WITH the deadline for university applications now only days away, lucky students who live near Leek and Buxton are reminded that they don’t have to leave home to get a degree from a top university.
January 15 is the deadline set by the University and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS) this year. And, thanks to being part of the University of Derby, both Buxton and Leek College Campuses are able to offer university level qualifications that allow students to combine their academic study with workplace learning.
Times league tables for 2017 have ranked the University of Derby in the top 20 for quality of teaching and Top 50 overall in the country. What’s more, a degree from the University of Derby ensures you will become one of the most employable graduates in the region after the institution was recently ranked the number one University for graduate employment in the East Midlands.
Now that it is part of the University of Derby, Buxton & Leek College offers some of the lowest priced University level qualifications in the region and there is now an Advanced Learning Loan available to students over the aged of 19 which means that no course fees have to be paid up front.
Both HNC and HND qualifications are widely recognised by employers and equip employees with the skills for success. Foundation degrees designed in association with employers and focussed on a particular profession are continuing to grow in popularity and students of Buxton & Leek College such as Julie Davies can vouch for their success.
Forty-year-old Julie, who works as an Inclusion Support Assistant at Endon High School, is completing a three-year Foundation Degree in Children’s and Young People’s Services through evening classes at the Leek Campus of Buxton & Leek College. She was one of the first students to be recognised with a Dean’s Award for performance at a celebration event in December.
Julie, who has worked in primary education for 13 years at Sneyd Green Primary School, moved to a new job at Endon High School in September and is enjoying the challenge of working with Special Educational Needs students. She said: “I have always done the best I can in my job and put in a lot of work for my Foundation Degree by studying each Tuesday evening at the Leek College Campus after a full day at work.
“I think the hardest part was returning to education after such a long break, and I was thrilled beyond belief to get this award but feel rewarded every day by seeing the progress made by my students. I can wholeheartedly recommend the Foundation Degree course at Buxton & Leek College.”
Courses on offer through Buxton & Leek College also include Foundation Degrees in Public Safety & Disaster Management, Computing and Creative Art and Design. 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.
Find out more about the course and to apply by calling the college on 0800 074 0099 or visit www.blc.ac.uk
