FAQs

To apply for a full-time higher education course at York College University Centre you must register and apply through UCAS. Each course has a unique UCAS code (these are listed on our website and in the degree and higher-level prospectus), use this to apply for the correct course.

Our part-time courses are applied to directly through the College by completing an application form. This can be completed and submitted online via our website, or alternatively, you can speak with one of our advisors in the Your Experience Hub regarding completing a paper application.

Funding for higher education courses is typically dealt with by Student Finance England (SFE), who will calculate any tuition fee and maintenance loans you may require. At York College we have a team of dedicated finance advisors within our Funding Team who are on hand to answer any funding or finance queries you may have before you apply to Student Finance England. For further information visit our ‘Funding your studies’ page.

As a higher education student you will have access to a range of services and facilities designed with your needs in mind. In addition to specialist subject specific facilities, we have exclusive services including designated areas for studying and socialising in our newly refurbished University Centre, complete with learning zones, group study areas, kitchen and a relaxation zone, providing an area for higher education students to socialise, relax and eat.

Alongside access to College-wide facilities such as the Learning & Research Centre, study hubs, computer areas with accompanying multi-function printers and helpdesk advice, York College also offers multiple catering outlets on-site, as well as a gym space, 3G sports pitches, basketball courts, hair and beauty salons and a nail bar.

At York College University Centre we do things a little differently. Providing you have received a conditional offer to study with us, prior to starting your higher education course you should have your living arrangements in place. Although we may be able to offer some assistance with beginning your initial search for a property, it is ultimately the individual's responsibility to secure accommodation.

It is advisable to visit York to view available properties beforehand and reach an agreement on terms of the tenancy with the landlord. You should also ask the landlord or agent about the application process because there is no standard procedure, and it can vary.

Although we do have the details of some private student accommodation providers, we also have a list of local landlords and letting agents that we can provide you with on request.

To receive the list of letting agencies in York who are known to have properties available for students, or for more information on accommodation, please email accommodation@yorkcollege.ac.uk

We appreciate that not everyone follows the same path and encourage applicants from all walks of life, including those who are perhaps returning to education or are looking for career advancement or change. Our Higher Education provision provides the support, flexibility, contact time and teaching required to help students of all types succeed.

Our higher education community is diverse, built up of students from all walks of life, our vibrant community is a place for all.

Continuers
Our Level 3 students often progress with us, after completing their A Levels, T Level, vocational or apprenticeship course, they move on to one of our degree, apprenticeship, or higher-level programmes.

Locals
Staying local while studying can be very beneficial. Many of our students are from the local area and are able to make the most of our flexible courses that allow them to work or balance other commitments alongside their studies. Staying local for some also means saving on accommodation fees.

Commuters
We have buses coming in from across the Yorkshire region, as we want to ensure that we are accessible to as many people as possible and ensure that our students can commute in comfortably for lectures or to study. We also have several students who have chosen to relocate and make York their new home.

Mature
Many of our students are mature learners. These students are often those who are returning to education to progress in their career or looking for a career change. Our mature learners tend to come from the local area and often have busy lives to juggle outside of their course. We’re proud that we are able to offer the flexible learning that they require to succeed.

Whatever your circumstances are, we hope you will find your place within our varied community. A community of like-minded students, all with the same desire to study and accomplish their education ambitions to reach future career goals.

Yes. We have 15 different College bus routes, serving a number of different villages and towns in the area for a subsidised fee. As a higher education student, you will have access to our full bus service, meaning commuting to and from us is a viable option taken up by many of our students.

To view the College bus routes please visit our ‘Travel & Transport’ page.

The official UCAS deadline is typically on or around the 31st January – applying by this date will ensure that your application is reviewed on time and you will have equal consideration. Many institutions (including York College University Centre) will continue to process applications after this date until their course is at capacity.

If you are applying after the January deadline, and if you have already applied to five courses on your original application, you will be eligible to use UCAS Extra from February 28^th to add another choice. This is providing you have received decisions from all five, and were not accepted, or if you declined the offers you received.

If you apply to a course after 5th July, 18.00, you will be able to apply through UCAS Clearing.

There are a few different ways in which you can pay for your course at York College University Centre. Your tuition fees can be made in the following ways:

• In full at the start of the academic year
• In instalments by TouchTone payment system
• Employer/sponsor payment
• By applying for a student loan

Many students choose to take out a student loan to help with meeting the cost of tuition fees and living expenses. The total amount you are entitled to receive will depend on the duration of the course, whether you are studying part-time or full-time, when you start the course and if you have any prior experience studying at higher education level.

Additional funding is also available to students who have a disability and those who have children and other dependents.

For further information on finance and funding please visit our Funding your studies page.

After you have submitted your application for York College University Centre, you may be invited to attend an interview or audition(s), depending on the course you have chosen. Our interview process is an informal discussion where tutors will check the suitability of this particular course following on from your previous education experience and your future career goals. Some courses may require a portfolio of evidence submitting, however, all information will be sent out prior to this and explained in detail.

If an interview is not required, you should receive an acceptance offer or alternative application update via the UCAS portal.

At York College we are committed to providing the best possible support to all our students, regardless of their level of study. With specialist teams that each offer impartial information, advice and guidance on a full range of services including course information, how to enrol, finance and funding, travel and transport and careers advice through e-guidance.

As well as helping find solutions to your academic queries, your health and wellbeing is our number one priority. We offer termly health and wellbeing events inclusive for all. If you are experiencing any problems, feeling under pressure, or finding it hard to cope, we have a free and confidential counselling service that you can access. We also have a team of Mental Health First Aiders on-hand throughout the working day who you can request to speak to.

We ensure that our students have a good study/life balance. We aim to deliver our qualifications over as few days a week as possible, in a condensed timetable. This gives students the opportunity to maximise spare time for part-time work or other commitments alongside achieving their qualification.