Croydon University Centre - Higher Education Prospectus 2023/24

We are very proud of our long history of delivering higher education courses right here in the heart of Croydon. We are passionate about offering high quality, affordable university degrees and higher nationals courses directly to our community. Our courses are designed with local stakeholders in industries with high demand including healthcare, nursing, teacher training and construction.

Higher education can be life changing. Studying a higher education course at our university centre will not only allow you to gain a qualification, it will give you the opportunity to change your life by opening up career opportunities and broadening your horizons. It will give you the opportunity to meet likeminded people and to become part of our student community. A place where you can learn, study, collaborate and socialise. Our courses are designed with you, the student, in mind. We have partnered with the University of Roehampton – one of the top ten universities in London. This collaborative partnership has allowed us the opportunity to update our degree courses and incorporate important employability elements and essential academic skills within it. This will allow you a real opportunity to further your career ambitions or progress to postgraduate opportunities beyond Croydon.

Our staff is what makes our university centre such a unique place to study. Our lecturers and tutors are approachable, knowledgeable and subject experts. Many come with valuable industry experience, giving you an insight into real world scenarios. But it doesn’t stop there - when you join us in your first year, you will have access to a personal tutor to guide you on your academic journey. We know studying at degree level is a challenge and will take a lot of hard work and dedication but we will support you as much as we can.

We look forward to welcoming our third cohort of Adult Nursing students in September 2023. Our state-of-the-art clinical simulation nursing suite is giving students the opportunity to study nursing right here in Croydon. We continue to develop courses with great career prospects for our students. We look forward to welcoming you into our student community.

Why Croydon University Centre?

Here are a few reasons to choose to study with us.

Location

We are in the centre of Croydon, South London’s most vibrant borough.

As individual as you are Everything at the university centre is designed around you as the student.

Smaller Class Sizes

We pride ourselves on providing smaller class sizes with individualised student support.

Best Value

Our degree programmes are validated by the University of Roehampton, are competitively priced and lead to great employment prospects.

Career Focused

We are committed to improving your career opportunities.

Transport Links

Conveniently close to East Croydon Station, Tram and Bus networks.

The Cultural Offering

Croydon University Centre is situated opposite Boxpark at the rear of the town’s cultural quarter.

Great Facilities

We offer a state of the art Learning Resource Centre and Library, lecture theatres and social learning spaces.

Student Support

Feeling you belong here matters. Our student services team are here to support you progress your career.

Croydon is a thriving, diverse area, with one of the largest populations in London. Throughout the year, you’ll be able to attend festivals and live theatre with music on your doorstep. You’ll be studying in the home of one of the largest street art collections in Europe – the Croydon Collection. There are also more than 120 parks for you to relax and unwind in.

Croydon Station

Croydon Town Hall, Library and Museum

Box Park Coffee shops & restaurants from highstreet names as well as independent businesses.

We have been delivering higher education courses for over 30 years. Our graduation event is the highlight of our students’ academic journey.

In 2022, we celebrated our 31st graduation ceremony, at Fairfield Halls, Croydon. Our ceremonies are often attended by the Mayor of Croydon, councillors and top academics from our partner universities.

CROYDON UNIVERSITY CENTRE GRADUATION

Alumni

Once you graduate, you can play an important part in shaping the future of Croydon University Centre. Graduates can join our alumni network and keep up to date with new developments and networking events. We are always interested in hearing about graduates’ professional journeys and postgraduate studies.

you know? 86% of graduates are in work or further study, 15 months after graduating.

Why study for a degree?

We offer the best of all worlds: high quality education, individual support, and a career path right on your doorstep. All at an affordable cost. Our degrees lead to great employment prospects as you develop a deep understanding of your subject, high-level job skills and a positive attitude. Your success starts here.

Entry Routes:

You should have a Level 3 qualification such as A Levels, BTEC, Extended Diploma, Access to HE, or other equivalent UK-recognised advanced level courses, and demonstrate proficiency in English and maths.

