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Funding and Finance
As a higher education student there is a range of financial support options available. With nothing to pay up-front, low-cost government loans, and other support grants, financing your course may be easier than you think.
You can now apply for student finance for courses starting in 2026. Visit Student Finance England for more information.
Annual tuition fees (2026/27):
Our Higher Education tuition fees are lower than most UK universities’ fees and represent great value for money. We also offer extra financial support through bursaries and other funds.
Our fees depend on the qualification and are displayed below:
BA/BSc (Hons) and Top-up programmes:
£8,450 per year (full-time)
Foundation Degree (FdA/FdSc) programmes:
£8,250 per year (full-time)
Higher National Certificates (HNC) / Diplomas (HND):
Full-time: £8,000 per year
Part time: £4,250 per yea
PGCE / Certificate in Education:
Part-time: £3,750 per year
Looking for adult funding & finance?
Helpful Information
Tuition Fee Loans
As a full-time or part-time student, you can apply for a loan to cover your tuition fees. Full-time and part-time students applying for a Higher Education course do not have to pay their tuition fees in advance. If you are eligible, your fees will be automatically paid to the College by the Student Loans Company.
Maintenance Loans
You may also be eligible for a loan to help cover the cost of living as a student. You may have to give details of your household income when you apply as this can affect the amount you are given. This loan is paid directly to you in three instalments, which you will have to pay back after you finish studying. Student Finance England have produced a step-by-step guide to help you through your student finance journey. Visit www.gov.uk for more information.
Repayments
For students commencing in 2026 under Plan 5, you will start to repay your loan when you earn over £25,000 per year at 9% of the amount earned above the £25 000 threshold. For example, on earnings of £30,000 per annum you will see deductions of £450 per year or £37.50 a month.
Bursary Awards
There are three types of bursaries available to students in addition to a hardship fund, from which support is available on an ad-hoc basis.
Am I Eligible for Additional Funding?
Funding is available to students on lower incomes to help meet costs associated with their course and coming to college, with several different options available, depending on the type and level of study. Remember, our Student Financial Support Team is ready and waiting to help with information, advice and support on a range of fees and finance issues related to your study. Find out more about student finance by visiting Student Finance England.
HE Fee Summary 26/27
Got a question?
Access to Higher Education
If you’re Studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma and you are over the age of 19, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan:
If you complete this and then go on to complete a course in Higher Education, the remaining balance of your Advanced Learner Loan, including any interest on it, will be written off.
Before you complete a Higher Education Course
You don’t have to start a Higher Education course immediately following your Access course. If you get a job in between and are earning more than the repayment threshold, you would start to repay the Advanced Learner Loan. Alternatively, if you study a Higher Education course part-time while working and earn more than the repayment threshold, you would start to repay the Advanced Learner Loan.
After you complete a Higher Education Course
When you have finished your Higher Education course, the Student Loans Company will write off the balance on the Advanced Learner Loan that you took out to fund your Access course. You will be contacted with confirmation of this.
Further Support
Non-Repayable Financial Support
Council Tax Exemption Any full-time student aged 18 and over can also apply for Council Tax Exemption from their Local Authority. Council Tax Exemption Certificates are available from the Enrolment Booths within Student Services.
Adult Dependent Grant
Extra financial support is available to students with an adult who depends on your finances (this is usually your partner, parent, or grandparent but not adult children). You could be eligible for up to £3,354 per year, a grant that does not have to be paid back, and which is paid on top of your other student finance.
Disabled Student Allowance
Up to £26,291 is available to cover study related costs that a student may have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. The amount awarded depends upon individual needs as opposed to household income, and the allowance is not paid back.