Part-Time Study - Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that you may have many questions about returning to education - below are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions - if you can't find the answer to your question here simply ask us a question using the form provided and we'll get back to you.

I am looking for a new career, but I'm not sure which direction to take - can you help me?

Yes - you can arrange a one-to-one appointment with one of North West Regional College's specialist Careers Staff, who will explain the range of career-related options available to you, and help you to find a course best suited to your personal career goals.

Find out more in our Student Support section.


How much will it cost me to enrol on a course?

The cost of our part-time courses varies greatly, depending on the level of your chosen course, the duration, and how the course is delivered. In the prospectus, or on the website you will see the Tuition Fee for your course, as well as the Additional Fees you may be required to pay.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a Concessionary Fee - this is a reduction on the Tuition Fee, and details of those who can claim this are in our Fees & Finance section.

The Additional Fees include any exam costs, materials you will be using on the course or in some cases specialist clothing required. These fees are subject to change. There are no reductions on these fees, and they must be paid on enrolment.

Click here for more information.


When do I enrol?

Once the Part-Time Prospectus is published we will open enrolments for entry this September. Consult the prospectus or the website for the course information, and complete the enrolment form. Once you submit the form, along with the correct fees, you will have secured a place on your chosen course.

To request a copy of the prospectus to be sent to you when it is produced contact us.


How do I pay? Can I pay in instalments?

Your place will only be secured once you have paid your Tuition Fee. If the tuition fee is over £100, you may apply to pay in instalments - please see the Fees & Finance section for details.

We accept cash, cheque, postal order and credit card payments for fees - please note if you are claiming a Concessionary Fee, you must provide benefit evidence, along with your enrolment form. For more details please see our How to Enrol section.


At present I am receiving a range of benefits - will my entitlement be affected if I return to college?

Studying whilst receiving benefits is a complex issue, and every situation is different. In many cases it will be possible to study part-time and continue to claim benefits. All individuals have different circumstances and advice is available from our Student Services Team.

If you are claiming benefits you may be entitled to a Concessionary Fee (reduced) - you simply need to provide the correct evidence when you enrol.

Click here to Part-time Student Services & Support


Can I get a grant?

Students enrolling on Part-Time Higher Education courses may be eligible to apply for a grant to help with the costs of studying. More information is available here.


Is there any help available to pay for childcare and/or transport costs?

The College has a Student Support Fund which provides help for students with financial difficulties, which can provide support for transport or childcare costs. More information is available here.


I would like to go to university but don't have the required qualifications - will I have to get some first?

It's never too late to consider a Higher Education course. At the College we offer a range of HE courses in association with local universities, so you may be able to get the qualification you need with us. The entry requirements for these vary, but often they will take previous experience into as part of your application.

We also offer Access courses, designed especially for those without any formal qualifications, who want to gain entry to a course at university. These one year courses not only provide you with a qualification to help you gain a place on a degree programme, but are also devised to help adult learners improve their confidence and skills for further study. LINK TO ACCESS COURSES


I have been out of education for a long time - will it be hard to get back to studying?

The thought of returning to education can be daunting for some, but you can be sure that coming to North West Regional College now, will be very different to your previous education experience. Our part-time courses are designed with adults in mind, delivered to suit those who are managing study with other commitments, and are offered alongside all the support you need to achieve your potential. If you have any concerns please contact our Student Services Team who will more than happy to address them with you. More information is available here.


If I enrol on a part-time course will I be with people of my own age, or will I be in a group with school leavers?

Although anyone aged 16 or over may enrol on most of our part-time courses, the majority of those attending North West Regional College on a part-time basis are adult learners, returning to College to improve their qualifications, gain a new skill, or to just simply meet new people. Many say that the social aspect of doing a course is one of the most enjoyable benefits of coming back to College as an adult.


I have just retired and am thinking about doing a course - is there an age limit for enrolling?

Our part-time courses are open to anyone aged 16 and over, and we are committed to providing opportunities foe Lifelong Learning. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be entitled to a Concessionary Fee - more information is available here.


My English/Maths isn't very good ' will this be a problem?

Some courses might require you to undertake written assignments so we offer refresher courses in English and Maths (Essential Skills) which are designed for adults who want to improve on these subjects and are FREE. For many programmes though, especially our hobby and recreational courses, your level of English/Maths does not need to be considered. LINK TO ESSENTIAL SKILLS

International Students: For certain College courses, students for whom English is not their first language, may be required to provide evidence of English Language ability - minimum IELTS Score 5 or equivalent. The College can arrange for you to do a FREE ESOL assessment, please contact Student Services. If required, you can enrol on one of our ESOL courses to improve your level of English before progressing to other courses. LINK TO ESOL COURSES


Do I need to come to College to meet you before I send in my enrolment form?

If you would like additional information on the courses you are interested in, you are welcome to call into any of the College campuses, or attend one of our Part-Time Information sessions. Click here to How to Enrol.

As long as you are enrolling on a course that does not require an interview, there is no requirement for you to meet us before enrolling by post or by phone.


I already have GCSEs and/or A levels, what else can I study?

North West Regional College offers a wide range of courses to help you develop your career (vocational courses), as well as more traditional academic programmes similar to those on offer at University, which allow you to gain recognised qualifications. We provide specialist training in state-of-the-art facilities so that you can prepare for employment in your chosen area. Finally many people enrol on our hobby and recreational courses which offer the opportunity to gain a new skill, but won't necessarily require you to work towards a qualification. Click here to Part-time Choices.


Will I be interviewed for the course?

Some Part-Time courses do require students to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course. This will be noted in the course details in the prospectus and on the website.