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. You can self-fund with a flexible payment plan or apply for a tuition fee loan through Student Finance England. Maintenance loans can also help with essentials like travel, childcare or study materials.
Find out more 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.
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.
