CURIOUS MINDS
ACTIVE MINDS
OPEN MINDS GREAT MINDS
Higher Education Guide University level qualifications @southstaffs
www.southstaffs.ac.uk
Welcome! Do you want to pave the way for a rewarding future in thriving industries?
Whether you’re planning a career in cyber security or animal science, engineering or business management, with higher education at South Staffordshire College, you don’t just follow your passion - you become an expert in it. By gaining higher level skills and qualifications, you’ll boost your earning potential and open up a world of opportunity in the industry you love. Whatever you choose to study, you’ll receive hands-on, practical training, delivered by expert staff with real-world experience. From teamwork to leadership, you’ll also gain the professional skills that employers demand, so when you graduate you’ll be prepared for success in industries of national importance. Best of all, our course fees are usually over £2000 less than most universities and many of our courses are available either full or part time, so for a more flexible, affordable way to reach your destination, think higher education @southstaffs.
Contents Welcome................................... 02 Student Life............................. 02 Why choose us?....................... 03 Student Finance..................... 03 Route Map...............................04 Access to HE............................. 05 Animal Science........................ 06 Musical Theatre...................... 07 Engineering..............................08 Business.....................................10 IT and Computing.................... 12 Creative Media........................ 14 Health, Social & Childcare.... 16 Education.................................. 18 Entry Requirements................ 19 How to Apply............................ 19
Student Life @southstaffs Tamworth
Lichfield
Rodbaston
Campus Life: At Tamworth, we create engineers, IT specialists, web developers, event managers and more. Home to an Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) Hub, gym, commercial salon and restaurant, there is plenty to explore when you’re on campus.
Campus Life: Be a part of our creative community at Lichfield Campus. Home to ‘The Wedge’ Art Gallery, film and TV studios, music production suites, dance studios and more, Lichfield is a hive of creativity.
Campus Life: Home to the AgriSTEM Academy a working farm, equestrian centre and zoo, Rodbaston is the go-to place for animal scientists, landbased specialists and manufacturing engineers.
Social Life: Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or some retail therapy, Tamworth has plenty to offer. From the powder slopes of the Snowdome and white-knuckle thrills at Drayton Manor, to the array of shops and restaurants at Ventura Retail Park, there is something for everyone.
Social Life: The historical City of Lichfield is home to a stunning cathedral and parks that are perfect for whiling away the hours. The bustling City also hosts a wide variety of theatre shows and festivals and has a wide selection of bars, restaurants and shops for you to explore.
Social Life: Rodbaston is home to a dedicated HE zone and Costa Coffee, making it a perfect place to spend your down time. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Rodbaston is located in 180 hectares of stunning countryside just outside the market town of Penkridge.
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Why choose us? Free wifi is available on all of our campuses so you can make the most of your learning with 24/7 access to Google Apps for Education.
Just like at university, you’ll enjoy some fantastic trips and study tours. Our students have visited London and South Africa.
100%
Our students are successful! Current HE success rates stand at
of our HE learners felt their course meets their needs
We have links with hundreds of employers and many of our full-time courses include work placement hours, giving you valuable industry experience to enhance your CV. We also offer Higher Apprenticeships so you can gain practical experience, a salary and a qualification too.
96%
Many of our qualifications are awarded by Staffordshire University or the University of Wolverhampton, so you’ll have access to their excellent facilities and support as well as ours!
Student Finance Wondering how to cover the cost of your studies? We’ve provided an overview of your options below. Tuition Fee Loans and 19+ Advanced Learner Loans • Available for full-time and part-time students • Covers the cost of your tuition fees in full • Available to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances or employment status • Repayments won’t commence until you earn £25,000 per year or more • The amount you pay back will depend on what you earn • There are no upper age limits (to apply for an advanced learner loan, you must be aged 19+) Remember, if you leave your course early, you will still need to pay back a percentage of your loan for that year.
Our course fees are often
£2,000 less
than many universities! By studying locally you can also save money on accommodation and travel too!
Maintenance Loans If you’re applying to become a full-time student, you may be able to apply for a maintenance loan of up to £7324 per year to help with living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/student-finance to find out if you qualify. Grants, Scholarships and Bursaries • Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay a grant back • Available to full-time students (depending on circumstances) • Designed to help with study and living costs There are different types of grants available, including the maintenance grant and special support grant. There is also extra help available for disabled students and those with dependant children or adults. Scholarships and bursaries may also be available.