Typically you will need 80 UCAS tariff points and a Level 2 in English and maths at grade 4 / C or above, depending on the course. For nursing courses, the UCAS tariff is higher. Please refer to the nursing course page for more information.

We will consider applicants without these qualifications but with relevant experience in the subject area. Visit our website for more information about course specific entry requirements.

Did you know that if you are already studying at Croydon College, you get easly access to our courses?

This means that your application will be fast-tracked and an offer of a place secured quicker.

University of Roehampton collaboration

Validated university degrees

Since September 2021, Croydon University Centre has been offering university degrees validated by the University of Roehampton. Courses are designed and developed by Croydon academics and quality assured by Roehampton. There is a range of three-year university degree courses to one-year Level 4 courses on offer.

Bringing nursing degrees to Croydon

It has been a long-held ambition to bring nursing education to Croydon. Our first nursing students started their Adult Nursing degree programme in September 2021 with a record intake. Students have access to Croydon University Centre’s purposebuilt clinical simulation nursing centre where they learn valuable clinical skills with other students, service users, role players and high-tech patient simulators under the guidance of experienced clinical and academic staff. Students will also take part in placements at Croydon Health Services and other local settings. Nursing courses available are Adult Nursing and Children’s Nursing.

How

BA (Hons) Business & Management HNC Business

The BA (Hons) Business and Management programme is designed for those considering a career in business and management. The course aims to prepare you for the world of work. Whether you want to start your own business or are considering working for a multinational, this course aims to develop your confidence and equip you with detailed knowledge of relevant business management issues. It will give you in-depth knowledge and understanding of the business world, how to manage people, and how to adapt to an everchanging business environment.

The overall aim of the programme is to provide students with an academically challenging, integrated and intellectually stimulating suite of subjects and disciplines associated with a career in business and management. The programme has key employability and digital skills embedded within its modules designed to create employment-ready graduates.

3 years full time

Awarding body: University of Roehampton

UCAS code: N100 Institute code: C92

Start date: September

Careers and further study:

The programme will enable graduates to progress to postgraduate study after completion. The course aims to equip and prepare graduates for the world of work. This course will set you up to start your own business or to enter employment in the business world, from small local businesses, SME or public sector to large multinational corporations.

This full time Higher National Certificate in Business develops professional, self-reflecting individuals who are able to meet the demands of employers in the business sector and adapt to a constantly changing world.

This course aims to equip students with the right skills and competencies for the workplace, or to progress to our degree in Business & Management.

1 year full time

Level 4 120 credits

Awarding body: Pearson Start date: January/September

Careers and further study: Once you have successfully completed L4 HNC Business you will be able to enter employment, continue employment or join the BA (Hons)

Business and Management degree validated through Roehampton University for further progression. We are affiliated with the Chartered Management Institute who have mapped the programme from Level 5 modules

BA (Hons) Business and Management to provide dual accreditation. This means you will graduate with a professional CMI qualification alongside your degree –with no additional work needed. You will also receive affiliate membership throughout your study, from year two giving you access to CMI’s fantastic member resources.

Level 4 AAT Professional Diploma Accounting

The Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting will allow you to learn higher accounting tasks and qualify for a range of senior finance roles. You will hone skills such as drafting financial statements, managing budgets, and evaluating financial performance. You will study a mix of core and optional specialist units such as business tax, external auditing, credit management, and cash and treasury management. The course is suitable for students who have completed NVQ Level 3 or have a Level 3 Diploma in Accounting.

1 year part time

Awarding body: AAT

UCAS code: Institute code: Start date: September

Careers and Further Study:

The AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting is the industry-recognised pathway to a successful accounting and finance career. Recognised by large and small employers in the UK and around the world, this is the perfect qualification whether you are already working in accountancy and finance or looking to gain skills in order to change career.

BA (Hons) Criminology & Social Justice

This exciting criminology course offers an array of modules and provides opportunities for critical engagement with contemporary debates around inequality, crime, justice, psychology, mental health, regulation, and social control. We aim not only to give you a solid understanding of the key theories, concepts and methods in the fields of criminology, and social justice, but also encourage you to become critical and active thinkers in the world more broadly.

