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University Education Explained

There are so many choices available that sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. You need to make sure you’re choosing a course for the right reasons and consider questions such as whether you are you going to be happy studying on the course, or, if you have a specific career in mind, whether a specific qualification will be necessary. Deciding what to study requires lots of research, so take time to look at what’s available.

All qualifications fit into the Framework for Higher Education Courses (FHEQ).

University Education Explained

By studying at Furness College, you have the prospect of gaining a degree validated by some of the UK’s top universities, all without the added financial costs of living away from home. As Furness College is the largest provider of education and skills training in Cumbria.

✓Our Benefits

Our advice and guidance events provide an excellent opportunity to explore the Furness College campus, view the facilities and talk to tutors about the extensive range of courses on offer. Student Ambassadors will also be on hand to talk about their own college experience.

  • Over thirty years’ experience of providing university education
  • Learn-while-you-work, thereby reducing costs and loans
  • University qualifications which are validated by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), the University of Cumbria, Lancaster University or Pearson
  • Accreditation by the Institute of Engineering Technology (IET) and Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
  • University qualifications which are relevant to future employment opportunities
  • Small group sizes which are friendly and supportive and help to improve confidence
  • Courses which fit around the workplace and a busy home life
  • Reduced transport costs
  • A network of support including personal tutors and additional support
  • High standards of tuition
  • Excellent training resources which meet industrial/commercial standards
  • Progression routes to honours degree courses or employment
  • Superb facilities including several IT suites with subject specific software
  • University Resource Centre with quiet study areas, resources and computers

Facilities at Furness College

Furness College has invested in great facilities for Higher Education Students. There is a dedicated HE Resource Area, with key textbooks, a number of computer terminals, quite study space and two dedicated HE tutorial rooms. Specialist subjects such as computing are taught in dedicated and well-equipped computer labs. £4million has been invested in a dedicated Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre (AMTC) where Engineering higher level students have their own dedicated classroom, computer labs and advanced manufacturing facilities.

Student Contract: Fees

HE Fees 2022-23

The College runs two very successful courses that are related to teaching and training: the Certificate in Education (CertEd) and the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Both offer practising teachers (and aspiring teachers) the opportunity to formally qualify for a teaching career in the post-compulsory (further education) sector

Higher and degree apprenticeships provide a high-quality alternative to the traditional degree route. They combine skilled on-the-job training with higher level study to give you the skills needed to progress your career. Higher apprenticeships are delivered at Levels 4 and 5 and include professional, vocational and usually an academic qualifications. Some higher apprenticeships include a foundation degree, which can then be topped up to a full honours award. Degree apprenticeships include a full bachelor’s and/or master’s degree.

Honours Degrees normally require three years of full-time study (longer for sandwich options) and can also be taken part-time. The final year will often involve the production of a dissertation/advanced level project. Honours Degrees lead to the following qualifications: Bachelor of Arts with Honours [BA (Hons)], Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)], or Bachelor of Engineering with Honours [BEng (Hons)].

Bachelor’s Degrees (or Ordinary Degrees/Pass Degrees) are courses of academic study that lead to the following qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng). Some subjects equip you for a particular career; others, like English, are not linked to one particular job type and can take you in one of several different career directions. Bachelor’s Degrees usually require at least two years of full-time study (with part-time options often available).

Foundation Degrees are work-related higher education qualifications, designed in close consultation with local and national employers to provide the specialist knowledge and skills needed within a particular sector. Foundation Degrees can be studied either full-time (over two years) or part-time (over three to four years). Students who have successfully completed a Foundation Degree programmes can usually progress to the final year of a related Honours Degree or to a bespoke one or two-year Honours top-up programmes.

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) or Higher National Diploma (HNDs) via BTEC/EDEXCEL are work-related higher education qualifications and are generally suitable for candidates who wish to progress from vocational type qualifications, advanced apprenticeships or as part of the Higher Apprenticeship framework or standard. They will provide you with an introduction to a subject. This qualification is designed to equip you with the basic knowledge, understanding and skills required for a general vocational area. Higher National qualifications don’t just qualify you for work. Some HNCs allow direct entry into the second year of a degree programme, and many HNDs allow direct entry to the third year of an Honours Degree. Possessing an HNC or HND can also give you entry to a number of professional bodies. So whether you want to go straight into a job, or continue your studies, getting a Higher National can be a great place to start. HNCs usually take one year to complete and are a Level 4 qualification (equivalent to the first year of study on an Honours Degree). HNCs are usually studied two years part-time or one year full-time and many candidates then go on to other qualifications or areas of study. HNDs usually take two years to complete and as a Level 5 qualification equate to the first two years of Honours Degree study.

There’s a wealth of resources available over the Internet which might make your choice of course easier. Visit www.ucas.com for information on some well recognised resources.Furness College offers a range of higher education qualifications, from HNC/Ds and Foundation Degrees to Bachelor’s Degrees and Honours Degrees.

Course Types Explained

Furness College offers a range of higher education qualifications, from HNC/Ds and Foundation Degrees to Bachelor’s Degrees and Honours Degrees.

Click to read our HE Policies, including Access and Participation.


Channelside
Barrow-In-Furness
Cumbria
LA14 2PJ
Rating Lane
Barrow-In-Furness
Cumbria
LA13 9LE
Contact Us Tel: 01229 825 017 (Channelside Campus)
Tel: 01229 828 377 (Barrow Sixth Form College)
Email: info@furness.ac.uk
Business Support Tel: 01229 844 836
Email: businesssupport@furness.ac.uk
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