Which course is for me?
Choosing the right course for you is a big decision, with so many options available. Please don't be daunted as we are here to help.
First, take a look at the information here, which tells you about the main types of courses, what goals each type can help you achieve and the specific courses available at The Manchester College.
If you still have any questions or would prefer to have a chat with our Course Enquiries Team, give us a call on 0800 068 8585.
A Levels – Climb the academic ladder
Are A Levels for me?
If you intend to go to university, the most popular route is to take A Levels.
A Levels are only suitable for students who are likely to achieve at least five GCSEs at grade A-C.
For each AS Level and A Level you complete, you will obtain UCAS tariff points. These points are designed to give you an idea of what score you will need to achieve to study your chosen subject at your preferred university.
How can The Manchester College help me?
Our students normally study between 3-4 A Level subjects and are offered lots of support with their studies every step of the way.
Vocational Courses – Kick start your career
Is a vocational course for me?
If you want to learn specific skills relevant to a particular industry or sector, a vocational course would be best for you.
How can The Manchester College help me?
We offer a wide variety of qualifications, including BTEC courses, NVQs, City & Guilds qualifications and the new Diploma. Most of these courses can be studied at foundation, intermediate or advanced levels.
When you come to see us, you will complete an initial assessment which will allow us to put you on the right level course for you. Studied at an advanced level, most of these qualifications will allow entry on to higher education courses, including degree courses or HNDs.
Search for vocational courses at The Manchester College.
Apprenticeships – Train whilst working
Is an Apprenticeship for me?
Apprenticeships allow 16-25 year olds to start work and earn a wage, while learning new skills that lead to nationally recognised qualifications.
They combine learning with hands-on experience and are designed with the help of employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills needed to do a job well.
How can The Manchester College help me?
As an apprentice, most of your training takes place on the job, but you will also complete off-the-job training within college by day release or over a number of days in a block. It is expected that one in five young people will take the Apprenticeship route within the next decade.
Get the basics
You need to improve your English and maths skills / English is not your first language
Go to… Get the basics
Make a fresh start
You’re unhappy with your current position and you’re looking for a change of direction
Go to... Make a fresh start
Earn and learn
You’re happy with the career path you’re on and want to progress further up the career ladder
Go to… Earn and learn
Refresh your skills
You want to refresh your knowledge or learn new skills but don’t want the hassle of exams or coursework
Go to… Refresh your skills
Access to university and work
You want to go to university but don’t have the qualifications
Go to… Access to university and work
Learn a language
You want to learn a new language that will add value to your CV
Go to… Learn a language
Reach higher
You want to study a university level course at a cost you can afford
Go to… Reach higher
Studying higher education (HE) at The Manchester College rather than a traditional university is increasingly more affordable, and also offers the benefits of smaller class sizes, specialised courses and more individual attention.
Here is a quick guide to the HE qualifications we offer…
What is a higher national certificate (HNC)?
You can study for an HNC in work-related subjects. It is awarded for successfully completing practical, vocational training that prepares you for a career in a particular area.
An HNC is usually studied on a part-time basis over two years and is roughly equivalent in level to the first year of an undergraduate degree.
Once completed, you can complete a top-up course to convert the qualification to an HND.
Search for HNC courses at The Manchester College.
What is a higher national diploma (HND)?
An HND is similar to an HNC but additional units are studied. It is usually studied on a full-time basis over two years and is roughly equivalent in level to the second year of an undergraduate degree.
Search for HND courses at The Manchester College.
What is a foundation degree?
A foundation degree is a modern HE work-related qualification designed and developed together with employers to equip you with the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.
A foundation degree is flexible and accessible in that it can be studied full-time or part-time. All of your relevant work experience will be taken into account when you apply for a place.
A foundation degree is equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree and is worth between 240 and 280 credits. The qualification can stand alone, but it can also lead to the third year of a suitable honours degree at a partner university.
Search for foundation degree courses at The Manchester College.
What is a bachelor's degree?
A bachelor's degree is the most common type of HE qualification, with around 50,000 to choose from in the UK alone.
