Higher Education Returns to Reading College as University Fees Multiply

Reading College, the Thames Valley’s leading further education institution, today announced that it is bringing higher education back to the College. Six new courses driven by the local job market’s need for specific skills will be on offer across a range of subjects for the 2012 – 2013 academic year.

As the substantial rise in university tuition fees starts to deter many students from higher education, the College was keen to support the local community by introducing a more cost-effective option. Studying at the College can increase the financial stability of students in a number of ways including: paying significantly lower tuition fees, continuing to live at home and having the opportunity to work either full or part time while studying.

For students looking to break into the engineering and construction industries, a Higher National Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering is available in addition to a Higher National Certificate in the same subject as well as Construction. A foundation degree course is available in Business and Enterprise and the College will maintain its great tradition in arts and design by offering a foundation degree in the subject. Reading College will also provide a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – a must have for graduates looking to enter the teaching profession.

Lesley Donoghue, Principal of Reading College comments: “I’m delighted that we are able to offer top quality higher education to the local area. This is very timely as university tuition fees treble this year and many people need a more cost-effective option available locally. The key strength of these courses is that they are designed by employers for employment. I’ve seen students start to worry about their job prospects after completing a degree, so we have worked closely with local businesses to ensure our higher education leaves students with the best possible chance of gaining employment after completing their course.”

Since the Oxford and Cherwell Valley College (OCVC) Group took charge of Reading College in 2010, it has always planned to offer a higher education program that’s relevant to the local employment market. In the National Student Survey of 2010-2011, 95% of OCVC higher education students said they were satisfied with their course, which is 12% above the national average. Of the OCVC higher education students in their final year, an average of 98% achieve their qualification.

The Foundation Degrees and PGCE are awarded by Oxford Brookes University through its partnership with OCVC and delivered at Reading College. OCVC has indicated that it will look to expand its higher education offerings at Reading College in future.

For more information on the higher education offered at Reading College please visit: www.reading-college.ac.uk/HE