MORE people than ever are being given the opportunity to enjoy university level education in St Helens.

During the past year St Helens College received a record number of applications, resulting in a 10 per cent increase in the number of Higher Education places on offer.

UCAS figures show an upsurge in the number of disadvantaged young people taking up a university place and St Helens College saw an additional 384 students classified as disadvantaged being enrolled onto Higher Education courses in 2013 compared to 2012.

College principal Jette Burford said: “It is really encouraging to see this upward trend – we are particularly proud of our excellent Higher Education offer. We have taken the decision to freeze our tuition fees this year in a bid to try and make university level education even more accessible to all.

“St Helens College has a particularly competitive Higher Education offer with smaller class sizes, more tutor contact time, lower tuition fees, the option to study a range of HNC’s, HND’s, Foundation and Honours Degree courses. Students are offered a quality university experience locally and with excellent facilities in which to study.”

Success rates at the College are higher than ever and last year 69% of students gained a First Class or 2.1 degree. Higher Education courses available range from Game Art to Microbiology.

Applications are welcome from school leavers looking to progress onto a degree course, and mature students. From September the College will also offer a range of A-levels with a guaranteed progression option on to the College’s Higher Education provision.

To apply for a full or part-time degree course or for more information call 0800 996699 or visit www.sthelens.ac.uk