Teesside University College Partnership
The Teesside University College Partnership (TUCP) will provide opportunities, across the Tees Valley, for entry to Teesside University higher education courses, delivered to an excellent standard by our partner colleges.
Vision
To be the leading provider of education and training opportunities from entry to Level 8 in the Tees Valley providing an outstanding student and learning experience.
Mission
The Teesside University Colleges Partnership utilises stakeholder intelligence to design and deliver education and training opportunities to the communities of the Tees Valley.
Working with businesses and the professions to ensure we have a future-ready workforce.
Teesside University and our partner colleges (TUCP) share similar values and a passion for the Tees Valley. As partners, we strive to address the economic needs of the Tees Valley through a seamless pathway of education and training to higher education level. Together we are able to expand and respond to the economic and education climate through shared strategic thinking and innovative collaboration with businesses.
The partnership benefits the University, colleges, business and especially the students. We are all fully committed to giving students the knowledge, skills and experience they need to succeed. offering progression routes from entry level to postgraduate study. Students will have access to all the superb facilities at their place of study ( Darlington College, Hartlepool College of Further Education, Redcar & Cleveland College, Stockton Riverside College) along with those at the Middlesbrough campus of Teesside University - including the library and Students' Union.
Pathways of learning and development
The TUCP offers a range of pathways of learning and development in the following subject clusters. Select the drop down to find out more about the subjects delivered and progression pathways.
Business & Professional Services
By 2035, the UK will be the world's most trusted adviser to global industry, with the most dynamic and productive Business Development and Professional Services (BD&PS) sector, remaining the world's second-largest exporter of BD&PS, according to the UK government*. Businesses from every industry and geography will rely on UK firms to help them succeed in a more unpredictable world, thanks to their high knowledge intensity, insights into regulatory and geopolitical change, track record in improving business efficiency, and managed services.
TUCP will continue to build a highly skilled, digitally literate domestic BD&PS workforce to ensure the sector has the skilled supply of people to fill the high-quality, well-paying jobs.
Our business and professional services portfolio ranges from business and management across sectors including enterprise, creative industries, international, aviation and tourism, accounting and economics.
*Gov.UK, (2025). UK government's Professional and Business Services Sector Plan.
Creative & Digital Industries
The UK’s creative industries contribute around £125bn to the economy every year and support 2.4m jobs, making them one of the country’s most dynamic and future-focused sectors. This thriving cluster spans a diverse range of disciplines, including film and television production, games art and design, animation and visual effects, graphic and industrial design, architecture, performing arts, and creative technologies - blending cultural expression with powerful economic impact.
In 2025 the UK Government developed a Creative Industries Sector Plan* to ensure the UK’s creative industries sector can capitalise on new commercial opportunities and is at the forefront of tackling the challenges of our era – from managing the rise of new technologies to building a resilient, skilled, and diverse workforce. This plan will ensure that the UK is the number one destination worldwide for investment in creativity and innovation and aims to significantly increase investment by 2035.
In the North East of England, creativity and culture are at the heart of the region’s identity and future growth. Supported by a vibrant digital and tech ecosystem, and cultural assets like MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art), the region is becoming recognised nationally and internationally for excellence in immersive media, animation, digital storytelling and next-generation content creation.
Digital technologies are transforming the creative landscape, reshaping how ideas are developed, shared and experienced. From artificial intelligence and real-time rendering to virtual and augmented reality, interactive media and generative design, these emerging tools are breaking down barriers between disciplines and redefining how audiences engage with creative work. Beyond the arts, these innovations are driving positive change across education, healthcare, manufacturing and heritage.
At Teesside University, we’re at the forefront of this evolution. We’ve invested heavily in our creative and digital infrastructure, including the new Digital Life building - a cutting-edge facility dedicated to AI, computing, cyber security, gaming, animation, VFX, digital media, immersive technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This commitment underpins our focus on nurturing future talent, advancing research-led innovation, and building meaningful partnerships with industry.
Our creative cluster offers a mix of subject disciplines, including animation, concept art, film and television production, design and music and sound production. Our digital technologies cluster includes AI, computer science, cyber security, IT and software engineering.
By aligning our expertise with regional strengths and national priorities, we’re helping shape a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive creative and digital technologies economy - right here in the North East, across the UK and beyond.
Education & Teacher Training
Teesside University is committed to developing the next generation of educators through a diverse and inclusive portfolio of teacher training and education programmes. Delivered in partnership with regional colleges and schools, our education and teacher training provision supports the development of skilled, reflective practitioners who are equipped to meet the evolving needs of learners across all age phases.
