Discover what opportunities you have at University Centre Rotherham
When it comes to doing a degree, whether you are leaving college, returning to education as an adult or looking to develop your career, choosing where and what to study is an important decision.
At University Centre Rotherham, we believe higher education should be about more than gaining a qualification. It is your chance to discover new opportunities, develop the skills and confidence to succeed, and build a future that works for you.
From choosing the right course and making the most of our facilities to developing your career, finding your voice and continuing your learning beyond graduation, there are many ways to make your time at university count.
And with our open event taking place this September, there is no better time to discover what could be possible for you.
What is University Centre Rotherham?
University Centre Rotherham is Rotherham’s dedicated higher education centre offering a range of degrees and higher-level vocational courses such as foundation degrees, HNCs and HNDs, and HTQs.
We’re a small, friendly and modern university campus based in the town centre just off Wellgate, with great transport links within walking distance to the train and bus stations.
As part of the RNN Group, we provide higher education opportunities for people at different stages of their lives, whether they’ve progressed straight from college or sixth form or have returned to education as adults to retrain or enhance their qualifications.
When Rebecca Foster decided to retrain in graphic design, she knew that University Centre Rotherham made it easy for her to study on her doorstep without having to commute and sacrifice other commitments.
“I came to University Centre Rotherham for my interview and I really liked the tutors and the feel of the campus. I love the library overlooking the Civic theatre. It’s my favourite place to work. I get a coffee, take my laptop and sit there and stare out of those huge windows.
“The campus is five minutes away from my house which is so convenient. I worked in the centre of Sheffield before so I knew how stressful driving and trying to park was. Here I’ve got everything on my doorstep.”
“I came to University Centre Rotherham for my interview and I really liked the tutors and the feel of the campus. I love the library overlooking the Civic theatre. It’s my favourite place to work. I get a coffee, take my laptop and sit there and stare out of those huge windows.”
Rebecca
Foundation Degree in Graphic Design
Opportunities for finding the right course for you
Everyone’s journey is different. You may know exactly what career you want to pursue, be looking to progress in your current role or be considering a completely new direction.
Whatever your ambitions, studying at University Centre Rotherham can give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to take the next step.
With a range of course options available, you can find a pathway that supports your interests, ambitions and future goals.
At University Centre Rotherham we offer:
- HNC/Ds in animal behaviour and welfare, computing, digital technologies, data analyst, modern methods of construction, electrical or mechanical engineering
- Foundation degrees in graphic design, health and social care, games design, learning support, and esports
- Bachelor’s degrees in computing and AI cloud, media, moving image and photography, and theatre, acting and performance.
- Master’s degrees in education and professional development
- Professional courses such as ACCA, PGCE, and CertEd
Opportunities for learning in the right environment
Where you learn can be just as important as what you learn.
At University Centre Rotherham, our facilities and learning spaces are designed to support different ways of studying, whether you prefer independent learning, working collaboratively or accessing support from staff.
As a smaller campus, students benefit from more one-to-one support from staff, which is what photography student Sofia Bell loved about her time here.
“Because of the smaller class sizes, you network and connect with everyone on the degree, and here you’re not a number, you are a person,” she said.
Our course-based facilities include construction centres, digital suites, simulation healthcare wards, hair and beauty salons, a performance theatre, photography studio and graphic design studio. While over at our Dearne Valley campus, where some courses are taught, we have an esports gaming centre, animal management suite and a gym with sports centre.
Away from lectures, our learning hubs provide welcoming spaces where you can study quietly and access resources such as laptops, PCs and Chromebooks. Our staff are also on hand to provide IT and Google support for those who need it.
“Because of the smaller class sizes, you network and connect with everyone on the degree, and here you’re not a number, you are a person.”
Sofia
BA Arts (Hons) in Media, Moving Image and Photography
Opportunities for enriching your university experience
Graduation may be the end goal, but university is also about the experiences you gain along the way before you get that cap and gown.
Alongside your course, there are opportunities to take part in enrichment activities, meet new people, develop new interests and build valuable skills.
Getting involved in activities beyond the classroom can help you grow in confidence, develop transferable skills and gain experiences that could benefit you in the workplace.
Our annual Freshers event is a great way to discover what’s available, from sports and volunteering opportunities to student voice activities, employer events and programmes such as Skills for Employment.
Enrichment opportunities change each term, so keep an eye out for noticeboards around campus, or you can also speak to our personal development co-ordinators to see what options you have.
The enrichment team will also be on campus in the Café Stop every Monday at 2pm.
