University Centre Rotherham: Bringing Higher Education Home
With it being Higher Education week here at the RNN Group, this month, we thought it only right to promote our wonderful University Centre Rotherham (UCR) and all it has to offer in terms of Higher Education!
In recent years, Rotherham has taken a significant leap forward in educational opportunity with the opening of University Centre Rotherham (UCR). It’s not just another campus – it represents a shift in how Higher Education can be more accessible, local, and relevant. This year has seen a growth in its numbers of students bucking the national trend so lets find out more!
If you go down into Rotherham Town today, you will surely be surprised… to find a modern, state-of-the-art University Centre in the heart of Rotherham, dedicated to providing outstanding outcomes for all of our students.
UCR is part of the RNN Group, which also encompasses Rotherham College, North Notts College, and Dearne Valley College. The centre officially opened in autumn 2018, with its brand-new purpose-built Higher Education campus located on Doncaster Gate in Rotherham Town Centre, providing access to Higher Education in a wide range of subjects, to drive people looking to make a difference.
The cost of the development was about £10.5 million, partly funded by Sheffield City Region (around £3.5 million) to help address skills gaps locally and to open more routes into higher-level education.
Courses and qualifications
UCR provides Higher Education courses from Level 4 up to Level 7, meaning everything from certificates to master’s-level qualifications. Subjects range widely: Engineering, Caring Professions, Business, Computing, Media & Graphics, Education, Performance & Arts, among others.
New offerings include a Master’s in Education and Professional Development, launched in January 2024, aimed at those in educational settings seeking to progress or take on more responsibility. There are also adult courses (19+), part-time and full-time options, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), HN Flex and support for those upskilling, retraining, or returning to study.
Take a look at the courses we offer
Learn your way, on your terms
HN Flex supports a study option that allows students to undertake selected modules of a university-level course on an individual basis. HN Flex is a new study option at the RNN Group from September 2025, allowing students to undertake selected modules of a university-level course on an individual basis.
Modules are available in Business, Computing, Engineering, Health Science and Modern Methods of Construction. They are a great option for anyone who wishes to increase their skills and knowledge without committing to studying for an entire qualification.
Bridge to a new future
HN Flex modules are available to undertake separately or stack into a larger qualification. They are designed to equip you with the skills to take your next career steps and reach your earning potential.
Each module takes around one term to complete and can be undertaken on a flexible basis to suit you.
HN Flex gives you the flexibility to gain knowledge, skills and behaviours in a more efficient and bite-sized way, without having to enrol on a full qualification. Students will have the ability to “stack” units towards a full Higher National qualification in the future and gain more niche knowledge, skills and behaviours and to upskill and reskill.
HN FLEX: The modular, stackable, bite-sized route to Higher National skills and credentials – tailor learning to real life, real jobs, real ambitions.
Our student’s success is at the centre of everything UCR does: We invest all of our efforts, expertise and excellent facilities into making that happen.
Our degree courses (Level 4-6) allow our students to develop sought-after skills in Engineering, Caring Professions, Business, Computing, Performance, Media, Arts and Graphic Design, Education and much more.
Our degree and higher-level qualifications are accredited by top universities and awarding bodies including Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Huddersfield and the University of Hull.
Our University Centre is home to a range of dedicated facilities including a 120 person capacity seminar room, a fully equipped two-storey library, independent and group study spaces, exhibition spaces, social areas and a café.
One of UCR’s standout features is lower tuition fees than many traditional universities, making it more affordable. Full-time degrees are advertised at around £6,900 per year, significantly below many university fees.
Because it’s local, many students don’t need to relocate or commute long distances, saving on living costs and making Higher Education more viable for people with family or work commitments.
UCR offers flexibility in studying (part-time, full-time, blended/hybrid modes) and support services to help students succeed.
Students often comment that UCR feels more welcoming and less overwhelming than big universities. The smaller scale helps.
There are open events and tours so prospective students can visit, speak to staff, see the facilities, and get a feel for what studying there would really be like.
For creative courses especially (e.g. performing arts, media), there are opportunities to engage in live work, performances, exhibits, placements. Our staff take the time to get to know our students as individuals and we offer several student support services to foster a caring learning environment.
UCR seems set to grow in course offerings, student numbers, and its role as a centre for Higher Education in South Yorkshire.
Key areas likely to develop:
- Expansion of higher-level technical qualifications (HTQs) and degree apprenticeships including the introduction of lifestyle and family friendly HN Flex courses.
- Deepening ties with employers to ensure courses are relevant and lead to good job outcomes.
- Strengthening postgraduate provision (like the MA in Education).
- Further investment in facilities and student services as student numbers grow.
Next month – we celebrate RUFC!