The centre at Bournemouth is the third purpose-built building KIC has launched after opening similar properties at the University of Glasgow and Nottingham Trent University. Linda Cowan, MD at KIC, said the spaces are part of Kaplan’s goal to take a holistic approach to learning inside and outside of the classroom.

“Creating this flexible space gets to the core of what Kaplan believes in for pathway delivery”

“It’s linked strongly to language development but also cultural adjustment, skills development, as well as knowledge development,” she told The PIE News. “Creating this flexible space or providing our own residency where we have more control around delivery gets to the core of what Kaplan believes in for pathway delivery.”

Teaching and study spaces are housed in the same 30,000 square foot building as a restaurant and 393 bed residency. The facility, which opened to students in September, is almost at capacity hosting a mixture of UK and international students.

“We have made some of the beds available to Bournemouth University students so that provides a nice opportunity for international students to get to mix with students who are already in the university and it can help inspire the students in terms of their future degree programmes,” commented Cowen.

The building also holds classroom facilities, break out areas and a learning hub on the first floor.

“This building is an exciting new development in our constant efforts to offer the best student experience possible and is a very tangible demonstration of how much we value our international students,” said John Vinney, vice-chancellor of Bournemouth University.

Since opening in 2013, the college has enrolled 700 students. In this year’s September intake it welcomed 150 students from 59 countries.

The building was officially opened by Councillor John Adams, the Mayor of Bournemouth, with Don Graham, CEO of Kaplan’s parent company Graham Holdings (formerly the Washington Post Company) and David Jones, CEO of Kaplan International in attendance.