Your route to becoming a graduate
Studying a Higher Education (HE) course at Stratford-upon-Avon College, or partner Solihull College & University Centre, is your next step to a successful future – you can access great teaching, in vibrant and exciting locations.
Specifically at Stratford-upon-Avon College we offer a range of courses for those not quite ready to go on to university and in need of an extra year of skills development. Subjects include Performing Arts, Digital Media Production, Art & Design and Music Performance & Production. These courses are free if students start at 18!
Across in Solihull, a wide range of Foundation Degrees, Top Up Degrees, HNCs and HNDs are available for those looking for a full university level qualification.
We provide a friendly learning environment for our students, and we are proud of our community spirit. The focus is on developing the individual by supporting, encouraging and providing quality teaching and learning.
Excellent Courses
The range of courses we offer reflects the diverse creative, cultural and business demands of the local area – we offer vocational courses that give you the opportunity to progress onto Degree programmes or enter into your chosen profession. Our courses are designed to develop your skills and knowledge, delivered in intimate classes in a relaxed learning atmosphere.
Within each of our courses, there is a strong ethos, as well as curriculum design, that allows you to develop your own specialism within your field of choice. You will be encouraged to produce a portfolio of work that will support you in securing successful future employment.
Our Facilities
The College is complete with incredible facilities, allowing our industry-experienced lecturing team the opportunity to provide students with a true taste of a professional work place across a variety of fields. The campus hosts a full HD-ready television studio with green screen capability; two industry-standard music recording studios allowing for full band recording and equipped with vocal booths; and iMacs equipped with Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro.
Employer Links
We also maintain strong, well-established links to businesses, providing outstanding work experience placements, the chance to attend guest lectures from industry insiders, and networking opportunities with those at the top of their professions so you can lay the foundation for future employment. We have close links with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Birmingham Hippodrome, Rocks & Co., Gems TV, the BBC’s Trainee Schemes, Q Hotels, Marco Pierre White, Hotel du Vin, Hilton and Holiday Inn.
Student Support
Financing your Course
Compared to university fees, studying a HE course at Stratford-upon-Avon College or partner Solihull College & University Centre is a more cost effective option. After studying your HND or Foundation Degree, you can enter onto a top-up programme. These are one year courses that offer you the opportunity to ‘top-up’ your HND, Foundation Degree or equivalent qualification and gain full UK undergraduate honours degree status.
Student Lifestyle
Stratford-upon-Avon provides a great student experience. There is a wide range of shops, from the latest in fashion to vintage stores; the town centre offers a diverse selection of independent shops alongside larger chain stores.
The town centre also has a varied selection of places to eat and drink, plus a huge range of venues to keep you entertained. From the famous Royal Shakespeare Company theatres and the Bancroft Gardens located on the banks of the River Avon, to the local Picturehouse and historical interest of Shakespeare’s birthplace, you’ll never be short of things to do. Plus, if you’re looking for something more lively, then Birmingham City Centre is just a short train ride away, from the station opposite the College!
There are also clubs and sports to keep you active; from boating clubs to riding schools, Stratford offers a vast array of activities. Whether you want to get some gentle exercise or compete with the best, Stratford-upon-Avon is the place to be!
