When Holy Cross expanded into Higher Education, its vision was to become a centre
of excellence providing locally – based education for undergraduates. The rewards
have seen a fantastic growth in quality higher education provision at a local level.
In partnership with Liverpool Hope, Edge Hill and Newman universities,
along with St Mary's, Twickenham, student numbers at Holy Cross College University
Centre have swelled from around 50 to over 600, becoming a phenomenal local success
story.
We offer BA, BSc (Honours) Degrees, Foundation Degrees and MA level study. Our range of courses and our partnerships
with the universities continue to develop in a forward-looking, dynamic way, so
this is an exciting time to join us.
Why don’t you become a part of our growing community of university students within
a friendly local environment offering excellent teaching, support, IT and library
facilities?
Reveal All
Why Study At All?
Our research has shown that 78% of our students studied to advance their careers,
but 63% were also studying for personal achievement. Many students simply wished
to learn something new. For some, study was part of confidence building and a way
to meet people/socialise.
Not Sure What We Can Offer?
Of students questioned, 80% chose Holy Cross because it was close to home. Many
were also keen on the opportunity to study part-time, which suited their family
and work commitments. 88% of students felt they received excellent or good levels
of support from Holy Cross staff. The course content delivered by academic tutors
was also considered excellent or good by 87% of students, indicating high levels
of student satisfaction.
Lack Confidence In Your Ability?
Holy Cross University Centre is renowned for its level of proactive student support.
We know that many of our students have been out of formal education for a while
and need to rebuild their academic confidence, so they value our good quality, proactive
pastoral support. Postgraduate qualified and experienced Support Tutors, all trained
teachers, are available to provide this, and help students through their chosen
course/pathway.
The overall role of the Support Tutor is to act as the first point of contact for
any queries prospective students may have. Whilst the support tutor is available
for generic advice and guidance, their fundamental role is in relation to pastoral
care and support. They will provide advice on a wide range of issues relating to
such things as finance, changing programmes and learning support issues. This support
will be available throughout a student’s degree course through our open door policy.
Think You're Too Old To Study?
Many of our students re-discover education later in life, and some decide to retrain
for a career change. Whatever the reason, there’s never been a better time to study
at Holy Cross, with its increasing range of higher education courses – and there
really is no age bar as some of our most successful students can testify.
Too Young to Study Here?
Traditionally, younger students have attended universities away from home. However,
changes to government funding of higher education mean that more and more young
students are choosing to study close to home to make studying an affordable option.
Our increasing range of traditional degree and work-based courses makes “earning
whilst learning” in Bury an attractive option for young people. The number of younger
students choosing to study locally has increased significantly over recent years.
Family or Work Commitments?
A range of
BA/BSc courses currently run during the evening. These may be studied on a full
or part time basis. Foundation Degrees currently run during the early evening,
as they are linked to workplace learning – at Holy Cross University Centre these
are currently closely linked to the study of education and health.
Things to Consider..
What do you need to think about before applying? Most students take a degree course
to further their careers (or change them) or simply to find out more about a subject
that interests them. There are a few considerations to ensure you choose the right
course to suit your needs. Support Tutors at Holy Cross are very happy to discuss
your course with you on an informal, one to one basis and indeed, prefer to do so
to ensure that you make an informed choice:
- What do you want to achieve? Do you have a specific career in mind, or are you studying
purely for interest or self-development?
- Are there any lifestyle constraints, e.g., working during the day may mean
you are only able to take advantage of the evening courses available at the University
Centre.
- Do you wish to study locally within a system that offers appropriate levels
of support for mature applicants who may be juggling the many aspects of their lives?
- Do you need a taster course in study skills to develop your confidence in
taking on degree level study? We provide study skills sessions at the beginning of studies and also as drop in sessions.
- Do you prefer wholly academic study (a traditional degree) or work-based professional
learning (a newer foundation degree)? Both are equally rigorous but involve different
types of study skills.
Not Qualified?
As part of our support system, we prefer to invite all potential students in for
an informal discussion about their course choice, enabling the Support Tutor to
best advise them, so that students join the course best for their aspirations and
ambitions.
Applications come directly to Holy Cross University
Centre rather than through UCAS. Many mature students may have been out of education
for a while, or have no formal qualifications. The informal interview enables admissions
tutors to look for students’ potential to succeed at degree level. To that end,
a mature student entry paper may be appropriate for applicants with related skills
and experience.
For those who need extra study experience, it is worth considering an Access to
Higher Education programme at a local further education college, and Learn Direct
National Tests in literacy and numeracy, or GCSE equivalency tests in English, maths
and science.
Too Expensive?
Despite major changes in government funding of higher education, many students do
not realise they can obtain help with fees. Studying may prove to be a much more affordable option than people have been led to believe.
The higher education institutions we work with offer detailed advice on funding
issues, and Support Tutors are there to help with any general questions about course
costs and loans for tuition fees.
Student loans mean that full-time and part time students who start after September
2012 do not pay anything up front and only start repaying loans when their income
is above £21,000.
For more information please discuss your options fully with a Support Tutor and
check out www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance for up to date details about student
support.
Why Not?
There are many advantages to studying at Holy Cross University Centre. Extensive market research has enabled us to develop courses which people want at a local level and we are currently in discussion to offer further options in 2012.
Further Questions?
Even if you have already had an appointment with a support tutor you may now have further questions or queries. Please don’t hesitate to phone the University Centre on 0161 762 4513.