Whether you are looking to enhance your career opportunities, looking to get back into work, or make the leap into University; find out how the Higher Education courses at the University Centre Stockport can take you to where you need to be.
With just over 1,000 students across our whole Higher Education provision we focus on students as individuals and our strong student satisfaction rates show this.
Our student pass rates are over 97% with all our students going on to study a Masters degree at another University or going straight into employment.
Our Higher Education provision focuses on transforming lives for the better and making a real difference, ensuring it remains an accessible offer that is community focused and supports local aspirations. This is why we believe we’re a good fit for your future.
As a strategic partner with Sheffield Hallam University, our courses are of the highest standard and graduates obtain employer focused qualifications from a world-class university.
You don't have to go far to get far, a degree will be the same from any type of institution. Studying on your doorstep is not only convenient, it means you can live at home and reduce your living expenses.
We provide a variety of qualifications that act as a stepping stone to a full degree, such as HNCs, HNDs and foundation degrees. They can be topped up to a degree at a later date, giving you flexibility to complete your studies in stages.
Everything is on a smaller scale at Trafford, meaning your learning generally takes place in a classroom setting. This creates a more productive learning environment and gives you more opportunities to collaborate with other students.
We can offer a more supportive learning experience, with individual support for those who need it and more one-to-one time with your lecturers and tutors. This gives students the best chance of achieving their potential.
We are an integral part of the local community and our courses provide you with specific workplace skills. This includes the provision of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) which have been specifically developed with employers and businesses so you will get the skills they are looking for, unlocking high-skilled and highly paid jobs.
Here at the University Centre Stockport we have a vibrant Higher Education community where we offer high-quality courses to individuals from all backgrounds and skill-sets. We provide relevant, useful and enjoyable learning experiences.
Every academic year we are committed to your learning – ensuring we continue to transform local lives. The 2020 National Student Survey (NSS) confirms this once again, with overall student satisfaction rates of 90% and progression into employment and student pass rates both at an all time high of 97% – that’s the best in Greater Manchester by the way – this is a good time to join us!
Our Student engagement commitment is aimed at students, tutors and college managers. It is important for us all to see active student engagement as a partnership and to get it right we have to work together. Student Engagement at the University Centre is focused on the belief that teaching and learners are central to our success.
It is the aspiration of our student engagement to;
Our lecturing staff are experienced, professionally-trained experts in their field who create a safe, stimulating and respectful environment for our students. Everything is on a smaller scale at Stockport, meaning your learning takes place in a classroom rather than a big lecture theatre. This creates a more productive learning environment and gives you more opportunities to collaborate with other learners.
We help people to learn skills to get into work, enjoy a new hobby or improve their job prospects. Whatever you choose to study, we hope there will be something for you.
We are always looking to hear your views. Our Student Reps act as the eyes and ears of Higher Education at Trafford and share the views of their fellow course mates with the Management Team. If you’re keen to develop your leadership and communication skills, then why not become a Student Rep and help make a difference?
Our Student Council are active campaigners for Higher Education improvement. The council has made a concerted effort to gather student views across all courses about a variety of issues and they have then taken action to ensure success and outcomes that has improved the learning experience.
We value the feedback they receive from learners and in recent years the feedback from the Student Council has contributed to the way we operate, the events we host and the rewards that students receive throughout the year.
Keep fit, have fun and meet new people. From yoga and football to running clubs there’s a wide range of activities to get involved in during your time with Trafford. If you have a keen interest to start a new sport or fitness club, chances are there will be other students with the same interests.
We have a number of student led societies that respond to student enthusiasm. We have Debating, Creative Writing and Environment clubs, a film and book group, as well as a thriving LGBTQ+ society. These groups are highly dependent on student leadership skills with support from our lecturing team.
Working with the National Citizenship Service, we offer volunteering opportunities for you to gain new experiences, develop team work and communication skills, support your community, and build your CV. We also support an annual charity which is chosen by staff and students at the college where you can be involved in fundraising activities and build your skills.
Each Subject Area runs a range of trips from local visits to trips overseas to explore new cultures. The majority of trips will be funded by students themselves, however more local, curriculum focused trips will be covered by us.
We’re with you every step of the way during your time studying a University Level course with us at Stockport.
