The newly-launched institution, with its headquarters in London, says its model “challenges some of the accepted practices of the two plus one top-up model”.
Instead of studying with a pathway program for two years before moving on to finish a final year of study at their chosen institution, students at BUC can fit what would have traditionally formed the first two years of their course into just 18 months.
The tuition – accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) – is carried out online, and students have access to around 60 progression opportunities at which to finish their studies in person, with over 25 participating universities.
“The number of articulations is growing and extends beyond the UK,” the organisation noted.
Students can choose from a number of programs, including business management, international business, finance and tourism and hospitality.
BUC, launched by the International Skill Development Corporation (ISDC), was promoted at ICEF Berlin earlier this month, but formally launched at an event in central London’s Park Plaza Bankside on November 7.
In attendance were representatives from participating UK institutions, international teaching partners, program lecturers, and agents.
[BUC is] powered by technology to champion access to high quality UK higher education by ensuring affordability, with programmes costing a fraction of the conventional price
Tom Joseph, ISDC Global
The ISDC is a global education and training company that offers pathway programs, skills training and qualifications in partnerships with institutions around the world.
Central to BUC’s mission is to make the model affordable to students who previously may not have been able to afford access to similar courses. According to BUC’s website, courses cost £2,000 each for SQA levels 7 and 8, with the price of the student’s final top-up year subject to their chosen university.
BUC told The PIE News: “Central to the ethos of ISDC is its commitment to providing access to international students whose income status prevents them from studying full time abroad. In essence the students agents turn away!”
“BUC is the latest flexible and student-focused innovation by ISDC, powered by technology to champion access to high quality UK higher education by ensuring affordability, with programs costing a fraction of the conventional price,” said Tom Joseph, executive director – strategy & development at ISDC Global.
“BUC also enables those international students to experience a final year at one of over 15 UK universities as well as an eventual post-study work visa opportunity.’”
