BSY Reviews 

95
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.6

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is the second course I have done with BSY, I love that I can do it in my own time. Also the comments from Tutors, carefully studied my answers to questions. Hopeing to do furtyher study this Au... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’ve enjoyed every course that I’ve worked on with BSY and have completed quite a few. The feedback from each tutor has been positive and encouraging. I’ve started another course Creative Writing and... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’ve been with BSY group for many years. Personally I love their correspondence courses as they fit in with my life perfectly. You get lots of guidance and support - but you are also left in control t... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

I liked the course content. I was told on enrollment that there was no time limit on completing the course and with cancer twice it interrupted my study. I was then told that actually there is a ti... See more

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An accredited distance learning college with over 75 years’ experience, providing home-study courses that can lead to a fulfilling new career or help you get more from your interests.


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4.6

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

95 reviews

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4.6

All reviews

(95)

31 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What can i say i started doing courses…

What can i say i started doing courses with the bsy since 2018 my first course was palmistry i completed that one and went on to do the spiritual energy healing Practitioner course 1 and 2 i completed and got my diploma with a distinction i then went on to do the crystal healing Practitioner course and passed that i am now doing psychic development course and the I ching i must say i have the bug but to be honest i have severe adhd and doing this written was amazing as im not great with computers my grammar isn't great and i was worried about my hand writing but the tutors have all been amazing marking me on my knowledge not on my written work i had not achieved anything so it came as a big shock to pass everytime im a 50 year old woman and doing these courses gave me so much confidence and the ability to then set up my own businesses i really can't thank the bsy enough for their understanding of helping people like myself with neurological disorders in their compassion thank you you changed my life looking forward to doing many more ❤

October 7, 2021
Unprompted review
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Reply from BSY

Thank you for your comments. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your studies with us. We wish you all the best in your future ventures, and would love to hear more about them, from us all at BSY.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Achieved!

I started with Basic Counselling Skills course and then went on to complete Advanced Counselling Skills. Overall the experience was amazing. It took me longer than first anticipated due to job changes, life and family juggling! However this is where, not having a time frame to complete the course and no deadlines was really helpful as the pressure is instantly reduced. I had a little confusion as the Advanced Counselling seemed to change names half way through, but BSY were easy to contact and quickly responded to explain. I found the courses really helpful and I achieved my goal of updating a previous qualification obtained in 2003, so feel my knowledge is now current. I am more confident about setting up practicing Counselling.

October 6, 2021
Unprompted review
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Reply from BSY

Thank you for your kind words. We are happy to hear that you have enjoyed your studies and feel ready to start a new venture. We wish you all the best and we hope to welcome you onto more courses in the future. Best wishes from us all at BSY.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

BSY CBT Diploma. If you need a stepping stone into the…

If you need a stepping stone into the world of therapy, this is an excellent course to take, very affordable, great support and probably too flexible, there are no deadlines at all, so self discipline is of the essence. The college give excellent feedback and happy to listen to feedback in order to improve the educational experience.

August 13, 2021
Unprompted review
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Reply from BSY

Thank you for your comments. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your studies with us. We wish you all the best, from us all at BSY.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed doing this disability…

I really enjoyed doing this disability issues course, Everyone on the team of BSY is helpful efficient and extremely polite. However, doing this course gave me more, it instilled confidence in my ability to educate myself further, It improved my essay writing and grammar without any negative comments been given. It helped me organized time within my busy schedule to study. I gained so much by doing this that I enrolled in the local university and am now studying for a Hons in social work. At the age of 60 plus this has helped with my mental wellbeing. I would encourage anyone who is interested to go for it. excellent service thank you BSY

July 9, 2021
Unprompted review
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Reply from BSY

Thank you for your comments. We are so pleased to hear that you gained so much from your studies with us. We wish you all the best in your future ventures, from us all at BSY.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed my studies with BSY

I enjoyed my studies with BSY. I found the feedback very good and the tutors were always helpful

June 30, 2021
Unprompted review
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Reply from BSY

