Advice for Adult Learners

Our Levels 1-3 courses, known as ‘study programmes’, are one or two year duration NVQ, VRQ, and BTEC Diplomas. These are work related vocational qualifications containing a mixture of theory and practical’s.

Your enrolment to a course is subject to an offer being made to you by the course department, your grades meeting the published entry criteria and if spaces are still available on the programme in question.

Adult learners are welcome to book an appointment to an advice session to discuss starting a full-time further education course with us.

To speak to a tutor please book an advice session using the link below:

Applications for Access to Higher Education Diplomas are still open, and you can see the diplomas we offer using the link below

If you would like to speak to a tutor before making an application you can book an advice session using the link below:

Applications for our part-time AAT Accounting Diplomas (Levels 2,3,4) are still open, and you can see the courses we offer using the link below:

If you would like to speak to a tutor before making an application you can book an advice session using the link below:

Late enrolments might be available for both those looking to start at level 2, and for those who have previously studied and completed a level 2 at another training provider, or are currently studying level 2 with another training provider, and would like to enrol directly onto level 3.

Your enrolment to a course is subject to an offer being made to you by the course department, your grades meeting the published entry criteria and if spaces are still available on the programme in question.

To speak to a tutor please book an advice session using the link below:

I’m looking for an Apprenticeship – what are my options?

There are a number of options available to you at this stage of the application cycle. If you are interested in an Apprenticeship and have a contract offer of employment in place then please choose the option for your age from the below:

19 years or older: Please click the ’19+ Years – How to Apply’ button located on each individual apprenticeship course page, where you will be taken to the application form.

What if I don’t have an employer?

If you do not have a contract offer of employment from an employer in place then there a number of options still available to you:

We have apprenticeship vacancies available throughout the year in a variety of industries.

View our live vacancies

All you have to do is complete and submit our Talent Pool application form, attend a pre-screening assessment/interview and be available when contacted. We will then send your details along with your profile to employers looking for an apprentice, inform you if you are selected and send your guidance to prepare you for interview.

Join our Talent Pool

If you would like to speak to our Apprenticeship Team at an Advice Session please book an appointment using the link below:

We are still accepting applications for degree level programmes at University Centre Colchester, through the UCAS Clearing process for full-time study, and directly to University Centre Colchester for part-time study.

We are still accepting applications for Higher Technical Level 4/5 qualifications in Engineering, and applications are made online via the individual course pages on this website.

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), are work-related, or vocational, higher education qualifications. They are specialist technical courses that will help you gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours you need for employment within your chosen field, progress within a current career in order to gain professional status or recognition, or to prepare you for further study.

These courses will start in September 2025.

We offer a range of Online Courses for adults learners, ranging from entry level programmes through to flexible learning qualifications for career skills.

Information about how to apply can be found on the individual course pages.

We offer a range of English and Maths courses for adults learners, ranging from entry level to Functional Skills programmes.

Information about how to apply and booking your assessment can be found on the individual course pages.

Assessments for those looking to start in September have now closed.

The next assessment days will take place later on in the autumn term and these assessment days will be for for programmes starting in January 2026.

To apply to study an English Language programme with us you will need to complete the application form and this form is accessed from the menu on the individual course page.

If you have any further questions about the application process or next available start date, want to check the progress of your application or if you are unsure about anything please contact us using the enquiry line or enquiry form.

We are currently working hard to set any outstanding dates for our short courses. If you would like to receive a notification when these courses are ready to take bookings, please use the ‘Register your interest button’ on the individual course page to provide your contacts details.

As soon as a start date is confirmed and available to purchase we will email out our autumn term dates along with a link to our Online Store for payment.

Free National Careers Advice Sessions

Whatever your situation, we’re here to help you overcome problems and reach your goals. We’ll help you build on your strengths, improve your skills, and find a job or career that matches your skills and personality.

To ask a question or to arrange a free National Careers Service Advice & Guidance session at our nearest campus or adult skills centre then please contact us via the link below to book an appointment.