University Level Courses
What's in it for you?
 
It is acknowledged that people with higher level qualifications earn more money and are twice as likely to be employed in senior roles. Higher level courses give you important transferrable skills and give you an edge in the employment market.
 
At Stoke on Trent College we have many years experience in running higher level courses that deliver excellent results. Studying here, you will meet new people, encounter new ideas and learn more about your chosen subject.
 
Courses are vocational and related to your job. Qualifications are delivered by tutors who have real-world experience and knowledge of the subjects they teach. We keep class sizes small, with an informal atmosphere and provide substantial individual support.
 
We are part of SURF (Staffordshire University Regional Federation) and the University Quarter. Our higher level courses are awarded by Staffordshire University and you will have full access to resources at both the college and university.
 
Financial Support
 
We recognise that in many cases, getting the right financial support can be a key factor in deciding whether to study a course or not. We are able to offer support to all higher education students, depending on your personal circumstances and the type of course you are studying.
 
For full-time students, the main types of financial help you may be able to get are:

  * A Maintenance Grant or Special Support Grant
  * A Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees in full
  * A Maintenance Loan - if you live away from home

 For part-time students, you could get financial help through the Fee Grant, Course Grant and other sources, provided that the course:

  * Lasts at least one year
  * Leads to a Higher Education qualification
  * Does not take more than twice as long to complete as the equivalent full-time course

For further information about the financial support available please get in touch.

 
Qualifications/ subjects
 
Foundation degrees are designed in partnership with employers. They equip you with skills and knowledge relevant to your employment. Integrating academic and work-based learning, they allow you to learn alongside your existing job. However, you may also undertake a Foundation degree when returning to work or changing your career.

Foundation degrees are usually equivalent to the first two years of an Honours Degree. Most are offered on a part-time basis and are usually completed within three years, although some Foundation degree courses can be completed within two years. Full-time Foundation degrees are mostly completed within two years. All Foundation degrees offer a guaranteed progression route to at least one named Honours Degree, most of which are at Staffordshire University.

A FLAP award is a “bite size” degree level award made up of one or more Staffordshire University modules in a specialised field and can be completed in a much shorter time than a full degree programme. Why not ask if there’s one that suits your specialist needs?

We also offer a number of Higher National Certificate/Diploma (HNC/D) and Foundation Year courses.
 
All foundation degrees are subject to amendment as they are validated through Staffordshire University.
 
Access to Higher Education Media, Art & Design Music & Performing Arts Sports Science & Coaching Business, Management & Finance Teacher Training Teacher Training Construction Child Care, Health & Social Care Public Services & Army Preparation Hair, Beauty & Holistic Therapies Hospitality & Catering Information Technology & Administration
 
Raphael Mathieu

Raphael Mathieu, 26, will shortly be finishing his first year on a PhD course at Staffordshire University.
 
He grew up in Kinshasa in the Congo before moving with his family to Paris at the age of 14. After completing his Baccalaureate exams in France, his family came to England living first in London and Birmingham and finally settling in Stoke on Trent.
 
In 2004 Raphael enrolled on an ESOL course at Stoke on Trent College to improve his English and the following year he completed a Foundation Year course specialising in Computer Studies.
 
Raphael worked hard and in 2006 gained a place at Staffordshire University to study on a four year degree course in Computing Science and Artificial Intelligence. He graduated in 2009 and was invited to study for a PhD to study artificial intelligence and its use in medical research.
 
Raphael said: “Stoke on Trent College was my ground zero - the stepping stone in my career path, I received a lot of encouragement and support from all the IT tutors and especially from John Elsby, who was the first person who recognised that I had a talent for programming. John guided and supported me and gave me the confidence to carry on and continue with my studies into University.”
 
Raphael lives in Newstead and during his leisure time plays football with his PhD colleagues and keeps fit working out in the University gym as well as working in a bar in Stoke to support himself during his studies.

A Real Education - It means skills, experience and knowledge that will allow you to start earning real money and build a solid career. It means having regular access to first-class learning facilities and state-of-the-art equipment to help you fulfil your potential.

Because we offer Level 3 courses, people who study with us are able to work towards going to university without the need for traditional A Levels. So, whether you are looking for the skills to get stuck right into a job, or the best route to university and further qualifications, Stoke on Trent College has the course for you.

Stoke Studio College – Open Evening, 7th Feb 2012... read more
"An exciting future, with new friends, new experiences and new prospects is waiting for you... read on to find out more."

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