The Student Room Group

Kaplan International Pathways at UBIC (URGENT NEED FOR HONESTY)

Hello! I have already confirmed my placement in the foundational certificate programme for science and engineering at the University of Brighton International College but I've heard some things about the programme that are making me uncertain if I made the right choice.

University of Brighton has been my dream uni for years, despite the things I've heard about the academics there. I love the city, and I have friends in the area. So when I was looking at programme options and saw Kaplan had a connection with the university, it seemed like an obvious choice.

My progression degree is to automotive engineering, if that's useful to know.

I've seen a few people saying that the programme was either lacking academic rigor or that it was impossible to pass. I've also seen people saying that it's just a rich kid thing, and that worries me because I come from a low middle class household and have been working two jobs and taken loans for this.

I've seen people say the only Kaplan International College that's any good is the London campus, but I've already been accepted to UBIC and I'm worried that this is possibly a mistake.

If anyone has ANY experience with Kaplan (especially at university of brighton), please be as brutally honest with me about the reality of the programme.
Original post by FinneganJames
Hello! I have already confirmed my placement in the foundational certificate programme for science and engineering at the University of Brighton International College but I've heard some things about the programme that are making me uncertain if I made the right choice.
University of Brighton has been my dream uni for years, despite the things I've heard about the academics there. I love the city, and I have friends in the area. So when I was looking at programme options and saw Kaplan had a connection with the university, it seemed like an obvious choice.
My progression degree is to automotive engineering, if that's useful to know.
I've seen a few people saying that the programme was either lacking academic rigor or that it was impossible to pass. I've also seen people saying that it's just a rich kid thing, and that worries me because I come from a low middle class household and have been working two jobs and taken loans for this.
I've seen people say the only Kaplan International College that's any good is the London campus, but I've already been accepted to UBIC and I'm worried that this is possibly a mistake.
If anyone has ANY experience with Kaplan (especially at university of brighton), please be as brutally honest with me about the reality of the programme.

Hi @FinneganJames
I'm a current student at brighton and though I'm not a UBIC student I thought I could give some advice.

I've looked at the Kaplan Website and it says that 99% of students went on to get an unconditional offer from brighton uni! Which shows that course is not impossible to pass and meets the standards for brighton uni. I hope this gives you confidence in the course and opportunities for further study.

As a UBIC student you also get access to all the UOB facilities which are amazing! The Advanced Engineering building and Elm house are the 2 main places you would be studying in. You will also have access to our Aldrich library which has a ton of study spaces as well as books relating to your course! I've linked below a video of the campus you would be studying

Brighton is also a very diverse city!
In Brighton as a whole "One in five residents is Black or minority ethnic and identifies as non-white british"
At Brighton university, 21% of students identified as non-white and 15% of students studying here are international!

The price for 1 year at UBIC is around the same as the year tuition at brighton

I've also found a review from a student that might be helpful!

I hope this helps you, Feel free to ask any questions!
Blue- TSR Student Ambassador
Original post by FinneganJames
Hello! I have already confirmed my placement in the foundational certificate programme for science and engineering at the University of Brighton International College but I've heard some things about the programme that are making me uncertain if I made the right choice.
University of Brighton has been my dream uni for years, despite the things I've heard about the academics there. I love the city, and I have friends in the area. So when I was looking at programme options and saw Kaplan had a connection with the university, it seemed like an obvious choice.
My progression degree is to automotive engineering, if that's useful to know.
I've seen a few people saying that the programme was either lacking academic rigor or that it was impossible to pass. I've also seen people saying that it's just a rich kid thing, and that worries me because I come from a low middle class household and have been working two jobs and taken loans for this.
I've seen people say the only Kaplan International College that's any good is the London campus, but I've already been accepted to UBIC and I'm worried that this is possibly a mistake.
If anyone has ANY experience with Kaplan (especially at university of brighton), please be as brutally honest with me about the reality of the programme.

Check (1) the requirements for progression to Brighton Uni, (2) how many UBUC students were admitted by Brighton Uni.

Usually (1) is clearly stated in their letter to you like "overall 50% in all modules".

Uni-affiliated institutes usually escape (2), so do UBIC. What the offical rep said "99% of students went on to get an unconditional offer" is not correct. The website actually said "99% of students who successfully passed the preparatory course at the required level received an unconditional offer" - so you risk rejection (1% chance) even if you meet (1).

So be cautious. Perhaps the official rep could tell more on this.

Have you paid the course fees, accommodation etc in full? There is still time to change for September programmes. There are lots similar courses snd many have more definite conditions for admitting to uni.
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 3

Original post by cksiu
Check (1) the requirements for progression to Brighton Uni, (2) how many UBUC students were admitted by Brighton Uni.
Usually (1) is clearly stated in their letter to you like "overall 50% in all modules".
Uni-affiliated institutes usually escape (2), so do UBIC. What the offical rep said "99% of students went on to get an unconditional offer" is not correct. The website actually said "99% of students who successfully passed the preparatory course at the required level received an unconditional offer" - so you risk rejection (1% chance) even if you meet (1).
So be cautious. Perhaps the official rep could tell more on this.
Have you paid the course fees, accommodation etc in full? There is still time to change for September programmes. There are lots similar courses snd many have more definite conditions for admitting to uni.

Don't worry! I've received my offer letter and the progression requirements are very lenient! I've also discussed my concerns with my advisor and I am much more confident in my decision. I've already signed the progression contract and have no worries about moving up to the University of Brighton.
Original post by FinneganJames
Don't worry! I've received my offer letter and the progression requirements are very lenient! I've also discussed my concerns with my advisor and I am much more confident in my decision. I've already signed the progression contract and have no worries about moving up to the University of Brighton.

That's so good.

Enjoy your study. Good luck.

Reply 5

Original post by cksiu
That's so good.
Enjoy your study. Good luck.

Thank you :biggrin:
I appreciate your concern about progressing to UoB! Thankfully my contract is very clear that as long as I pass my required courses (which is actually only one as I am a native English speaker!) With a score of around 45% I will be able to go on to the main uni unless there's a very rare issue. The 1% mentioned are actually still supported if their original university doesn't take them, as the Kaplan Pathways team will connect them to another university that they have partnered with and get a spot there.

There's tons of student support overall, including for any issues like that! I've gotten nothing but kindness and help from both UBIC's Kaplan team and my student advisor throughout the application process. Honestly I was shocked with the amount of care and genuine interest in helping me that I received, but it really helped to make me feel confident in my choice to study there.

Despite my initial doubts and concerns, I couldn't be happier with my decision. Everyone I've interacted with has shown me nothing but support and seem to really be invested in student success and satisfaction. I have very unique circumstances that caused issues with previous schooling, but I immediately had an individual plan made for me that accommodated everything I brought up. In my entire academic career, I have never been treated with the amount of respect, care, and kindness that I have been over the past few months working with UBIC.

I hope my experience gives you more insight into the reality of the programme and hopefully your initial thoughts and concerns have been made a tad bit more positive! Thanks for looking out for me though!

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