UCSH
University Centre St Helens Courses
Access to Higher Education
Are you looking to study a degree but do not have the required entry qualifications?
Our one-year Access to Higher Education (HE) courses can help to prepare you for university study. They are designed for those who have some life experience outside of formal education but do not yet have the qualifications to gain entry to university level study.
Each diploma, tailored to a specific subject area, is a popular route by which many enter university and go on to enjoy successful careers.
Whether you have just started to plan your future career, or are looking for a change in career direction, Access to Higher Education is the ideal first step to get you started.
We offer a number of pathways including:
- Pre-Access Skills for Further Study
- Art and Design
- Health Professionals
- Humanities and Social Science
If eligible, you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the fees for an Access to HE course. Should you go on to successfully complete a degree, you don’t have to repay the outstanding loan for the Access to HE course. For more information, visit our dedicated page here.
Qualifications Explained
Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media Practice
This intensive one-year course bridges the gap between sixth form or college and university. This course provides an opportunity to experiment in a wide range of disciplines, enabling you to find your specialism and to develop your portfolio.
Higher National Certificate/ Higher National Diploma (HNC/HND)
HNCs and HNDs are highly regarded by employers and are considered more practical than a traditional degree. Both qualifications provide a pathway into a particular career, helping to improve your job prospects while providing a natural stepping stone on to a higher level qualification.
Foundation Degrees
Foundation Degrees (FdA and FdSc), delivered in partnership with our university partners, are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to develop careers in a particular industry.
They combine work-based learning with academic study. On completion, students often spend an extra year ‘topping up’ to a full honours degree.
Honours Degrees
Bachelors or Honours Degrees, such as Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons), Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng Hons), are standard higher education qualifications recognised across the UK.
Usually, you will study for 3 or 4 years, full-time. You can also ‘top up’ a HND or Foundation Degree to a full Honours Degree by completing a final year of study.
Level of Qualifications Explained
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Study Enhancement Gift
The 2022/23 Study Enhancement Gift is available to students who are enrolled on University Centre St Helens qualifying higher education courses as follows:
- Year 1 Level 4 Full-time Foundation Degree and Bachelor's Degree - new students for the first year of study only.
- Year 1 Level 4/5 Full-time Higher National Diploma - new students for the first year of study only.
Students transferring to a qualifying University Centre St Helens higher education course from another higher education provider beyond Year 1 Level 4 will be deemed eligible for the Study Enhancement Gift.
Students on qualifying courses will receive a non-repayable Study Enhancement Gift, up to the value of £400. This could be a specific gift, such as a laptop or subject specific equipment; extra qualifications; or trips and visits.
Previous Study Enhancement Gifts have included Alienware laptops and trips in the UK and abroad.
The Study Enhancement Gift for each degree will be determined by the Programme Leader.
Financial Support
Fees and Loans
We understand that making the decision to study at degree level is a big commitment, but it is important to remember that there is a lot of information and additional support available to you.
Should you require more information on fees and funding, University Centre St Helens has a dedicated Finance Officer who can help you to understand your entitlements and assist with loan applications. Please contact us for more information or to make an appointment.
University Centre St Helens Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for 2024 entry vary depending on your chosen qualification. These are clearly listed on each individual qualification featured in our course listings.
All eligible full-time and part-time, undergraduate students from the UK are able to apply for a tuition fee loan. No eligible student will have to pay for tuition fees upfront. This will be paid directly to us by the Student Loans Company on your behalf.
The tuition fee loan isn’t based on household income, there is no credit check and there is no upper age limit to apply. You can apply for the exact amount of loan to cover your tuition fees and this will be paid directly to us by the Student Loans Company on your behalf.
To apply for student finance, you don’t need a confirmed place with us. You should apply using your preferred choice of degree and this can be changed at a later date if needed.
Additional Financial Support
Some students may be entitled to additional financial support, such as Maintenance Loans, Adult Dependants Grant, Disabled Students’ Allowances, Childcare Grant and Parents Learning Allowance.
Repaying Your Student Loan
You will have to repay your tuition fee loan and maintenance loans, along with any interest. You won’t have to repay other student finance such as grants and bursaries if you are eligible for them. Your loan repayments are linked to your income. You won’t have to start repaying the loan until the April after you have finished your studies and are earning over £25,000 a year.
If your income drops below this amount for any reason, you will stop repaying. You will need to make your financial arrangements as soon as you’ve applied for a place. For more information on loans, grants or additional support, visit: www.gov.uk/student-finance.
