Higher Education
What is higher education?
Higher Education qualifications can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the terminology.
The first thing to be aware of is the academic “Level” of the course.
Level 2 and 3 are equivalent to GCSE and A-Levels respectively.
Higher Education is Level 4 and above.
Level 4 is equivalent to the first year of a traditional three-year Batchelor’s degree, Level 5 to year two and Level 6 to year 3.
The qualifications
These are some examples of higher education qualifications:
HNC – Higher National Certificate
Level 4. Extremely popular vocational courses accredited by Pearson. Usually one year of study.
HND – Higher National Diploma
Level 5. Commonly taken after completion of the HNC – usually a further year.
AAT Certificates and Diplomas
These are professional accountancy qualifications which are industry-recognised at Level 4 and 5 respectively. AAT is the Association of Accounting Technicians, which students join in addition to gaining their qualification.
UAL Professional Diploma
These are Level 4 qualifications accredited by the University of the Arts London and have been developed in consultation with industry.
CIPD Associate Diploma
This is a professional qualification regulated by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, aimed at people looking to go into HR and those experienced in the field and hoping to move into an Advisor or Business Partner role.
What comes next?
Our courses provide you the best of both worlds. They are widely-recognised self-contained qualifications but come with the option to progress to a full degree at university, giving you the flexibility of keeping your options open in a changing job market.
Eligibility
Higher education courses generally require you to have Level 3 (A Level or equivalent) qualifications although your occupational experience may be taken into account. If you’ve been out of education for a while you can complete an Access to Higher Education Diploma. This a Level 3 course to prepare you for Level 4 study and above, including a full degree.
Advantages
- Flexible qualifications which are recognised by employers in their own right but can also be topped up to gain a university degree.
- Good teacher/ student ratios to ensure you’re not left behind and that support and advice are on hand throughout your course.
- Competitive pricing along with finance options designed to enable people to take part irrespective of their financial circumstances.
- The opportunity to study from a venue close to where you live so you don’t have to abandon your friends and family.
- Teaching by vocationally-experienced staff who will pass on their industry knowledge.
Student Finance
Students studying on our Level 4 and 5 courses may be eligible to apply for a student loan to cover the cost of their tuition fees and sometimes you can also borrow money to help with living costs. Loans are repaid once you are working and earning a certain amount. Eligibility criteria applies and please click this link to find out more about student finance.
To find out more about the funding available for HE, please click the video below to see the presentation from the Careers Guidance Team. You can also
pdf
view the presentation slides here
(1.52 MB)
.
Access & Participation Statement
Click here to view our Access & Participation Statement
Student Protection Plan
Student protection plans set out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. The purpose of a plan is to ensure that students can continue and complete their studies, or can be compensated if this is not possible.
All higher education providers registered with the Office for Students (OfS) must have a student protection plan in place.
Please click here to read our
pdf
HRUC Student Protection Plan 22 23
(207 KB)
Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom
Disabled Students' Allowance
You can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) to cover some of the extra costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. You can get the allowances on top of your other student finance. You will not need to repay DSAs.
Please take some time to read through the links below to help you understand what is on offer and what the application process involves. The application process can be lengthy, so applying early is important.
pdf DSA Flowchart (50 KB) | pdf DSA FAQs (35 KB) | DSA Presentation | DSA Presentation - BSL Version
For further information please see our Terms & Conditions for HE Students below and click the Students with Disabilities / Learning Difficulties section.
Terms & Conditions for HE Students
Click here to view the Terms & Conditions for HE Students
Higher Education Courses
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Business 3 courses
Our business courses give you the chance to put your developing skills to the test with practical projects and scenarios which bring the theory to life.
Business courses
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Computing & Information Technology 6 courses
Our courses prepare students for a wide range of skills in subjects including software systems, cyber security and robotics.
Computing & Information Technology courses
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Construction, Building Services/Plumbing 8 courses
The college has excellent relationships with construction industry businesses.
Construction, Building Services/Plumbing courses
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Engineering 10 courses
Engineering is taught using a wide range of equipment and software to ensure the student is immersed in the technology which will become familiar when they move on into employment.
Engineering courses
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Travel & Tourism 2 courses
Our courses will prepare students for careers in a range of settings including hotels, airlines and cruise ships.
Travel & Tourism courses
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Uniformed Services 1 course
We can prepare you for a future in the emergency services and the armed forces with a range of courses which will allow you to get direct entry into your career or progress to more specialist training.
Uniformed Services courses