You will develop a critical understanding of how the criminal justice system operates and engage in lively debates as well as conduct theoretical analysis. Students registered on the programme will gain student membership to the British Society of Criminology; a society that attracts criminologists from the four nations of the UK and across the globe. The benefits of this membership give you access to regular e-bulletins, and information on criminological events and news.

3 years full time

Awarding body: University of Roehampton UCAS code: 2H60 Institute code: C92 Start date: September Subject to validation

Careers and further study:

This programme will develop your skills and equip you to work autonomously for a successful career in sectors including the criminal justice system, public services, social welfare, social justice, and within the human rights sector.

Graduates will be well equipped to progress into postgraduate study upon completion of this degree course. Students have the option of progression to the University of Roehampton’s MA Criminology and Criminal Justice programme after completion (subject to entry criteria).

To apply for this course scan the QR CODE

BSc (Hons)

Nursing

The BSc Adult Nursing degree is delivered right here at Croydon University Centre by the University of Roehampton’s Nursing Education team, giving you the chance to study locally while being part of a Londonbased university.

You will learn and practice the skills to pursue careers in nursing and working with adults of any age with a wide range of long-term conditions and acute illnesses. You will also be working with individuals and communities to keep people healthy and to promote physical and mental wellbeing.

Nurses with BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing work in a variety of roles in GP surgeries, community nursing teams, hospitals, nursing homes and more.

3 years full time

Awarding body: University of Roehampton

UCAS code: B740 Institute code: R48

Campus code: C

Start date: September

Work Placement and Experience: The focus on primary care and community nursing will give you an excellent range of career options once you graduate.

You can split your time between learning at Croydon University Centre and gaining hands-on practical experience in placements throughout London.

Classes are taught in our Clinical Simulation Centre, giving you an immersive teaching environment to practice your nursing skills.

You will gain a broad range of skills, from advanced communication and technical expertise to digital health care and self-development.

BSc (Hons) Children’s Nursing

On the BSc Children’s Nursing course, you’ll develop the expert knowledge and advanced practical skills to provide excellent care for children, young people, and their families. Our unique programme highlights the vital importance of community and primary care in nursing, as well as the importance of placing equal value on both the physical and mental health of children.

You will study subjects across nursing, as well as specific modules on children’s nursing. You’ll learn the importance of person-centred care, the principles of caring for children and young people, and understand how to provide complex and critical care for children.

3 years full time

Awarding body: University of Roehampton

UCAS code: B730

Institute code: R48

Campus code: C

Start date: September

Work Placement and Experience:

An integral part of this course is the work placement element. We have agreements with a range of partners to provide placements for our Children’s Nursing students. These include:

• St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• Croydon Health Services NHS Trust

• CSH Surrey

You will learn to provide outstanding care for children and young people and develop the skills and knowledge for a rewarding career in children’s nursing.

Nursing Simulation Centre

Classes are taught in our Clinical Simulation Centre, giving you an immersive teaching environment to practice your nursing skills.

information

BA (Hons) Public Health & Social Care HE Cert Public Health & Social Care

This degree course offers excellent career development opportunities, whether you are looking to enter the exciting world of public health and social care, or if you are already working within the field and looking to advance your career. You will gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of public health policymaking while gaining workplace experience through observations and professional reflections. This is an academically challenging, intellectually stimulating course, providing you with contemporary knowledge associated with a career in public health and/or social care.

Work placement experience forms an important element of this course. In the first year, students are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of work placement as part of the module, An Introduction to Professional Practice, and 50 hours in year 2 to inform the module, Professional Evidence Based Practice. Students are encouraged to find their own suitable work placement. Advice and guidance on suitable placements are available from our World of Work department or your programme leader.

3 years full time

Awarding body: University of Roehampton

UCAS code: LL45 Institute code: C92 Start date: September

Careers and further study: Successful completion of the course leads some students to undertake initial careers in the public health and social care sector, while others gain managerial posts in private or local authority provision. The programme also enables students to progress to further study to higher level degree courses at Master’s Level.

