From school leaver to graduate – students can achieve it all at Middlesbrough College

From finishing school, to graduating with the prestige of an Open University degree, Middlesbrough College gives students the chance to progress to their dream careers all in one place!

Middlesbrough College offers a huge range of courses in a host of different sectors. Students can study from Level 1 and work their way up to a Masters degree qualification all under one roof!

Many students choose to study at the College for several years to help achieve the careers they want. After completing a Level 3 vocational course or A Levels, students can progress to a range of University level qualifications at the College, studied in partnership with The Open University or Pearson Education. These degree courses offer 1:1 support, small class sizes, industry-standard facilities, links with regional employers and cheaper course fees!

Middlesbrough College also offers a flexible approach to University study, allowing students to step in and out of education with part-time routes available in most of their degree programmes. The courses are split into foundation degrees (Fd) and 1-year ‘Top-Up’ degree programmes that allows students to achieve the full honours degree.

We spoke to three Middlesbrough College students who have studied at the College since leaving school and are now studying for a University level course.

One student, Jessica Craston, a Fd Early Childhood Practice student said: “I chose to stay and study at Middlesbrough College because I felt like it was the best place for me. I have really enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough College as they offer a fantastic learning environment.

“I would definitely recommend studying here because they offer you support that is tailored to your needs. By staying local to study I have saved a lot of money as I haven’t had to pay for any accommodation. It has also been great as I’ve been able to see my family lots too.”

Aspiring social worker, Rachel Kearton, a BSc (Hons) Health, Wellbeing and Social Care (Top-up) degree student said: “I studied Level 3 Health & Care at Middlesbrough College and decided to continue to study for my degree here because the support and teaching that I received at Level 3 was exceptional. All the teachers were there to help me with any issues and the teaching is outstanding.

“I honestly have loved my time studying at Middlesbrough College, if you’re leaving College this year and you want to study for a degree, I would encourage you to consider Middlesbrough College.”

Another student Finn Preston, who studies Fd Airport and Airline Management and has dreams of pursuing a career in Air Traffic Control said: “I decided to continue studying for my University course with Middlesbrough College as I wanted to stay local whilst also gaining a fantastic qualification. It was also a bonus that the course was cheaper than a typical University!

“Lots of people in my Level 3 class decided to continue to Higher Education which was amazing as we are all so close, it’s one tight-knit group. My tutors are also excellent- they are easy to get along with and incredibly supportive. They also have brilliant contacts in the industry and are able to quickly arrange work placement and experience opportunities.

“I would recommend studying at Middlesbrough College, I’ve loved my four years here! My advice to any current Level 3 student would be to consider Middlesbrough College as one of their options for University progression.”

Find out more about Middlesbrough College’s University courses and apply to take your education higher.