University Centre

at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

Welcome to the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group. If you think you have to go to university to get a degree, then you might be surprised to learn that we offer high-quality university-level courses in a supportive learning environment across our three Colleges in Castleford, Selby and Wakefield.

We deliver a range of degree-level courses validated by some of the region’s most well established universities. We also work closely with employers to develop our courses and ensure our students are able to finish their qualifications with the skills that employers are looking for across a variety of industries.

National Student Survey 2024

92%

Academic support

7% above the national average for the sector.

91%

Teaching on my course

6% above the national average for the sector.

90%

Learning opportunities

8% above the national average for the sector.

87%

Assessment & feedback

9% above the national average for the sector.

Our University Partners

10 Reasons Students Choose Us...

1. Choice

We offer a range of high-quality Higher Education courses in a variety of subjects and at a range of levels including Foundation Degrees, Full Honours Degrees, Higher National Certificates/Diplomas, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), Top Up Degrees and Teacher Training.

10 Reasons Students Choose Us...

2. Awarding Bodies

Our Higher Education qualifications are awarded by the Leeds Beckett University, the University of Hull, the University of Huddersfield and Pearson, meaning you get the same qualification as you would at university.

10 Reasons Students Choose Us...

3. Recognised and Relevant Qualifications

Our stimulating mix of technical, commercial and creative courses meet recognised quality standards and have been created in partnership with employers, ensuring you have the skills you need to progress in your chosen career path.

10 Reasons Students Choose Us...

4. Expertise

You will have regular access to highly-qualified lecturing staff - our friendly and supportive environment means staff give you the time and support you need to help you progress. This gives our students better results and improved progression opportunities.

10 Reasons Students Choose Us...

5. Lower Fees

Compared to many larger universities, you will benefit from lower tuition fees by studying for your Higher Education qualification at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group. Loans and bursaries may also be available to help you with your studies. (subject to eligibility).

10 Reasons Students Choose Us...

6. Facilities

You will have exclusive access to our comprehensive Higher Education facilities, which include state-of-the-art learning facilities and laboratories, fully-stocked learning resource centres and spaces for our students to carry out independent studies and relax with fellow course mates.

10 Reasons Students Choose Us...

7. Smaller Groups

As class sizes are smaller than traditional universities, you will have more time with your lecturers – giving you more opportunities for feedback and personal development.

10 Reasons Students Choose Us...

8. Support

We help you begin your studies at the level that is right for you and support you through each stage of your time with us, so we can help you progress and ultimately meet your key personal goals.

10 Reasons Students Choose Us...

9. Opportunities

We provide opportunities at any stage of your life in ways that fit around your work, family life and other commitments.

10 Reasons Students Choose Us...

10. Success

Our courses build firm foundations for your long-term career success; we focus on employment-related skills and knowledge, designed to meet local and regional employment needs, as well as equipping you to meet the requirements of national and international organisations.

Our Higher Education Courses

Animal Care
Art, Design & Photography
Business & Management
Childcare, Early Years & Childhood Studies
Computing
Construction
Digital Industries
Engineering
Film, Media & Television
Health, Social Care & Wellbeing
Music
Performing Arts
Public Services
Sport
Teacher Training

HNC Animal Management (Behaviour & Welfare)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HND Animal Management (Behaviour & Welfare)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

BA (Hons) Art & Design - Arts Practice (Top-up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

BA (Hons) Art & Design - Arts Practice (Top-up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HNC - Photography

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HNC Fine Art

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HNC Graphic Design, Photography, Film & Television & Fine Art

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

HND - Photography

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HND Fine Art

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HND Graphic Design, Photography, Film & Television & Fine Art

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

BA (Hons) Leadership & Management with Finance (Top Up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

BA (Hons) Leadership & Management with Finance (Top Up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

BA (Hons) Leadership & Management with Project Management (Top Up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

BA (Hons) Leadership & Management with Project Management (Top Up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

BA (Hons) Leadership & Management with Sustainability (Top Up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

BA (Hons) Leadership & Management with Sustainability (Top Up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

FdA Leadership & Management

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

FdA Leadership & Management

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Top-Up

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care (Top-up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

FdA Early Childhood Studies

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

FdA Young Children's Learning and Development

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

BSc (Hons) Applied Computing (Top-up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

HNC in Computing (HTQ)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HNC in Computing (HTQ)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

HND in Computing (HTQ)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

HND in Computing (HTQ)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HNC Architectural Technology for England (HTQ)

Start Date: September 2026/January 2027 Location: Castleford College

HNC Construction Management for England (HTQ)

Start Date: September 2026/January 2027 Location: Castleford College

HNC Modern Methods of Construction for England (HTQ)

Start Date: September 2026/January 2027 Location: Castleford College

HNC Quantity Surveying for England (HTQ)

Start Date: September 2026/January 2027 Location: Castleford College

BA (Hons) Indie Games Development (Top-Up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

FdA Indie Games Development

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

BEng Engineering (Top-up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

HNC Engineering (Electrical & Electronic) (HTQ)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Castleford College

HNC Engineering (General) (HTQ)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

HNC Engineering (Mechanical) (HTQ)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Castleford College

HND Engineering (General) (HTQ)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

BA (Hons) Creative Industries (Top-Up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HNC Film & Television

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HND Film & Television

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

BSc (Hons) Health and Well-being (Top-Up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

FdSc Health and Well-being

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HNC Music (Production)

Start Date: September/October 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HNC Music Performance

Start Date: September/October 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HND Music Performance

Start Date: September/October 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HND Music Production

Start Date: September/October 2026 Location: Wakefield College

BA (Hons) Performance Industries (Top-Up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HNC Performing Arts (Acting)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HNC Performing Arts (Dance)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HNC Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HND Performing Arts (Acting)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HND Performing Arts (Dance)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

