Science and Engineering
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.
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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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.
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.