Whether you’re continuing your journey with us or joining Cheshire College for the first time, our Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) offer a flexible and affordable route into Higher Education. These university-level qualifications come with a range of benefits, including:
From Level 4 Higher National Certificates (HNCs) to Level 5 Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), find your Higher Education course at Cheshire College.
A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a Level 4 qualification, and is equivalent to the first year of university study. It’s a solid foundation that can open the door to further study or career advancement.
A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a Level 5 qualification, and is equivalent to the second year of studying at university. It builds on the knowledge and skills you developed at Level 4, helping you gain deeper expertise and practical experience.
Many of our students use their HNC or HND as a valuable stepping stone to skilled employment or further study. HND graduates can have the opportunity to ‘top up’ to a full degree with just one extra year at Level 6, allowing you to graduate alongside traditional university students.
Don’t worry! Our courses offer an affordable alternative to university, with tuition fees at a much lower cost. Many Higher Education courses, such as HNCs and HNDs, are eligible for a tuition fee loan through Student Finance England, or you can choose to self-fund with a flexible payment plan. Maintenance loans can also help with essentials like travel, childcare or study materials which may be available to you depending on your circumstances.
If your course is eligible, it is important that you apply for your tuition fee loan before the course starts. You only commit to the loan once you begin attending the course. Find out more about your eligibility and the application process on the Student Finance England website.
Still have questions? No problem! Just email our Bursary department and our team will be happy to guide you through your options, so you can start your studies with confidence.
Find out more about Higher Education funding
We want to make Higher Education as accessible as possible. If you’re studying an HNC or HND at Cheshire College, you may be eligible for financial support through Student Finance England. You can also get additional advice and guidance from our Bursary team, who are here to help you understand your options and support you throughout the application process.
Information is subject to change. Please see the most up-to-date information at Student Finance.
Tuition Fee Loans
A Tuition Fee Loan is available to eligible students studying an HNC or HND as their first undergraduate qualification. You usually start repaying your loan after you finish your course and are earning above the repayment threshold. Applying for funding does not mean you are committed straight away, as the loan only becomes active once you begin attending your course. This loan covers the full cost of your tuition fees and is paid directly to the College. You should apply before your course starts to make sure funding is in place.
Maintenance Loans
All full-time HNC and HND students can apply for a Maintenance Loan to help with living costs such as travel, accommodation and study materials.
The amount you can receive depends on your household income and where you live while studying:
Up to £10,227 per year if you live away from home
Up to £8,610 per year if you live with your parents
All eligible students can receive a basic Maintenance Loan regardless of household income, with additional support available depending on individual circumstances.
We don’t charge the same high tuition fees as universities.
Not only that but living and studying locally means you will make savings and be able to achieve a university-level course at a lower cost.
Additionally, you may be eligible for a student loan. See our Financial Support page for more information on student loans and how to apply.
Our fees for 2025/26 are as follows:
Full-time Pearson HNC / HND programmes
£6,185 per year of study
Part-time Pearson HNC / HND programmes
Fees for part-time programmes vary depending on the course
You may be eligible for a student loan. See our Financial Support page for more information on student loans and how to apply.
Students have commitments outside of College – whether these are work or family related. Therefore, we timetable our higher education courses flexibly so you can fit your studies around those commitments, offering the majority of our courses on a full-time or part-time basis.
Cheshire College also offers ‘step-off’ points so you can leave with a qualification that is portable that allows you to resume the next stage of your study at a later date.
All of our undergraduate programmes are designed with the needs and demands of employers in mind. In many cases, our curriculum has been developed alongside employers and provides students with the opportunity to work on real projects. This ensures you gain not only the academic knowledge throughout your studies but also essential transferable skills.
Our class sizes are deliberately smaller than you would find at university. This is so the lecturing staff get to know you and your learning needs, whilst you are taught in a friendly, supportive learning environment.
Explore our full range of higher education courses today and take the first step towards your dream career. Your future starts now and we can’t wait to be a part of it!
“I have been in the construction industry from the beginning. I chose Cheshire College because it had a new course which I thought would benefit me the most and did. My plans for after this course are to continue my education and progress into senior management.”
If you’re aged 19 or over and dreaming of higher education, our Access to Higher Education courses can help you get there fast. These one-year programmes are designed to prepare adult students for university or other higher-level study, even if you didn’t get the qualifications the first time around.
You’ll build confidence, sharpen your academic skills, and gain the knowledge you need to reach your personal or professional goals.
Choose a course tailored to your career goals, with focused content that leads directly into your chosen industry or university course.
Complete your qualification in just one year and get on the path to higher education without delay which is perfect for adults looking to progress quickly.
You may see a fee attached to the course you’re interested in, but if you are 19+ there may be funding options available to cover the cost of your course.
Get in touch with admissions@ccsw.ac.uk if you’d like anymore information.
