A brief explanation of our university level courses

Access to Higher Education (HE)

If you don't have any formal qualifications but want to go to university, then this one year course could be ideal. You will need to study in College for around 15 hours per week, or alternatively, you can take the course part-time over two years (1.5 days or two evenings per week). You will be asked to take a short 5-week pre-Access course to gently ease you back into learning.

Foundation degree (Fd)

Foundation degrees (Fds) are innovative courses that have been designed with employers to combine academic study with work-based learning, allowing for flexible study both in the workplace and at college.

Foundation degrees can be studied full time over two years or part time over three years. They are a credible qualification in their own right, however successful students may be able to go on to study the final year of a degree, which is agreed when you enrol. Foundation degrees are offered as part of our partnership with Staffordshire University and applications are via UCAS.

Foundation year/Extended degree/Year 0

If you have had a break from education, or haven't quite reached the entry requirements for a degree, a Foundation year, or Year 0, course will help you to get on to a full degree course in your chosen subject. These courses are offered in partnership with Staffordshire University and applications are via UCAS.

Other university level courses

The College offers a range of other university level programmes ranging from pre-degree courses in Art and Design, to managerial qualifications such as Accounting (CIMA), Health and Social Care (Registered Manager Award and NVQ 4), Teacher Training (Diploma) and the Chartered Management Institute's Diploma in Management (Level 4).

Please see our Adult Learning section for more details.