Bootle based Hugh Baird College is transforming its Higher Education provision with a revamped package of courses set to be delivered across new multi-million pound facilities.
The college is revamping its delivery of HE in a bid to make further education more accessible and affordable in the Merseyside region.
Director of Higher Education at Hugh Baird College Helen Mathers said the department had recharged its offering with additional courses in creative arts, health and social care, business management and IT.
Ms Mathers said the college is also offering prospective students a compelling financial case for joining with a broad range of funding opportunities.
Recent investment will further see the fast expanding department bolstered by an £8m HE development due to open in early 2014.
The new build, opposite the college’s main Balliol Road campus, will have a dedicated University Centre where learners can complete courses validated by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Edge Hill University.
“Huge progress has been made in the HE department in the last year,” said Ms Mathers. “We are passionate about delivering first class education and crucially offering the best possible opportunities for the people of Bootle and Merseyside. There should be no barrier to education. One of our key aims is to drive ambition and provide the best possible learning environment to allow people in our community to achieve their potential. There are significant benefits for studying HE at Hugh Baird College including small class sizes providing greater individual learning experience. The college enables people to gain University accredited degrees on their doorstep, dramatically reducing travel costs. Our courses are also flexible and can be studied alongside full or part time work.”
In the last year Hugh Baird College has increased foundation degree level provision by 100pc and honours degree level provision by 500pc. It provides qualifications at many levels including ‘top up’ BA Honours degrees, Certificates in Education and PGCEs.
Employability skills are another strong feature of the college’s HE provision. “We offer our learners broad and varied opportunities to work with major local employers,” said Ms Mathers. “Our courses are constructed around work based learning where learners become immersed in the world of business. Students can also get involved with setting up micro businesses and carry out work placements.”
Ms Mathers said Hugh Baird College offers close financial support to students.
“We can provide guidance on tuition fee loans and maintenance loans to help cover the cost of the course fees,” she said. “However, we also offer cash bursaries for each year of study. This money can be spent on equipment such as iPads, cameras or international trips. Furthermore, we offer a limited number of awards for students worth £3,000 through the National Scholarship Programme.”
Places are still available on a selection of HE courses at Hugh Baird College. For a full list of courses or further information call 0151 353 4444 or visit www.hughbaird.ac.uk/he
Hugh Baird College
Hugh Baird College is one of the leading Further Education colleges in Merseyside. It is based in Bootle Liverpool and has more than 7,000 students aged 16 and over. It is committed to improving life, job and business prospects through excellent education, training ans support.
The college has more than 300 courses to choose from including Business Studies, Bricklaying, Performing Arts, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy. It offers full time or part time study, apprenticeships, diplomas, NVQs, A Levels or Full Honours Degrees.
It has been top of Government league tables for Further Education Colleges in Merseyside for the last four years (based on points score per exam entry).