Higher Education
at DCG
If you are considering higher education, you are about to make a decision which will change your life. It is vital to research thoroughly, think carefully and choose wisely and really consider your career path.
WHY CHOOSE DCG?
At Derby College Group (DCG), we recognise that higher education is a sound investment in your future. Whether you want to gain an edge in the job market, enhance your promotion prospects or even chart a completely new career direction, we can help you to achieve your ambitions.
Our aim is to remove barriers for advancement to higher education, to widen participation and to impact positively on your life chances and future earning potential. The growing higher education portfolio at DCG now includes everything from HTQs, HNCs, Foundation Degrees and Honours Degrees, Higher and Degree Apprenticeships to specialist qualifications for professionals seeking to improve their managerial skills. These programmes provide first-class, up-to-date content and excellent teaching, underpinned by robust links with employers and enterprising partnerships with universities. We focus on the key skills that employers need in the workplace, paving the way for our students to excel in sustainable, well-paid careers. Statistics* show that 100% of our students’ progress to positive destinations within six months of completing their programme.
Graduate Outcomes: www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk
Lifelong learning entitlement: what it is and how it will work
Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)
The lifelong learning entitlement (LLE) will transform the post-18 student finance system to create a single funding system. It will replace:
- Higher education (HE) student finance loans
- Advanced learner loans for level 4, 5 and 6 qualifications
From September 2026, learners will be able to apply for LLE funding for courses and modules starting from January 2027 onwards.
The LLE will allow people to develop new skills and gain new qualifications at a time that is right for them.
What the LLE Covers
From its launch, the LLE loan will be available for:
- Full courses at level 4 to 6 (degrees, technical qualifications, distance-learning and online courses)
- Postgraduate level courses currently funded by the higher education student finance system, including:
- Postgraduate initial teacher training
- Postgraduate certificate or diploma in healthcare
- Postgraduate certificates in education
- Integrated master’s degrees
- Foundation years (as long as part of a bachelor’s degree)
- Modules of approved Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) at level 4 to 5
- Modules from full level 6 qualifications aligned to:
- Priority skills needs
- The government’s modern industrial strategy
What Learners Can Access
- Tuition fee loan – up to £39,160 (equivalent to 4 years of study based on maximum fees for 2026–2027)
- Maintenance loan to cover living costs (for courses with in-person attendance)
Additional Financial Support
Financial help will also be available for:
- Learners with disabilities
- Support with childcare
- Travel grants
An additional entitlement will be available for priority subjects and longer courses, such as medicine and architecture degrees.
Managing Your Loan
Learners will be able to see their loan balance through their own student finance account. The Student Loans Company (SLC) will host this.
Student Finance Applications Are Now Open (2026/27)
If you’re a full-time undergraduate student from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you can now apply for student finance for the 2026/27 academic year. Applications are also open for tuition fee only funding.
Apply as early as possible to make sure your funding is ready in time for the start of your course.
Already Studying? Don’t Forget to Reapply
If you’re continuing your studies, you’ll need to reapply for student finance through your online account each year.
No Confirmed Course Yet?
You can still apply for student finance even if you haven’t confirmed your course yet. Just enter your preferred choice for now—you can update it later if needed.
How to Apply
The easiest way to apply is online, and it usually takes around 30 minutes.
- Students from England: Apply through the Student Finance England website
- Students from Wales: Apply through the Student Finance Wales website
- Students from Northern Ireland: Apply through the Student Finance Northern Ireland website
Tuition Fee Only Funding
- England: Apply using a paper form available on GOV.UK
- Wales: Apply via the Student Finance Wales website
- Northern Ireland: Apply via the Student Finance Northern Ireland website
You can also find more guidance on GOV.UK.
