Well I've not done the course, or any course for that matter and am pretty new myself to photography - maybe I should get on the course. Anyway...
Instead of the 450Ds why not go for some 400/350/300D or 10D(or Nikon etc equivalent) which will be cheaper but I assume would give you enough functionality for the course. If the course has certain modules eg macro then with the money saved you could get a macro lens / tubes etc, lowlight / fast lens / studio set-up or whatever else might be needed.