We are your ‘Local University’, providing progression opportunities from our Further Education courses as well as giving you the opportunity to gain a Higher Education qualification. The College has been offering Higher Education courses for over 15 years and has recently built a strong relationship with the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich. West Kent College currently has around 600 full and part time Higher Education students with this number increasing year on year. Our growing reputation has allowed us to expand the range of Higher Education courses we offer; alongside the traditional Higher National Diplomas and BA/BSc degree programmes, we now offer a wide range of Foundation Degrees, offering a vocational route to a degree in most subject areas.

We have our own purpose built University Centre based at Brook Street, Tonbridge.

Guide to Qualifications

The Higher Education qualifications we offer are explained below and the table details the levels of the courses available and the typical entry requirements.

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Diplomas (HNDs)

HNCs and HNDs are work-related (vocational) qualifications which focus on 'learning by doing' and can lead into a new career or help you progress in your current line of work. While Honours degrees tend to focus on gaining knowledge, HNCs and HNDs are designed to give you the skills to put that knowledge to effective use in a particular field of work. They are highly valued by employers both in the UK and overseas.

Honours (BA/BSc) Degrees

Honours degrees are qualifications that help you develop a thorough understanding of a subject. They help you develop your analytical, intellectual and essay or dissertation writing skills. Most graduates move into a job or profession, or go on to a postgraduate course, such as a diploma or masters degree.

Foundation Degrees

Foundation degrees are designed and delivered in partnership with employers to equip people with the relevant knowledge and skills for business. The study methods can be very flexible, which means that they are available to people already in work, those wishing to embark on a career change and to those who have recently completed level 3 qualifications (e.g. A Levels, Advanced Apprenticeships or an NVQ at Level 3). They are broadly equivalent to the first two years of an Honours degree and can often be ‘converted’ to an Honours degree through a relevant ‘top-up’ course.

To view our Higher Education Gallery click here..