BPP University Offers ‘Career Guarantee’ To Indian Students In UK

In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, Sarah McIlroy, Dean of the Business School and Dean of International Higher Education at BPP University, shared valuable insights into the university's approach to supporting international students, particularly those from India. McIlroy discusses BPP’s career-focused education model, its strategies for attracting Indian students, and how the institution is preparing them for successful careers in the UK. 

FPJ: What is the key proposition that BPP University offers to Indian students?

Mcllroy: As a private university, our key focus is -skill enhancement, careers and employability. We have courses that are designed international student needs in mind. We understand the needs of Indian students and offer a robust wrap around to your academic courses to support our students for both, personal and professional growth.

FPJ: What strategies are you applying to attract more Indian students to BPP?

Mcllroy: We have recently launched a 'career guarantee' scheme. For example, if student is studying the MSc in Project Management or Data Analytics, we guarantee them three interviews with UK employers if they follow the prescribed guidelines. SinceBPP, aside from being a university in the UK, is a very large training provider, we have a large number of organisations who send trainees to us, and have reach to industry where we can get our students in front of employers for interviews. We are so confident in the service we provide that if we fail to get the student a job within a prescribed timeframce and once the student has ticked all the boxes, we offer them a full refund of the cost of the career guarantee scheme.

FPJ: How does BPP ensure that students, especially from India, secure jobs after graduation?

Mcllroy: We’re connected with recruitment partner and employers. We have a large training provider base, and we place students directly in front of employers. In some instances many students start part-time jobs, and these part-time jobs turn into full-time jobs on higher level opening. We also work with companies who want to hire our graduates. 

FPJ: How are Indian students contributing to the UK's economy?

Mcllroy: Indian students contribute a lot to the UK economy, particularly in healthcare, retail, hospitality, and service sectors. A lot of students start with part-time jobs, and eventually move to full-time jobs through the graduate route. The employers in the UK are very appreciative of the work ethic and the diversity Indian students bring.

FPJ: How many Indian students are currently enrolled at BPP and what is the gender ratio?

Mcllroy: We have around 10000+ Indian students, making up around 68% of the international students at BPP. The gender ratio is pretty balanced, but it’s slightly tilted towards males, around 55%. The female Populus is about 45%. Most females prefer MSc Management courses, whereas males are more inclined toward the MSc in Project Management, Data Analytics, or Engineering.

FPJ: What courses are most popular among Indian students?

Mcllroy: The MSc Management portfolio of programmes are the most popular courses among Indian students. MSc Technology Management is the latest addition to the Management portfolio.

FPJ: What are BPP's plans in response to the growing international competition in the education sector?

Mcllroy: We acknowledge the growing competition from countries like Canada and Australia. However, we still focus on offering a high-quality product. We are particularly interested in exploring the European markets, like Germany, because we are seeing a rise in the number of Indian students going to these countries.

FPJ: How important is the Graduate Route Visa for Indian students at BPP?

Mcllroy: The Labour government has now stated that they welcome international students and have no plans to make changes to the current regulation. It’s important to note that international students value the opportunity to gain experience, build their skills, and leave with a qualification, work experience and international exposure all of which are ingredients for a successful future. Internal data show about 75% of our students take up the graduate route, which offers flexibility in terms of the work they do. They may look for skilled work, but they are not required to; they can pursue any job they want. This is part of the so-called "graduate route" (previously called the post-study work visa), which actually doesn't mandate a labour market test to get employment. It's a great opportunity for students, as they can try gain valuable work experiences and stay in the UK for up to 28 months (four months after their study visa expires and an additional two years under the graduate route).

FPJ: Does BPP plan to expand its presence in India?

Mcllroy: We are very much looking at expanding our presence in India, mainly through employer partnerships and technical training. While we don’t have plans to open a full campus in India, we are interested in working with employers there to help place students and showcase the quality of BPP graduates.

FPJ: What advice do you have for students considering studying at BPP?

Mcllroy: My advice would be to choose a course that you're genuinely interested in and that aligns with your career goals. It's important to do thorough research on the course and the university. We encourage students to focus on their career development from the start.