Opportunities for developing skills for employment
A degree can open doors, but employers are also looking for people with the skills and confidence to succeed in the workplace.
During your time at University Centre Rotherham, you can develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and professional confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
We run the Skills for Employment programme where students can work towards gold-standard certification in ten transferrable ‘power’ skills including communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, resilience and time management. You build evidence of these skills through real experiences including your course, work experience, employer-led projects or extra-curricular activities like enrichment or volunteering.
Opportunities for connecting with employers
Your future career starts with the connections you make today.
University Centre Rotherham has links with employers and industry, helping students understand the world of work and discover where their skills and qualifications could take them.
These connections can include mentoring, site visits, industry talks and live briefs, giving you the opportunity to learn directly from professionals and gain insight into different industries. Our students have benefited from engagement with organisations including AESSEAL, the NHS, Rotherham Council and Rotherham Music.
And employer connections are just one part of our careers support. Our careers lounge provides practical help with CVs and cover letters, job searching and interview skills. The careers team is also available in the Café Stop every Tuesday at 2pm.
Whether you already have a career plan or are still exploring your options, we are here to help you discover what’s possible.
Opportunities for getting the support you need
Starting university is exciting, but it can also feel like a big adjustment, especially if you are returning to education after time away.
But you don’t have to navigate that journey alone.
HE Achievement Coaches are available to help students throughout their time at University Centre Rotherham with personalised support for things like setting goals, planning assignments, and developing your referencing and citation skills.
Your HE Achievement coach can also refer you to more pastoral guidance for things like additional learning support if a need is identified.
Sometimes, having someone to talk to and help you stay accountable can make all the difference.
Zoe Bell found the support offered to her while at University Centre Rotherham made the difference between her passing the Access to HE course and dropping out altogether. She said: “The tutors were fantastic. The support was amazing and I would have given up if it wasn’t for their encouragement.”
“The tutors were fantastic. The support was amazing and I would have given up if it wasn’t for their encouragement.”
Zoe
Access to HE Diploma in Health Sciences
Opportunities for taking control of your progress
Your university journey is your own, so it’s important to understand how you’re doing so that you stay on track.
Our digital tool, My Progress Tracker, gives you a clear overview of your learning journey. You can use it to view your grades and attendance, track your goals, celebrate your achievements and prepare for progress reviews with your tutor.
Opportunities for having your voice heard
University is also about becoming part of a community.
Through the Students’ Union and student voice opportunities, you can share your views, represent other students and play an active role in shaping the student experience.
Or you might prefer to become a Student Ambassador to support events, meet prospective students and share your own experiences of university life. It is a great way to build confidence, gain experience and add something extra to your CV. It’s also a paid role so you’ll have the chance to earn money alongside gaining valuable experience.
Opportunities for lifelong learning
Your education does not have to end with one qualification, and thanks to a new student finance system coming in this year, you now have more flexibility to fund your learning through every stage of your life.
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) will mean that new learners will have a maximum tuition fee loan entitlement of £39,160, equivalent to four years of full-time study, although the amount available will depend on factors including previous study and the course you choose.
From January 2027, eligible learners will be able to use LLE funding towards approved courses and modules, giving people more flexibility to study in different ways – whether that means taking a full qualification or studying smaller amounts of learning where eligible.
Now in her 60s, Jane Galley is currently studying the BA (Hons) in Education and Professional Ddevelopment at University Centre Rotherham to help with her job as a community course tutor.
On returning to education as an adult, she said: “I want to show people, especially women, that it’s never too late, and there’s always a chance to learn.”
Applications for LLE student finance open in September 2026 for eligible courses and modules starting from January 2027
Our student support team can help with questions about student finance, and they’re also on campus every Thursday at 2pm in the Café Stop.
“I want to show people, especially women, that it’s never too late, and there’s always a chance to learn.”
Jane
BA (Hons) in Education and Professional Development
Discover your opportunities for yourself at our September Open Event
There is no better way to find out if University Centre Rotherham is right for you than by experiencing it for yourself.
Our Open Event this September is your opportunity to:
- Explore our facilities and learning spaces
- Find out more about our course options
- Meet tutors and speak to staff
- Discover careers and employability support
- Learn more about student life and enrichment opportunities
- Ask questions about returning to education or progressing after college
- Find out how we can support you throughout your journey
Whether you are a sixth form or college leaver, an adult learner or someone considering a new career direction, we would love to welcome you.
Come and discover the opportunities waiting for you.
Wednesday 30th September 4:30pm-6:30pm