STUDENT-RELATED POLICIES

NSCD programmes of study are validated by the University of Kent. For more information please visit:

University of Kent 

Admission to NSCD

In this section you will find the following policies relating to admission to a course of higher education at NSCD: 

• NSCD Admissions Policy 
• NSCD Admissions Appeals and Complaints Policy
• NSCD Terms and Conditions for 2022 entry
• NSCD Fees Policy 
• Course Deposit Policy

For information about our courses, please visit: www.nscd.ac.uk/study/courses/

NSCD Admissions Policy

NSCD Admissions Appeals and Complaints Policy

Terms and Conditions

NSCD Fees Policy

NSCD Student-facing policies

Following NSCD’s Independent registration with the Office for Students from 2022/23 all Student-facing policies will be updated in time for the new academic year in September 2022.

Mental Health Charter

The University Mental Health Charter was created by thousands of staff and students to shape a future in which everyone in higher education can thrive.

​The Charter provides a set of principles to support universities across the UK in making mental health a university-wide priority. It forms the basis of the Charter Award Scheme, being developed in 2020, which will recognise and reward universities that promote good mental health and demonstrate good practice.

The Conservatoire for Dance and Drama have used the principles of the University Mental Health Charter to develop a Charter which is more relevant to our specific institutional needs and context.

Criminal Records Policy

The School has a responsibility to provide a secure, safe environment for students, staff, visitors and other individuals, and must balance this alongside any legal requirements (such as those to protect vulnerable individuals).  In line with this responsibility, the Conservatoire has a criminal records policy which contains procedures for managing the disclosure of criminal records.  This applies both to applicants who are applying to study on a course of higher education  and also to students who are registered at NSCD.

Some programmes of study may require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.  You should contact your School policy contact if you have any queries about this.

The policy sets out the common approach and procedures that allow the school to assess any potential risk posed by an individual having a relevant criminal conviction, and determine what appropriate action (if any) might be needed.  Having a criminal record is not necessarily a bar to becoming or continuing as a student at NSCD. Please see the policy for further information.

Data Processing Statement

The data processing statement and accompanying Schedules 1 and 2 outline how Northern School of Contemporary Dance holds and processes your personal data, including the types of data, the categories/purposes of processing, where we will share data with third parties, and the lawful bases for processing data, in accordance with Article 6 of GDPR.

Emergency Powers of Exclusion and Suspension

Where a concern is raised relating to a student’s wellbeing and/or conduct, whether on or off School premises, which represents a potential or actual threat to the safety, security, health, wellbeing, good order, or reputation of the student, and/or of the School,  its members, an external organisation or placement provider, or members of the public, a member of staff may make a recommendation to the  CEO or the CEO’s delegate that the student should be temporarily suspended and/or excluded.

Inclusivity Policies and Protocols

As part of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama Inclusive Cultures Strategy, the Conservatoire is in the process of developing a series of policies and protocol addressing a range of subjects including: gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, race and ethnicity, mental health and well-being, and disability.

This is an on-going project. Additional policies and protocols will be published here as they are completed.

Non-Academic Misconduct Policy

Sexual Misconduct, Harassment and Related Behaviours

Northern School of Contemporary Dance seeks to maintain an environment which is safe and conducive for all members of the school, whether students or staff, and which supports the wellbeing of all such individuals, as well as fostering the professional development of all trainees. This endeavour is supported by the Inclusive Cultures Strategy.

The NSCD Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Harassment and Related Behaviours underpins and is founded upon the principles outlined in the Inclusive Cultures Strategy, which reflect the commitment to establishing a culture of mutual respect and support, and to ensuring a zero tolerance for sexual violence and misconduct, harassment and related behaviours.

Refunds and Compensation Policy

The Refunds and Compensation Policy explains how Northern School will meet its obligations regarding refunds and compensation for registered students of the Conservatoire, including when matters arise which trigger the Student Protection Plan.

Student Complaints Procedure

Northern School of Contemporary Dance is committed to considering and investigating genuine complaints from students. NSCD defines a complaint as being an expression of dissatisfaction by one or more students about an action or lack of action by NSCD, which warrants a response.

This complaints procedure encompasses NSCD’s procedures for student complaints.

Student Protection Plan

As a registered higher education provider, NSCD is required by the Office for Students (OfS) to publish a Student Protection Plan (SPP) that sets out the steps that will be taken by the school to protect students in circumstances that might lead to the discontinuation of their programme of study.  Possible scenarios that might result in the discontinuation of students’ programmes of study, and the steps that would be taken in such situations, are set out in the Student Protection Plan below.

For further information, please see also the Refunds and Compensation Policy.

Student Transfer Arrangements

Support Through Studies

Support Through Studies refers to your ability to engage positively and fully with your programme of study and to fulfil the expectations of the course, designed to support the needs of students.

Support Through Studies is not about your academic or professional ability.  It is about having supportive procedures which can be used by staff when a student’s health, well-being and/or behaviour is, or appears to be at risk of, having a detrimental impact upon their studies and/or ability to cope with student life.