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.

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

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: 08:00 to 22:00 and Weekends: 10:00 to 18:00. 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, there is an SAE Student Store with discounts available to students who have fully enrolled.

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

Dit is helemaal geen probleem. Als er een virtuele optie is voor het evenement die je liever wilt bekijken, kunnen we je ticket omzetten. Het enige wat je hoeft te doen, is een e-mail sturen naar enquiries@sae.edu en hen laten weten dat je je ticket wilt omzetten.

Als je helemaal niet kunt deelnemen, stuur ons dan toch een e-mail om ons op de hoogte te stellen, zodat we je ticket kunnen vrijgeven voor andere deelnemers.

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.