FAQs

All SAE degrees are developed, delivered and assessed by SAE Institute. The degree is awarded and quality assured by the University of Hertfordshire. This means that the qualifications you receive upon graduation are recognised internationally.

All SAE courses have a focus on practical, hands-on delivery. The amount of practical time you experience during your studies does vary, depending on your course. You will also have opportunities to access campus resources and facilities outside of class time, during campus opening hours.

We carefully design and deliver all our units to help you develop the knowledge you need to be successful in your chosen field of study. Courses and course units at SAE follow best practice teaching and learning.

Successful creative media graduates need both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. It is important to know the “how” and the “why” of your industry. SAE courses are specifically designed to give you practical expertise and a solid theoretical foundation.

SAE has three intakes per year: January, May and September. Short courses and certificates courses may have different intake timings.

Upcoming Open Day details can be found on our Events page.

Yes, as a 2-year accelerated degree  student you will need to be prepared to commit full-time to this course. We advise that you should be prepared to commit around 35-40 hours per week towards your studies

The content of our degree courses is taught predominantly on campus. However, if appropriate we also offer an online Masters programme – MPP

At SAE we consider your creative potential and commitment to the Creative Industries, not just your academic history.

For domestic student entry requirements click here

For international student entry requirements click here

You can apply for SAE courses quickly and easily. Request an information pack to begin your application.

Experience-based entry options are available to both domestic and international students. For further information, contact your campus to discuss your experience-based entry options.

Please fill in the request information form to get started.

Enrolment documents do not need to be certified however, please note, at any time, you should be willing and able to provide original documents or original certified copies of supporting documentation. Failure to do so may result in your application being rejected. Requests for the provision of original or certified documentation may also involve asking the relevant tertiary admissions centres, issuing authorities or other relevant organisations for verification. For documents submitted in a language other than English, an English translation must be provided by an accredited translator with a Government body or authorised personnel of the issuing institution.

So long as you meet the entry requirements for the course that you want to study, the Admissions team can assist you in changing your enrolment over. This needs to be done no later than your first census date.

No, when applying please send only your original certificates and any transcripts that might come along with them.

You must withdraw prior to census date in order to be eligible for a refund of tuition fees. If you have not paid your fees and withdraw after the census date, you will incur a debt. Non-completion of studies does not normally entitle a student to any refund.

The census date is the last day you can withdraw from a unit without incurring any financial or academic penalty for that unit of study. The census date is usually set at 20% of the study period for each trimester and will be published in advance.

The maximum time you are able to defer study is 12 months.

Financial penalties will apply to students who leave their courses after the allocated census date.

This can vary depending on the campus and course. You may, for example, have a larger lecture group for common units, and a smaller tutorial group of 8-15 students. In most cases tutorial sizes average 15 – 30 students.

This is dependant on how many units you study per trimester. You should expect to be on campus one day a week per unit of study. If, for example, you are completing your studies via the full time fast track mode, you should expect to be on campus four days a week.

We always welcome feedback. Any member of SAE staff is happy to hear what you have to say and ensure that this information makes its way to the most appropriate person. Students are also welcomed to provide feedback via our student surveys and Staff-Student Consultative Committees which are held at each SAE campus. SAE students may also become members of the local student council and/or SAE Academic Board. These bodies provide students with an excellent opportunity to enhance the student life. For more information, contact your local student services team.

Yes, there is an SAE Student Store with discounts available to students who have fully enrolled.

Some of our students have part-time jobs alongside their studies. However, we would ask you to find a suitable balance to ensure this doesn’t impact your learning. 

We do not offer on site accommodation for students, however please check our Student Accommodation page to find out more details of accommodation around the campuses.

Students can access campus facilities during opening hours. Please contact your campus for timings.

You have 10 days after the due date to lodge a Special Consideration form.

SAE Alumni is a network of SAE graduates. When you graduate, you will have the opportunity to join the global Alumni Association.

If you need to provide a medical certificate for any reason, please ensure that you provide this to the Student Experience Officer at your campus.

