Higher Education

Introduction

Higher Education

We offer both degree courses and higher level qualifications at Wirral Metropolitan College. Our aim is to provide access to higher education for a wide range of people, through full-time and part-time courses which are designed to be flexible and challenging. Some of our Higher Education courses offer professional qualifications.

he-arrowsAll higher education courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications and have to meet the quality standards demanded by the institutions and / or validating bodies which have approved them. To enable the College to deliver a range of degrees and certificates we have entered into partnership arrangements with a number of regional universities. These include Liverpool Hope University, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Central Lancashire, University of Chester, Liverpool John Moores University, Edge Hill University and the University of Liverpool. Our Higher National Certificates (HNCs) are validated by EDEXCEL / BTEC, and Counselling courses are accredited by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB).

We endeavour to meet the needs of local people and employers through the development of new courses, and strive to improve the services that we offer to students. The College is introducing four new Foundation Degrees and one new B.A. Honours Degree programe for September 2009.

Select a course link to access more detailed information, or contact our Learner Services for advice and guidance +44 [0] 151 551 7777.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Applying for a full-time degree programme (BA, BSc., Foundation Degrees)

These courses must be applied for through UCAS (Universities and College Admissions Service). You will find full details of how to apply at www.ucas.com or contact the College for advice. The College’s UCAS code name is WIRMC and institutional code is W73. Details of subject codes can be found on the relevant page of logo-fdfthe UCAS Handbook and within the College’s Higher Education Prospectus, which is available from Learner Services and Career Libraries.

Click here for more information about foundation degrees on the Foundation Degree Forward (fdf) website

Applying for part-time degree programmes and all other higher education courses

You should apply direct to the College. Application forms are available from all our campuses or can be downloaded from the course links which give detailed information about each programme.

When to apply

You are advised to apply as early as possible following careful consideration of courses. There is a provision for late entry and admissions – tutors at Wirral Metropolitan College endeavour to consider applications for as long as vacancies remain, and up to the end of clearing in September.

Applications for all other higher education courses will be accepted throughout the academic year, but you are advised to make enquiries and submit your application as early as possible.

Selection and Interview

Admissions tutors at Wirral Metropolitan College consider all the information on the application form, including your career aspirations and interests. For some courses they like to see a candidate before making an offer and may invite you to visit the College and attend an interview. For other courses you might receive an offer straight away.

If your place depends upon examination results, once they have been published, provided you have met the necessary requirements, you will receive a letter confirming your place.

Overseas Students

Overseas students should make applications through UCAS for full-time degree courses and should consult their local British Council office or British Embassy for general advice. Where possible, prospective applicants should consult their British Council’s Education Counselling Service which will advise on courses and application procedures.

Accommodation

Accommodation

The Student Housing Guide covers a wide range of issues related to renting
accommodation in the private sector including tenancy agreements, rent
levels, harassment and eviction, repairs and maintenance. There is also
a checklist of questions to ask and things to look out for when visiting
a property and talking to landlords. You can contact Wirral Metropolitan
College Student Union for further details at www.wmc.ac.uk/su/

Funding

Funding

Student Funding

There are two main sources of student funding for full-time undergraduates undertaking BA, BSc. ,Foundation Degree or HND. The ‘HE Maintenance Loan’ and the ‘HE Maintenance Grant’. Students experiencing financial difficulties can also apply for help to the Higher Education Access to Learning Fund. Students apply for their loan online at: www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance . The Access to Learning Fund is administered within the College.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for degree courses are capped at £3,225 per year. Wirral Metropolitan College has variable fees for degrees and HNDs which are often much less. All students, regardless of age or financial status, can apply for a Student Loan to pay their fees. Non-degree higher level courses also vary in fees. Specific course information can be found on the course links.

Student Loans

Student loans and Grants for maintenance are available to all students up to the age of 60 undertaking a full-time degree, foundation degree or HND programme.

Click here for  information relating to all Loans and grants at Direct Gov

Student Loans are repayable on completion of the course. Repayments are collected by HMRC direct from salary. Students start repaying the Student Loan when annual income exceeds £15,000.

HE Access to Learning Fund

The HE Access to Learning is available to assist full time and part time students who are experiencing financial difficulties. Priority will be given to students with dependants, mature students and final year students. The funds are not repayable and can only provide limited assistance. Students who are eligible to take out a student loan must do so before applying to the HE Access to Learning Fund. Applications to the HE Access to Learning Fund are made through the college and application forms can be obtained from any Learner Services Centre.