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Stay near, go far at University Centre Rotherham

A brighter future is closer than you think thanks to the brilliant choice of degrees and Higher Education (HE) courses at University Centre Rotherham.

Whether you’ve got big ideas about your future or are still figuring things out, Higher Education could be exactly what you need to begin the career of your dreams.

If you’re currently looking at your options for Higher Education study, we’d love you to join our student community. But to help you make that decision, find out more about University Centre Rotherham in this helpful guide.

What is University Centre Rotherham?

It’s a place where degrees and other higher education courses are done differently. Where students aren’t just another number. Where staff get to know each learner by their name, understand their individual ambitions and goals, and are able to give them the one-to-one support they need to get there.

If you’re from Rotherham or South Yorkshire and want to stay at home while you study, University Centre could be the place for you. You’ll have all the usual benefits of being a uni student – societies, student discounts, student loan funding, graduation – but can save on your living costs by doing a degree on your doorstep.

Since opening in September 2018, we’ve brought Higher Education to communities that might not otherwise have had it. Our £10.5 million dedicated HE centre has been the biggest single investment into education in Rotherham. It’s upskilled hundreds of people from all walks of life. People who have gone on to make waves in the real world.

So, yeah. It’s kind of a big deal.

What’s the vibe like at University Centre Rotherham?

Relaxed, welcoming, modern. Feels like home. A sense of belonging.

Our students say it’s less daunting than a traditional uni. There are no overwhelming lecture theatres, faceless seminars from behind a pulpit, or having to ferry your stuff about between multiple buildings.

Here at University Centre Rotherham, everything is wrapped up in one big, beautiful and bright building that’s been designed around the needs of our students.

Some of our facilities include a two-storey library with all the digital and physical resources you’ll need, sound-proofed study pods and group learning spaces, an outdoor auditorium and a 120-seat seminar room.

Thinking about studying art or performance? There’s a music studio, photography studio, and exhibition spaces that you’ll use.

You’ll be able to chill out in-between lectures in our many social areas as well as the central cafe.

And we’re continually investing in our facilities on campus to future-proof University Centre Rotherham for years to come.

It’s 2024 – Does a piece of paper really matter?

If it will help you achieve that dream career, then that piece of paper is invaluable. A degree or other Higher Education qualification can open doors to more job roles, higher wages, and routes for professional progression.

But it’s not just about learning academically. There are so many other benefits to doing a degree. It teaches you to think differently, to consider other points of view and take ownership of your adult life.

It’s also a great social experience. You’ll make connections, build your confidence, and find your community at University Centre Rotherham.

Plus, there are no words to describe the pride and joy you’ll feel on graduation day when you put your cap and gown on and collect that piece of paper you’ve worked so hard for.

So, what could I study?

Courses at University Centre Rotherham are always vocational, aka industry-focused. Some students excel with equations and 5,000 word essays that come with academic courses. But others shine brighter with practical experience and a more hands-on approach to learning.

There’s a growing number of routes in Higher Education these days. Here at University Centre Rotherham we offer level 4 up to level 7. That might be HNCs and HNDS, HTQs, foundation degrees, PGCEs, degree apprenticeships, access to HE courses, or Bachelor and Masters degrees.

More info about the different options can be found here.

Most students who are considering a degree do so with the view to getting a job at the end of it. That’s why we offer those subjects that are priorities in the local economy. Studying at University Centre Rotherham will equip you with the skills you need to access in-demand jobs across the South Yorkshire region.

We offer Higher Education courses in:

Find the full list of courses here.

All our courses are accredited by other universities like Sheffield Hallam, University of Huddersfield or University of Hull.

Exceptional learning begins with exceptional staff. Our team of tutors across University Centre Rotherham have lots of experience in their chosen industry; some still work part-time alongside their teaching jobs so their knowledge and skills are really current.

Do you want a high quality student experience?

We’re proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver Rating for our HE provision. This award recognises that University Centre Rotherham students have a high standard of teaching, learning, assessment, resources and support, as well as going on to success after their studies.

A graphic design student sat in front of an Apple Mac

Can I study part-time?

Of course! Accessibility and striking that study-life balance is a big priority of ours.

