A CHEAPER alternative to university is being offered to students collecting their A-level results tomorrow.

Teenagers are being encouraged to consider studying higher education qualifications at West Cheshire College instead of going to a university – paying less than half the average annual university fees in the process.

Briony Smith, 19, from Neston, chose to study a foundation degree in computer science after finishing her A-levels.

Briony said: “I decided to do the foundation degree as I didn’t feel that I was ready for the atmosphere of university. I liked the idea of the foundation degree as it was a step up from college without taking the big plunge of going to university.

“I chose this degree as you can go into a variety of jobs – the possibilities of working within the computer and IT industry are limitless. I have just finished my first year of the course and I am really enjoying it.

“The course is very hands-on so you can put the theory into practice. This really helps us to learn and is great experience for when we come to work in the industry.”

West Cheshire College’s higher education fees are set at £3,375 per year, compared to average university fees which have significantly increased to £7-9k per year.

Sara Mogel, principal at West Cheshire College, said: “With the rising cost of university tuition fees this September, we’re encouraging students to consider West Cheshire College as an alternative place to study.

“Our HE courses have a number of advantages – they are very flexible so people can choose to work as well as study, tuition fees are less and many people continue to live at home therefore helping to reduce living costs.”

For more information about studying HE courses at West Cheshire College call the college hotline on 01244 656 555 or visit www.west-cheshire.ac.uk.