A full-time degree usually takes three years whilst part-time degrees can vary in length from three years up to eight years. The two most common degrees are Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc).
Search for bachelor's degree courses at The Manchester College.
What is postgraduate study?
Some people find higher education so rewarding and interesting that, after graduating, they continue their studies by undertaking a postgraduate diploma or a masters degree.
A postgraduate diploma is commonly awarded to students who have completed most or all of the elements of a masters programme, but did not finish the masters dissertation.
Search for postgraduate degree courses at The Manchester College.
The Manchester College offers both further education and higher education courses.
If you are unsure about which course would be best suited to your future career plans, please contact us to discuss your options.
Further education courses
We provide a selection of further education routes including a full range of A Levels, vocational courses such as BTEC national diplomas and foundation/access programmes, to give you the best start towards higher education.
A Levels
A Levels are the traditional academic route to university in the UK. It takes two years to complete an A Level programme. In the first year you will select a combination of up to four subjects to study and in the second year you may continue studying three of these subjects to gain a full A Level qualification before progressing to university.
While studying for your A Levels, you will be able to attend English language support classes if you need to improve your level of English.
Search for A Level courses at The Manchester College.
Vocational qualifications
Vocational qualifications are broad-based qualifications where you learn skills relevant to a variety of areas of industry or commerce. Courses such as the BTEC national diploma are available in a wide range of subjects and can offer an alternative route into university in the UK or a natural progression into employment.
Search for vocational courses at The Manchester College.
Higher education courses
The Manchester College offers a full range of higher education (HE) courses which are characterised by small class sizes and high levels of individual student support provided by experienced and committed tutors.
Foundation degrees
Foundation degrees are degree level qualifications designed with employers. They offer a practical approach to studying, combining academic study with workplace learning. They include an industry work placement and focus on preparing you for your chosen career through first hand experience. Full-time courses usually take two years to complete and are equivalent to the first two years of a three-year bachelor’s degree.
All our foundation degrees are accredited by some of the best universities in the region.
After completing your foundation degree, you can undertake further study to top-up to a full degree. The college has links with many universities and we will help you progress to the course of your choice. You could join the final year of compatible BA or BSc degree courses or progress to further professional qualifications or employment.
The foundation year
The UK education system requires students to have studied for 13 years before starting university. Some countries around the world have a 12-year education system; therefore UK universities often ask that international students complete a 'foundation year' before applying. However, most UK honours degrees are only three years long, so students will still graduate at the same time as they would if studying a four-year degree course, as in other countries.
Foundation year programmes cover a number of academic subjects and also provide students with the study skills they will need to successfully undertake university studies.
Search for foundation degree and foundation year courses at The Manchester College.
HNC/HND programmes
These programmes also combine academic knowledge and practical skills within an internationally recognised HE qualification. They take up to two years to complete and are equivalent to the first two years of a three-year UK bachelor’s degree. On completion of an HND course, successful students can progress to the final year of a related degree course at university.
Search for HNC/HND courses at The Manchester College.
Access programmes
Access programmes are suitable for students aged 19+. They are specifically designed one-year programmes, which prepare you for a relevant degree programme. Assessment is through a combination of coursework, projects and examinations.
Search for access courses at The Manchester College.
English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
The Manchester College offers English language courses which are inspected and accredited by the British Council as part of the English in Britain Accreditation Scheme.
As a student on the EFL course you will complete a test and an interview in order to assess your level of English and you will be allocated a course appropriate to your level.
We offer language development courses at a range of levels. Students can choose to attend from one to three terms, depending on their needs.
Students of other academic programmes receive up to five hours of English support per week at no extra charge.
English Language Summer School
The Manchester College’s English Language Summer School is an excellent experience for international students. In addition to improving your English, you will learn a lot from social interaction with students from many other countries.
Training for your sector
Find out about our sector specific training.
Apply online
Find a course and apply online using our course finder.
Which course is for me?
Find out which course is the right one for you.
Term dates
Find out the college's term dates for 2010/11 ...