| Qualification | Description | Typical Duration | Progression Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher National Certificate (HNC) | Valued by employers and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations. You can convert your HNC to a HND and/or an Honours degree with extra study. | 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time | HND or Honours Degree or employment |
| Higher National Diploma (HND) | Designed to give you the skills for a particular field of work. They can lead straight to a career and can also be used to progress within a current career. A HND can be converted to an Honours degree with extra study. | 2 years full-time (longer part-time) | Honours Degree or employment |
| Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) | Mixes a work-based learning programme and leads to a nationally recognised qualification at Level 4 and above. This hands-on approach lets you earn while you gain experience and build industry-specific skills. | Usually 2 years full-time | Further study at university or employment |
| Foundation Degree | Blends academic study with practical, work-related learning and offers a route into employment, a way to progress within an existing job or the opportunity to re-skill in a new profession. A Foundation degree is a standalone qualification, and upon completion, with appropriate grades, you may be eligible for exemption from the first year of a related degree programme at some Universities. | 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time | Honours Degree (year 2) or employment |
| Honours Degree | A full undergraduate programme (BA Hons, BSc Hons) that generally takes 3–4 years full-time to complete. Part-time options available. HND or Foundation Degree holders may enter at a later stage. | 3–4 years full-time (varies part-time) | Postgraduate study or professional qualifications or employment |
Visit our informative Q&A section to find everything you need to know about studying higher education at the College. Learn about entry requirements, how your prior experience and qualifications can be recognised, the benefits of pursuing higher education with us and the fees and funding options available to support your studies.
The entrance requirements below identify the minimum qualifications required to apply for a course at the College. This is only a guide, you should refer to the online prospectus for specific entry requirements for individual courses.
A guide on ‘Qualification Equivalences’ is available to help you determine if you meet the entry requirements for your chosen course.
| Level | Qualification | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Higher National Certificate (HNC) | Typically requires a Level 3 qualification such as A-Levels, BTEC National Diploma, or equivalent, plus relevant work experience in some cases. |
| 5 | Higher National Diploma (HND) | Usually requires a Level 3 qualification (A-Levels, BTEC National, or equivalent) or completion of an HNC in a relevant subject. |
| 4+ | Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) | Normally requires A-Levels, BTEC Level 3, or equivalent, and you must be employed in a relevant industry role to undertake the apprenticeship. |
| 5 | Foundation Degree | There is a minimum UCAS tariff requirement. Many courses require specific subjects at GCSE and/or A level or equivalent.Relevant work experience may be considered for mature applicants. |
| 6 | Honours Degree | Usually requires completion of A-Levels, BTEC Level 3, an HND, or a Foundation Degree in a relevant subject. Some degrees accept alternative qualifications or experience. |
We recognise and value your learning gained through previous experience. Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is the process where you can request credit for learning that you have acquired through life experiences (such as uncertificated or unaccredited training or workplace learning), demonstrating that it is equivalent to the achievement of the learning outcomes for a specific module or level of study.
Examples of experiential learning are:
Accrediting your previous learning and/or experience means that you can use it to:
You must contact the appropriate higher education course director. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More detailed timeframes can be found in the APEL Policy. NOTE: your APEL must be relevant to the course you wish to study.
Fees are payable at the start of each year. Some courses may have essential additional costs for items like trips, textbooks, or professional memberships. Fees can be paid in full, by instalments, or through a Student Finance NI/Student Loans Company. You may also be eligible for the College Bursary, scholarships or grants. For full details on fees, payment options and financial support, visit Fees & Funding.
Affordable Option: Study closer to home and cut down on accommodation and travel costs. Our tuition fees are typically lower than those charged by universities.
Earn While You Learn: Through Foundation Degrees and Higher Level Apprenticeships, you can gain valuable work experience and income while studying.
Smaller Class Sizes: Enjoy a more personalised learning experience with increased access to lecturer support.
Strong Industry Connections: Our qualifications are developed in collaboration with employers, ensuring your learning is relevant and aligned with industry needs.
The lecturers at the College are great and have an open-minded and individual approach to their students. They helped me realise that, even though I had left school 20 years ago, I could still do it.
Level 4 HNC Modern Methods of Construction
I chose the Level 3 course after attending an open night, where I spoke to lecturers about the different career paths available. I was finishing Year 12 and wasn’t totally set on returning to sixth form. The course opened my eyes to a new direction.
Level 3 Construction and the Built Environment
Level 4 Healthcare Practice
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