Study Enhancement Gift
All new, first year (level 4), full-time undergraduates studying a qualifying Foundation Degree, Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma at University Centre St Helens, will receive a non-repayable Study Enhancement Gift up to the value of £400. This could be a specific gift, such as a laptop, or subject specific equipment, extra qualifications or trips and visits.
Find out more information about our Study Enhancement Gift on our dedicated page.
Additional Benefits
All of our students are entitled to a free breakfast from 8.15am - 8.50am every weekday. Choose from toast, cereal or porridge and a hot or cold drink. Students are entitled to complimentary access to Microsoft Office 365 with five licences, that can be used across several devices. Students are also able to purchase a discounted Arriva bus pass.
Tap/click here to purchase your bus pass online.
Student Finance Explained
University Partners
University Partners
University Centre St Helens has developed strong links with a variety of universities to ensure that you graduate with a prestigious qualification. When you choose to study for your degree with us, you will receive the benefits of smaller learning groups and increased contact time with our experienced lecturers. Graduating with a nationally recognised qualification, validated by a major university.
University Centre St Helens is an approved academic partner of University of Chester. We have a very strong relationship with the University; it is also our largest university partner. Students on a University of Chester validated degree will have access to resources and support that students based at Chester also have access to including, library and online resources at any University of Chester location, Chester Student Union, a range of careers information resources and student support and guidance.
University Centre St Helens is proud to be working in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to provide individuals with a range of learning opportunities in Higher Education.
UCLan courses run at University Centre St Helens are also governed by the same entry requirements and course regulations as students at UCLan, which means that you can progress onto UCLan to top-up your degree. For example, you can progress from a Foundation degree to an Honours Degree.
As a student studying on a UCLan course, you are still very much part of the UCLan community. You can enjoy the benefits of a wider range of University facilities and services, including library and online resources, student services including access to careers support via the UCLan website and UCLan’s Students’ Union.
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
University Centre St Helens is proud to be a partner institution of Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), delivering a strong Foundation Degree programme with them.
LJMU is a contemporary university with the aim to give people the opportunity to maximise their potential through degree programmes that are stimulating, challenging and exciting.
As a student studying on a programme validated by LJMU, you will be entitled to use the universities library and resources at any of their three learning resource centres, as well as the Students Union.
Accommodation
Live at Home
Increasingly students are choosing to stay at home as the cost of attending university rises. While it has traditionally been said that students should move away to get the most from their university experience, students who live at home can enjoy and benefit from the student lifestyle just as much. If you are within commuting distance of University Centre St Helens, then staying put is worth some serious thought.
There are a number of benefits to staying at home and studying for a degree. Moving away to attend university can be a weighty financial commitment, in terms of both fees, accommodation and living costs.
Being based at home doesn’t make you any less a full-time student. You can still have all the benefits of student life. University Centre St Helens is within easy reach of Liverpool and Manchester - two cities with vibrant student nightlife. Plus, if you are currently in a part-time job you can continue to work while you undertake your studies
Living Away
Some students starting university decide that moving away from home will contribute to their independence and help them to become immersed in student life.
Aside from your course of study, where you choose to live will probably be one of the most important decisions you make.
With University Centre St Helens located centrally within the Northwest of England, there are a number of accommodation options available to you both in St Helens and the surrounding areas, particularly in Liverpool and Manchester which have excellent transport links by car, bus and train.
The Student Housing Company Student Accommodation
The Student Housing Company provides comfy and secure student accommodation all over the UK including accommodation in Liverpool.
www.thestudenthousingcompany.com
Unite Student Accommodation
Unite Students is the leading provider of student accommodation in the UK, with over 44,000 rooms across 26 cities including Liverpool and Manchester.
*Please note residential accommodation is provided by third parties. University Centre St Helens has no contractual arrangements with these providers. You must contact the provider directly and make arrangements directly with them for accommodation. Pictures displayed on this website page and in publications are for illustration purposes only.
University Centre St Helens Open Days
Creative Arts
Creative Arts degree's at University Centre St Helens:
Social Sciences
University Centre St Helens provides rich and extensive provision in the discipline of social science. You will be immersed in the study of society and you will be provided with the intellectual environment in which to discuss the influences that shape and mould macro and micro societies. You will also gain a thorough understanding of the long enforced laws of your country and discover how new policies are put in place.
Located at the heart of the town centre, within the long standing headquarters of international pharmaceutical company, The Beecham Group, University Centre St Helens provides a traditional setting for gaining the academic knowledge needed to pursue a career within a number of specialised and competitive fields.
