University Centre FAQs

How long will it take me to get a degree?

For an undergraduate degree, it usually takes 3 years studying full-time. We offer a part-time Foundation degree which will take 2 years to complete, with the opportunity to study full-time for a further year, to top up to a full degree. The time it will take to complete a postgraduate degree, will depend on your chosen programme of study. Your initial advice interview with a Support Tutor will talk through the details for specific degrees, including attendance requirements.

Can I afford to study for a degree?

Going to University may not be as expensive as you think. There are no upfront fees to pay if you take out a Tuition Fee Loan from Student Finance England. You will begin to repay your loan in the April after you leave your course.

You will only repay your student loan when your income is over the threshold amount for your repayment plan. The threshold amounts change on the 6th of April every year.

If you’ve studied previously and received funding or would like to find out more about any additional funding, please do get in touch, we’ll be happy to explore all options with you. There is also lots of information about student support on the gov.uk website.

What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?

As part of our support system, we prefer to invite all potential students in for an Initial Advice Appointment. This is a great opportunity to meet with one of our amazing Support Tutors to talk about the choice of courses, and to offer you advice and guidance.

We have flexible entry criteria. We’re looking for potential, so it isn’t necessarily a barrier if you don’t have the academic qualifications. An alternative entrance assessment may be appropriate for certain courses for applicants with related skills and experience.

I am nervous about returning to academic study. What support is available?

At Holy Cross, we pride ourselves on the pastoral support we offer to all our students throughout their programme of study.

Every step of the way, your Support Tutor will be available to offer advice and guidance on a wide range of issues such as finance and learning support.

To support you in returning to academic study we provide a programme of generic study skills. The programme is available to all students, but mainly it’s designed to support mature learners, that have been out of education for a while and are looking to rebuild their confidence.

Sessions are delivered on a weekly basis at each level of study and cover a wide range of topics including critical thinking, referencing, assignment writing and time management.

Your subject tutors will also be on hand to provide an appropriate level of academic support.

I have an additional learning need, what support is available?

When you come to study with us, we want you to be able to fulfil your potential. Our partner universities offer a range of support to help you achieve this.

If you have a long-standing health condition, mental health condition, specific learning difference (eg dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia dyscalculia), a mobility difficulty, or sensory impairment, which is likely to affect your personal learning over time, you may be eligible to receive Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) - which is funding provided by the Government that helps contribute to any additional support costs a student might incur whilst at university, as a direct result of a disability.

If you think you have a learning difficulty that’s not been identified yet, our support tutors will help to guide you through the process to identify your individual needs and any potential barriers to your learning, ensuring that the appropriate help is available to you.

Is there access to career advice?

Each of our partner universities provide an excellent careers service. You will have access to a wide range of resources and opportunities for you to explore and plan your next steps towards achieving your career goals and aspirations – this could include searching for jobs, joining webinars, preparing for interviews, honing your application and CV writing skills, and much more.

How many hours a week will I need to study?

This will vary depending on the course you are studying. In addition to attending taught sessions, you will be expected to study independently each week. For a part-time undergraduate student this would be approximately 12 - 15 hours, and for a full-time student this would be around 30 - 35 hours.

Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, with a range of online weekly tasks and readings, which you can fit around your work and family commitments.

What is blended learning?

Blended learning is when traditional classroom teaching is combined with online learning and independent study, this allows students to have more control over the time and pace of their learning.

Who teaches on the courses?

Academic tutors from each of the universities will travel each week to Holy Cross to teach you. All tutors are highly experienced - some tutors have even studied for their own degrees here at Holy Cross, before taking up careers as university lecturers.

How do I find out more?

If you’re interested in applying for a degree, why not discuss your options with one of our Support Tutors. We have weekly drop-in sessions Tuesday to Thursday from 6-7.30pm during term time. Or you could contact Holy Cross University Centre on 0161 762 4513 or send an email university@holycross.ac.uk