This one-year course offers an excellent opportunity if you are looking to enter the exciting world of public health and social care, or if you are already working within the field and looking to advance your career. You will gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of public health policymaking while gaining workplace experience through observations and professional reflections. This is an intellectually stimulating course, providing you with contemporary knowledge associated with a career in public health and/or social care.

The course is ideal for those who are looking to upskill their existing skills who are working in public health settings. Additionally, the course will deepen your knowledge and understanding of public health and social care and develop your academic literacy skills.

1 year full time Level 4 Certificate

Awarding body: University of Roehampton Start date: September

Careers and further study: The Level 4 Higher Education Certificate in Public Health & Social Care (HE Cert) will equip you with the knowledge and skills to progress to our BA (Hons) programme through advance entry. Additionally, the course will prepare you for a career as an entry-level social care worker or public health assistant. It’s aimed to equip you with the experience and disciplined characteristics employers look for in a coordinator or assistant role within the Public Health and care sector.

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies HE Cert Early Childhood Studies

This course will enable you to enter a career as an education professional in early years settings. That means you could work for a primary school or nursery care institution or get started in children’s policy and research. This course is ideal for those who are looking to influence change through early years education and will let you explore concepts of early learning and learning through play. It will deepen your knowledge and understanding of academic literacy and develop your research capabilities.

3 years full time

Awarding body: University of Roehampton

UCAS code: L520 Institute code: C92

Start date: September

Work Placement and Experience:

An important part of this course is the learning through workplace experience. It is recommended you will be observing and working with young children for a minimum of 10 hours per week throughout the duration of this course. You will be required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of relevant work experience in Year 1, 100 hours in Year 2 and 80 hours in Year 3. This may include placements in hospitals, day care and family centres, specialist educational establishments, nursery school classes, playgroups and reception classes. The course is designed to promote learning within the Early Years Foundation stage.

Careers and further study:

The course will prepare you for a career as an early childhood practitioner. It’s aimed to equip you with the experience and disciplined characteristics employers look for in a supervisor or manager within an Early Years setting. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study after completion, joining a growing network of education practitioners.

This one-year course offers you a stepping stone into a career as an educational practitioner in early years settings such as working in a primary school or a nursery with children aged up to 8. Working with early years is a rich and rewarding role. If you are already working in an early years setting and want to broaden your knowledge and skills, this course is for you.

This course is ideal for those who are looking to influence change through early years education and will let you explore concepts of early learning and learning through play. It has a work placement element allowing students to apply learning to practice. Additionally, the course will deepen your knowledge and understanding of early years and develop your academic literacy skills.

1 year full time

Classes delivered two days a week

Level 4 Certificate

Awarding body: University of Roehampton

Start date: September

Careers and further study:

The Level 4 Higher Education Certificate in Early Childhood Studies will equip you with the knowledge and skills to progress to our BA programme.

Additionally, the course will prepare you for a career as an entry-level early childhood practitioner. It’s aimed to equip you with the experience and disciplined characteristics employers look for in a coordinator or assistant role within an early years setting.

Level 5 Diploma in Education & Training Level

This programme is a recognised teaching qualification for the post-16 sector. You can become a post-16 teacher in England without a teaching qualification, but it’s a definite advantage to have one, as many employers expect them.

The Diploma in Education and Teaching (DET) was formerly known as the Diploma to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS). It is a popular route for prospective teachers who want to pursue a career in further education, or currently hold an FE teaching role and want to gain a full teaching qualification.

Level 5 DET is a two-year programme. This is a part time course with one day of teaching in campus, which means you can study and work as an unqualified teacher in the further or higher education sector.

You need to have access to 100 hours of teaching to be able to complete this course. Therefore, it is ideal if you have a placement when enrolling. However, if you do not have access to teaching hours, please do get in touch with us as there might be opportunities in our organisation.

2 years part time

Level 5 120 credits

Awarding body: City & Guilds Start date: January/September

Course Benefits:

You can apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status once you’ve successfully completed your training.

Once achieved, QTLS is equivalent to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England, allowing you to work as a qualified teacher in state schools.