Have you got questions about student finance? Contact our team on 0300 456 2424
Understanding your options
Higher Education Route Map To study for a higher level qualification, you will usually need to have successfully completed a Level 3 qualification such as: A Levels • L3 Award • L3 Certificate • L3 Diploma • NVQ L3 • Advanced Apprenticeship
Level 8
Postgraduate
Level 7
Postgraduate
Level 6
Undergraduate
Level 5
Undergraduate
Level 4
Undergraduate
If you don’t have these qualifications, don’t worry. @southstaffs, we assess all applications on an individual basis and accept applications from people with a wide variety of skills and experiences and those who may hold non-traditional qualifications. We also offer a choice of Access to Higher Education courses designed to help you get on track. See page 5 for more information.
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
HNC
What Next ? HND
What Next ?
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
Foundation Degree
Level 5 Award/ Certificate/ Diploma
Level 6 Award/ Certificate/ Diploma
NVQ Level 6
NVQ Level 5
Certificate in Education (CertEd)
Graduate Certificate/ Diploma
Degree Apprenticeship
Students can progress into employment or continue to study at postgraduate level.
Integrated Masters Degree (MEn)
Postgraduate Certificate/ Diploma
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Students may progress directly into employment or on to a doctorate level qualification.
Doctorate (PhD. DPhil)
What Next ?
Higher Apprenticeship
Students can progress into employment or continue their studies. Level 5 qualifications can often be ‘topped up’ to a Level 6 BA or BSc Hons in just 1 year.
Masters Degree (MA. MSc)
What Next ?
NVQ Level 4
By completing a Level 4 qualification, you can enter employment or continue your studies. You may be able to progress onto year 2 of a Level 6 BA or BSc Hons upon completing a HNC.
Honours Degree (BA Hons. BSc Hons)
What Next ?
Level 4 Award/ Certificate/ Diploma
Students progress directly into employment.
Level 8 Award/Certificate/Diploma
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Access to Higher Education Are you looking for an alternative route into higher education? Do you harbour ambitions to be a midwife, teacher, social worker or lawyer but don’t have the qualifications you need to study for a degree? It’s never too late and an access course is the perfect stepping stone. Ideal for those who may have gone straight into work when they turned 16 or who have been out of education for a while, access courses are designed to reintroduce you to learning and will help develop your critical thinking and writing skills in just one year. By the time you complete your course, you’ll be ready to start your degree and take the next steps towards your chosen destination.
Health Duration: 1 Year, Full-Time Delivered at: Tamworth Campus Ideal for those who want to train to become midwives, paramedics and nurses. Apply direct at: www.southstaffs.ac.uk
Social Science and Humanities Duration: 1 Year, Full-Time Delivered at: Tamworth Campus Ideal for those who aspire to be teachers, social workers and lawyers. Apply direct at: www.southstaffs.ac.uk
Careers and Salaries Senior Midwife
£31,072 Social Worker
£27,360
Why study @southstaffs? We have a wide range of full and part-time HE qualifications that you could progress onto after completing your access course, many of which cost £2000 less than most universities. To study for an access programme, you’ll need GCSEs in English and Maths. If you don’t have these, there’s no need to worry, we can help you gain these qualifications too! If you take out a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan to study for an access to higher education qualification and then go on to complete a degree, your loan will be wiped clear so you won’t have to pay it back!
Wondering how to apply? See page 19
Animal Science There are an abundance of career opportunities in the animal science industry. Whether you want a future exploring the anatomy, nutrition, physiology or behaviour of animals, highly skilled professionals are in demand. Our courses will give you the scientific knowledge you need for a rewarding career in a billion pound industry.
Careers and Salaries Animal Behaviourist
£22,000 Zoologist
£25,000
Why study @southstaffs? Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Animal Science with Animal Behaviour Course Code: 1A44 (Full-Time) Awarded by: Staffordshire University Delivered at: Rodbaston Campus Duration: 2 Years, Full-Time or 4 Years, Part-Time Apply direct at: www.staffs.ac.uk/course/USSR-10550.jsp (Part-time)
BSc (Hons) in Animal Science with Animal Behaviour (Progression) Awarded by: Staffordshire University Delivered at: Rodbaston Campus Duration: 1 Year, Full-Time Apply direct at: www.staffs.ac.uk/course/USSR-10253.jsp
Rodbaston Campus is home to a working farm, fishery, equestrian centre and zoo with hundreds of species.
