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University-Level Courses

University-Level Courses

Study your way with university-level courses at North Hertfordshire College.

Build your future. Achieve more.

Study university-level courses at North Hertfordshire College

Choosing where to study a degree is an important decision.

North Hertfordshire College offers university courses that provide a flexible and supportive route into higher education. You can study for a degree in a familiar environment while staying connected to your local community.

Our courses are designed to help you succeed at degree level, whether you are progressing from a Level 3 qualification or returning to education after a break.

Why choose a university-level course at NHC

Our university-level courses are built around your needs and future goals.

  • Flexible study options to fit around work and personal commitments
  • Smaller class sizes with dedicated academic support
  • Programmes developed in collaboration with employers
  • A more affordable alternative to traditional university study.

Plus, 95% of our higher education graduates progress to employment or further study – that’s 3.6% above the national average.

A degree on your doorstep

You can achieve a degree-level qualification without moving away from home.

Studying locally allows you to:

  • Reduce the cost of living and travel
  • Stay connected to your support network
  • Learn in a familiar and supportive environment

This is higher education designed around your life.

Our partnership with the University of Hertfordshire

North Hertfordshire College works in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire through the Hertfordshire Higher Education Consortium. We’re only a 15 minute drive or sub-30 minute bus ride from the University of Hertfordshire’s main campus.

This partnership allows us to deliver university-level courses in a range of subject areas, including Science and Computing.

You’ll also benefit from access to facilities at both institutions, including:

  • Laboratories and specialist learning spaces
  • Sports and fitness facilities
  • Student support and wellbeing services
  • Accommodation options.

Explore our university-level courses

Find a course that supports your goals and prepares you for your future career.

Student satisfaction @ NHC

Source: National Student Survey results, 2025

Want to brush up your skills first?

North Hertfordshire College offers a range of courses designed to help you feel more confident about degree-level study:

Facilities that support your learning

 

Stevenage Innovation and Technology Centre

Location: Monkswood Way, SG1 1LA

Located within the Golden Triangle of Research and Development, this centre supports the development of STEM skills. Facilities include an immersive reality space, wet lab, cleanroom, and LIMS technology.

Find out more

NHC Sports Hub

Location: Cambridge Road, SG4 0JD

A multi-million-pound facility with advanced sports and fitness analysis equipment. Used by students, staff, and the local community through accessible membership options.

Find out more

Digital Suites

Location: Monkswood Way, SG1 1LA

Three dedicated digital suites equipped with high-performance processors, advanced graphics capability, and server infrastructure to support programming, networking, and computing.

Find out more

Not got the qualifications for university-level study yet? Don’t worry.

Access courses: a clear pathway into higher education

If you don’t yet have the qualifications for university-level study, there is a clear pathway available.

Access to Higher Education courses are designed for learners aged 19 and over who want to progress to a degree. These one-year programmes help you develop the academic skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to move into higher education. Pre-Access options are also available to help you prepare and find the right route into your chosen subject.

Funding your Access course

If you’re aged 23 or over, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan, meaning you may not need to pay anything upfront. If you complete your Access to Higher Education course and progress to a degree, the loan for your Access course may be written off.

Support for health-related degrees

If you’re planning to study a health-related degree, additional financial support may be available through the NHS.

 

View Access to HE Courses

How do I apply?

To apply for one of NHC’s university-level courses, you’ll need to go through the UCAS website using the course codes which you can find in the course description.

For Access to HE courses, please apply directly through the NHC website – just click on the course profiles for more information!

Explore Access to HE Courses

Funding your course

If you are funded by Student Finance England (SFE), we advise you to contact the University of Hertfordshire’s funding team to discuss potential funding implications before making a decision on any changes to your course, mode of study, dormancy, or withdrawal.

Changes to your course can potentially cause overpayments of the maintenance loan and cause ineligibility for future tuition fee loan funding from SFE.

Learn More Here

Accommodation information

If you’re studying a university course with NHC, you may be able to apply for student accommodation.

Options include accommodation provided through the University of Hertfordshire, as well as private housing.

More information

We’re here to support you

North Hertfordshire College has a zero tolerance approach to harassment.

We have several policies in place to support you during your studies with us. To read our policies, equality statements, and additional information relating to our Level 4 and above courses, please visit our policies page.

