University Centre Oldham and You

Everyone who chooses to study at UCO discovers just what a friendly place it is. On beginning your studies here you will soon feel part of a university community that creates an environment where you will feel comfortable, secure and confident. And as the learner groups are small this will allow you to benefit from individual support, tutorial time and exciting development opportunities.

Students Returning to Education

We realise that the decision to choose to study a Higher Education qualification can come at any point within your life. This is why we welcome students of all ages.

Some of our existing and previous students have studied as a means of working towards a change of career, some wanted to improve upon their existing skills and others wanted to learn for pure enjoyment and for aspirational reasons. But whatever your motivation for choosing higher education you can be assured of an open and practical welcome at the University Centre Oldham.

If you decide to apply to the University as a student returning to education you will be invited to come along to an interview in the same way as a student completing their A Levels or vocational qualifications would attend.

However, we understand that mature students often have different commitments in their lives and we can work with you to help you get back into education and support you in your studies. Even if you have not been in education for a while, please just call in and talk to us. Our friendly admissions team are on hand to offer you all the advice and guidance you may need.

You can contact admissions either by email oldham@hud.ac.uk or telephone on 0161 213 5000.

Part-time study

We value our part-time students as much as those studying full-time and we understand that personal or time commitments may not allow for full-time learning.

This is why we try to make our courses as flexible as possible whilst you still enjoy all the benefits associated with the University Centre Oldham. Why not take a look at just how many part-time programmes are on offer.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to provide services, employment and educational opportunities on an equitable basis to all.  We aim to ensure that no applicant or student receives less favourable treatment on grounds such as sex, age, race, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief or is a disadvantaged by conditions or requirements that cannot be shown to be justifiable.

The Students’ Union

The Students’ Union is your gateway to a host of activities and services and it also provides a range of support services. The Advice Centre is there to offer you confidential advice on any welfare, finance and academic issues you may have.

It is also a place to gather and meet friends. The Student’s Union is run by students, for students and it is what you make it. There may be a wide selection of activities you want to get involved with or you may even wish to begin a new club or society. Whatever your interest or involvement we are here to support and advise you.

Our Students

“I used to work as a Marketing Manager for a civil engineering company and I decided that I wanted a change of career.

I had been going to acting classes at another college and I wanted to take it further but I had a full time job and three children. So I did a course at the Oldham Coliseum where I learnt more about the craft, the more classes I did the more my confidence grew and I decided to take it seriously.

I had just turned 40 and I thought if I am going to do anything about it, I had better do it now.

 So I contacted the University Centre Oldham and they told me about the Foundation Degree in Performance, I spoke to the lecturer and I came in for an audition.

 When I came along to the audition I was put at ease as it was more like a workshop and you were given a good idea of what was included in the course.

 The learning experience here has been really good, it’s a realistic programme and you get to work in conjunction with the Oldham Coliseum. You also get to look at other roles within performance, it isn’t just for someone who wants to act it gives you a great insight into the theatre industry.

 I would love an acting role but I am also thinking about teaching theatre education. There is the opportunity to top up my Foundation Degree to a BA(Hons) so at the moment I am considering my options.”

Jackie Gialluca, aged 43 studying Foundation Degree Performance