The animal care industry is worth
£1
billion to the UK economy* *Source: Lantra
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Musical Theatre The UK has a dynamic and world leading theatre industry that forms a valuable part of the thriving creative industries. Whether you want to take centre stage in the West End or become a renowned Theatrical Director, our musical theatre courses are delivered by experienced professionals and will provide ‘triple threat’ training with a stage school ethos.
Careers and Salaries Dance Choreographer
£40,000
Show Artistic Director
£36,131
Why study @southstaffs? Foundation Degree (FdA) in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)
Be part of our in-house Theatre Company ‘Momentum Performing Arts’.
Course Code: W635 Awarded by: Staffordshire University Delivered at: Lichfield Campus Duration: 2 Years, Full-Time
From Lichfield to London; you’ll perform on stages throughout the UK in our annual performance season.
BA (Hons) Professional Musical Theatre (Progression) Course Code: W312 Awarded by: Staffordshire University Delivered at: Lichfield Campus Duration: 1 Year, Full-Time
The UK’s arts and culture are a very strong draw for international visitors, attracting at least
£856m of tourist spending in 2016 *Source: Arts Council England
Wondering how to apply? See page 19
Engineering Engineering technology plays a vital role in driving the UK economy and opportunities in this ÂŁ486 billion industry are more innovative than ever. Whether you want a future in aerospace engineering or robotics, automotive engineering or electronics, the demand for highly skilled and qualified workers is increasing year on year.
Pioneering today for tomorrow... In the next decade, it has been projected that the continued growth of the engineering industry will create about
2.6 million new jobs.
Engineering contributes
According to Engineering UK 2017,
26% 68% of the UK’s GDP
That’s more than that of the retail and wholesale and financial and insurance sectors combined.
of engineering and technology graduates were in full-time employment within 6 months
(compared with 58% of all graduates)
09 HNC in Manufacturing Engineering Awarded by: Edexcel Pearson (Level 4) Delivered at: Tamworth Campus Duration: 1 Year, Full-Time or 2 Years, Part-Time Apply direct at: www.southstaffs.ac.uk
Careers and Salaries Aerospace Technician
Higher Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering For more information call: 01785 710 520 or email: apprenticeships@southstaffs.ac.uk
£75,000 Robotics Engineer
£34,124 Automotive Engineer
£35,000 Electrical Engineer
£31,000
Why study @southstaffs? You’ll study in our Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) Hub, a specialist facility where you’ll develop skills in product design, 3D printing and prototyping. Our tutors are experts in their field and have extensive ‘real-world’ experience in the engineering industry.
Wondering how to apply? See page 19
Business Whether you’re an entrepreneur who wants to be a part of the UK’s start up revolution or have what it takes to drive innovation in a large multi-national, skilled business leaders are in high demand. If you have an analytical mind that’s perfect for the financial services sector or the creative vision for show-stopping corporate events, there are endless professional opportunities for talented business minds.
We’re in business... The events sector is worth
In 2017, there were
£42.3
5.7
to the UK economy
private sector businesses in the UK
billion
and employs over 570,000 people in 25,000 businesses
million
*up by 197,000 or 4% since 2016
The UK financial services industry contributed
£176bn
to the economy in 2015 and employs more than 2.2m people The sector still faces a skill gap and talented individuals are in demand
11 Foundation Degree (FdA) in Event Management Course Code: N821 In Partnership with: University of Wolverhampton Delivered at: Tamworth Campus Duration: 2 Years, Full-Time
Diploma in Accounting (Level 4) Delivered at: Tamworth Campus Duration: 1 Year, Part-Time (2 evenings per week) Apply direct at: www.southstaffs.ac.uk
Diploma in Primary Health Care Management (Level 5) Awarded by: City & Guilds (Level 5) Delivered at: Lichfield Campus Duration: 2 Years, Full-Time Apply direct at: www.southstaffs.ac.uk
Higher Apprenticeship in Departmental/Operations Manager For more information call: 01785 710 520 or email: apprenticeships@southstaffs.ac.uk
Higher Apprenticeship in Business Management for Agriculture For more information call: 01785 710 520 or email: apprenticeships@southstaffs.ac.uk
Careers and Salaries Business Marketing Director
£68,073 HR Manager
£39,686 Finance Manager
£38,858 Events Manager
£30,900
Why study @southstaffs? @southstaffs, we have links with world-class businesses and are a Google Reference College. As well as practical leadership and management skills, you’ll also gain a thorough knowledge of business principles and develop transferable skills for a career in the industry you love.