HND Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

BA (Hons) Criminology & Law

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

BA (Hons) Criminology & Law

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

BA (Hons) Public Services (Top-Up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

BA (Hons) Public Services (Top-Up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

FdA Public Services

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

FdA Public Services

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Exercise Science (Top-Up)

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

FdSc Sports Coaching and Exercise Sciences

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

FdSc Sports Coaching and Exercise Sciences

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

Certificate in Education (Lifelong Learning), Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Lifelong Learning) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education - In-Service Option

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Selby College

Certificate in Education (Lifelong Learning), Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (Lifelong Learning) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education - In-Service Option

Start Date: September 2026 Location: Wakefield College

Higher Education Facilities

State-of-the-Art Learning Facilities

We have first-rate learning facilities, ensuring that our students have the training and knowledge to operate industry standard equipment when they progress to their chosen career.

Higher Education Facilities

Social Spaces

Our three campuses have a range of social spaces, including our onsite coffee shops which proudly serve Starbucks coffee – providing you with a space to relax, grab a drink and meet with friends. We also have refectories which serve a range of delicious hot and cold food.

Higher Education Facilities

Resources

We have extensive IT facilities and well-stocked Learning Resource Centres containing relevant text, journals and e-resources which can be accessed on site or remotely.

Higher Education Facilities

Dedicated Facilities

Our Higher Education facilities including the modern Seacole Building have been designed to suit our learners' requirements - providing them with the specialised equipment and resources to succeed in dedicated HE spaces.

Latest News

Students celebrating their graduation at Selby Abbey

Selby College’s University Centre hosts graduation at Selby Abbey

Over 50 Selby College students studying at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group attended their graduation ceremony.

University CentreGraduation Day

25 November 2025

Graduates celebrating their graduation day

Wakefield College’s University Centre graduation ceremony celebrated at Wakefield Cathedral

The University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group celebrated the achievements of over 100 graduates at the prestigious Graduation Ceremony at Wakefield Cathedral.

Graduation DayUniversity Centre

19 November 2025

Education Group gets top marks in National Student Survey 2025

The University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is celebrating a strong performance in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS).

University CentreCorporate

20 August 2025

Selby College’s University Centre celebrates graduates’ successes

More than 125 students from Selby College’s University Centre graduated as part of a prestigious Graduation Ceremony at Selby Abbey, on Friday 15th November 2024.

Alternative Curriculum Graduation DayUniversity Centre

19 November 2024

Graduates’ success celebrated at Wakefield College’s University Centre graduation

The academic achievements of more than 270 University Centre graduates were acknowledged as part of a prestigious Graduation Ceremony at Wakefield Cathedral, on Wednesday 7th November 2024.

Student SuccessUniversity CentreGraduation DayStudent Experience

8 November 2024

Student shortlisted for AoC award following Rugby Grand Final win

Former sport student at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, Tyler Dupree, has been shortlisted for the Association of College’s Higher Education Student of the Year Award 2024.

Sport University Centre

15 October 2024

Group launches mental health service TalkCampus to support adult students

With the rise in mental health problems in adults, the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has taken an important step to enhance its student support services by launching mental health support platform, TalkCampus.

University Centre

16 September 2024

Principal and Chief Executive Sam Wright with our National Student Survey results

Education Group excels in National Student Survey 2024

The University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is celebrating another strong set of National Student Survey results, with the Group placing higher than the national average in a range of areas.

CorporateUniversity Centre

21 August 2024

University Centre Prospectus

Meet Our Students

It’s such a proud feeling. Graduating with a degree is something I never thought would happen as a child.

Tyler

Sport

I knew that there are lots of facilities available here and good academic support.

Uwais

Computing

The Higher National Certificate in Engineering programme is increasing my knowledge and skills in various Engineering disciplines, as well as my experience working with modern technology such as robotics.

Oliver

Engineering

The course allowed me to gain key skills, including communication, team building and problem-solving which I will use in my future career in the uniformed services sector.

Luke

Public Services

Visiting Bewerley Park really helped me build confidence and communication skills - it showed me I could push myself and work well in a team.

Jacob

Public Services

I’ve gained skills in management and learnt various techniques in early years education that I can apply in real-world settings.

Rebecca

Childcare, Early Years & Childhood Studies

The criminology side of the course and why people commit crimes, has been fascinating and will be really helpful in my future role as a police officer.

Isla

Public Services

This course has enabled me to progress into a more senior role where I am leading a small team due to learning leadership and management skills on the course.

George

Business & Management

I chose this course because in the future, I would like to open up my own business in the hospitality industry like a restaurant.

Gerald

Business & Management

After coming for an interview, it sounded like the course suited me because of the combination of both science and coaching.

Tommy

Sport

My tutors make the course content easy to grasp and are always helpful."

Dylan

Engineering

Studying the Higher National Certificate in Engineering has enabled me to broaden my skills within the Engineering sector.

Simon

Engineering

HTQs

Higher Technical Qualifications were developed in partnership with leading employers.

Learn more about HTQs

Student Support

Our support services are second to none and we are here to help you succeed.

Learn about our Support Services

Money Matters

Worried about the cost of studying? Financial Support maybe available.

Find out more about Financial Support

How to Apply

Applications now open. You can apply through UCAS or directly to the University Centre.

Learn about the application process

Our Colleges

We have three amazing campuses spread across the Yorkshire region all with excellent transport links.

Learn more about our Colleges

Office for Students

The Office for Students is the independent regulator of higher education institutions in England.

Review our OfS documentation

Policies & Procedures

Our policies and procedures apply to all student and staff at the University Centre.

Review our policies & procedures