Higher Education
Are you thinking about what to do when you finish your level 3 course? Consider staying with us! We offer a large range of higher education courses and professional qualifications designed to help you progress to your chosen career.
Did you know that you can study a higher education course right here at Warrington & Vale Royal College?
If you've almost finished your level 3 course and are thinking about your next steps, consider staying with us to continue your educational journey. We offer a wide range of Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) - designed to equip you with the in-demand skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.
What are HNCs and HNDs?
A Higher National Certificate is a level 4 vocational qualification that can be completed in one year full-time, or over two years part-time. Level 4 is equivalent to the first year of a degree.
A Higher National Diploma is a level 5 vocational qualification that can be completed in one year full-time, or over two years part-time. Level 5 is the equivalent to the second year of a degree. Upon completion of a HND course, you can go to university for one year to complete your degree.
Why stay at college to study a higher education course?
There are many reasons why you might choose to continue your educational journey at Warrington & Vale Royal College, rather than going straight to university.
Choose us for:
- Affordable course prices – our full-time fees are just £5,995 per year and part-time fees are just £2,997 per year (much cheaper than university fees)
- Great employer links providing you with worthwhile industry experience
- Smaller class sizes and one-to-one support
- Modern and innovative facilities on campus such as our brand new Health & Social Care Academy, Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Training Centre and our Advanced Creative & Digital Skills Centre - to name but a few!
- Easy access by car and public transport
What do our higher education students say about us?
We receive fabulous feedback from our higher education students!
- 95% would recommend their course to a friend
- 96% agree they felt welcome on their first day in college
- 96% agree the teaching on their course is good
- 96% agree teachers know their subject well
- 95% agree they are developing employability skills
- 95% agree they have received quick feedback on their work
- 94% agree the college listens to their views about the course feedback on their course
- 96% agree that their teachers treat them fairly and with respect.
What support is available for higher education students?
All higher education students will have termly 1:1 tutorials with their Programme Leader to support their progress on programme.
Students also have access to an online tutorial programme which provides guidance on a wide range of topics such as careers, mental health, managing finances, support for single parents and working online. In addition, students can access a range of workshops throughout the year to support with topics such as study skills, academic writing and time management.
We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required and a wellbeing team on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. All higher education students have access to a designated Progress Coach who also provides wellbeing support.
What are the funding options?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for financial support including the Higher Education Financial Assistance Fund. Our Guidance and Wellbeing Team can provide you with advice on loans and discuss with you any financial concerns you might have.
Click here to find out more information about financial support at college.
Other options may be:
- Higher Education Finance: all of our HNC/HND programmes are eligible for a Higher Education Loan, which you only start to repay once you are earning over £25,000.
- Tuition Fee Loans: eligible students studying for their first undergraduate course can apply for a tuition fee loan - this will cover the cost of the course.
- Maintenance Loans: all full-time students can apply for a Maintenance Loan to help with living and study costs. The amount of support students receive is dependent on the household income.
- Up to £9,978 per year is available for those who live away from home
- Up to £8,400 per year is available for students who live with their parents
Additional support is also available:
Depending on your circumstances you may be entitled to a:
- Disabled Students Allowance (DSA): this is a grant to help meet extra course costs which students can face as a result of a disability.
- Childcare Grant: to help with childcare costs
- Parents Learning Allowance/Dependents Grant: you may qualify for additional grants if you have children or adult dependents.
For further information on loans and how to apply, visit: www.gov.uk/student-finance.
We have the following
higher education courses available
Adam Boyd
Adam Boyd began his studies at our college seven years ago, when he enrolled on to a foundation learning course. He has since worked all the way up to completing both a HNC and HND in Graphic Design. Adam is the recent recipient of The Harry Cunningham Higher Education Progression Award 2022 - a true mark of his inspirational educational journey and progression.
Erin Hague
Erin Hague studied Level 3 Art & Design before moving on to HND Fine Art to develop her skills further. Erin says her HND helped her to advance her creative thinking as well as her artistic and technical skills. After completing her HND, Erin secured a place at Aberystwyth University to study Fine Art, with the intention of learning more about painting and illustration and preparing herself for a career in art.
Emily Fairclough
Emily (pictured centre) began her studies at our college in 2018 on a level 3 course, working all the way up to completing our HND Sports & Exercise Sciences course this year. Emily is now completing her sporting degree at UCEN Manchester, whilst working as a sports coach at David Lloyd Gyms.