Policies, Financial Statements and Board Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

The campus you study at varies depending on the course you’ve chosen.

Extended Degree in Science: Stevenage Campus

Foundation Degree in Computing Technologies: Stevenage Campus

HNC/D in Sport: Hitchin Campus

North Hertfordshire College has recently invested in new facilities at our campuses, allowing you access to industry-relevant technology and equipment to bring your learning to life.

You can find out more about our facilities by visiting our campuses pages.

North Hertfordshire College’s Campuses

 

In addition to these spaces, we also have a dedicated HE common room with kitchen area at our Stevenage Campus. Our specialist tutors are supported by a dedicated technician and administration team, helping your classes run smoothly.

You also have access to our Student Services team for support outside of the classroom.

You’ll receive your timetable during your induction. This will take place in early September – we’ll be in touch with you closer to the time with more information.

Hitchin Campus

Cambridge Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 0JD

Our Hitchin Campus is a five minute walk from Hitchin train station.

It can also be conveniently reached via the A602. Free parking is available to students at the front and back of the campus.

 

Stevenage Campus

Monkswood Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 1LA

Our Stevenage campus is conveniently located next to Asda, near the town centre. The train and bus stations are within walking distance of the main campus, with cycle tracks available alongside the paths.

Students living in campus accommodation at the University of Hertfordshire’s Hatfield campuses can access subsidised travel to the Stevenage Campus via the UNO bus service.

There is also a free car park for students driving to campus.

Graduate earnings typically increase at a faster rate than those of non-graduates (people who do not have a degree). Between the ages of 23 and 31, average earnings grow by 72% for graduates compared to 31% for non-graduates.

For those who were previously on Free School Meals, average graduate earnings growth is 75% compared to 26% for non-graduates.

Graduates aged over 30 are also more likely to be in work than those without a degree.

Sources: Universities UK News, 2025, Graduate Employment Outcomes, Universities UK, 2024) 

Student Finance covers tuition fees and provides support for living costs through loans which you can apply for. You’ll then repay the loan as a small percentage of your income once you start earning a particular salary. For students starting university after September 2023 (on Plan 5), this repayment threshold is £25,000. 40 years after you graduate, any remaining debt will be paid off.

You can find out more about repayments by visiting Student Finance England’s website.

Higher education is an investment in your future – not just for employment, but also for confidence, independence, knowledge and skills, connections for the future, and the chance to build a career path doing what you love.

Yes, in general, but a degree will not automatically lead to improved career success. Your degree subject, the industry you choose, your work experience, and your employability skills also matter to employers.

To help you choose which university course you should study, we recommend:

  • Speaking to someone you know who has been to university
  • Talking to your tutors or careers advisors
  • Using the UCAS website to explore courses on offer.

When researching courses, we recommend you pay attention to entry requirements, the structure of the course (including module topics), time spent in lectures and seminars, how you will be assessed, the length of the course, and whether placements are included. This information can help you work out whether the course is a good match for your goals and learning style.

You should consider the location, facilities, and opportunities on offer at the university or college where you would be studying your degree. Living costs, fees, bursaries, and scholarships are also important factors to consider.

We recommend you explore university-life and degrees as a whole, too.

You can make up to 5 choices through a UCAS application. You’ll need to include a personal statement, references, and may need a portfolio. Your tutors or career advisors can assist you in this process.

The best university course depends on your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. You should choose a course that aligns with your chosen subject and future career path. It’s important to consider entry requirements, course content, and progression opportunities when making your decision.

University courses are designed to challenge you and develop your academic knowledge and skills. Some subjects may be more demanding depending on your strengths and experience. With the right support, structured teaching, and independent study, you can successfully manage the workload and progress at degree level.

Studying a university course at a college offers smaller class sizes, more personalised support, and a familiar learning environment. It can also be a more affordable option compared to traditional university study while still providing a recognised qualification.

After completing a university course, you can progress into employment or continue your studies at a higher level. Many students move directly into careers related to their chosen subject, or continue to postgraduate study.

Yes, university-level qualifications delivered at North Hertfordshire College are recognised by employers and developed in partnership with universities and industry. This ensures your qualification is relevant and valued in the workplace.