Thank you for your feedback, we are happy to hear that you enjoyed your studies with us and we wish you all the best, from us all at BSY.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have taken 4 courses with BSY and…

I have taken 4 courses with BSY and have learnt so much and enjoyed doing them so much. I have taken a break from studying but intend on taking on another course soon. Thank you BSY.
CYP

June 30, 2021
Unprompted review
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Reply from BSY

Thank you for your review. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your studies with us and look forward to welcoming you on to more in the future. Best wishes from us all at BSY

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Content and 5 Star Service

I have now completed my 5th course with BSY, I continue to return due to the amazing content of each course, very well explained quality content which is just a joy to learn. I give them 5 stars for quality but also 5 stars for being so helpful and have such a quick turnaround when each lesson is sent back for marking. Everyone at BSY is so helpful, thank you so much for all your help and expertise, I will definitely be back for more.

May 29, 2021
Unprompted review
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Reply from BSY

Thank you for your kind words. We are so pleased to hear that you have enjoyed your learning experience with us and we look forward to welcoming you onto more courses. Best wishes from us all at BSY.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Very disappointed and regretful

I completed the BSY Massage Diploma Course. The course comprises of 12 sets A4 printed pages. At the end of each, there’s an “open book” test – a series of questions which you answer and then send back by post or email to be marked by one of the tutors. Many of the questions test your ability to type a question into Google. Such as “Name a muscle that flexes the wrist” and “How many phalanges are there on a normal human skeleton?”. Other questions require more thought. Many involve abstract ideas which you probably wouldn’t expect in a test about a massage course (don’t be mistaken; I don’t mean abstract as in thought-provoking and interesting – I mean abstract as in irrelevant and nonsensical).

This course left me feeling like I'd had a little taste of various subjects, such as psychology, hypnotherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, first aid, shiatsu… sadly though, despite the name of the course, it didn't leave me feeling like i'd learnt how to be a massage practitioner. I was very disappointed with the content of this course material, both in terms of quality and quantity.

In my experience, the BSY group, other than having a basic website and an email address, didn’t use any form of technology whatsoever for this course. There was zero interactivity with other students – you just read through the uninspiring rubbish they send you and then answer the questions and wait for them to send you their feedback along with the next chapter of rubbish they’ve thrown together. No online lessons, no photographs, no videos... Let’s think for a minute… do you think that to learn massage, you can just read through 12 texts, do 1 day of practical training and you’re good to go? The school claims to offer tutor support by telephone. The only one time I needed help I was told that no tutors were available, that they couldn’t call me back as I’m overseas and asked me to send an email. I think considering the amount for money I paid for the course, they could have afforded a quick telephone call to Europe.

I’ve learnt that it’s important to do some research into the company that “certifies” any course you’re interested in doing. Next time I do a course, I won’t be fooled by official looking logos on the certificate – if you’re doing a course with the intention of working in a specific field, such as complementary therapies, I think it’s important to find a course which is certified by a big name in that specific industry. Massage is not a regulated industry which, worryingly, means that anybody can call themselves a massage therapist, and any school can sell you a “practitioner level” massage course. That means that even the worst massage course will get you a practitioner’s certificate. Think about the quality of training you need and want before signing up for a course like the one I did. Do some Google research and you’ll quickly understand what I mean.

I’m a fan of distance learning. In fact, I’ve just completed an Ofqual regulated level 5 certificate in teaching English as a Foreign Language, 100% online. Excellent value-for-money, a really challenging course that’s set me up for a new career. My BSY course didn’t do that. I wasted a lot of time and money and came out the other end disappointed and feeling unqualified and regretful. If you’ve got the time and motivation to put into distance study, I highly recommend you think carefully about what types of subjects you could realistically learn without having to attend presential classes. Look for an official, recognised qualification that is regulated, for example by Ofqual (or at the very least certified by a respected organisation in the field you wish to study). And find a school that specialises in the subject you’re studying (BSY offers courses on literally anything they can flog from “Dragon Magic” to “Wedding Planner”).