Our programmes span primary, secondary, and post-compulsory education sectors, with QTS, and a wide range of PGCE routes in specialist subjects such as English, math, science, computing, and design technology. These courses integrate academic study with professional practice, ensuring graduates are classroom-ready and confident in their pedagogical approach.
In 2024, 91% of education students at Teesside agreed that their course had developed the knowledge and skills they need for their future careers (National Student Survey 2024). Our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes were rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2024, with inspectors praising the University’s innovative approach, strong partnerships, and commitment to developing resilient teachers for the Tees Valley region.
The UK continues to face a significant shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in STEM subjects and modern foreign languages. In response, the Department for Education has introduced bursaries and scholarships of up to £31,000 for those training to teach in high-demand areas such as physics, chemistry, computing, and math. Additionally, schools can access salary grants of up to £29,000 for apprenticeships, making teaching a more accessible and financially viable career path.
Teesside University is proud to contribute to this national effort by offering high-quality, research-informed teacher training programmes that prepare graduates to make a meaningful impact in classrooms across the UK. Our regional delivery model ensures accessibility and relevance to local communities, while supporting the national agenda to address teacher shortages.
Health, Wellbeing & Life Sciences
Health, wellbeing and life sciences encompasses various aspects of health, including mental and physical health, not only about treating and curing illness but also how to promote healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of illness. Life expectancy varies across the UK and is significantly lower in areas of deprivation (DoH&SC, 2025*). This area focuses on improving personal health and wellbeing in a variety of ways and local authorities are now tasked with working together to improve the health and wellbeing of people living within their local areas to have the best start in life and a longer, healthier life expectancy.
Activities and roles within this sector includes practitioners in physical activity and sport, life sciences, health care for diagnosis and treatment of illness and injuries, in addition to managerial and support roles. The health and wellbeing sector is now moving into a world of digital innovation and as demands for personalised care to reduce health inequalities, improving mental health services and promoting healthier lifestyles.
TUCP offers over 25 programmes at entry level into higher education, with progression routes from Level 2/3 qualifications into health, wellbeing, sport-related and life sciences sectors, with progression routes into top-up degrees/degrees and professional practice.
*DoH&SC, (2025), Health trends and variation in England 2025: a Chief Medical Officer Report
Sustainable Engineering & Construction
Engineering and construction are at the heart of the UK economy, and nowhere is this more true than in the North East of England. Together, these industries drive innovation, boost productivity and underpin critical national priorities such as the transition to net zero, advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure and modern methods of construction. They provide thousands of high-value jobs locally and contribute billions to the regional and national economy every year.
TUCP we have created a cluster of engineering and construction courses designed in close partnership with industry. This partnership reflects our commitment to meeting skills needs today - and building the future workforce that will shape tomorrow.
Our approach creates a clear, supported journey for learners - from Level 3 through to accredited degree-level study and beyond - giving you the confidence to plan your future and the skills to transform it.
Explore our courses in sustainable engineering and construction
Why choose the Teesside University College Partnership?
As a student you benefit from:
Seamless learning and progression
Whether you’re starting with a Level 3 diploma, T Level or apprenticeship, you’ll benefit from a clearly defined pathway leading to HNC and degree-level study. Our curriculum removes barriers and ensures your learning builds stage by stage, so you’re always ready for what comes next. Progression routes support access to higher qualifications, professional registration, and long-term career development.
Excellent learning environment and support
Access to industry-standard simulation suites, clinical skills labs, and bioscience facilities. Courses include practical learning through placements, projects, and applied activities. Academic and support teams provide tailored guidance throughout the student journey.
Industry-informed and career-ready courses
All programmes are co-developed with local and national industry partners to reflect real-world demands and the latest technologies. You’ll gain skills and knowledge employers value now and future-proof expertise to adapt as industries evolve.
Practical, hands-on learning
From day one, you’ll apply what you learn through projects, labs and industry-led assignments. State-of-the-art workshops and digital facilities help you develop practical skills, creativity and confidence that go beyond textbooks.
Expert support all the way
You’re supported by staff who understand education and the realities of working in engineering and construction. You’ll get personalised advice, mentoring and careers guidance to help shape your ambitions into achievable goals.
Opportunities that grow with you
Whether you want to become a chartered engineer, a specialist project manager, or a leader in sustainable and digital construction, our partnership pathway keeps doors open to higher qualifications and professional recognition. Many routes are available through apprenticeship funding, helping you earn while you learn.
Choosing Teesside University and its college partners means you join a connected learning community built around your aspirations and powered by the needs of industry. Together, we are investing in the future - for you, for the North East, and for the UK.
Shape tomorrow’s world. Start your journey today.