Wondering how to apply? See page 19
IT and Computing Want a future in a dynamic and fast-paced industry with excellent earning potential? With cyber security extremely high on the agenda and a gaming industry that continues to thrive, the IT industry is booming. Research suggests that there will be a 1.5million shortfall in the global security workforce by 2020, so demand for digital specialists is growing at an incredible rate.
Dynamic and in demand... With the global games software market expected to grow to
Cyber crime will more than triple the number of unfilled cyber security jobs, which is predicted to reach
by 2020, career opportunities for the UK games industry have never been greater
3.5 million
$143.5bn
by 2021
The UK cyber security workforce has grown by
163% in the past five years
*according to a 2017 research report by the Tech Partnership
13 HNC in Computing Science Course Code: P392 Awarded by: Staffordshire University Delivered at: Lichfield Campus Duration: 1.5 Years, 3 semesters
Careers and Salaries
HND in Computing Science
Cyber Security Specialist
Course Code: 325G Awarded by: Staffordshire University Delivered at: Lichfield Campus Duration: 2 Years, Full-Time
Software Engineer
BSc (Hons) in Computing Science Awarded by: Staffordshire University Delivered at: Lichfield Campus Duration: 1 Year, Full-Time (Top Up) Apply direct at: www.staffs.ac.uk/course/USSL-11446.jsp
£62,000 £37,469 Games Developer
£32,500 App Developer
£31,131
Why study @southstaffs? Our staff are digital entrepreneurs and have created interactive apps and games available to people worldwide. You’ll have access to the latest technologies and software enabling you to build and test pioneering technological solutions.
Wondering how to apply? See page 19
Creative Media Do you want a career in film and television or music technology? With employment growing at four times the rate of the UK workforce as a whole*, the UK’s creative industries are booming and there are countless opportunities for talented people to thrive. *Source: Official statistics from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
A booming industry... The Creative Industries are worth almost
£92
billion to the UK economy
x2
The UK’s creative industries are growing twice as fast as the rest of the UK economy
The UK entertainment and media sector will be worth
£66.6bn in 2019
up from £56.9bn in 2014
15 Foundation Degree (FdA) in Music Performance Technologies Course Code: W370 In Partnership with: University of Wolverhampton Delivered at: Tamworth Campus Duration: 2 Years, Full-Time
Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Film & Television Production Technology Course Code: P392 Awarded by: Staffordshire University Delivered at: Lichfield Campus Duration: 2 Years, Full-Time
BSc (Hons) in Film & Television Production Technology (progression) Awarded by: Staffordshire University Delivered at: Lichfield Campus Duration: 1 Year, Full-Time Apply direct at: www.staffs.ac.uk/course/USSL-10671.jsp
Careers and Salaries Sound Engineer
£23,324 Film / TV Producer
£39,369 Camera Operator
£34,640 Music Director
£34,698
Why study @southstaffs? Our facilities include: film and TV studios and music production studios. You’ll work on feature films, music videos, documentaries, film festivals and stage shows.
Wondering how to apply? See page 19
Health & Social and Childcare Do you want to make a genuine difference to the lives of others? Are you compassionate and caring? As the health and social care and childcare sectors continue to grow and demand outstrips supply, there is an increased need for people with high level skills and qualifications. Whether you want to work in adult mental health or child psychology, there are a wealth of career opportunities in these rewarding industries.
