Is Higher Education right for me?

The new academic year might have only just begun, but it will soon be time for our Level 3 and T Level students to decide what their next steps will be after leaving college.

Will you look for a job? Will you move away to university in a new town or city? Or would you prefer to stay closer to home and continue your education with RNN Group at their very own University Centre Rotherham?

Whether you haven’t made up your mind yet, or aren’t sure if Higher Education (HE) is right for you, this blog looks to answer some of your questions.

What is Higher Education?

It’s the next step after further education and advances from level 4 right up to levels 7 and 8 post-graduate study.

Your family might think a traditional university and a three-year undergraduate degree is the only option. But those days are long gone. Students today have so many Higher Education pathways.

Here at RNN Group, Higher Education isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ll support you to build your confidence, skills and qualifications one step at a time with things like access courses, HNCs and HNDs, higher technical qualifications, foundation degrees, higher or degree-level apprenticeships, and Bachelor and Masters degrees.

There are various options to ‘top up’ your existing qualifications. For example, you could do a level 5 HND or Foundation Degree, which usually take around two years to complete, and then apply for a top up year to convert your qualification to a level 6 Bachelor’s degree (if available).

Many of our departments offer Higher Education study, including:

• Animal Care and Land-based Industries
• Art and Graphic Design
• Business and Accounting
• Computing and Digital
• Education
• Engineering
• Hair and Beauty
• Health and Social Care
• Media and Photography
• Performing Arts and Music
• Protective Services

Explore our Higher Education courses or find the full list in our HE prospectus.

Why consider Higher Education at RNN Group?

Just like in our further education study programmes, higher education at RNN Group is all about career-based learning.

Our degrees and Higher Education courses are always vocational, which means you’ll still get all that hands-on learning you’ve been used to at college. They’re also designed with employability in mind; we’ve partnered with some of the region’s most influential employers to look at how best we can fill those skills gaps they’re seeing in the workforce.

We have two dedicated Higher Education centres: University Centre Rotherham in the town centre, and The Bridge Skills Hub in Worksop. Some Higher Education courses are taught at our campuses in Rotherham, Dearne Valley and North Notts.

Many Higher Education courses have condensed timetables, meaning learning is combined into one or two days a week which enables our students to fit their studies in around other commitments like families or work. But we also have an increasing number of part-time courses available at HE level that take place during the evening.

Our degree and higher-level qualifications are accredited by partner universities including Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Hull and the University of Huddersfield, giving you access to top-quality Higher Education courses closer to home.

Will Higher Education benefit my career?

You don’t always need a degree to do well in your career. But there are some jobs that you can’t do without a certain degree or Higher Education qualification, such as becoming a teacher or doctor.

However, many professional jobs also seek out candidates who are educated to a higher level. In the next decade, eighty percent of all new jobs will require a HE qualification.

Having a HE qualification to your name can help you enter the workforce at a higher grade, improve your chances of being promoted faster, and see you earn significantly more than those without.

Also, those with higher level qualifications are often promoted faster than those without, and they can earn significantly more.

Alongside the academic aspect, studying at level 4 or above can equip you with many more transferable skills that are beneficial in all areas of work life: written and verbal communication, teamwork, research skills, time management.

It is always best to complete research about your preferred career and find out what the academic expectations are to reach your goals. If you would like support with this, you can contact our careers advisors.

Aren’t fees expensive? How will I afford it?

Unlike further education, studying a Higher Education course isn’t free. You will be expected to fund your chosen course’s tuition fees, either privately or through Student Loans.

But tuition fees shouldn’t be a barrier to learning or stop you from pursuing that dream career. Here at RNN Group, our fees are significantly lower than the average university. As of 2024/25, HE course fees are £6,900 – £7,600 a year for full time and up to £4,750 for part time study. Most universities charge £9,250 a year but there calls from universities to raise fees to around £13,000 a year to fill financial holes many are experiencing.

At RNN Group, we want education to be accessible for all – regardless of yours or your family’s financial situation. Our staff can explain all the different funding options and let you know about any financial support or bursaries you’re eligible for.

And as many of our learners live at home while doing their degree or HE course, they save on maintenance loans or living costs which can be a big chunk of student debt.

What if I can’t cope with the jump to level 4 or 5 study?

We won’t lie to you and say HE is a walk in the park. It will require more input from you. You’ll need to organise and manage your own workload alongside your weekly lectures to ensure you don’t fall behind.

But if you are taking, or have completed, a level 3 course and passed your assignments, then there’s no reason why you’re not capable to advancing to a higher level course. However, there is support available for those who need it.

At RNN Group, our HE students have access to Higher Education achievement coaches who work one-to-one with learners on things like academic writing, study skills, time management, and assignment planning. These sessions may be weekly if needed. Few traditional universities offer this level of support for their undergraduate students, but with us you are not just another number.

Our HE achievement coaches and tutors can also signpost you to other student support services available here for personal or pastoral issues like counselling, financial aid or additional learning support.

Can I think about it and go later?

If you really don’t feel ready, then you have the choice to defer your place for the time being. We have many learners who return to education as mature students decades after they left school or college – it will never be too late.

Very few people regret going into Higher Education – many regret not going when they had the chance.

If you’re not sure on the best path just yet, our advice is to keep your options open. Don’t just dismiss the Higher Education route without actually researching your options and visiting places like University Centre Rotherham. You’d be surprised how many people change their minds about Higher Education once they realise what options there are away from the traditional unis.

Visit our open event

To help you make an informed decision, we’re running a Higher Education open event at University Centre Rotherham on Wednesday 2nd October between 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Book your place to explore the campus, meet staff and other prospective students, and get a feel for the courses on offer.