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Following a higher education programme can bring many benefits to students.

It can help build self-confidence and independence, whilst also helping students to develop a wide range of transferable skills which are essential in today’s fast-changing world of employment.

In terms of your future job, a degree can lead to increased earning potential, greater opportunities and a more rewarding career. By 2017, 56% more jobs in the UK will require degree level skills and 12% fewer jobs will be available for those with no qualifications. A higher education qualification can lead to a wider range of opportunities and a more rewarding career. Many employers target graduates in their recruitment campaigns. 

Studying a higher education course at Nottingham College offers you a more affordable route to gaining your degree or moving into employment. It also allows you to achieve additional qualifications, which are highly valued by employers, on the way to achieving your degree. 

Employability

At Nottingham College, we put employability at the heart of all we do. Our aim is to make sure that students leave with a valuable university-level qualification and to ensure that they are in the best possible position to move into employment. This means helping students focus on the skills and experience that’s needed to stand out from the crowd.

All courses are developed with employability in mind. We consult employers to find out what they are looking for, design practical industry-based assessments and support students with finding work placement opportunities. Our ACES (Academic Coaching and Employability Skills) team can also provide support for employability skills development and personal development planning. Students are further supported by a Matrix* accredited careers service.

The most up-to-date survey of student destinations, undertaken independently by IFF Research, shows that 94% of Nottingham College graduates were in employment or further study 6 months after graduating.

*The Matrix UK national standard ensures staff providing an advisory service are trained to give their advice clearly, impartially and objectively.

HE Why Notts

Location

Whether your son or daughter lives locally or is considering moving to Nottingham for the first time, Nottingham is well placed to give an excellent student experience. The latest Virgin Guide to British Universities describes Nottingham as “without doubt, the best city in the country for a student”.

Currently 10% of Nottingham’s population are students - meaning they are well catered for in all aspects of student life. Nottingham is an exciting city in which to study, with living costs significantly lower than many other UK cities. It is also a very safe student city - it has been awarded the Purple Flag standard for variety, safety and cleanliness after dark.

Student Satisfaction

Our students tell us how much they value their college higher education experience, where teaching groups are smaller and they have easy access to tutors. In fact, many students say that they wouldn’t have achieved a university degree if it wasn’t for college-based HE study.

Nottingham College was again ranked in the top 20% of UK colleges (and top in Nottingham) for student satisfaction in a recent National Student Survey.

Our students commented how much they benefited from the friendly atmosphere and supportive teaching that built their confidence, not just in their subject but in their lives generally! In addition, 96% of Nottingham College graduates were in employment or further study six months after graduation.

The College is also known for offering a friendly and lively learning environment with small class sizes and nationally recognised student support.

HE graduation

The Uniqueness of College-based Higher Education

Unlike mainstream universities, we offer smaller teaching groups and intensive academic support to enable you to achieve success and maximise your potential.