Caring careers... The health and social care sectors employ
1 in 10 of the working population, many of whom work within the NHS* * The Kings Fund
The health care workforce is highly qualified with over
48% of staff holding professional qualifications* * The Kings Fund
There are over
3
MILLION
people employed in the health and social care industry, but there remains a skills shortage
17 Foundation Degree (FdECS) in Early Childhood Studies Awarded by: Staffordshire University Delivered at: Lichfield Campus Duration: 2 Years, Part-Time Apply direct at: www.staffs.ac.uk/course/USSL-10825.jsp
Careers and Salaries
Higher Apprenticeship in Care Leadership and Management
Mental Health Worker
For more information call: 01785 710 520 or email: apprenticeships@southstaffs.ac.uk
Principal Educational Psychologist
Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care and Children & Young People’s Management (Level 5) Adults (England) For more information call: 01785 710 520 or email: apprenticeships@southstaffs.ac.uk
£28,462 £44,797 Care Manager
£37,000 Early Years Teacher
£22,244
Cache Diploma in Adult Care (Level 4) For more information call: 01785 710 520 or email: apprenticeships@southstaffs.ac.uk
Why study @southstaffs? You’ll have the chance to complete work placements as part of your studies giving you practical industry experience. Our tutors are industry professionals so you’ll be taught by those who have first-hand experience of the sector.
Wondering how to apply? See page 19
Education From shaping the minds of the next generation to igniting imaginations, the UK has a growing need for inspiring teaching professionals. Our teaching qualification is designed for those who are currently teaching within the Post Compulsory Education and Skills Sector and have at least 100 hours of professional practice in a full professional role.
Careers and Salaries FE Teacher
£24,000 Curriculum Leader
£33,468 Why study @southstaffs?
Certificate in Education (PCET)/PGCE (PCET) Awarded by: Staffordshire University Delivered at: Lichfield Campus Duration: 2 Years, Part-Time Apply direct at: www.staffs.ac.uk/course/USSC-10037.jsp
From curriculum design and planning to delivery and assessment, you’ll refine your skills for a rewarding career in education. Our students have gone on to enjoy teaching careers in establishments including South staffordshire College.
According to the National Office of Statistics, the Government spends
£700 million
a year on recruiting and training new teachers.
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Entry Requirements Ideally, for entry onto one of our courses, you should have at least one of the following: • Two subjects at Advanced GCE (A Level) • One VCE Double Award • Two, six-unit Advanced VCEs • One advanced GCE (A Level) and one six-unit Advanced VCE • A Scottish Certificate of Education with passes in five separate subjects, of which three are at the Higher grade • Two subjects at Scottish Advanced Higher • An EDEXCEL BTEC or SCOTVEC National Certificate/Diploma at a good standard
If you’re unsure you have the necessary qualifications, get in touch on 0300 456 2424 and we’ll be happy to advice you.
How to Apply Want to study full-time?
• An access programme passed at the required QAA- recognised standard for entry to Higher Education • An award of the European Baccalaureate Diploma, with at least 60% overall; English at 60% • An award of the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 24 points; English at four points • An award of the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of five Higher passes • A Welsh Baccalaureate
Did you know? All applications are assessed on an individual basis and we recognise alternative routes into higher education. We accept applications from people with a wide variety of skills and experiences and those who may hold non-traditional qualifications.
Waiting for exam results? Don’t forget to contact us when you’ve received your results so that we can confirm your place on your course. (If you’ve applied for a full-time course through UCAS, they will send you a reminder).
You can apply for most of our full-time courses through UCAS. Simply visit www.ucas.com to register. You’ll need to have the following information to hand:
Once your application has been processed, you’ll be invited in to one of our campuses for a friendly chat about your options. UCAS will notify you if your application has been successful. Good luck!
The correct Institution Code Staffordshire University: S72 The University of Wolverhampton: W75
Want to study part-time?
The correct Campus Code Staffordshire University: U The University of Wolverhampton: R
You can apply online for a place on a part-time course at any point in the year. The webpage you’ll need to visit to apply, will depend on who the course is in conjunction with.
The correct UCAS Course Code (You’ll find these in this guide next to the course of your choice.)
Staffordshire University: You’ll find the appropriate weblink for all of our Staffordshire University part-time courses next to the course of your choice within this guide.
Applications for Undergraduate courses can still be accepted through UCAS following the January 15th deadline. UCAS Extra and Clearing opportunities will still be available, so don’t panic - just give us a call on 0300 456 2424 and we can help guide you through the application process.
If the course you’re interested in is run independently by South Staffordshire College, you can sign up online in just 25 seconds at www.southstaffs.ac.uk One of our team will then be in touch to discuss your application in more detail.
www.southstaffs.ac.uk 0300 456 2424 enquiries@southstaffs.ac.uk
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