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Thinking about College or University?

Many young people choose to continue their education beyond secondary school. This can be a fun and rewarding experience as further and higher education usually see their students as young adults and allow a greater degree of freedom while also expecting a greater degree of maturity and commitment to learning. We are fortunate to have a number of further and higher education institutions in the North East region, each offering a range of different qualification types and subjects. Click here to use a map to see these institutions, and find their website and contact details underneath.

There are some differences between a further education (FE) college and university. Some students see college as a stepping stone if they don’t feel comfortable or ready for university, or if they want to enhance their education in one sector before applying for a degree.

Colleges are more likely to focus on practical skills, but universities will split teaching between method, theory and practice.

Another thing to notice is that full university degrees tend to be three or even four years long, whereas college courses will often only be one or two years.

Students – In an FE college, the students will more likely be mixed in both age and subjects. You’re more likely to find vocational subjects and skills-learning in an FE college than at university, where students study for degree qualifications such as bachelor’s, master’s and doctorates.

Learning – There are some differences in teaching methods between colleges and universities. Colleges are likely to have smaller classes and more intimate learning, allowing for more questions and face-to-face interaction with professors. Both tutors at FE colleges and universities will be of similar standard. Some may even teach at both kinds of institutions.

Graduate opportunities – An FE college degree will be awarded by a partner university, so the qualifications you’ll gain from both will be considered by employers. Other parts of your CV will usually be more important than the actual place you studied at, such as the grades you got and any extracurricular skills you gained.

College or foundation year at university? – Another option is a foundation year at university, which is essentially year zero – a year to get up to speed before you start the three- or four-year degree.

Funding – You can also find additional information at our page about scholarships and funding options 

This decision is personal and you should weigh up the pros and cons of both options. A foundation year at uni will add a year to your degree but can be helpful in making sure you’re ready to progress. A college course may be all you want or need to get you earning an income, but you’re also able to continue to uni afterwards.

Some courses already come with a foundation degree attached, such as the Art Foundation Diploma, designed to get you up to speed before completing your Art & Design degree.

Ultimately every student must make the decision about the college and course that is right for them!

Applying to Further/ Higher Education and Technical courses

Which College

Do some research into the colleges close to you; look in to things such as can you get there, how long is the journey? Do these colleges seem like somewhere you could happily study for one, two or three years; is there support for students, financial help, active clubs, and societies? Look at a map of all the colleges in the local area and see which you could travel to. Explore their websites to see what they offer.

Find a course:

Find a course to suit your interests, strengths, and future career plans. Check the entry criteria to see if you think you will meet the grades required and then have a back-up, just in case your exams don’t go to plan. Contact your chosen college if you are not sure. And what about the courses? Ask yourself where you want them to lead toward, what do you enjoy, what are your strengths and interests?

Investigate the travel options:

 How will you get there? How long will it take to get there? How much will it cost? Can you share a lift? How long is the journey?

If you are on a low income or live more than three miles from the college you may want to contact the college to find out if there is any help towards the cost of travel. Lots of colleges offer travel passes through deals with local bus or train companies. Some colleges may have funds or bursaries to support students with these expenses.

An open evening/day will give you a chance to look around the college and talk to staff and current students. There may also be presentations about different courses or aspects of college life, such as enrichment activities, sports clubs, or Student Union, for example.

Useful questions you could ask at an open event:

  • What are the entry requirements?
  • Will I have to take Maths and/or English in addition to my main course?
  • How is the course taught and assessed?
  • What do you learn about on the course?
  • Will this course help me to get into a specific career?
  • What do current students say about the course?
  • Where do people go on to after they finish the course?
  • What opportunities are there for employability or volunteering activities?
  • What help is available for me if I have specific learning needs or a disability.
  • What are the facilities like?
  • What can you get involved in outside of lessons?

Further Education for under 19s is free but some study programmes may have additional costs associated with them. Find out if there are any extra costs like exam fees, trips, materials, tools or a uniform.

All colleges are able to advise on financial support for students (learner support funds, bursaries, grants). Often these funds are based on your household earnings. Find out if you are eligible for any financial support with these costs by enquiring at the college.

If you have applied for several different types of courses the college may contact you to offer you some careers advice. Each college has their own application form which may be available online to download or to request as a paper form. There may be different application forms for part time or full-time courses or different types of course, such as Access to HE.

Once you have applied to the college/learning provider, they will usually invite you for an interview. The application process might simply consist of choosing the course online via the college/providers website and submitting your personal contact details to register for that course. The process is normally straight forward and can be completed on your behalf by a consenting adult if support is needed. The whole process should not take long to complete.

Applying for a Higher Education level course in a FE College

Prepare for an interview

If you are applying for a Foundation Degree or a HNC/HND course you may need to use the UCAS application form or the college application form. Check with the college.

  • Make sure you give a great first impression; be on time or early, turn off your mobile phone and be prepared.
  • You may be invited to an audition, an aptitude test or interview depending on the course you are applying for – these details will be sent to you when you are given an interview invitation.
  • If you are set a piece of work to bring along, make sure you put some effort into this, as this may be as important as the interview and can be used to judge your level of English, as well as your presentation skills.
  • Most creative courses such as Art or Photography like to see a portfolio of work at interview. This does not have to be schoolwork; it could be something you do in your own time!
  • Make sure you are enthusiastic about the course and be prepared to talk about yourself. Below are some typical interview questions you may be asked.
  • Let the college know if you have additional needs or a disability and if they need to support you at the interview or you would like to bring someone along.
  • In most cases, you will be made a ‘provisional’ offer. This means that if you meet the entry requirements you will be able to join the course. If you are waiting on exam results, and you do not do as well as you had hoped, contact the college as they may be able to offer you an alternative course.

Typical Interview Questions:

  • What do you know about the subject you are applying to study?
  • Why are you interested in this subject?
  • Why do you want to attend this college in particular?
  • What are your short-term and long-term goals?
  • What do you like to do in your spare time?
  • Have you ever done any volunteering?
  • What makes you more suitable for the course than another applicant with the same grades?
  • What do you think will be your biggest challenge?

You will hear in writing if you have been offered a place or not. You may be offered a place on an alternative course if you are not successful in your first choice.

Make sure you let the college know if you want to accept your place, so the college continues to hold the place open for you.

Taster Days

 You might be invited for a taster day or induction event to see if you like the course before you get your results.

Results

  • When you have received your exam results confirm your offer or your back up offer if you have one.
  • You will need to bring evidence of your exam grades to college when you enrol on your course.
  • The colleges offer lots of support and advice so if you change your mind or don’t get the results you were hoping for you can contact the college to speak to a careers adviser.
  • If you have not achieved a level 4+ in English and/or maths in your GCSEs, you will have to study these at college either as a re-sit or a Functional Skills course as part of your study programme.

 

Before Starting your Course:

 Most colleges will write to you with information you need to start your study programme:

  • The date of your enrolment day and what you need to bring.
  • Any fees you need to pay.
  • College term dates
  • How to get help with financial costs
  • How to order any uniform, materials, and books you will need
  • Make sure you have investigated how you are going to get to college, especially if you are using public transport.
  • Check dates – It is important that you do not miss enrolment or the start of your course and this can be as close to GCSE results day.
Useful websites:

Help a young person make career choices | National Careers Service

Find a Course | National Careers Service

Education advice if you have special educational needs or a disability | National Careers Service

How to apply for college in the UK | Prospects.ac.uk

Applying for college | My World of Work

Higher education courses: find and apply – GOV.UK