This September, a new round of degree-level courses will begin at Shrewsbury Colleges Group, which has been successfully teaching higher education (HE) courses for over 20 years.
Among the full and part-time courses on offer are a Foundation Degree in Sports and Physical Education, HNC in Performing Arts, 13 engineering and construction degrees including a Foundation Degree in Mechanical Technology, as well as Business and Management courses, Counselling, Early Years and Teaching.
Mike Jones, 30, from Shrewsbury, graduated from the Level 4 Foundation Degree in Sports and Physical Education last summer and then did a one-year top up to a full BSc in Coaching and Physical Education at Staffordshire University, the College’s partner university. He is expecting a first when he graduates this July. Mike, who is now working at Thomas Telford School will embark on his Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) this September.
Mike said: “Before I started the course, I was playing professional ice hockey for various teams in Europe and the UK. I wanted to settle down and when I did the HE course at Shrewsbury College I was working at Bridgnorth Endowed School as a cover teacher and fit my studies around my job.
“I did a lot of research on what course to do because I really wanted to continue to be able to work while I studied, so the Foundation Degree at Shrewsbury College was perfect for me and I could continue to earn and save money on fees. I really enjoyed it and there was a good mix of ages, and the teaching was great, all the tutors were really helpful. I would definitely recommend it.”
HE & Education Lead, Helen Fellows, said: “We have over 20 years’ experience in teaching higher level courses including sport and our inspiring and motivational lecturers really push to get the best out of students. We have industry-standard and extensive facilities and classrooms and offer work experience as well as trips abroad with other HE students from across different subjects. This year the group visited Milan.
“In terms of Sport, our impressive facilities include a Sports Centre with sports halls, gym, 12 outdoor football pitches and an athletics track. Our 3G Football Pitch is a state-of-the-art, third generation floodlit pitch. It is a competition-standard and FA (Football Association) approved 11 v 11 pitch. The pitch also features American Football goal posts.
“We’ve spent £15m on the campus over the last few years improving facilities and in September 2018 the new HE Centre will open at our London Road Campus, which will provide a teaching, learning and social space dedicated to HE students.
“We’ve developed strong industry links with all our HE courses, both locally and nationally. With sport our links include Shrewsbury Town Football Club (we are their official education partners) as well as links with national health and leisure companies such as the Mosaic Group.
“Students like Mike go on to top up their degrees at universities including Staffordshire and Worcester and to careers locally and nationally in teaching, physio, sports therapy and nutrition as well as setting up their own businesses in areas including personal training.”