Boasting excellent academic success, University Centre St Helens will focus on developing your existing skills and knowledge further, through its flexible and rich curriculum. Our experienced and professional lecturers each have a contemporary and thorough understanding of their discipline area, offering excellent support and guidance to you throughout your degree.
Social Science degree's at University Centre St Helens:
Science and Engineering
Developed in collaboration with industry employers and professional awarding bodies, University Centre St Helens' degrees and higher-level qualifications are designed to prepare you for an exciting career in the science or engineering sectors.
With dedicated support from lecturers, you will benefit from their extensive experience and industry links, whilst taking advantage of our fully equipped laboratories and engineering workshops.
Subcategories
Creative Arts
The creative arts department at University Centre St Helens has a number of creative spaces including, painting studios, editing suites, TV and film equipment and individual workspaces. We also have colour and monochrome dark rooms, Mac suites and game studios.
Our experienced lecturers, who are actively practising artists and designers, also have strong employer links, which enable students to gain industry insight through live briefs and projects including opportunities to meet iconic creatives.
Science and Engineering
Developed in collaboration with industry employers and professional awarding bodies, University Centre St Helens' degrees and higher-level qualifications are designed to prepare you for an exciting career in the science or engineering sectors.
With dedicated support from lecturers, you will benefit from their extensive experience and industry links, whilst taking advantage of our fully equipped laboratories and engineering workshops.
Business and Management
Developed in association with employers and awarding bodies such as Pearson and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) including university partner, University of Chester, our professional business and management qualifications are designed to prepare you for your next step in the modern business world.
You will learn from industry-experienced lecturers, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and employer links with you, whilst developing the leadership, operational and administrative skills needed for a successful career.
Criminal Justice
Are you interested in why people commit crimes and the individual and societal causes of deviant behaviour? Our degrees answer these questions and much more through a diverse range of modules linked to criminology, psychology and the justice system.
Some of our previous graduates have secured employment with Merseyside Police, the Probation Service and the Youth Offending Service, whilst others have undertaken post-graduate study in criminology and psychology or have undertaken formal legal training.
Early Years
University Centre St Helens has been training educators for over 50 years. We pride ourselves in developing confident and adaptable graduates who are in demand.
We offer a range of degrees, available to study on a flexible basis, which are validated by Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Chester.
Study local, go anywhere
Study for your degree with University Centre St Helens and enjoy all of the benefits of University, without needing to leave home.
Current St Helens College students can progress from a wide range of A level and BTEC programmes onto a degree course with University Centre St Helens. Benefiting from lower tuition fees, smaller class sizes and unrivalled access to lecturers and support, all new students joining University Centre St Helens in September 2018 will also receive a £500 course relevant Study Enhancement Gift.
Allowing students to continue living at home, many choose University Centre St Helens for its ease of access and ability to keep part-time jobs, whilst others study on a part-time basis around family and employment commitments.
Many of our students progress from a range of local high schools, through a variety of programme levels with St Helens College before enrolling on a degree course with us, whilst others return to learning after years away from education, progressing from Access courses or employment.
Our University Partners
University Centre St Helens has developed strong links with three of the Northwest’s leading universities, to ensure that you graduate with a prestigious qualification.
When you choose to study your degree with University Centre St Helens, you will receive the benefits of smaller class sizes and increased contact time with our experienced lecturers, whilst graduating with a nationally recognised qualification, validated by a leading university.
Part-Time Degrees and Professional Qualifications
University Centre St Helens offers a range of professional qualifications, from Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs) to Foundation Degrees and Honours Degrees, accredited by industry chartered bodies and partner universities.
Whether you choose to study a part-time degree or professional qualification, all of our qualifications are designed to complement and accommodate professionals already working in their sector, as well as those looking for a career change.
Exercise, Health and Fitness
Our Exercise, Health and Fitness courses cover a range of topics that influence health, fitness and wellbeing. It examines the effect of lifestyle choices on health such as nutrition as well as physical, psychological and environmental factors. You also have the opportunity to undertake additional qualifications in fitness instructing and personal training, to enhance your career opportunities within the health and fitness industry.
Theatre and Performance
Explore and develop your talent in the most inspiring and creative environment. From analysing the works of famous directors, practitioners and playwrights to adopting roles such as performer or director, you will be challenged and trained to compete with the very best in the industry.
Whether developing your knowledge in the classroom, or your skills in our bespoke theatres, studios and workshops, you will have access to the most incredible opportunities to help you achieve your dream career.
