Alternative pathways
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Further Education
Foundation degrees
• Higher education qualifications.
• Combine academic and work related learning
• Offer a route into employment or to a degree.
Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) –
• Work-related courses
• Offer a route into employment or to a degree
Application process
• Begin in September.
• Apply online or by post.
• Application procedures should be checked directly with the college ,
particularly the entry requirements and closing date for applications.
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Entry requirements
A minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points comprising a pass grade in
at least one STEM subject at GCE A level. (Must have
studied Biology or Chemistry at A Level).
GCSE Mathematics, grade C or above, and GCSE English, grade C
or above or equivalent.
Examples of Career progression
Full-time employment.
Degree in related disciplines.
Foundation Degree students are eligible for exemption from the
first year of related degree programmes at the University of
Ulster, such as BSc Hons Biomedical Science.
Cost (Full time Higher education)
£2,500 per year
Option 1 – Payment in Full
Cash, credit/debit card or cheque.
£3805 for
first year
(NI)
Up to £9k
(UK)
Option 2 – Payment by Student Loan
Full-time students may apply to the Student Loans Company
for a Tuition Fee Loan for payment of fees.
Option 3 – 4 Instalments
25% deposit and then three subsequent payments by direct
debit,
2 November 2015, 7 December 2015 and 5 January 2016.
A Higher Level Apprenticeship is an apprenticeship with a targeted
qualification between Level 4 (HNC equivalent) to Level 8 (PhD
equivalent).
- An alternative route to high-skills roles
- Work experience where you get paid at the same time as
studying
Almost 600 higher level apprenticeships. Participating employers:
PwC
Deloitte
Norbrook
Terex
Moy Park.
The Professional Services Higher
Apprenticeship
(Assurance, Consulting, Deals and Tax)
Entry requirements:
A minimum of 280 UCAS
tariff points from up to
three A Levels. (BBC)
The exams must have
been sat in the same
academic year + no re-sits.
Progression routes:
• Professional Qualifications
• Higher Education
• Management and senior positions.
Starting salary (once qualified):
£13,000 - £25,000 depending on company
and location
Pilot Higher Level Apprenticeships
Higher Level Advanced Apprenticeships in Advanced
Manufacturing Engineering
Covers a wide range of job roles in advanced manufacturing and
engineering.
Endorsed by IMechE, IET and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
Requirements - A-level profile (with STEM subjects)
You can achieve:
• Level 5 Foundation Degree in Engineering
Companies include: AES, Ballyrashane Creamery, Michelin,
Hutchinson Engineering, McAuley Engineering, RLC Langford Lodge.
(study is based at NRC)
Finding an Apprenticeship
Advertised throughout the year
1. Local Jobs and Benefits office/JobCentre
2. Press
3. On employer websites
4. NI Direct website
www.nidirect.gov.uk
5. FE provider websites e.g.
Belfast Met.