At Activate Learning we offer a range of undergraduate learning options from HNCs and HNDs to Foundation Degrees, PGCEs and top-ups for BA and BSc Degrees. Each course is recognised for its focus on employability by the Quality Assurance Agency and designed to build the very skills you need to have a successful career.
Our award-winning Learning Philosophy is at the heart of our approach to teaching and learning. We recognise that not everyone learns in the same way or has had positive experiences of education. That’s why we use tried and tested principles to engage our students and help them make the most of their time with us, setting them up with not only the knowledge they’ll need for their careers, but with the personal skills that will benefit them their whole lives.
Here are a few reasons why our learners choose to study Higher Education with an Activate Learning College.
1. We provide award winning education
Activate Learning’s sector-leading approach to learning has been recognised by two Association of Colleges Beacon Awards, recognising our use of technology and practical approach to teaching and learning.
In 2017, we were awarded the TEF (Teaching Excellence Framework) Silver Status by the Office for Students for our delivery of high-quality teaching and learning outcomes, exceeding rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education.
2. Our partners
We work closely with well-respected universities, awarding bodies and employers to ensure that the education we deliver is of the highest quality and the most up to date.
Our Foundation degrees and BA/BSc top-up programmes are awarded by partner universities including Oxford Brookes University, Middlesex University, University of Reading, and Kingston University.
Our Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Diplomas (HND) are awarded by Pearson.
Our close relationship with employers helps to identify the characteristics and skills they are looking for in potential employees which again places emphasis on increasing your employability.
3. We’re right on your doorstep
We have six campuses across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey which means you can stay living at home and still study towards a degree. You are also able to access facilities across all of our campuses across three counties should you require it.
If you have other responsibilities such as family and/or work commitments, you can benefit from staying local and still receive top quality education. If you’re not quite ready to study higher education, we offer Access to Higher Education courses to prepare you for your degree.
One of our mature learners Robyn, as a mother of two young children, enrolled on the Access to Science course at Activate Learning’s Guildford Campus last September with the aim of gaining a qualification that would enable her to fulfil her ambition of going to university. As a local to the area, Guildford College was a great choice for Robyn who has made good use of the campus’s facilities, such as the Learning Resource Centre, as well as the online learning platform which has allowed her to continue her studies remotely during the periods of national restrictions. Read more about Robyn’s story here.
4. Affordibility
Tuition fees are incredibly competitive, especially when you factor in the cost of moving away from home and/or travelling. All higher education students on a university-level programme need to pay tuition fees, however, you don’t need to pay everything upfront.
Depending on your age or what programme you will be studying, there are several options available for help with funding your studies. We also have bursaries available to those who are eligible and have finance options to help you spread the costs of studying.
Find out more about the financial support available for higher education learners here.
5. Flexibility
At Activate Learning, you can enjoy innovative learning and assessment methods that help you develop at your own pace. The vast majority of our higher education programmes offer part time study options which is equivalent to one day a week.
Full time programmes also tend to require the equivalent of two days study a week, allowing you the time to balance your studies with work and other commitments.
6. Progression and employability
All our programmes provide learners with work-based learning opportunities supported by employers, external organisations and/or professional practitioners, and significantly enhance students’ employability skills and progression opportunities. We will help you progress and develop the skills you and local employers need. With industry backing you will develop professional practices in programmes co-created with industry.
7. Study environment and study support
Studying in relatively small groups means we can provide personalised learning and give you more individual attention and support than traditional universities. In addition to the teaching staff, you will also have access to additional learning support through a dedicated team of HE study support tutors who provide a wide range of services for those requiring additional support.
More information of what support you can get can be found here.
Find out more about our Higher Education options in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Surrey by clicking on the college of your choice below and visiting their individual website.
- Higher Education at Banbury and Bicester College
- Higher Education at Bracknell and Wokingham College
- Higher Education at City of Oxford College
- Higher Education at Guildford College
- Higher Education at Reading College
- Higher Education at Merrist Wood College