Not all of our learners are college leavers. A growing proportion are adults who have returned to education to retrain or better their career prospects. So we know that not everyone can or wants to be at university full time.

There are various options for part-time study, including courses that take place in the evenings. This helps our students complete their courses around other commitments like work, families, hobbies and volunteering.

But most of our full-time courses have condensed timetables, so you might only be in two days a week anyway. Six-hour gaps between lectures? We’re not about that life.

Photography students working on a project

What are course fees like?

Affordability is another main priority at University Centre Rotherham. We know that one of the barriers some people face when looking at Higher Education is the thought of wracking up thousands of pounds worth of student debt.

Good news. Our course fees are significantly lower than the average university. You can expect to pay between £6,900 and £7,600 a year for full-time courses and up to £4,750 a year for part-time study. Universities in England can charge up to up to £9,250 for undergraduate courses.

Most students fund this via Student Finance. You won’t have anything to pay back until you’re earning over £25,000 a year (£2,083). And even then, you’ll pay 9% of anything you earn over that £25,000 threshold.

So, say for example you earn £30,000 after you graduate. That’s £2,500 a month. Minus the £2,083 threshold equals £417. Nine percent of that is £37.53 – the amount taken from your wage each month. Sound affordable?

Some students from low income families, those with disabilities, or parents with dependent children might also be eligible for additional financial support via Student Finance.

And, as most of our students live at home while studying with us, they save on the high cost of maintenance fees from student digs.

An engineering student working in the workshop

What’s life like in Rotherham?

Rotherham is a town that’s on the up thanks to some huge development projects that have been taking place in recent years. We’re getting a new market and library in the near future, which is based just across from our sister site, Rotherham College.

The new leisure site, Forge Island, is now open and is just a stone’s throw away from University Centre Rotherham. Watch the latest blockbuster at Arc Cinema which has VIP seating for standard ticket prices.

There will be some new restaurants opening at Forge Island later this year. But Rotherham has some brilliant independent cafes, restaurants and bars that our students love. There’s Thai, Indian, an Italian deli, rainbow bagels from Over the Rainbow, banging burritos from The Forge and Insta-worthy burgers from Munchies.

And don’t forget about our student-run restaurant, The Wharncliffe, for fine dining at cheap as chips prices.

Just across the road from University Centre Rotherham is the Civic Theatre which always has a programme bursting with comedies, musicals and dramas from professional and amateur production companies. They usually do some ‘Pay what you can’ tickets for most performances for anyone struggling financially.

We’ve also got one of the region’s best parks just up the road. Clifton Park is a great place for students to spend some time outdoors, taking a wellbeing walk or just finding some quiet space to reflect. They also have a free museum which highlights all the history of Rotherham.

Nobody is ever too old for a fairytale and Rotherham is lucky to have the spellbinding literacy charity Grimm & Co in its realm which has a super quirky café inside. They’re always looking for volunteers to run their workshop, collaborate on illustrations, make props, or work in the retail shop, which could be a good opportunity while you’re studying at University Centre Rotherham.

Also, in 2025 Rotherham will be the Children’s Capital of Culture, so there will be so many paid and voluntary roles available for under 25s – especially if you’re interested in a creative career. It might also be worth getting in touch with Flux R o therham who organise various creative projects and events, with regular paid opportunities available.

A student laying the table at The Wharncliffe Restaurant

What’s next?

Deciding on what course to study and where to go can feel overwhelming.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of doing what your friends are doing or what your family expects you to do. But, deep down, you might have reservations about going off to uni to do a degree that you’re not one hundred percent set on.

Our main piece of advice is to go to as many open events as you can. This is your chance to get a feel for the campus, speak to tutors who run the courses you’re interested in, and see if it stacks up to your expectations.

If University Centre Rotherham is in your consideration pile, we’re running an open event on Wednesday 2nd October between 4.30pm and 7.30pm. You can book an hour slot to look around, visit the departments you’ve got your sights set on, and get a feel for what your future could look like here.

We have another two open events planned for next year, too, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to visit before you decide whether to apply.

And don’t forget to follow our social media channels for University Centre Rotherham to keep up with what’s going off around campus this academic year. We hope it gives you FOMO (in a nice way) that makes you want to join our community.

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