Why choose college for university-level courses?
Whatever qualification you choose, you can be sure of excellent tuition and individual support.
Here are some reasons why you should study for a university–level course with us:
Excellent Reputation
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) reviews providers and confirms the high quality of our courses. QAA awarded us a commended judgement in our latest review for ‘the enhancement of student learning opportunities’.
Expert Teaching Staff
Our university–level teaching staff are highly experienced at teaching at a higher level. Many of our staff have higher-level qualifications such as Masters or PhDs, and some have been involved in university research work. As a university–level student, you’ll benefit from the strong vocational experience of our staff who have worked within, or continue to work within, senior roles in industry.
Student Satisfaction
Our learners rated the quality of Higher Education Provision at 83% in the latest 2022-23 National Student Survey (NSS), 13% above the UK sector average. These results rank us as the highest student-rated university-level provider in all of North Wales and placed us in the top three of all of Wales.
Successful Outcomes
Our students regularly achieve outstanding results. In 2023, nearly two-thirds, or 63%, of our full-degree students achieved the coveted first-class honours or the next best outcome - an upper second-class degree. 62% of our students received a Distinction or Merit. These results give our graduates a competitive edge in the workplace - helping to improve their earning potential and career prospects.
Employment Opportunities
All of our Foundation Degrees offer further progression opportunities to honours level of study, either with ourselves or at another university and many of our graduates gain a promotion at work. We also offer Access to Higher Education provision for those looking to return to education, aspiring to do something new or changing careers, with a range of routes available.
Support
We provide a warm and welcoming community to all our students. You’ll get a dedicated Personal Tutor and our small class sizes mean you’ll have more time dedicated to you for individual support and guidance. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff in Learner Services can also help you with CVs and interview techniques and offer career advice.
Affordable Fees
There’s nothing to pay upfront, and you’ll be able to access a range of student loans, grants and bursaries to help support your finances during your studies. Also, by staying local, you could save thousands of pounds as you won't have to pay additional accommodation costs incurred by students who move away to study.
Progression
All of our foundation degrees, equivalent to the first 2-years of a full degree, offer further progression opportunities to a full honours level of study. Most of these opportunities are with ourselves or occasionally at Bangor University. Our other programmes have articulated academic progression, and many graduates gain a job promotion or move to alternative preferred employment.
Convenient and Flexible
Our timetables are designed to make it easier for you to fit your studies around your work, family and other commitments. Our full and part-time courses are timetabled one or two days per week, with some of our courses delivered in the evenings.
Welsh Language
We are committed to promoting and supporting the Welsh language, and we provide all university–level students with the opportunity to be assessed in Welsh. Some courses are also taught bilingually, and a Welsh language bursary is available for Welsh-speaking students.
