Higher Education

Stay local and benefit from our expert tutors and outstanding facilities. We offer a range of higher education courses and professional qualifications designed to help you progress to your chosen career.

Our higher education courses for adults span a wide range of subject areas, from art and design to creative media, public services, or even engineering and electrical engineering! Below we list our fantastic range of HNC and HND courses, discuss financial help for higher education students and outline the key benefits of studying with us.

Looking to study Higher Education, but not sure how to get there? You have several studying options to gain entry to one of our Higher Education courses. For adult learners, you may opt to study one of our full or part-time courses and gain a level 3 qualification. Alternatively, if you know what route you wish to go down you may wish to undertake an Access to HE qualification or level 3 apprenticeship, with courses available in an array of subject areas, including construction and trade and health and social care.

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Whichever higher education or professional course you decide to study, with our HNCs and HNDs you will be equipped with the in-demand skills that employers are looking for.

The college works closely with local employers to ensure that our courses address the skills gaps in the local area. Our brand-new Health & Social Care Academy, for instance, is equipped with industry-standard equipment and will provide our higher education healthcare students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel as a healthcare professional.

Why choose us to be your higher education provider?

Students studying on our higher education courses are taught by our expert tutors and benefit from their vast industry experience and knowledge. We pride ourselves on offering a supportive, inclusive learning environment, enabling you to strive for the best and reach your full potential.

Choose us for:

Affordable course prices – our full-time fees are £5,995 and part-time fees are £2,997 per year
Excellent links with employers
Small class sizes
One-to-one support and guidance
Fabulous facilities on campus
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
All students regardless of their level of household income can receive a basic Maintenance Loan.

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.

Higher Technical Qualifications

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are new for 2023 and are level 4 and 5 qualifications that sit between A levels, T levels and degrees.

These courses have been approved by recognised employers and businesses to ensure that students get the specific training, knowledge and skills required for their chosen career. The HTQs will prepare students to work effectively and safely within their defined area of practice, within legal and ethical frameworks, and will develop and promote critical, analytical and reflective thinking skills.

Higher Apprenticeships

We also offer a range of higher apprenticeships, which are a great alternative to achieving a higher level qualification by combining practical training with study.

Find out more about higher apprenticeships

We have the following