Step up to HE (Higher Education)

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to study at university? Are you concerned that you may not have the right qualifications or skills to study in higher education?  Do you want to obtain a degree but are unsure what direction to take or what subject area is best for you? The Step up to HE Course is designed specifically designed to enable you to move towards your goals.

Left: Step up to HE students celebrate completing the course (2011).

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“The course has been a great way for me to kick my brain back into gear and let me realise my potential. Now I feel I have the confidence to move on in my life and have the opportunity I have craved for some time which is to do something more challenging. The course is definitely a valuable tool for anyone who wants to get on in higher education” (Reuben Parr, Step Up to HE student May 2011).

This is a short 10 week course that provides a ‘taste’ of university.

It's aimed at anyone over 18 years who is thinking about further study and may be unsure of where to start or what is involved.  As attendance on the course is for 2 days a week (times 10.00 – 3.00) this course is particularly useful for individuals who may have been out of education for some time, are currently working and/or have a range of commitments.

The programme is designed to build individual confidence and develop current skills. Also learners are able to sample a variety of courses available and obtain individual guidance to inform decisions about future career goals and learning programmes. Many learners who complete the course progress onto a wide range of programmes at foundation or degree level.  For example, photography, history, media and sociology.

The courses will be taught by a wide combination of tutors including academic specialist subject staff, study skills tutors, library and IT specialists. In your first week with us you will assigned a specific tutor who will be your personal contact throughout the programme. They will help you to find your feet and offer guidance on future study routes that may be open to you. Student Ambassadors - existing students at the university and colleges - will be available at different points in the programme to offer support and information from a student perspective.

The certificate course is made up of two separate modules which are designed to introduce you to some of the skills you’ll need at university as well as giving you the opportunity to sample some subjects you may think about studying.

Module 1: Step up to HE: Enhancing your Skills
This course will help you build your confidence as a learner, enabling you to identify where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and how you can build your skills for the future. It will help you develop the skills necessary for successful study in Higher Education such as note-taking, preparing for lectures and seminars and research skills. You will find out more about how to use the library and the extensive range of IT support materials.

Module 2: Step up to HE: Subject Tasters and Guidance for the Future
In this module you will sample a range of learning perspectives from a selection of academic disciplines across the University. You will explore and experience a variety of learning and teaching approaches that will introduce you to some of the subjects you can study at Staffordshire University or our SURF colleges.

Throughout the module you will also be offered opportunities for advice and guidance about which future study route will be best for you. During both modules, you will work with tutors who’ll be able to tell you more about learning at university and you will have the opportunity to talk to Student Ambassadors about their experiences and how they got to university.

On successful completion of both modules, you will be awarded the ‘Step up to HE’ Certificate. This means you will have gained 30 credits at Level 3. These credits can be used to qualify you for entry onto either Level 1 of a degree course or alternatively to contribute to the credits on another programme at Level 0 at Staffordshire University or one of its associated colleges. During the course you will explore the areas of study that you may gain access to. Step up to HE is designed to enable you and your tutors to evaluate your current skill levels and the future routes that you need to take.

The Step Up to HE Team also provides a short course called NOCN Guidance, Preparation and Progression. This course which will enable you to work individually with a tutor to identify your skills, experience and areas of interest for future courses or careers.  This course is designed to provide you with a total of 8 – 10 hours contact with a tutor and can be organised in flexible ways.

The Creative Communities Unit also offer a range of short courses for those interested in working in the voluntary sector.

Visit the CCU Website

This programme is very successful in supporting individuals to achieve their future goals. Many learners who have successfully completed the Step Up to HE Certificate move  onto a wide range of degree courses at the University.  Examples of the subject areas now being studied by Step Up to HE learners include photography, history, law, nursing and advice studies.

• Step up to HE Programme Specification (PDF, file size: 98.72KB)

For more information about Step up to HE (Higher Education) please contact: