Request
To Whom It May Concern;
I would like to ask the below FOI in relation to the process of how you set and maintain tuition fees.
Please note the below questions relate to the mechanics of how tuition fees are set, and calculated within a system. It is not related to the individual cost of any course, or how the institution made the determination to change a specific amount (i.e. the formula of how the university decided to charge a specific amount).
- How are your tuition fees structured? i.e. do you have different fees for UK and International, do you have different fee bands for different types of course.
- Do you have exceptions to this structure, (i.e. courses in a fee band that do not behave exactly as others within the fee band either for new students or continuing students) if so how many plans sit out with structure/exception fees created?
- Are sponsors charged a different rate compared to students who are self-funded? If so is this invoiced separately, or discounted?
- Do you hold rates based on the students entry year?
- Do you adjust fee bands mid academic year based on the prior sessions recruitment?
- Which department is responsible for completing the tuition fee setup in your system and how long does this set up take?
- Technically, how are fees for a course calculated for an offer letter before the student has enrolled?
- How do applicants determine what tuition fee is charged for a course?
- How often do you review tuition rates for each course?
- Who makes the decisions about what tuition fees are charged in your institution (is this different for new entrants and continuing entrants) and who owns and governs the tuition fee policy?
Kind regards
University response
Dear Ms...,
I write further to your request for information dated 5 February 2019. This request has been handled by the University in accordance with its duties and obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 ("FOIA").
You requested details of:
- How are your tuition fees structured? i.e. do you have different fees for UK and International, do you have different fee bands for different types of course
Tuition fees structured by level (UG/PGT etc), Mode of Attendance (FT/PT/DL), Fee Status
- Do you have exceptions to this structure, (i.e. courses in a fee band that do not behave exactly as others within the fee band either for new students or continuing students) if so how many plans sit out with structure/exception fees created?
No
- Are sponsors charged a different rate compared to students who are self-funded? If so is this invoiced separately, or discounted?
No
- Do you hold rates based on the students entry year?
Yes
- Do you adjust fee bands mid academic year based on the prior sessions recruitment?
No
- Which department is responsible for completing the tuition fee setup in your system and how long does this set up take?
Academic Services
- Technically, how are fees for a course calculated for an offer letter before the student has enrolled?
They are added automatically using the fees calculated by level (UG/PGT etc), Mode of Attendance (FT/PT/DL), Fee Status
- How do applicants determine what tuition fee is charged for a course?
Refused under s.21 FOIA as information is readily accessible by other means. The information is on our website - https://www.londonmet.ac.uk/courses/
- How often do you review tuition rates for each course?
Annually
- Who makes the decisions about what tuition fees are charged in your institution (is this different for new entrants and continuing entrants) and who owns and governs the tuition fee policy?
Board of Governors
If you are not satisfied with the handling of your request, you may request an internal review. Internal review requests should be submitted within two months of the date of receipt of the response to your original letter by writing to:
Chris Ince
University Secretary
London Metropolitan University
166-220 Holloway Road
London
N7 8DB
Email: c.ince@londonmet.ac.uk
If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have a right of appeal to the Information Commissioner at:
The Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone: 0303 123 1113 or 01625 545745
Website: www.ico.org.uk
There is no charge for making an appeal.
Kind regards,
Tracy Brathwaite
Information Compliance Officer
University Secretary's Office
London Metropolitan University
166-220 Holloway Road
London N7 8DB
Switchboard: 020 7423 0000