WITH the deadline for university applications fast approaching, students who live near Leek and Buxton are reminded that they don’t have to leave home or study full time to get a higher education.
University and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS) have set a January 15 deadline for applications this year but the spiralling cost of a university education is leading many to think twice about moving away to further their studies. And the advice from Buxton & Leek College is to shop around and consider all options before making that next step.
A college spokesman said: “There is more than one route to earning a degree. Now that Buxton & Leek College is part of the University of Derby, we are able to offer degree level qualifications in both towns that allow students to combine their academic study with workplace learning.”
Buxton & Leek College offers some of the lowest priced Univeristy level qualifications in the region. Both HNC and HND qualifications are widely recognised and equip employees with the skills for success. Foundation Degrees designed in association with employers and focused on a particular profession are also continuing to grow in popularity and past students of Buxton & Leek College can vouch for their success. Ex students Shereen Frame from Leek and Kirstie Beardmore from Kidsgrove who earned their Foundation Degrees in Early Years Education through the college found the jobs of their dreams after basing their dissertations on outdoor activities.
The pair, who learned about outdoor education at a Forest School Training Centre in Sheffield, now run Mud Monsters Forest Adventures at the Daintry Hall Day Nursery in Church Lane, Congleton.
Courses on offer through Buxton & Leek College also include Foundation Degrees in Public Safety & Disaster Management, Computing, Creative Art and Design and Children’s and Young People’s Services – a popular course for teaching assistants and early years practitioners. HNC level qualifications are available in Business and Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. Students will also be able to enrol for the Post Graduate Certificate in Education for Post 14 Teaching – an ideal course for those wanting to teach in a Further Education College.
And it’s not just teenagers who can benefit from the University-level qualifications on offer at Buxton & Leek College. Adults wishing to re-train for a change of career or those who want to develop in their current role can study part-time for a variety of courses, to fit around their family life or personal circumstances. Those adults aged 24 or above can also access the Government funded Advanced Learning Loan, which means that no course fees have to be paid up front and doesn’t need to be re-paid until they are earning above £21,000.
Find out more by calling the college on 0800 074 0099.
