Halifax area students can study locally for a degree-level qualification at University Centre Calderdale College

It is the first University Centre in Calderdale and today bosses explained all the benefits.

FIND OUT MORE: For more details about all courses and life at University Centre Calderdale College visit www.calderdale.ac.uk/university-centreGoing to university isn’t the only way to get a degree. For some people, studying at their local college may be the better option.

Dozens of colleges dotted around the UK offer university-level qualifications – the numbers make up around 10 per cent of the total higher education student population.

Students in Halifax and the surrounding areas are lucky enough to have a local college university on their doorstep, at University Centre Calderdale College.

Something different:

The key difference, between college and university higher education, is that the smaller institutions have something alternative to offer to students.

Although the university undergraduate experience is great, the supportive and immersive learning experience at a college can be just as transformative because of the unique opportunities that it presents.

Range of ages:

There’s usually a fantastic age range in college higher education - 70 per cent of higher education students at University Centre Calderdale College are mature, some into their sixties.

The mixture of ages creates a melting-pot of collective experience. The contrasting perspectives and range of skills can be amazing and inspiring, creating unique and challenging learning experiences for those at each end of the scale.

Specialised:

Because it is usually smaller-scale, college-based higher education is often more specialised. For example, University Centre Calderdale College offers only 13 undergraduate courses, each specialising in the subject areas that will help students achieve their ambitions.

The largest course is Early Years; the high volume of local nurseries and pre-school settings means that there is a demand for qualified Early Years practitioners. Some of those who complete the Foundation Degree in Early Years go on to complete the BA (Hons) ‘top-up’ year too.

Opportunity:

For students studying on its BA (Hons) in Contemporary Art and Design Practice programme, the studio space for third year ‘top-up’ students at Dean Clough Mills in Halifax offers internationally renowned art galleries and a thriving community of artists-in-residence who drop-in to share their wisdom about surviving in the professional art world.

It’s small-scale compared with a typical university cohort for many courses, but the chance to collaborate and share a space within the professional world is invaluable for students seeking a career in creative industries.

Higher and degree apprenticeships

Colleges lead the way in offering higher and degree apprenticeships because they are a great way to combine a qualification with real work experience.

Most colleges’ apprenticeship provision is outstanding, because the mixture of hands-on vocational and traditional learning is what colleges have been doing in higher education for decades.

Some students live at home, some with parents, or as mums and dads themselves, or grandparents, working part-time, full-time or volunteering to gain experience.

Rather than the usual live-away university experience, college-based higher education usually means fitting studies around professional life and family responsibilities, enabling a good work and study balance.

The individual flexibility and support is designed to give students the best opportunity to achieve – both academically and in the world of work.

The majority go on to work in industry, with others studying on MA programmes, and some even go on to teach and inspire the next generation of students as well.

LINKS

Web: www.calderdale.ac.uk/university-centreFacebook: www.facebook.com/calderdalecolTwitter: @CalderdaleColInstagram: www.instagram.com/calderdalecollege