A good way to check whether your qualification is worth the paper it’s printed on, is to ask the main professional associations for that industry whether your qualification would entitle you to become a member (for complementary therapies, ask the Federation of Holistic Therapists, or the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council; these are the two main professional bodies in this industry). And phone round a number of well-known insurance companies to ask whether they would give you professional indemnity insurance based on that qualification (don’t just ask the insurance company the course provider recommends; phone around and ask other companies so you can get a better idea of the course’s value in the real world).

When you pass your final exam and have a certificate in your hand which really has value and really reflects the time and hard work you’ve invested in your future, you will feel great for having made the right choice.

March 16, 2021
Unprompted review
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Reply from BSY

We are sorry to hear that the reviewer has been left feeling disappointed after full completion of their studies with BSY.

Our course materials are written by experienced professionals and are structured so we can continually assess our students’ understanding and competence of the subject. This, in conjunction with practical training means we can adequately assess our students’ abilities. We are happy to assist any students who feel they require extra information or guidance at any point throughout their studies.

Course materials are designed to be clear and concise, and are specifically written to help students learn relevant skills from the comfort of their own home and at their own pace. The Massage course is currently supplied in paper format; however, we also offer many courses online and via email and, during COVID-19, we have been developing electronic versions of our materials for those who may require it. The methods of delivery and the study format are fully set out to students prior to enrolment – along with details on any required practical training and certification issued upon successful completion. Our courses have been developed over BSY’s 75 year-long history and the format of the studies often allows those students wishing to continue studies after a number of years to do so as seamlessly as possible.

There is essential practical training associated with the Massage course and in normal circumstances students would undertake training here at our School in Devon or be referred to one of the specialists on our register of approved therapists for one-to-one assessment. Unfortunately due to COVID restrictions throughout 2020 and into 2021, this option is not currently available. In order to support our students in continuing their studies without delay during these times we are giving students the option of providing a video of them demonstrating their knowledge for us to assess and provide feedback, so as not to disadvantage any students wishing to progress their studies. This method of assessment is accepted by our professional bodies.

There are no specific government regulating bodies for many of our subject areas, so membership of any association is entirely optional and voluntary. There are several self-appointed and self-regulating associations, but there is no statutory requirement to join these. BSY offer a number of nationally recognised qualifications from NCFE CACHE, a registered educational charity and Awarding Organisation. These qualifications are regulated by Ofqual in England. BSY’s training is monitored by specialised accreditation / recognition bodies including ODLQC (Open and Distance Learning Quality Council), OCN and The Guild of Beauty Therapists. Some BSY courses have also been endorsed under the Quality Licence Scheme.

Graduates of our Massage course can arrange cover for professional liability insurance from a number of insurance providers – which is essential to protect the interests of both graduates and clients.

We are also sorry to hear that the reviewer felt unable to seek assistance during their studies, unfortunately due to the current pandemic BSY have been operating on limited staff and have encouraged all students to contact us, where possible via email.

We have continued to operate as close to normal as possible and are absolutely committed to our students both past and present. We are always happy to address any concerns at any point throughout an individual’s studies and would be happy to address the reviewer’s concerns if they would like to contact us.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful courses but afterward I…

Wonderful courses but afterward I signed up for an annual alumni certificate which came every year but this year. I have tried for three months back and forth contacting them. The last email was ignored and now I am told I have to call someone else about "the issue" that hasn't been a problem any other year. I have since been contacted and I was told that particular membership with discounts had been discontinued. I was sent a current membership certificate and card for this year and I was told to cancel my standing order for next year. It would have been nicer if I hadn't been sent an email to say it was on the way in November. I feel the situation has been resolved to my satisfaction now.

January 4, 2021
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Animal Anatomy - disappointing

I was very disappointed with the first lesson of my Animal Anatomy course. It was just a bullet list of headings that I could have found online. I didn't continue and stopped further payments. I'm glad I opted to pay by installment.

September 20, 2020
Unprompted review

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