Higher Education Courses London

New City College University Centre

Achieving your higher education qualification at New City College is a really convenient alternative to university. Our qualifications are designed to give you the skills that put your knowledge to practical use and are highly valued by employers both in the UK and overseas.

Study locally. Achieve globally.

Same quality and qualifications as a university but with smaller class sizes, lower fees, and the flexibility to fit your life.

New City College is the fourth largest college group in the UK, offering a diverse range of higher education courses. Our qualifications are designed to give you the skills that put your knowledge to practical use and are highly valued by employers both in the UK and overseas.

With smaller class sizes, NCC offers more one-to-one support and contact time with tutors, enabling tailored tuition to suit individual learning needs.

Our learning facilities are fantastic and easily accessible by car and public transport, providing a much cheaper and convenient alternative to university further afield.

Whether you’re stepping up to a Level 4 qualification or aiming for a full degree, you’ll be studying with purpose, supported every step of the way.

Please note that course fees for the 2026/27 academic year and beyond are subject to change. Any updates to the fees will be published as soon as they become available (following Parliamentary approval).

Why study with us?

Real-world curriculum: Courses shaped in partnership with employers and validated by university standards, so you build skills that matter.
Small cohorts, bigger impact: Get closer contact with tutors, receive meaningful feedback and thrive in a community where you’re known.
Flexible pathways: Choose from Levels 4, 5 and 6, including HNCs, HNDs and full degrees. We support you whether you’re progressing from Level 3 or returning to education.
Affordable and accessible: Based across East London, our provision offers strong value without compromising on quality.
Support that goes beyond the classroom: From application advice to student wellbeing, we ensure you’re equipped and confident from day one.
London-smart campus environment: Study in a dynamic location, tap into the capital’s creative and business networks, and enjoy modern facilities built to enhance learning.

For more information on higher education, check out one of our helpful guides:

Higher Education Explained
Higher Education Funding

New City College is a local and convenient alternative to university and can work out much cheaper than going further from home to study.

Why enrol with us?
- Enter 2nd or 3rd year of a university degree
- Fantastic learning facilities on campus
- Small class sizes
- One-to-one support and guidance
- Easily accessible by car and public transport
The college also offers a range of services for students which include:
- Fully-licensed restaurants
- On-site canteens selling hot and cold food
- Costa Coffee and Starbucks outlets
- Discounts available at the college’s Hair & Beauty Salons
- On-site gyms
Higher National Certificate and Diplomas (Levels 4 & 5)

The college offers Pearson Higher National Certificates and Diplomas as they provide specialist work-related learning that reflects the requirements of employers and professional organisations and meet the National Occupational Standards for each sector or industry. HNCs and HNDs are mainly assessed through assignments, projects and practical tasks. The HNC is the first year of study and the HND is the second year of study – meaning a full HND is achieved in two years of full-time study.
- HNDs are equivalent to the first two years of an Honours Degree (Level 5)
- A practical approach that is highly valued by employers
- Designed in collaboration with industry experts
- HNDs can be converted to a full Honours Degree with further study
- Internally assessed through assignments and practical tasks
- Awarded by Pearson
What is a Foundation degree?
- A Foundation degree is either a FdA (Foundation Arts) or FdSc (Foundation Science)
- It is a 2-year course and the second year is equivalent to Level 5 study
- To enrol on a Foundation degree you need to be either working already or have a work placement arranged
- Foundation degrees are vocational qualifications designed for the workplace
- You can top up a Foundation degree to Level 6 with an extra year of study at university
Course Entry Checklist

To qualify for one of our higher education courses you need to be:
- Aged over 18 years
- Have either a Level 3 qualification such as A Levels or a vocational qualification such as a BTEC or Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Have relevant work experience in the field you want to study if you haven’t got a Level 3 qualification
Non-native English speakers or those who have not studied the final two years of school in English should demonstrate capability in English at IELT 5.5 standard.

Mature students with relevant knowledge and skills, demonstrating a commitment to the chosen subject will be considered.
What help is available?

There is a range of support available if you are concerned about financing your higher education studies.

1. Student Loans

Types of help for new full-time undergraduate higher education students include:
- Tuition Fee Loans to cover the full cost of tuition fees
- Maintenance Loans to cover living costs
- Grants to cover living costs
- Students can also get extra support if they have children or adult dependants, or a disability or a specific learning difficulty
Find out more about student loans for higher education:

Student Loans Company

Gov UK

Student Finance – How You Are Assessed

Student Loan Advice for HNCs and HNDs

Student Finance England

PLEASE NOTE:
- It is important that you apply for extra support e.g. Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) at the same time that you apply for a student loan – it may not be available once your course has started
- You do not need a confirmed offer of a college place before you can apply for a student loan. Apply as early as possible to prevent delays to your application
2. Self-Funding

If you choose to pay any part of the fee yourself the college offers an instalment plan to allow you to stagger your payments by direct debit.

3. Student Services

If you require any help or advice applying for your student loan, please speak to our trained advisors on 0330 135 9000

There is a College Higher Education Support Fund available for higher education. Please contact the Student Finance and Welfare Team for further information and details of eligibility if you are experiencing financial difficulties once you are enrolled.

4. Independent Financial Advice

It is important you consider your own circumstances and look into all options. You can access free independent financial advice from the Money Advice Service

Highlights from our 2025 Higher Education Graduation

Celebrating success at New City College Higher Education Graduation! We are so proud of our graduates and we were so grateful to be able to share unforgettable moments of achievement and joy at our Redbridge campus on 24 November.

From the inspiring speeches to the proud graduates walking the stage, the day was filled with accomplishment, camaraderie, and the start of exciting new chapters.