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
Coming September 2026 – Transformation to the post-18 funding system through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) will transform the post-18 student finance system in England. From September 2026, it will create a single funding system to help people pay for college or university courses, and train, retrain and upskill flexibly over their working lives.
The LLE will allow people to develop new skills and gain new qualifications at a time that is right for them. This could be through a full-time degree, or individual modules, or other courses such as Higher Technical Qualifications.
From the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the LLE loan will be available for:
- full courses at level 4,5 and 6 such as a degree or technical qualifications
- modules of high-value technical courses at level 4 to 5
Under the LLE, eligible learners will be able to access:
- a tuition fees loan, with new learners able to access up to the full entitlement of £37,000, equal to 4 years of study in today’s fees
- a maintenance loan to cover living costs
Targeted maintenance grants will also be available for some groups such as learners with disabilities, or for support with childcare. An additional entitlement may be available in certain cases – for example, for some priority subjects or longer courses such as medicine. Learners will be able to see their loan balance through their own LLE personal account. This will help them make choices about the courses and learning pathways available.
Learn more about the changes here: Lifelong Learning Entitlement overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
SFE full-time undergraduate applications are now open for academic year 2025/26
New and continuing full-time undergraduate students from England can now apply for student finance.
Students can apply now to make sure that their funding is in place for the start of their course.
If you apply now, you can make sure your application receives approval on time.Main changes
Tuition fees across the country will increase from August 2025. Therefore, the tuition fee loan amount that a student can apply for has increased.
This means that for academic year 2025/26:
- maximum full-time course tuition fee loans have increased to £9,535
- maximum accelerated degree course tuition fee loans have increased to £11,440
- maximum part-time course tuition fee loans have increased to £7,145
Tuition fees have also changed for foundation years. Universities and colleges will now charge students £5,760 if they’re studying a classroom based subject or up to £9,535 if the course is not strictly classroom based.
Students can find further guidance on foundation year on GOV.UK.
SFE
We’ve created some helpful lists for students:
Our toolkit lets you know what they need to do so you have got everything they need to apply.
The timeline gives students key dates, including deadline dates for student finance applications.
SFW
We’ve updated our Student Finance Wales website to help students find out what they need to know about student finance, including deadline dates for student finance applications.
Key changes
“EU Student”, “UK Student” and “Welsh Student” across all domiciles has been updated.
- “EU Student” is now referred to as “Tuition fee only student”
- “UK Student” and “Welsh Student” are now referred to as “Tuition fee and living cost student”
Although we don’t want to specifically call out this change to our customers, it’s important that you know about the change to help students self-identify when re-applying for their funding.
Student Finance England
Students should apply online. New students will need to create an account and continuing students should sign into their existing account.
Before students apply, they can check:
To make sure students get their funding in place for the start of their course:
Students can still apply after the deadline but might only receive the minimum amount of funding until we can fully assess their application.
Visit studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk for all our latest resources and help for students to get their applications right first time.
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)
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 Academic Misconduct Policy
HE Academic Appeals Policy
HE Academic Appeals Procedure
HE Complaints Policy
Student Bullying and Harassment Policy
Office for Students
Access and participation plan 2019-20 resource plan
Student Protection Plan
2022-23 fee information
Transparency 2021 information
Transparency-tables-20-21
Open University
Programme Specification BA (Hons) Creative Practice Top Up
Programme Specification FD Creative Practice LB
Foundation Degree Business and Management Course Handbook
FD Business Programme Specification
Higher Education – Course Listings
Animal Care (11)
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 15/09/2025
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 26/01/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 22/09/2025
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 22/09/2025
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 22/09/2025
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 26/01/2026
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Animal Care
Start Date: 15/09/2025
Engineering (4)
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Engineering
Start Date: 04/09/2025
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Engineering
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Engineering
Start Date: 08/09/2025
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Engineering
Start Date: 08/09/2025
Equine (12)
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 15/09/2025
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 15/09/2025
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 15/09/2025
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 15/09/2025
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 15/09/2025
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 15/09/2025
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 22/09/2025
Location: Broomfield Hall
Subject Area: Equine
Start Date: 22/09/2025
Health (1)
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Health
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: 15/09/2025
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Professional Construction
Start Date: 15/09/2025
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Professional Construction
Start Date: 15/09/2025
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Professional Construction
Start Date: 15/09/2025
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Professional Construction
Start Date: 15/09/2025
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: 08/09/2025
Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Area: Teacher Training, Coaching and Mentoring
Start Date: 08/09/2025
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.