For more information about QTLS, including eligibility and registration, visit the Society for Education and Training website: set.et-foundation.co.uk

Certificate in Education & Training

Want to hone your skills as a teacher? This reflective practice course will enable you to evaluate your current teaching practices in order to develop your teaching skills further. This course is a nationally accredited Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training.

Learners on this course are required to log 30 hours of current teaching practice, including 3 hours of observation. You will build up a portfolio of evidence as part of the course including a teaching log, lesson observations and self-evaluations.

The qualification is designed for individuals teaching in both the private training industry and educational institutes.

The course is designed for busy individuals with a blended delivery model. Students can expect some on campus teaching supplemented by online sessions.

1 year part time

Level 4 120 credits

Awarding body: OCN Start date: February/March

In addition, you will need to log 30 hours of current teaching and complete three observations where you will be observed by an assessor.

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

This course is aimed at candidates who are working towards becoming a therapeutic counsellor in an agency context in both health care and non-medical settings. This course will prepare you to practice as a counsellor within the context of an agency’s service framework but later (with experience and support from a supervisor) may progress to independent practice. This course is studied part time over two years.

2-year part time

Level 4 Diploma

Start date: May/September

Subject to validation

Careers and further study:

Upon successful completion, you will be able to provide a therapeutic counselling service – initially within the context of an agency’s service framework but later may progress to independent practice. You can also progress to complete a Level 5 in Therapeutic Counselling to be able to practice independently.

“Croydon University Centre is truly a unique place to study where our lecturers have pushed us to achieve our potential. It has been such a positive journey.”

Andreea, Student Executive Officer 21/22

Higher Apprenticeships Access Courses

Our career focused courses lead to great employment prospects. Everything we do at Croydon University Centre is designed around helping you secure the future of your choice.

At Croydon University Centre we offer Higher Degree Apprenticeships that provide a clear pathway through an apprenticeship standard and degree programme with professional and technical qualifications.

Our courses are led by industry experts who focus on equipping you with the knowledge, skills and real-world experience you need for a successful career.

We collaborate with forward-thinking businesses to deliver our high level apprenticeships, which means our courses are targeted at ensuring you gain long-term employment, and offer a unique environment to nurture and grow your talent with on-the-job experience.

There are so many reasons to do an apprenticeship with us; from learning new skills, earning money and getting new qualifications.

Earn while you learn

An apprenticeship is a great way to earn a salary and learn at the same time. Your employer pays for your tuition, so instead of taking out a student loan, you won’t spend a penny on your programme – instead, you get paid a salary!

Real world experience

Part of the apprenticeship agreement is that you are in employment in a job role related to your apprenticeship throughout your studies. This means you have the extra strength on your CV of having relevant work experience – something employers are increasingly looking for.

Build contacts

You will build contacts on your programme as well as professional contacts at work, helping you to grow your career from the moment you start.

Would you like a degree, but don’t have the qualifications? Access courses are designed for people who left school without formal qualifications. Our Access to Higher Education courses will give you the knowledge, skills, confidence and qualification you need to prepare you for study at university level. Education is open to all and we welcome applications from mature students.

Access courses include: Business Management & Law Computing

Criminology & Law Health & Social Care

Humanities Nursing Nursing & Health Sciences Science

Social Work Sport Teaching in Primary Education

Financing your Access to HE course

An Access course is typically a one-year course. You may be eligible for an Advance Learner Loan through Student Finance England to cover your tuition fees. Did you know?

Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay it.

For more information on Advance Learner Loans visit www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan

How to apply

Our Admissions team is here to help. If you have any

with the

process, don’t

Apply direct

You can apply directly at www.croydon.ac.uk/application-form, follow the links on the course pages at www.croydonuniversitycentre.ac.uk or scan the QR codes to apply.

Step by Step

1. Choose your course Studying a higher education course is a big commitment, so it is worth spending the time to research what course is most suited to your needs and career ambitions, and what we can offer you.