Important Deadlines
Make sure you apply before the deadlines below to have your funding ready for the start of your course:
- England (SFE)
- New students: 15 May 2026
- Returning students: 19 June 2026
- Wales (SFW)
- New students: 29 May 2026
- Returning students: 26 June 2026
- Northern Ireland (SFNI)
- New students: 30 April 2026
- Returning students: 30 June 2026
Postgraduate applications
We expect Student Finance England and Student Finance Wales master’s and doctoral funding applications
Student Finance Northern Ireland master’s funding applications
https://www.gov.uk/repaying-your-student-loan/which-repayment-plan-you-are-on
Student Finance Interest Cap
Student Finance Interest Rate Cap – Find out more
Students can sign up to our part-time undergraduate or postgraduate mailing list on The Student Room. They can also follow us on Student Finance England’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information.
Fraud awareness advice
As the new academic year approaches, please be aware of smishing scams during this time. Smishing is fraud involving text messages and is currently the most popular form of scam targeted at students. Please be aware that the HEP will never ask you to provide or verify your personal or financial information via email or text message. You should also pay attention to any communications that you receive from us over the coming weeks.
Our message is ‘think before you click.’
Stay Safe Online
At the start of a new academic year, especially around payment dates, students can be the target of phishing and vishing scams. We want students to be aware of the tactics fraudsters use and how to stop them from getting their personal details.
We’ll never ask students to provide their personal or financial information via email, text message or WhatsApp. If a student receives a suspicious message, they should report it to SLC’s Financial Crime Prevention Unit immediately by emailing FCPU_Alerts@slc.co.uk or by calling 0300 100 0059.
Share our updated scam guidance on GOV.UK.
Cyber-attacks
Cyber-attacks or security incidents are becoming more prevalent in the education sector. Some of these can result in the loss of our data or restricted access to our systems. This can affect our ability to make payments to our customers.
We’ve published guidance on what to do if you experience a cyber-attack that means you cannot make data returns to us. Please share it with the appropriate colleagues within your organisation.
Fraud warning from SLC as the new academic year starts
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be paying more than £2 billion into students’ bank accounts. Fraudsters target students with bogus emails and text messages around loan payment dates each year. We’ve already been made aware of some students receiving scam messages this autumn.
Our expert Customer Compliance teams have a range of methods and fraud analytics to stop scammers in their tracks, but students need to know that they are the best and first line of defence.
Please warn your students not to be tricked into disclosing personal details or following links in emails or text messages, as these could be installing malware.
Spotting a phishing email or text is not always easy, but we have some fraud facts to help your students. Please share these with them if you can.
- Check the quality of the communication. Misspelling, poor punctuation and bad grammar are often tell-tale signs of phishing.
- Keep an eye out for any emails, phone calls or text messages you think are suspicious, especially around the time you’re expecting a payment.
- Scam emails and text messages are often sent in bulk to many people at the same time. They’re unlikely to contain both your first and last name. These commonly start ‘Dear Student’ so be on guard if you see one like this.
- ‘Failure to respond in 24 hours will result in your account being closed’ – these types of messages are designed to create a sense of urgency to prompt a quick response.
- Think before you click. If you receive an email or text that contains a link you’re not sure of, hover over it to check it goes where it’s supposed to. If you’re still in any doubt, do not risk it. Always go direct to the source rather than following a potentially dangerous link.
- Scammers can use a variety of methods to try get students to pay money or share their personal details. These include fraudulent phone calls, social posts and direct messaging on digital platforms. If you’re suspicious, always use official phone numbers, your online account and other official communication channels to verify the contact you received is genuine.
- Be mindful of the information you share about yourself on social media and elsewhere online. This will help to guard against identity theft. Identity theft happens when fraudsters get enough information about a person to impersonate them online and over the phone. This can include their name, date of birth, customer reference number, course information and current or previous addresses.
- Check out our guide to identifying a phishing scam for more information.
Students in England and Wales should be aware that whenever their bank details are changed, they’ll receive a text message from Student Finance England or Student Finance Wales to confirm the change.
If they have not changed their details but receive a message, they should sign into their online account to review their information. They should also get in contact using an official telephone number as they could be the victim of identity theft. Future payments may be blocked if they do not contact us.
Self-service for Student Finance England and Student Finance Wales
students can use the self-service system, available to all Student Finance England and Student Finance Wales undergraduates
When you sign in, you can select which application you want to view. The contact centre is very busy during peak times. Students you do not need to call us to track the progress of your application. It’s quicker and easier to use the online account. Students can also make changes to their course choice, requested fee amount as well as their personal information.
We’ve published a series of ‘how to’ films and step-by-step tutorials to help them.
Step up to Higher Education
Our aim is to deliver first-class, innovative and responsive higher education programmes which meet the needs of individuals, employers and society alike. Studying with us will open doors for you. As demand for highly educated and skilled professionals is growing across our city, county and region, our programmes offer new progression routes for ambitious individuals. Aligned with regional and national strategies, they are also ideal for employers to integrate into their long-term workforce development plans. Part-time options make it easy to fit studies around work schedules. As a college, we are regulated by the Office for Students (OfS) and on the approved register of HE providers.
DISABLED STUDENTS’ ALLOWANCE (DSAS)
The Derby College Group (DCG) recognises that some students need additional support with their studies. There is funding available to support with this. If you feel that this applies to you we would encourage you to look at the funding and start applying as early as you can. Details of the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) can be found at:
www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas/overview
The DSA can cover things like:
- Items of specialist equipment – for example computer magnification software, braille note takers.
- Non-medical helper’s allowance – for example a Sign Language Interpreter or Specialist 1:1 Study Skills Support (SpLDs).
- General allowance – which can cover things like enlarged examination papers and course materials.
In order to apply you will need an initial assessment to be carried out before going to an Assessment Centre. We can provide the initial assessment, and discuss the various assessment centres with you.
Please email disability.officer@derby-college.ac.uk at DCG to discuss this if you need the initial assessment carrying out.
We appreciate that DSA can take some time to be confirmed, so if you have declared support needs DCG will do all it can to support you prior to DSA being confirmed.
Key Links
Higher Education Prospectus (PDF)
Access and Participation Plan
There are so many reasons to make us your first choice:
- You will gain nationally recognised qualifications alongside the right skills, attitudes and professional standards. We have been praised by the OfS for the way we help students progress to highly skilled employment or further study.
- Employers have significant input into our programmes. You will keep in touch with all the latest developments in your sector and build an invaluable network of contacts.
- Our partnerships with universities allow you to progress to other higher-level courses with ease.
- Our experienced teaching teams are dedicated to your success. Their enthusiasm for their subjects will be your inspiration. You will also benefit from working with Higher Education Academic Coaches to develop your academic skills.
- We provide the right level of support to boost your confidence and motivation – including programmes tailormade for students who have been out of education for a while.
- You will discover all the help you need to chart your future after you have completed your studies. We provide a wide range of specialist advice to help you decide what your next step should be.
- Our state-of-the-art facilities will bring your learning to life, thanks to our award-winning campus regeneration programme. We continue to invest in first-rate equipment, resources and learning environments, including a dedicated Higher Education Centre.
- We enrich your studies with exciting new opportunities. These could include hands-on projects, work placements, community initiatives and talks by inspirational guest speakers.
- Welcoming and friendly, we have a diverse but close-knit student community. Your social circles will expand as you meet like-minded students.
- All these opportunities are available on your doorstep. We are easy to reach, with colleges in Derby and Derbyshire served by good public transport links.
We are the Higher Education Academic Coaches and our role is to support all HE students at Derby College in developing their academic and study skills. As part of the HE 360o Hub we work alongside your lecturers, the library, careers, and inclusion teams to provide you with help and advice from all angles. We will work with you throughout your studies to develop key areas such as critical thinking, academic writing, referencing, and research so that you can achieve your full potential and reach the highest grade possible in your assignments.
Our support can be accessed in a variety of ways, either on a 1:1 tutorial basis, via small group seminars, or in whole class workshops as part of your course. We also offer advice and support face to face, over Microsoft Teams, via email, and through phone calls. We can assist you with your individual needs and preferences, as well as help you create an action plan and way forward to get the most out of the course.
