are often very expensive and it is best to wait until your course has commenced, and you have sought the advice of your teachers, before expending large sums of money on inappropriate or sub-standard texts.

What is the typical cost of living in London? back to top

Please see our separate page with living cost information: London cost of living

When are the course fees due? back to top

There are two payment schemes available for most courses - in full or by instalments. The initial course fees, whether paying in full or by instalments, must be received no less than two weeks prior to course commencement or an applicant's place may be given to someone else. For those not paying in full, prior to course commencement, instalments fall due every three months (quarterly) whilst the course is running.

What is a security deposit? back to top

A security deposit must be paid by students attending courses at SAE London. This deposit excludes registration and course fees, and is retained by the Institute in the event of the non-payment of fees. Security deposits are held by the Institute for the duration of study and refunded to the student at or near the end of the course. The value of a security deposit varies from course to course.

What is the difference between a security deposit and a registration fee? back to top

A registration fee is the amount paid by an applicant to have his or her registration processed and book a place on a course. It is, generally, not refundable. On the other hand, a security deposit, which is also paid prior to course commencement, is totally refundable. The amount for both registration fees and security deposits will vary from course to course. See also 'What is a security deposit?' above.

Will I be invoiced for the course fees? back to top

SAE does not normally invoice for course fees. Fee obligations are outlined in the initial enrolment agreement and fee schedules are handed out to all students at course commencement. In exceptional circumstances, eg to assist with loans and other sponsorship, invoices can be issued by specific request.

Can I switch to another branch of SAE during my course? back to top

Subject to certain guidelines and the availability of places, students may switch between different branches of SAE during their course of study.

How does the marking system at SAE work? back to top

The marking system at SAE varies according to the course on which you are enrolled. However, because of the 'hands-on' nature of SAE education, there is, for the majority of courses, an equal emphasis placed on theory and practical work with individual and group practical sessions being a core component of all programmes. See also 'What is the relationship between theory and practicals?'.

Can I interrupt my course? back to top

Students may defer their studies at most points throughout a course, provided such applications are received in writing. Those who defer have the option to rejoin future classes within a two-year period from the date of deferment.

What is a supervisor? back to top

Supervisors are teachers who do not conduct formal classes but who oversee students who are working on practical assignments. There is always at least one supervisor on duty during all the college's opening hours.

How many holidays are there at SAE? back to top

SAE has four weeks of holiday per annum, two in summer and two in winter, over the Christmas and New Year period. The college may also close for various other religious and public holidays during the year.

What are the UK student visa requirements? back to top

UK student visa requirement are set by the British Home Office. A full list of the student immigration rules can be found on their website at: www.homeoffice.gov.uk.

The most important considerations when thinking about studying at SAE are:

* Unless you are studying at another institution simultaneously, the course will normally have to be full-time. This, by the Home Office definition, must be more than fifteen hours per week.

* The applicant must request the visa personally. SAE cannot apply for study visas on the applicant's behalf.

The SAE Group: