Higher Education
Discover higher-level study at Oaklands College. Whether you are looking to upskill and advance in your current career or train to move into a new sector, Oaklands College can help with a wide range of flexible and affordable options. Oaklands college is proudly partnered with the University of Hertfordshire.
Higher-level study is changing with new Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) coming through focused around growth employment sectors. Find out more about these and other routes to succeed in your chosen career.Â
Flexible, affordable university-level study
Higher education at Oaklands College gives you the level of flexibility, tutor access and value for money which can’t be equalled by the traditional three-year university experience.
Studying at Oaklands College gets you the qualifications which will allow you to enter or progress in your career of choice, continue to a further HE qualification or progress to a university to top up to a full degree.
You’ll already know about the three-year university degree but many people are confused about what higher education in college is really all about. So here’s our guide.
What is Higher Education and what can I study?
Higher Education is university-level study which results in qualifications at Level 4 or above. Oaklands offers a range of different pathways for higher-level study:
HTQs are technical qualifications that employers have helped develop so students get the right training and skills needed to succeed at work, and they have been designed to meet new occupational standards for the relevant sectors. There are several different types of HTQs, such as:
- Higher National Diplomas (HND)
- Higher National Certificates (HNC)
- Foundation Degrees
- Higher Education Diplomas
HTQs are Level 4 and 5 qualifications that have been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. They are a great route for those who have studied T Levels at college. This year, Oaklands College will be offering HTQs in Engineering, IT, Healthcare, Sport, and Construction, with other subjects to come over the coming years.
Higher National Certificates (HNCs) are Level 4 qualifications, equivalent to the first year of a university degree. Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are Level 5 qualifications, matching the second year of a university degree. These advanced qualifications emphasise industry-specific skills and are highly regarded by employers as a credible alternative to traditional university education. HNCs and HNDs are primarily assessed through assignments, projects, and practical tasks completed throughout the course, rather than exams. They are designed to prepare students directly for a career in industry or for further university study.
Foundation Degrees are Level 4 and 5 and are equivalent to the first and second year of a university degree. They allow students to study flexibly in college and can be topped up at university to a full degree.
Extended Degrees are designed as a preparatory year at college to enable you to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills you need to progress to the first year of a variety of undergraduate subject related degree courses.
We also offer Access to HE courses which are Level 3 / A Level equivalent and specifically designed for people who don’t quite have the qualifications they need for direct entry to Higher Education at this stage.
We offer Maths and English courses for those who need to get to the required standard.Â
Already know the course your looking for?
How do I apply?
Full Time
For full-time extended and foundation degrees, please apply through UCAS. You will need to use the UCAS code provided and the university's institution code H36, plus the campus code O (Oaklands College).
For full time HNC/HNDs please apply through UCAS. You will need to use the UCAS code provided and the Oaklands institution code O12.
Part-Time
If you would like to study with us part-time, please apply through Oaklands College or the University of Hertfordshire. For HNC/HNDs, please apply through Oaklands College. Foundation degree applications must be made on the standard university application form with the University of Hertfordshire.
Why study Higher Education at Oaklands College
FLEXIBILITY – Flexible options to balance study around other commitments
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QUALITY – Higher levels of tutor access in a smaller supportive environment
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VALUE FOR MONEY – Lower cost than university fees
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CONVENIENCE – The opportunity to study close to where you live
Accommodation
Students holding offers on extended and foundation degrees only are able to apply for accommodation at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield.Â
Applications must be made online. Rooms will be allocated depending on availability and the deposit being paid on time. Applicants will automatically receive information regarding how to apply when they reach the correct UCAS stage.
Anyone wishing to apply for accommodation on your chosen course will need to do so by ticking the relevant box on the application form when applying for your course.
