Combined Studies Programme
Reach University with Confidence!
Our Combined Studies Programme provides a flexible, skills focused alternative for students to the traditional A-Level or Btec route. It leads directly into a university degree or a degree with foundation year at selected universities.
It can be undertaken over one or two years, and comprises two optional subject strands, each worth 37.5% of the overall score, and a compulsory key skills strand worth 25%. Alongside subject content, the breadth and structure of the course develops language, knowledge, ICT and learning skills, which are essential skills for degree level study.
The programme is modular and examinations are taken in December, March and June with one re-sit opportunity in the June series. This allows students to build up their score and have a good idea of the level they are achieving as the course progresses.
Combined Studies programme entry requirements.
Why Consider the Combined Studies Programme?
- Direct Route to University
Leads to a degree or degree with foundation year at selected universities.
Designed specifically for students who want a clear progression pathway into higher education.
- Flexible Structure
Modular format with multiple exam sittings (December, March, June) and a re-sit opportunity, allowing students to build their score gradually.
- Balanced Curriculum
Combines two subject strands (each worth 37.5%) with a key skills strand (25%) that develops: Academic writing, Research and study skills, Communication and language skills
- Skill Development for University Success
Focuses on essential skills needed for degree-level study.
Helps students become independent learners, confident in handling university-style coursework and assessments.
- Alternative to Traditional A-Levels
Ideal for students who prefer continuous assessment and modular learning over final exams.
Suitable for those who may not thrive in the A-Level format but still have strong academic potential.
- Clear Progress Tracking
Frequent assessments give students a real-time understanding of their progress and encourages motivation and goal-setting throughout the course.
What Can Students Study?
A number of pathways are offered and the flexible modular structure allows for the combination of two subjects.
- Business & Economics
- Business & Finance
- Business & Humanities
- Creative Arts & Business
- Creative Arts & Humanities
- Creative Arts
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Science
Universities accepting the Combined Studies Programme are below:
- Aston University
- Chester University
- Keele University
- Teesside University
- Plymouth University
- Nottingham Trent University
- UCLAN (Univeristy of Lancaster)
- University of Dundee (Engineering degree courses only)
Academics from the above universities visit the college and run workshops in subject areas such as Business, Product Design, Engineering and Science. It is possible to apply to other univeristies, but acceptance of the programme is not guaranteed.
Recently Combined Studies Students have progressed to the following courses:
Kings College London – Neuroscience
Oxford Brookes University- Business & Management
Lancaster University – Management and Information Technology
Salford University – Biomedical Science with Foundation
Nottingham Trent University – Real Estate
Liverpool John Moores University – Business with Finance
Liverpool John Moores – Business Management
University of York – Psychology
Keele University – Computer Science
Keele University – Law with Social Science Foundation Year
Keele University – Biology
