Higher Education Opportunities for All

RNN Group provides academic courses at a variety of levels for all ages and needs of learners across the communities it serves.

This includes academic courses at degree level at our purpose-built flagship Higher Education (HE) building in Rotherham, University Centre Rotherham and its Higher Education campuses at Dearne Valley and North Notts.

Our courses are all accredited by leading universities including Sheffield Hallam, Leeds and Hull.

This week we are delighted to welcome back our degree level learners to continue their studies as well as welcome new degree level learners starting their Higher Education journey with us.

Students will be taking degrees as well as Access courses, HNDs and HNCs, Higher Technical Qualifications, Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships and Masters level courses too.

Access Courses

Access to HE courses are for learners aged 19 and over, they are university recognised full level 3 qualifications which will help develop your skills and abilities so you can progress on to a degree course, even if you left school without a technical qualification or A Levels.

If you progress to Higher Education after taking out a loan for an Access to HE diploma course, your Advanced Learner Loan balance will be written off, on completion of your HE course.

HNDs / HNCs

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are work-related, or vocational, Higher Education qualifications. They are level 4 and level 5 qualifications respectively.

HNCs and HNDs focus on ‘learning by doing’ and give skills that you can use in a particular job. They are highly valued by employers and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations.

HNCs take about one year to complete full-time and two years part-time. HNDs take two years full-time and can also be taken part-time, which takes longer.

We offer a number of courses at this level including engineering, animal management, protective services, and esport.

Higher Technical Qualifications

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) have been developed in partnership with employers and are delivered by industry experts and focus on the skills, knowledge and behaviours that are in-demand by employers. They can also act as a stepping stone to further study, such as an Apprenticeship or undergraduate degree.

By completing an HTQ you will also achieve a Degree Year 1 or 2 (level 4 or 5) qualification in your subject area. The courses are classroom-based with the opportunity to learn practical skills through workshops, role playing exercises or using industry facilities.

On average, an HTQ will take between one and two years to complete if studying full-time. Flexible options such as part-time, online and learning through short courses may also be available. HTQs are provided by universities, Institutes of Technology, local colleges and independent providers.

Many providers will have their own entry criteria, such as minimum GCSE or A level (or equivalent) requirements. If you don’t have GCSEs or A levels, you may be eligible for an HTQ through an Access to Higher Education course.

Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your chosen career or want to retrain into a new industry, an HTQ can help you gain the skills you need for a specialist technical job.

University Centre Rotherham offers a number of HTQs, backed by the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology, in the areas of Digital, Construction, Engineering and Health.

Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships are an exciting way to gain a sought-after qualification and boost your career prospects.

They can be a hands-on approach to getting started in your career, or give your existing career a boost by consolidating your know-how with new knowledge and skills.

We design and deliver our apprenticeships with key local businesses. This ensures you’re equipped with the essential experience and skills needed for success in your industry of choice.

You’ll be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week and the cost of your Apprenticeship is usually paid through your employer via their Apprenticeship Levy payments or with up to 95% Government-backed funding.

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships are equivalent to a degree year 1 (level 4) or above.

Master’s Degree

University Centre Rotherham offers a Master’s Degree in Education and Professional Development. The programme has been designed to further enhance the knowledge and skills of educational practitioners in three broad areas: critical reflection; policy and practice; and research and academic scholarship.

It is an academically rigorous programme underpinned by commitment to professional development which draws upon a range of differing perspectives, academic disciplines and sustainable practices applied to the practitioner’s context. The purpose of the programme is to develop reflexive practitioners who shape and influence policy and its implementation within a changing professional context, whilst responding to the needs of learners, employers and organisations.

The blended learning model will allow for some flexibility in the modes of study additional support to students through personal and academic tutorials, group seminars, IT and library facilities.

For more information, and to explore the variety of courses we offer, visit: https://ucr.rotherham.ac.uk/