Higher Education

Study for a degree, full-time or part-time, in Essex at USP College

We offer a range of Higher Education courses including Level 4 Qualifications, HNC/HNDs, Foundation Degrees and Undergraduate Degrees. 

Whether you are a sixth-form/college leaver or are looking to up-skill and develop our courses are flexible to suit your needs. All our programmes are designed to get you the career you want and give you the skills that employers need. 

We offer a range of higher-level qualifications, and some are even free!*

For over 10 years the College has offered degree-level study to students locally in Essex. From Early Years, to Sport, to our brand new and advanced digital courses we are proud to provide high-quality degree programmes. 

Our undergraduate degrees are validated by top universities including the University of Hertfordshire and Writtle University College. 

Discover all the courses on offer and more information below: 

What are the different courses available to me?

 

HNC/HND

Level 4/5

HNC/HND programmes are equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree. 

They are created with employers to give you the skills you need to work in industry, meaning they are highly regarded by companies as an accredited professional qualification. 

This type of programme gives you hands-on experience and learning whilst giving you a taster of Higher Education learning at a fraction of the price!

Foundation Degree

Level 4/5

Studying a Foundation Degree allows you to achieve a Level 5 qualification (the first two years of a university course) whilst saving on average £6,000 on tuition fees.

Over the two years of the Foundation Degree, you will complete work-based learning where you will work with an employer to put your new skills and knowledge into practice. 

At the end of your qualification, you can top up to a full BA (Hons). 

BSc (Hons) and BA (Hons) - Undergraduate Degree

Level 6

This is the final qualification achieved after completing an undergraduate degree programme.

Typically, this is what you would achieve when going to university, but the benefit of studying with us is you can stay local and save on accommodation costs. You can also stay near to family/friends and some students even keep their part-time jobs. 

Vocational Qualifications and HTQs

Level 4

Our Level 4 Vocational Qualifications come in many different forms. We offer Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), Level 4 Diplomas and Foundation Diplomas. If you are studying one of our Diplomas or Foundation Diplomas it is free if you are aged 18 at the start of your course!

Our Vocational offering is designed to provide students with specialised skills and knowledge. They provide a practical and focused approach to learning and are designed to develop specific skills within an industry. 

The curriculum design and frequent review of content means the qualification remains relevant to industry trends, which is especially important with the speed of technological advancements.

By combining classroom learning and practical experiences, completing a Level 4 qualification is great if you want to build your portfolio and confidence in a subject before moving on. You could use this course to put you in a great position for university applications, or you could take your knowledge straight into the workplace. 

The best thing about our Level 4 Vocational Qualifications is that if you are 18 at the start of your course it is free! That's right, you can gain a Level 4 (equivalent to your first year of university at no cost!). If you are 19+ you can still study this course and funding options may be available.

*National Student Survey 2021.

Level 4 Qualifications

 

HNC/HND

 

Degree Programmes

 

Higher Education students photographed in two lines at graduation after graduating

Our Higher Education courses

Giving you the chance to study Higher Education locally in Essex

Guaranteed Place

Students who have completed a relevant Level 3 course with us are guaranteed a Higher Education place at the College, subject to meeting the entry requirements.

Student Finance

There are a number of options to help you pay for your Higher Education course, including tuition fee loans and maintenance loans or grants.

For more information on all the options visit gov.uk/student-finance

Why study at Higher Education at USP College?

Higher Education Student Suspension of Studies

Information about how you can suspend your studies.

Find out more

College and partner leaders posed after college graduation ceremony

Our university partners

USP College is proud to work with a wide range of universities.

Find out more

Find out more about our Higher Education provision