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Higher Education
Study a degree locally in Essex Full‑time or Part‑time, with no UCAS application required.
- A-Levels
- T-Levels
- Vocational courses
- Foundation Learning
- Higher Education
- Adult Education
- Apprenticeships
- Online
At USP College, we offer a wide range of Higher Education courses in Essex, including Level 4 qualifications, Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diplomas, Foundation Degrees, and full Undergraduate Degrees.
Whether you’re a sixth-form or college leaver, or you’re looking to upskill and advance your career, our flexible study options are designed to fit around your life. Every programme is built to give you the skills employers demand today and help you achieve the career you want.
Why Choose USP College for Higher Education?
- A variety of higher-level qualifications – some are even free!
- Over 10 years of experience delivering degree-level study locally in Essex
- Courses in Early Years, Sport, and cutting-edge Digital technologies
- Undergraduate degrees validated by leading universities
Not sure higher education is the right starting point? We also run a wide range of courses for adults, from returning to study and retraining to Access to Higher Education, which can prepare you for a degree-level course in a year.
What are the different courses available to me?
Our collaborative partnerships
We work closely with collaborative partners in the UK to deliver courses that lead to a HE award. These relationships give us the opportunity to enhance our academic offering and provide the best possible learning experience to a wider audience.
We are able to support validated collaborative partnership arrangements. USP College is ultimately responsible for the academic quality of all of the awards and as such, all of our collaborative partners are subject to quality processes.
Study Hospitality Management with Docklands Academy London
This programme is developed, delivered and assessed by Docklands Academy London, and quality assured by USP College. Learn more by visit their website Main Home - Docklands Academy London
Interested in a partnership? Find out more about how your institution can partner with us by email info@uspcollege.ac.uk
Flexible Funding Options
A Tuition Fee Loan covers the cost of your course fees for eligible Level 4 to 6 courses, including HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees and HTQs. It's paid directly to the College, and you only start repaying once you've finished your course and are earning above the repayment threshold.
Alongside this, a Maintenance Loan or grant can help with living costs such as travel, books and everyday expenses while you study, with the amount based on your household income.
If you're starting with our Access to Higher Education Diploma or another Level 3 course, an Advanced Learner Loan can cover your fees.
If you complete your Access course and go on to complete a higher education course, that loan is written off, so you never repay it. You may also be able to get help with costs like childcare and travel while you study, depending on your circumstances.
To find out more about all the funding available and how to apply, visit our Financial Support page.
Guaranteed Progression
Studying with us doesn't have to stop at Level 3. If you've completed a relevant Level 3 course with USP College, you're guaranteed a place on one of our Higher Education programmes, subject to meeting the entry requirements. It's a natural next step, whether you want to go deeper in the subject you already know or build on your Level 3 to move into a related field.
Progressing internally is simple. There's no need to apply through UCAS or start over somewhere new. You apply directly, stay at a college you already know, and continue with tutors and facilities that are familiar to you, so you can focus on your studies from day one.
Why study at Higher Education at USP College?
Students achieve excellent outcomes
Progression to employment or further study is high, while part-time student progression to highly skilled employment or further study is consistent with the College's benchmark.
Small class sizes
Our classes are kept small so our teachers can work with you closely, enabling you to learn faster and perform better.
Save money!
Being able to study locally means that you won't have to spend thousands of pounds on living and accommodation costs!
Higher Education courses awarded by
100%
of students agreed that the skills they developed will be useful for their future career*
No. 1
face-to-face provider in Essex for student satisfaction*
91%
agreed the range of teaching methods has helped them learn*
100%
Explanation Quality: Our staff scores 100%, well above the national average of 91.1%.
100%
Accessibility: We offer 100% ease of contact, surpassing the national average of 85.5%.
100%
Support for Learning: With 100% support, we exceed the national average of 85.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply through UCAS to study a degree at USP College?
No. You can apply directly to USP College for all our Higher Education courses, with no UCAS application or UCAS fee. Applying direct is quicker and means you deal with us throughout.
Can I study Higher Education part-time around a job?
Yes. Some of our HE courses offer flexible study options designed to fit around work and family life, so you can gain a qualification without giving up your income
What is an Access to Higher Education Diploma?
An Access to HE Diploma is a one-year Level 3 course for adults (19+) who don't have the qualifications they need to go to university. It prepares you for degree-level study in areas like health, education, and social sciences. Adult Education
I don't have any Level 3 qualifications. Can I still study a degree?
Yes. Our Access to HE Diploma is designed for adults returning to education without traditional qualifications. You'll need GCSE English at grade C/4 (or Level 2 Functional Skills), and we can help you gain Maths alongside your course.
How much does a Higher Education course cost, and can I get funding?
Course fees vary by programme, and some HE qualifications are free. Tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and Advanced Learner Loans are available, so you can spread the cost. Financial Support
Where are USP College's Higher Education courses taught?
Our HE courses are taught locally across our Seevic Campus (Benfleet) and XTEND Digital Campus (Canvey Island), so you can study for a degree close to home in South Essex. Some courses have an online option aswell. Check each course page for the details.
What can I study at Higher Education level at USP College?
We offer HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees, and full degrees in Early Years and Education, Sport and Exercise Science, Games Development, Games Art, Animation, Visual Effects, and Digital Technologies.
Can I do a full degree, or just the first stage?
Both. You can study an HNC or HND (equivalent to the first one or two years of a degree) and step off, or continue to a full Bachelor's degree.(top up) This lets you commit in stages rather than to a full three years upfront.
