Leeds College of Building reports 25 per cent increase in students2nd October 2012

LEEDS College of Building has seen a 25 per cent increase in the number of students signing up to its Higher Education courses compared to last year as they seek an alternative to university and its tuition fees.

In recent years the College, which is the UK's largest specialist construction college, has significantly expanded the number of Higher Education courses it offers meaning students can now achieve HNCs, HNDs and Higher Apprenticeships with both full and part-time provision available.

Leeds College of Building’s Principal Ian Billyard says: “Many school and college leavers previously saw university as the natural next step but having to pay costly tuition fees has encouraged many to explore alternative options.

“As a result we’re experiencing high demand across all our Higher Education courses as students look for a viable alternative to university study and this is a key area that we plan to continue developing. We’re now looking at how we can create a route through to Higher Education across every Apprenticeship and full-time course that we run for those students that want the opportunity to go further.”

Brian Duffy, Faculty Director of Higher Education & Construction Management adds: “The first step towards this new full-time HE provision for students who are set to leave school from either year 11 or year 12 would be the BTEC Extended Diploma at Level 3, which is equivalent to 3 A Levels. This course offers potential career progression across Architectural Technology, Building Services, Civil Engineering and Surveying as well as a host of other roles such as Construction Management, Estimating, Planning and Quantity Surveying. Leeds College of Building’s students have subsequently progressed to degrees at top Universities including Loughborough, Leeds and Newcastle as well the College’s own full-time HND provision.” 

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