A full time fast track study load is defined as 40 hours per week. Of this 40 hours you can expect 12-15 hours of face-to-face teaching time. The additional hours of study include collaborative work (i.e. recording sessions) and individual study time.

You will have approximately 14 hours per week of formal classes, spread across 3-4 days (subject to change at different points of the year).

Some of our students have part-time jobs alongside their studies. However, we would ask you to find a suitable balance to ensure this doesn’t impact your learning. 

No, this is not required. Students have access to our campus computer labs for assessment work.

Opening hours are generally Weekdays: 0800 to 2200 and Weekends: 1000 to 1800. Students do have out-of-hours access to the studios and computer labs. For more information contact your campus.

You will use a variety of industry standard and specialised software applications relevant to your study.

Each campus has their own guidelines regarding equipment collection. Please contact your campus directly.

Typically, studios open between 0800-2200. Studio opening hours can vary throughout the trimester according to demand. Please contact your campus directly for more information on opening hours and studio availability.

Yes – all SAE programs use a learning management system to help you prepare for your classes, reflect upon your learning, submit assessments and collaborate and communicate with your peers. For this reason, we recommend that you have access to high-speed internet access while you are studying.

Yes, there is an SAE Student Store with discounts available to students who have fully enrolled.

It would be best to make an appointment to see a Student Experience Officer (SEO) at your campus as soon as possible. It would be preferable to get the required medical documentation prior to your appointment with the SEO.

While provision of adequate support without the required supporting medical documentation is difficult, we ensure that all of our students receive guidance and assistance from our staff in whatever circumstances – please never hesitate to reach out.

Unfortunately, without disclosure to the Student Experience Officer (SEO), there this very little that SAE can do to support you throughout your program. The information you provide is collected for the purpose of developing and approving your student access plan and the provision of other required support to assist you to reach your full potential here at SAE.

The SEO will only disclose your personal or health information to other SAE staff upon your consent. Please feel free to contact the SEO to discuss your concerns.

No. As a student of SAE, support services are provided free of charge.

Upcoming Open Day details can be found on our Events page.

That is not a problem at all. If there is a virtual option for the event that you would like to watch instead we will be able to switch your ticket, all you will need to do is email enquiries@sae.edu and let them know you need to switch tickets.

If you are unable to attend at all, please still email us to let us know so we can open up your ticket to other attendees.

Our SAE Extra and SAE Futures Programme of events will offer online options, for those who are unable to get into one of our campuses.

When booking tickets, make sure to select the virtual ticket option.  These will be streamed via Zoom, with the links being sent out 48 hours ahead of the events.

Our top priority is student and staff health and wellbeing, and we will continue to follow Government Guidance. Flexible, blended delivery of our courses will continue.

All students who attend campus must, as a condition of entry, register at the reception desk, showing evidence of a negative lateral flow test. All attendees to campus are encouraged to wear a mask in public areas, unless they are exempt.

We encourage all students to engage in responsible physical distancing and to practise good hygiene. The accommodation facilities remain in operation unless notified otherwise. If you have any concerns, please contact your Campus Manager.

Please ensure you have the following in place to support your remote learning:

A high-speed internet connection to run Zoom – the software we are using to facilitate classroom delivery

A computer or device capable of running the Zoom client and any software required for your module

Headphones, a microphone and webcam to get the best from this experience

Keep up to date with information about software options for students on our software site, and check your student email regularly for updates.

Confidential free counselling is available for all SAE students. Student Counsellors are available to assist students with any personal issues or circumstances that might affect wellbeing and study. Currently, we are offering most appointments remotely via Zoom or telephone, with some on-campus appointments available by arrangement. If you would like to book a counselling session or find out more information please contact your campus Student Counsellor.

SAE understands that students’ health, wellbeing and studies could be adversely impacted. We recommend you refer to the Department of Health guidelines for information. If you require support, Student Services Advisors can provide personal wellbeing and academic support. To make an on-campus or video appointment, email your campus Student Services Advisor.