News: Benefits of studying a degree-level course at Nottingham College

At Nottingham College, we offer many more options to make higher education (HE) accessible for you. With us, you can stay local whilst completing accredited courses. Our fees are lower than most universities, we have smaller classes with plenty of one-to-one support and great industry links for your post-HE life.

Here are 8 advantages of studying HE with us:

1. Low Fees

We offer a cost-effective solution to studying higher education, with our fees set at an affordable rate, and much lower than those set by most universities. 

By choosing to stay local you are also saving money on university accommodation. In Nottingham, Halls of Residence can cost upwards of £8000 a year. 

2. Location

Nottingham is also a fantastic place for students, and at our dedicated University Centre, you’ll study in the historic Adam’s Building. The Adam’s Building was a former lace factory in the 1800s located in the heart of Nottingham and is now home to our University Centre. It is well positioned in the Creative Quarter of Nottingham, surrounded by a wealth of cafes, restaurants, shops and bars. 

3. Supportive study environment

Studying at Nottingham College offers a distinctive form of Higher Education to empower everyone to maximise their potential. Unlike mainstream universities, we offer smaller teaching groups, easier access to your tutors and intensive academic support to ensure you achieve success. 

We are able to offer flexible ways of learning on a full-time or part-time basis with foundation degrees, BA (hons) top-up programmes and HNC programmes available in 13 subject areas. We still have places available for this academic year, take a look at our course pages and clearing information to find out how you can apply. 

4. Accredited courses

The calibre of our higher education provision has been nationally recognised both by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Nottingham Trent University, who validate the Foundation Degree and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Top-up Degrees. The College is also an accredited Edexcel centre for the delivery of Higher National programmes (HNC/HND).

In 2012 Nottingham College was incredibly proud to be awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education, at a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace.

5. Great industry links

Our HE courses combine the right mix of academic study and vocational practise and experience. We have worked in partnership with various organisations from Disney World® to Capital FM to Nottingham Playhouse, to ensure our programmes reflect the realities of the workplace and our facilities remain relevant and modern. In addition, 96% of Nottingham College graduates were in employment or further study six months after graduation.

6. Excellent student satisfaction

Nottingham College was again ranked in the top 20% of UK colleges (and the top-rated college in the East Midlands) for student satisfaction in a recent National Student Survey. The College is also known for offering a friendly and lively learning environment with small class sizes and nationally recognised student support. Many students say that they wouldn’t have attained a university degree without doing HE at Nottingham College.

7. Immerse yourself in student life

Studying locally doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the social aspects of university life either. When you join us, you automatically become a part of Nottingham College’s Students Union. The Student Union ensures all HE learners get the most out of their student experience by running plenty of events, socials and activities throughout the year. 

When you complete your course, you are invited to our graduation ceremony which takes place at Nottingham’s prestigious Royal Concert Hall, where you can gather with friends and family and celebrate your success.

8. Industry-standard facilities 

We also have brilliant facilities to help students reach their full potential while studying with us. These include a brand new £1.2m HE science and innovation centre, with industrial grade machinery and equipment, a new theatre as well as spring floor dance and rehearsal studios for performing arts and a brand-new digital media centre with future ready technology to equip you with all the hands-on experience and skills you need.