Ex-student from many moons ago, but from what I remember
On the BCFT website it says that the entire course, including taking all 14 exams can be done in as little time 7 month? Which I have to admit kinda stunned me! Perhaps there are folks around here who can either confirm or deny
this.
Yep, it's just a six month course. You do the exams in two sittings, so three months full time study, then half the exams, three more months study then the rest of the exams. The groudschool was usually something like 0830 - 1630, and you would then need to be putting in a couple of hours self study of an evening to be getting decent grades.
The website says that the full time course costs around 4k, including all the study material (books, CRP-5, CBT etc.) are there any additional costs which one must consider, except the CAA exam fees, of course - and how much would that be?
When I did it, it didn't include the CRP-5 or any CBT, just the books and the lessons. The instructors were all great and really knew their stuff, they would all take the time to sit down face to face one on one when there was stuff you were struggling with, and this is what I felt I was paying for over a distance learning course.
The exams were around £65 each, but I'd imagine they've gone up. You'll find the price on the CAA website - scheme of charges.
I'd also need accommodation, it says that BCFT provides non-locals a room in nearby Hotel, which is owned by BCFT. How is that and how much does it cost, since I bevel it's certainly not included in the course fee.
They didn't have a hotel when I was there, but I seem to remember an agreement with a caravan park.
Is it possible to get around without having a car, regarding grocery shopping, doing the laundry etc.?
The airport is rather in the middle of nowhere, tough without a car, it's far nearer Christchurch than Bournemouth, it's actually Hurn airport that has been renamed to make it sound better. I guess you could get lucky and make friends with a fellow course member who is staying near you and has a car.