If you need help with your finances, career planning or mental health and wellbeing we are here to help. Please contact Learner Services Reception and they will be happy to support you. Call 0161 296 5810 for more information.
The Higher Education Disability and Support Service offers information, advice and guidance for students with a variety of disabilities, including specific learning needs, including mental health, physical and sensory requirements. The team is able to provide confidential advice and guidance to students regarding the support available through the college, and to also help those who wish to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs).
We proactively implement the SEND Code of Practice and the principles that it observes: enabling participation, collaboration with partners, high quality provision, inclusive practices, removing barriers to learning and preparing for adulthood.
The Higher Education Disability and Support Service (sometimes called HEDS) supports a wide range of learners and offers an accessible and inclusive service.
The specialist service offers information, advice and guidance for students with a wide range of disabilities including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ASD, ADHD, mental health conditions as well as physical disabilities
Register with the disability support service and bring a copy of your medical evidence. We can offer reasonable adjustments that include;
The Disabled Student Allowance (sometimes called the DSA) is a grant to help pay the extra essential costs you may have as a direct result of your disability. DSAs are not means tested and you do not have to repay them. DSAs do not cover disability-related costs you’d have if you weren’t attending a course, or costs that any student might have.
You can get help with the costs of:
To apply for DSA, click here; https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas/how-to-claim
The team are able to provide confidential advice and guidance to students who wish to apply for Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs). The service also coordinate the HE Study+ programme which is a programme of additional academic support for all students across Higher Education running drop in sessions and workshops on academic skills development.
Booking your Needs Assessment
ATOP Ltd outreach assessment centre at Stockport College is an accredited assessment centre approved to carry out study needs assessments for disabled students. Once you have received your confirmation of DSA’s you should contact ATOP to arrange your appointment.
To book your DSA needs assessment click here; http://www.atop-ltd.co.uk/referral.php
The Work Based Learning Team ensures that all students are fully prepared to practice their learning at work. The aim of the placement is to provide the opportunity for you to acquire practical experience, by applying the knowledge gained on your course. Placements also enable students to develop key skills, including:
As part of the learner support provided, the Career Guidance team is here to help you make the right decisions. We can help you in a number of ways, from giving you advice on the most appropriate course to take before you start, to helping you decide what you want to do when you finish your course by considering your interests, abilities and whether you’re after more education, training or work.
We also have a fully stocked careers library, including a section for graduates, with career databases and software packages to help you decide on your future direction.
Email: careers@tcg.ac.uk
When you submit your application to college we ask that you tell us if you are care experienced by ticking the relevant box on your application form. This enables us to link you with a Pastoral Support Mentor (PSM) who will contact you to discuss a bespoke support plan and ensure that you are settling in. Your Pastoral Support Mentor will also serve as a link with any social worker you are currently working with and a parent/guardian.
As a care experienced learner you are entitled to receive a bursary to help with travel, equipment, trips and college meals. You are entitled to up to £1200 on a study programme that lasts for 30 weeks or more. Study programmes of less than 30 weeks are paid a pro-rata amount. You will be sent an application form in the post or alternatively can collect one from Learner Services. If you require any help completing the form then please speak with your pastoral support mentor or the front desk of Learner Services.
For more information for care experienced young people, please read our Principles of the Care Experienced Covenant.
For definitions regarding care experienced learners please visit: The Higher Education Statistics Agency for Definitions of a care leaver / looked after status or the NSPCC definition of ‘looked after children’.
Sometimes personal problems can make it difficult to concentrate on studying. It’s reassuring to know that you can call on a professional and confidential counselling service if you need to.
You are welcome to talk to us about issues such as relationship difficulties, bereavement or anything else that is on your mind, without judgement. Counselling is available to full and part-time students.
Tel: 0161 952 4694
Our dedicated team of learning facilitators will work with you to design a personalised support package. We also work with partner agencies to ensure you can access the help you need. This could include any of the following:
All learners are assigned a Pastoral Support Mentor (PSM). The Pastoral Support Mentors are trained to provide a frontline service for any mental health needs and are here to support you through the difficult times in your life that could stop you achieving your best at college.
Self-care techniques and general lifestyle changes can help support a positive mental health. Here are some tips for looking after yourself that you might find helpful.
If these work well for you then you may find you don’t need any formal treatments or meetings. However, it’s important to remember that there is unlikely to be an instant solution.