Higher Education

As an integral part of the Liverpool city region, Wirral has Merseyside’s four universities on its doorstep – and easy access to an enormous reservoir of academic resources.

The University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Hope University. and Edge Hill University at Ormskirk can all be reached in 30-minutes or less. 

This is not to mention a further seven additional universities in the Northwest, within about an hour’s travel time. 

Closer to home, Wirral has two further education colleges offering higher education courses, alongside an impressive array of adult education facilities.

Wirral Metropolitan College

Wirral Metropolitan College is the largest provider of post-16 learning on the peninsula and enables students to develop skills and knowledge to pursue successful careers across the gamut of employment opportunities.

Courses are available for people looking to enter employment, already in a job or seeking to go on to higher education.

The college has three campuses:

• Conway Park Campus, in Birkenhead’s Europa Boulevard
• 12 Quays Campus in Morpeth Dock, Birkenhead
• Carlett Park Campus in Eastham

Recent investment of £14 million means the college boasts cutting-edge facilities. The campuses at Carlett Park and Conway Park have been extensively refurbished, while a new modern campus has been built at Twelve Quays.

Courses are available in nearly every work-related area: art and design, business, childhood studies, construction, engineering, hairdressing and beauty therapy, hospitality and catering, health and social care, IT, leisure, travel and tourism, management and professional studies, maths and science, performing arts and media, sports studies, Trade Union studies and uniformed services, as well as basic skills.

In addition, a unique partnership involving Wirral Metropolitan College, Southport College, Alder Training and Knowsley Community College has been awarded Centre of Vocational Excellence in Health and Social Care, known as The Greater Merseyside Health and Social Care CoVE.

Birkenhead Sixth Form College

Opened in 1988 as a specialist centre for advanced level study, Birkenhead Sixth Form College offers 16-19 year old students the academic support to realise their potential.

The college’s results for 2006 were again above the national average.

With a long list of academic and vocational subjects available, the college has a well deserved reputation as a place where students are treated as individuals.

There are state-of-the-art IT facilities, and substantial investment in new, well-equipped buildings reflects a strong commitment to provide a high quality learning environment.

Adult learning

The Education & Cultural Services Department has two designated adult learning centres in Leasowe and Rock Ferry, offering a range of leisure and qualification courses, both daytime and evening.

 University Labour Pools - Liverpool

University Undergraduates                                     51,845

Overseas (% of total)                                               7.2%

University Postgraduates                                         11,325

Overseas (% of total)                                               24.4%