About the College

Higher Education

We offer both degree courses and higher level qualifications at Wirral Metropolitan College. Our aim is to provide access to higher education for a wide range of people, through full-time and part-time courses which are designed to be flexible and challenging. Some of our higher education courses offer professional qualifications.

All higher education courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications and have to meet the quality standards demanded by the institutions and / or validating bodies which have approved them. To enable the College to deliver a range of degrees and certificates we have entered into partnership arrangements with a number of regional universities. These include Liverpool Hope University, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Chester, Liverpool John Moores University, Edge Hill University and the University of Liverpool. Our Higher National Certificates (HNCs) are validated by EDEXCEL / BTEC, and Counselling courses are accredited by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB).

We endeavour to meet the needs of local people and employers through the development of new courses, and strive to improve the services that we offer to students. Currently, we are developing Foundation Degrees in Accountancy and Advice and Guidance.

Select a course link to access more detailed information, or contact our Learner Services for advice and guidance (+44 151) 551 7777.

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How to Apply

Applying for a full-time degree programme (BA, BSc., Foundation Degrees).
These courses must be applied for through UCAS (Universities and College Admissions Service). You will find full details of how to apply at www.ucas.com or contact the College for advice. The College's UCAS code name is WIRMC and institutional code is W73. Details of subject codes can be found on the relevant page of the UCAS Handbook and within the College's Higher Education Prospectus, which is available from Learner Services and Career Libraries.

Applying for part-time degree programmes and all other higher education courses.
You should apply direct to the College. Application forms are available from all our sites or can be downloaded form the course links which give detailed information about each programme.

When to apply.
Applications for degree courses should reach UCAS between 1st September 2007 and 15 January 2008 (except if applying for Art and Design Route B). You are advised to apply as early as possible following careful consideration of courses. There is a provision for late entry and admissions - tutors at Wirral Metropolitan College endeavour to consider applications for as long as vacancies remain, and up to the end of clearing in September.

Applications for all other higher education courses will be accepted throughout the academic year, but you are advised to make enquiries and submit your application as early as possible.

Selection and Interview
Admissions tutors at Wirral Metropolitan College consider all the information on the application form, including your career aspirations and interests. For some courses they like to see a candidate before making an offer and may invite you to visit the College and attend an interview. For other courses you might receive an offer straight away.

If your place depends upon examination results once they have been published, provided you have met the necessary requirements, you will receive a letter confirming your place.

Overseas Students
Overseas students should make applications through UCAS for full-time degree courses and should consult their local British Council office or British Embassy for general advice. Where possible, prospective applicants should consult their British Council's Education Counselling Service which will advise on courses and application procedures.

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Accommodation

The Student Housing Guide covers a wide range of issues related to renting accommodation in the private sector including tenancy agreements, rent levels, harassment and eviction, repairs and maintenance. There is also a checklist of questions to ask and things to look out for when visiting a property and talking to landlords. You can contact Wirral Metropolitan College Student Union for further details at www.wmc.ac.uk/su/

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Funding

Student Funding
There are two main sources of student funding for full-time undergraduates undertaking BA, BSc. and Foundation Degrees. The 'HE Maintenance Loan' and the 'HE Maintenance Grant'. Students experiencing financial difficulties can also apply for help to the Higher Education Access to Learning Fund. Students apply for their loan through their home Local Education Authority (LEA). The Access to Learning Fund is administered within the College.

Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for degree courses are capped at £3070 per year. Wirral Metropolitan College has variable fees for degrees, which are often much less than this, and all students can apply for a Student Loan to pay their fees. Non-degree higher level courses also vary in fees. Specific course information can be found on the course links.

Student Loans
Student loans and Grants are available to all students on full-time degree programmes. There is an upper age limit of 60 for the Maintenance Loan and Maintenance Grant. There is no age limit for the Fees Loan. Applications for all Loans and Grants are made on the PN1 Form through the Students Local Education Authority or through the DfES website at http://www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport

Further financial advice and other support for students is available on pages of Directgov (www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance) and through LearnDirect (www.learndirect.co.uk) and NextStep services (www.nextstep.org.uk). Student Loans are repayable on completion of the course. Repayments are made automatically through the tax system. Students start repaying the Student Loan when annual income exceeds £15,000.

HE Access to Learning Fund
The HE Access to Learning is available to assist full time and part time students who are experiencing financial difficulties.

Priority will be given to students with dependants, mature students and final year students. The funds are not repayable and can only provide limited assistance. Students who are eligible to take out a student loan must do so before applying to the HE Access to Learning Fund.

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Our HE Courses

Foundation Degrees

Higher National Certificate (HNC)

BA/BSc Degrees

NVQ4

Misc

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