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Petroc has been delivering a range of degree-level courses for over 30 years. Every year we develop and design new courses in line with local business and in partnership with the University of Plymouth, and we are now proud to be able to provide our community with a wide variety of programmes - from HNCs and Foundation Degrees to Higher Apprenticeships and Honours Degrees - in an array of subject areas including education, computing, science, engineering, and health and care.
We understand that studying at degree-level involves a high level of commitment and there may be personal and professional circumstances that you need to consider. We aim to make your learning journey as simple as possible so that you can completely focus on achieving your education goals.
Choosing to stay local, means that not only do you get full access to everything you would expect from a university - including excellent facilities, resources and teaching - you can also stay close to your support network.
We offer a supportive study environment where small classes, extensive student support and dedicated academics will inspire, challenge and support you. Our exceptional links to local industry will enrich your degree, enhance your CV and help you stand out when you apply for a job. And what's more, there are many ways in which you can receive financial support, so don’t let finances stand in your way; studying for a higher education course can be a viable and affordable option.
Studying at degree level is an adventure, a leap forward on your learning journey that will open doors, provide exciting opportunities and pave the way for you to make an impact on all that you embark upon in the future.
We’d love for you to join our university community and, in addition to fulfilling your knowledge and skills aspirations, for you to make new lifelong friends with your fellow learners and lecturers.
Hayley, Foundation Degree teaching and learning and BA Hons Professional development (Childhood studies)
"I started my journey into higher education in September 2016 at 36 years old - I decided I wanted to achieve a degree by my 40th birthday! I wanted to work in education and become a teacher so found a foundation degree in teaching and learning locally at Petroc which was amazing, as i didn't want to move away.
It was a full time course but only 2 days a week in the classroom so was perfect as i could still work part time. There was a lot of work to do outside of college hours and also compulsory 50 hours of work experience to do also.
I’m not going to say it was easy but the course was great and very interesting!I I passed the Foundation Degreein 2 years and then progressed to the one year top up course to make the qualification a full BA Degree in Professional Development in Childhood Studies. The top up course was only one day a week on campus but with the dissertation and all the other modules the workload was tough but I graduated with a 2.2 so I was really happy!
I got a job working as an LSA at Great Torrington school in September 2019 and I love it I am hoping to start teacher training once I have achieved the grade I need in maths.
Anyone considering undertaking a degree as a mature student I definitely would recommend it.
It was fantastic to not have to leave North Devon and to be able to maintain a part time job at the same time.
I don’t have children but my some of my friends on the course have 3 children and still managed to complete the degree so it is possible to maintain work life balance.
Be prepared to work really hard but the years pass by in the blink of an eye and by the time you know it you will be wearing your cap and gown at the graduation ceremony!!
I hope my story will inspire other mature students to take the plunge and achieve a degree too.
Go for it!"