Accrington & Rossendale College promoting university education in East Lancashire. Accrington & Rossendale College, Blackburn College, Burnley College, Nelson & Colne College and St. Mary’s College

Accrington & Rossendale College

Accrington and Rossendale College has a distinguished record of providing Higher Education which enables students of all ages to work together in small groups with experienced staff who can help them succeed.

woman student at graduation getting degree

For over 15 years Accrington & Rossendale College has offered Higher Education courses validated by some of the North West’s most prestigious universities. The college’s reputation has grown to the point where many local people choose to study with us, rather than go away to university.

Accrington and Rossendale’s tutors are widely experienced, have taught at this level for many years and are regularly singled out for praise in academic reviews. Our higher education programme combines honours degrees and professional qualifications with innovative foundation degree courses. For some students foundation degrees are a natural progression from level 3 qualifications. They allow students to gain an employment focussed higher education qualification that will help them to enter or progress in the workplace whilst keeping their options open regarding studying for an Honours degree in the future.

Accrington and Rossendale College boasts some of the most up-to-date facilities and equipment in the area. Brand new teaching facilities have now been completed and these include a state-of-the-art library facility, studio theatre, TV and radio studios and dedicated areas for higher education study, including a lecture theatre. Whatever your age, background or qualifications, we can help you to realise your potential and will support you in achieving your aspirations.


Stephanie Phillips, BA Health & Applied Social StudiesCase Study - Stephanie Phillips, Health & Applied Social Studies

41-year-old Health & Applied Social Studies student Stephanie Phillips began studying at Accrington & Rossendale College on a level 2 course and has since made a success of her studies by progressing onto the BA Hons degree.

After being out of education for almost a decade, Stephanie admitted to being nervous to begin with, but claims the teaching staff at the college put her at ease and credits them with building her confidence throughout the course. Stephanie, who is also studying another course, hopes to progress onto the Msc in Mentally Disordered Offenders and Offending Behaviour at the University of Cumbria. When asked if she has any advice for people considering a return to Higher Education, she simply tells them to "Go for it".


Case Study - Claire Johnson, BA (Hons) Health & Social Studies

Claire Johnson, from Whalley came to Accrington & Rossendale College on an Open Access course and then progressed onto the BA (Hons) Health & Social Studies after proving to herself that she could handle the workload and level of study. She says, "I was very nervous about returning to education after almost 10 years, but the staff are really great. They helped me a great deal and supported me throughout the course". Claire, who encourages prospective students to "Take the plunge" hopes to progress onto a Masters Degree in Social Work.