Where do I start?
You can start by talking to us. Our highly qualified staff are always
happy to discuss your needs and offer advice and guidance to
ensure you find the right path.
What are the entry requirements?
Entry requirements are flexible and relate to your existing
qualifications and experience. For those who have not been in
education for a while we can help with study skills, and we offer
summer sessions designed to bridge the gap into learning. If you
have any concerns then just come and talk to our qualified staff
who can guide you on what level is right for you.
When will my course start?
Courses are run over two semesters. On average these work out
to be September to December and January to May.
When and how do I study?
This will depend on your course, although on average study
totals 1 day per week and classes are held in the morning,
afternoon and/or evening. Exact days and times will vary
according to the topic. Foundation Degrees are usually 3 years
in duration and HNCs are 2 years. All classes are held on site
at the College, although they are all accredited by Staffordshire
University. See individual course pages for more information.
What support will I receive?
Our highly qualified tutors understand the pressures facing adult
learners and make every effort to develop strong relationships
with each and every student. This builds a substantial support
network to guide you through your course, and creates the
community atmosphere that the College is proud of.
We also offer confidential welfare and counselling support should
you ever need a more specialist service in this area.
Who will be in my class?
There will be a variety of ages, backgrounds and types of people.
Classes are friendly and personal, enabling us to deliver learning
tailored to each individual reflecting their needs and experience.
How will I be assessed?
This will depend on your course, although it is usually a mixture
of coursework, class testing and presentations. In addition, on all
our courses there is a strong emphasis placed on your workplace
skills and using these as a method to assess your learning and
progress. Therefore, your work experiences and employment
practices will be key. Please see individual course pages for
more information.
How much study will I need to do at home?
This varies, however our students say that with the commitment
to succeed and the support on offer it is possible to manage all
home study effectively. Plus you have the added advantage of
being able to access all resources online, so studying remotely
has never been easier.
What if I miss a lesson?
Tutors recognise the pressures of balancing work, home and
study so will be understanding of your circumstances. Hand
outs can be collated for you, work can be emailed, and for some
courses resources can be accessed online to ensure you do not
fall behind.
What if my circumstances change?
If you wish to take a break, you can leave for a duration of time
and return in a subsequent year to pick up where you left off.
Or, if you decide to leave, then you can simply take the credits
you have earned so far. Your tutor can support you through
any difficult periods and help you to make the right decision
at the time.
How much will it cost?
Exact costs will depend on individual circumstances. However, many students can
obtain Higher Education free of charge through funding options, even if they
work full time. In addition, there are annual grants for study materials. If you
find that you do have to pay, there are easy to manage instalments to suit your
financial situation. Please visit the Staffordshire University website for
further details on financial matters
www.surf.ac.uk
How can I progress?
Completing one of our Higher Education courses provides the perfect stepping
stone for all types of progression. For those looking for further study or
employment, our strong links with Staffordshire University ensure you can access
specialist advice to assess your options in these areas. For those who are
already in a career, many of our students find that they are promoted within a
short time.
How do I apply? To apply either phone us on: 01538 398 866, email:
admissions@leek.ac.uk or go to
www.leek.ac.uk and complete the
online application form.
We look forward to welcoming you.