With the coming of the new academic year, teens and adults alike are considering taking the jump into higher education. We take a look at the less mainstream options available to prospective students who may want to stay local.
UTC Leeds KS5
For those looking to get into STEM fields, University Technical College (UTC) Leeds offers a range of KS5 options. At UTC Leeds all students will follow a core curriculum in Maths and Engineering and can then opt to personalise their qualifications with further A-level subjects or a second Engineering qualification. Options for further A-level are all in STEM subjects, as is to be expected with the focus of the college. You can gain qualifications in Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Computer Science, and Production Design. UTC Leeds allows students to participate in industry-led projects and visit partner organisations to gain first-hand industry experience.
Leeds College of Building Apprenticeship Course
If sitting in a classroom five days a week isn’t your style, then Leeds College of Building might be a good option. None of its courses are strictly classroom-based, and its apprenticeship courses allow you to learn while working and earn a wage at the same time. Leeds College of Building offers apprenticeship programmes which last between 18 months and four years. The college also offers higher and degree level apprenticeships and was one of the first institutions to do so for construction and building. If you aren’t sure that you definitely want to go down the apprenticeship route, the college also allows you to transfer to the scheme at any point, so you can try out your options. The course does require you to already have an employer. In order to Apply visit:
Distance Learning with Leeds Beckett
If the past year-and-a-half has shown us anything, it’s that not everything needs to be done face-to-face. Distance learning and online courses are on the rise, and Leeds Beckett University has a range of options for students who don’t want to make the trek to campus. Distance learning comes with a lot of benefits: you don’t have to relocate, you can keep working while you study, and you’ll end up with a recognised qualification just as you would studying on campus. From Architectural Technology and Design to Childhood Studies and Early Years, there are many courses at Leeds Beckett University that you can do from the comfort of your living room.
Leedsbeckett.ac.uk/distance-learning
Leeds Arts University
For some vocations, an industry specific school might suit better than a more general institution. If you’re a creative soul, Leeds Arts University could be perfect for you. The school offers qualifications from KS5 right through to postgraduate study. KS5 options include a foundation diploma in Art & Design, or a two-year extended diploma in Creative Practice. The university has a plethora of options for undergraduate study, with subjects such as Animation, Fashion Design, Illustration, and Popular Music Performance heading up the options. Postgraduate options include MAs in Creature Design, Worldbuilding, Photography, and Illustration, among many more.
Northern School of Contemporary Dance
If dancing is more your speed, Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) is a hub for dance in the north of England and a school of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama. The campus contains eight large dance studios for students to practise in, as well as a theatre for performances, a lighting studio, and a bodywork studio. The school offers an L3 BTEC in Dance as a further education option, and three course options for undergraduate study: a BA in Dance, a CertHE in Cultural Dance Forms, and a CertHE in Contemporary Dance. There are several postgraduate options including an MA in Dance and Creative Enterprise and one in.