If you want to chat to us more about how we can help you once you have enrolled, then please email us: HEacademiccoaches@derby-coaches.ac.uk
We look forward to welcoming you to the college and to working with you.
Full-time and Part-time – Paying for your course
One of the key things to organise is the payment of your tuition fee. There are three ways you can do this – by taking out a student loan, by sponsorship from an employer, or by paying for the course yourself.
- Taking out a student loan Student Finance England administers the loan system for Higher Education. Your course is counted as a Full-time course. Therefore, you will need to follow this link to complete the relevant paperwork https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance On here you will be able to register and start to apply for a loan. The earlier you apply the better.
- Being sponsored by an employer If you are being sponsored by an employer, you will need to bring a letter to this effect to enrolment. You can provide the letter before this if you wish by sending it addressed to Student Services, Derby College Ilkeston Campus, 2 Pimlico, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 5JS.
- Self-Funding If you are paying for your course yourself then you will need to bring your bank details or a credit card to enrolment. Instalment plans may be available, and it is advised you talk to Student Services about this on 0800 028 0289 or email studentservices@derby-college.ac.uk
He Policies and Procedures
HE Enrolment and Registration Policy
Office for Students
Higher Education – Course Listings
Animal Care (13)
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 14/09/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 25/01/2027
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 21/09/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 21/09/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 21/09/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 21/09/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 25/01/2027
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 14/09/2026
Engineering (4)
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Engineering
Start Date: 03/09/2026
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Engineering
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Engineering
Start Date: 07/09/2026
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Engineering
Start Date: 07/09/2026
Equine (11)
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 14/09/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 14/09/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 14/09/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 14/09/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 14/09/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 14/09/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 21/09/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 21/09/2026
IT, Digital Skills and Computer Science (1)
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Subject Area: IT, Digital Skills and Computer Science
Professional Construction (5)
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Professional Construction
Start Date: 14/09/2026
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Professional Construction
Start Date: 11/09/2026
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Professional Construction
Start Date: 14/09/2026
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Professional Construction
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Professional Construction
Start Date: 14/09/2026
Public Services and Security (2)
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Public Services and Security
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Public Services and Security
Sport (1)
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Sport
Teacher Training, Coaching and Mentoring (2)
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Teacher Training, Coaching and Mentoring
Start Date: 07/09/2026
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Teacher Training, Coaching and Mentoring
Start Date: 07/09/2026
Higher Education – Success Stories
Derby University Partnership
The University of Derby is an ambitious, innovative and modern university offering industry-relevant, expert teaching, from foundation and undergraduate degrees to postgraduate study and research.
Derby’s academic strength is backed up by practical experience to ensure its students are ready for a successful career, wherever their talents lie. With more than £200 million invested in the last ten years, the University offers some of the best university facilities in the UK, including a Nuclear Skills Academy, developed in partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd, STEM Centre, Forensic Training Facility and NHS-standard hospital ward.
A new city-centre based Derby Business School, part of the University’s broader vision to expand its reach and reputation across the UK and globally, is also being developed. This landmark building is proposed to be net zero carbon in construction and operation, aligning to the University’s sustainability strategies and its low carbon expertise and research agenda.
At Derby, academic expertise, world-leading research and innovation is used to foster talent, support skills development and promote links with businesses regionally, nationally and globally. As well as traditional degree routes, the University offers apprenticeships from levels 2-7 for a wide range of job roles, working with high profile employers including Rolls Royce, the NHS and the Institute of Quarrying. In addition, continuing professional development, knowledge transfer and sector-leading online courses create opportunities for individuals, employers and communities to develop and flourish.
The University is committed to working with partners to support social mobility, opening the doors to lifelong learning opportunities for anybody who wishes to progress their education. This has been recognised though the University’s involvement in the city of Derby’s membership of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and its vision for inclusive lifelong learning that truly puts Derby on the world map as an exemplar of best practice.
360 Tour
Higher education
Higher education is the name for qualifications and courses you can take after 18. It includes diplomas, foundation years, bachelor degrees and more.
