Higher Education on your doorstep – Weymouth College offers a smart alternative to university

Choosing where to embark on your Higher Education journey is an exciting yet crucial decision that demands careful consideration.

Weymouth College can provide a smart and strategic solution, allowing you to take the next steps in your education while staying close to home, offering flexibility and financial savings on expensive university costs, such as student accommodation.

The College offers a range of university-level courses specifically designed to provide key skills for work and degree-level study, in partnership with our awarding bodies – University of Plymouth and Pearson.

You can achieve the same kind of qualifications offered at traditional universities, while easily fitting your studies around work or other commitments at home.

What Higher Education options does Weymouth College offer?

Foundation Degrees at Weymouth College allow students the option to complete their degree level studies with a one-year top-up, either at the College, a university or a partner institution, or they can apply to other relevant courses at a university of their choice.

Our Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Diploma courses are designed to give students the skills for a particular field of work; they can lead straight to a career or you can apply to top-up to a relevant course at a university.

Subjects covered at Weymouth College include art and design, creative media, health and social care, public services, sport, professional studies, business, engineering, computing, construction and the built environment, performing arts and music.

We also offer one-year Access to Higher Education courses, helping student sages 19+ to gain entry to Higher Education across a range of subjects.

Martin Oliver, Director of Curriculum and Skills at Weymouth College, said: “We offer 13 different programmes in Higher Education, from Foundation Degrees to HNCs. We also offer a BSc in Professional Studies. Our HE offers is a flexible offer for students in the local area, so if you’re in Year 12 or 13 and maybe you don’t want to move away to university, you have the option to stay more local.

“All our programmes are designed alongside employers and many are aimed at meeting the skills need for Dorset, so we offer courses aligned to the skills need in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, digital tech and green skills.”

Why choose Weymouth College for Higher Education?

Flexible courses and work-based learning

Weymouth College takes pride in offering flexible courses that not only facilitate higher-level learning but also support work-based learning. This flexibility is a game-changer for students who wish to continue working while pursuing their education.

The integration of work-based learning not only enhances the academic experience but also opens doors to potentially lucrative paid employment opportunities, with courses aligned to the Dorset skills need, providing students with valuable real-world insights.

Cost-effectiveness of studying locally

Opting to study close to home can prove to be a financially savvy decision. Studying locally eliminates the need for additional expenses associated with student housing, including maintenance and accommodation fees.

The financial relief provided by avoiding these costs makes higher education more accessible to a wider range of students, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic aspirations.

Smaller class sizes for personalised support

Weymouth College recognises the importance of individual support in the learning process. With smaller class sizes for Higher Education, the College ensures focused, face-to-face student delivery, encourages meaningful interactions between students and educators, and creates an environment conducive to active learning.

Smaller class sizes are particularly beneficial for students transitioning from A-level to degree level, offering the personalised support needed to navigate the challenges of Higher Education successfully.

Professional and inspirational staff

A key strength of Weymouth College lies in its faculty, with our professional and inspirational staff coming from a diverse range of employment backgrounds, and all trained to University of Plymouth standards.

The wealth of experience of our teaching staff enhances the learning experience, providing students with practical knowledge and industry insights beyond textbook theories. This real-world perspective prepares students for the dynamic challenges of their future careers.

Outstanding academic support

Weymouth College’s commitment to academic success is reflected in its outstanding academic support system, boasting a remarkable 91% satisfaction rate ­– 8% above the sector average.

This demonstrates the College’s dedication to ensuring that students receive the guidance and assistance needed to excel in their academic endeavours. Our robust support system creates a nurturing environment, helping students to reach their full potential.

Dedicated Higher Education Centre and HE Registrar

An area for individual study and breaks in the new Higher Education Centre at Weymouth College

Weymouth College stands out with its dedicated Higher Education Centre, opened in 2022, and HE Registrar, providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and highly-qualified staff specialising in Higher Education across a variety of subjects.

This infrastructure reinforces the College’s commitment to providing a comprehensive academic environment, where students can access resources and support tailored to their Higher Education journey.

You can find out more about the Higher Education courses offered at Weymouth College here: University Level Archives – Weymouth College

Don’t forget, applications for all 2023 entry UCAS undergraduate courses should be submitted by 6pm on January 31st. However, Weymouth College can accept applications after this date through the clearing process.

To discuss our Higher Education options further, come along to our next Open Event on Tuesday, 6th February from 5.30pm to see the facilities yourself, or contact Martin Oliver, Director of Curriculum and Skills, on martin_oliver@weymouth.ac.uk