2. Meet the entry requirements Check you meet the entry requirements online by scanning the QR codes on the course page or visit www.croydonuniveristycentre.ac.uk. Requirements differ from course to course but typically for Level 4 study and above you should hold a relevant qualification, we also consider applications from mature students with industry experience. Contact our Admissions team to find out more.

3. Explore the University Centre and what’s on offer Meet staff and students, ask questions, and find out more about your chosen course by exploring our website or attending an open event.

4. How to apply Apply directly via our websites (see links above) or via UCAS for university degree courses: www.ucas.com

5. After you apply We will inform you as soon as possible about the status of your application. All applicants are required to have an interview with a course leader. Don’t worry, we will guide you through this process.

6. Accept your offer We will send you an offer if your application is successful. You must let us know if you intend to accept our offer so we can prepare for your arrival on the course. Once you’ve accepted, we will send you information on the enrolment process and how to prepare for your higher education journey with us.

7. Advice and guidance Our Admissions team is here to help. If you have any questions or problems with the application process, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call us on 020 8760 5934 or email admissions@croydon.ac.uk

to get in

and

member of

can guide you through

Student Services

Everything at Croydon University Centre is designed around the student. We offer personal support before and during your studies.

Learning Support

We support students in a variety of ways and are committed to providing inclusive education in a safe and positive environment. Personal tutors support you throughout your studies with us.

Additional Learning Support

Our Additional Learning Support service provides a range of support, advice and guidance for anyone who has a learning difficulty, disability and/or an ongoing health condition.

Our website www.croydonuniversitycentre.ac.uk provides further information to help you understand what we can offer you as a higher education student.

Student Advice Service

Our team offers advice and support to help you with a range of issues from where to live and how to manage money problems through to difficult residency issues, social issues, health issues, emotional distress and legal issues. In some cases we will refer you to specialised external agencies.

Our team has experience of working with all kinds of problems ranging from sudden and unexpected distress to long-standing issues, so please get in touch if you need advice.

Careers

Our World of Work team provide advice and guidance on all aspects of career planning and career decision making. During your studies, there are many opportunities to meet employers, talk about careers and what is on offer in the workplace after graduation. Many of our courses also include extended work placements, which are a great opportunity to get real world experience with employers.

You will also get opportunities to develop your skills for work through enhancing your CV and exploring career and future study prospects. There are opportunities to take part in extended social projects and volunteering, all adding to your transferable skills.

Learning Resources

Our Learning Resource Centre offers a comprehensive range of resources, available both in print and electronic format. Subject librarians offer personalised one-to-one consultations and training on how to make the most of the resources available to you. You can also attend group or class research skills sessions which will help you to get the most out of your course.

The University Centre has its own virtual learning environment which provides learning materials and resources for all higher education programmes to enable students to make the most of their independent study time.

Fees and Funding

We

Fees

Our fees for full-time students are £6,000 per year (subject to change) and £9,250 per year for the Adult Nursing course. Our HNCs start from £2,725 depending on mode of study (PT or FT). International student fees are £7,500 per year. Please enquire with our Admissions team for up-to-date pricing on all courses as course fees are subject to change.

Funding

You can apply for tuition fee loans and maintenance loans to help with accommodation and everyday living while studying with us. Apply for funding from Student Finance England (www.gov.uk/student-finance).

Some students may also be eligible for maintenance grants or a Special Support Grant to help towards studies; you can find out more from Student Finance. The loan schemes mean you only start to pay back your loan once you have completed your degree course and are working and earning over a certain amount a year.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) provides extra financial help to UK Higher Education students to allow them to meet the extra costs of studying as a direct result of a learning difficulty, disability and/or ongoing health condition. It is a non-repayable grant based on need, not income.

Apply via your Student Finance account

DSA

Contact Us

The Admissions team is on hand to answer any questions you may have about studying at Croydon University Centre.

To find out more about specific courses, come to one of our open events; course tutors will be on hand to help you choose the right course for you.

020 8686 5700 admissions@croydon.ac.uk croydonuniversitycentre.ac.uk

Address: Croydon University Centre College Road Croydon CR9 1DX

Please note Croydon University Centre is situated within the Croydon College campus building.