Sunderland Echo

College can be a stepping stone

MESSAGE FOR DISAPPOINT­ED A-LEVEL STUDENTS WONDERING WAHT TO DO NEXT

- By Petra Silfverski­old petra.silfverski­old@jpress.co.uk Twitter: @petrasilfv­er

A college has sent out a message to students disappoint­ed about not getting into their chosen university.

A-level students who haven’t quite made the grade are being told that Sunderland College could provide an alternativ­e route to success.

The learning provider – which has four campuses across the city and last week announced A Level results had reached a 99 per cent pass rate for the eighth year running – is reminding students that they can apply to study for a HND or HNC qualificat­ion with them, through clearing.

Unlike university degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Higher National Certificat­es (HNCs) are vocational­lyfocused.

They are two-year qualificat­ions and can also be used as a stepping stone up to a higher qualificat­ion.

They can be converted into a full bachelor’s degree by ‘topping up’ with an extra year of study at university.

College principal Ellen Thinnesen said: “The college enjoyed a tremendous week, last week achieving a 99 per cent pass rate for the eighth year running. As one of the largest sixth form centres in Sunderland we are delighted with another fantastic set of results for our students.

“However, there will be many students throughout the region that unfortunat­ely didn’t receive the grades they were hoping for, and for those, it is important they remember that they still have the opportunit­ies and capabiliti­es to realise their potential.

“Many people think university is the only route to a degree, but we offer a number of vocational courses for students wishing to gain a higher qualificat­ion, leading onto a thriving career.”

The college offers a wide selection of HND and HNC course, along with a range of Foundation Degree courses in partnershi­p with the University of Sunderland.

Students wishing to apply to Sunderland College’s vocational courses through clearing, can apply via UCAS for full time undergradu­ate HND courses and Foundation Degree courses or apply directly to the admissions team for part time undergradu­ate HNC courses.

For more informatio­n about Sunderland College, visit www.sunderland­college.ac.uk or follow @Sunderland­Col on Twitter.

 ??  ?? Ellen Thinnesen, principal and chief executive at Sunderland College.
Ellen Thinnesen, principal and chief executive at Sunderland College.

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