What courses are available?

The Regional Colleges offer courses – including two-year Higher Education Foundation Degrees - in Art and Design, Food and Hospitality, Built Environment and Construction, Communication and Media, ICT, Sport, Travel and Tourism, Engineering and Manufacturing, Sustainability and Green technologies, Business and Finance. However, do please check through individual college websites or contact the college for places available.

What are the requirements for English language?

For admission, the Colleges requires students to obtain IELTS 5.5 or equivalent.

How do I apply for a course?

Download the International Application Form from the college website and post it to us together with other supporting documents as required. When we receive your application we will contact you advising you of your application result.

Please make sure that you provided as much detail as possible in the application form including your full home address and post-code.

When do I need to apply?

You need to make your application no later than the end of June for the following autumn session.

Do I need to pay a deposit for admission purposes?

To help the College secure your place of study, students are generally required to pay a deposit which is fully refundable if your visa application is not successful and you inform the college appropriately.

How long do I need to wait for my application to be processed?

On average, it takes the College 3 weeks to assess your application and make an offer to you. However you should allow up to 5 weeks to receive your offer letter.

What is the difference between an ‘Unconditional offer’ and a ‘Conditional offer’?

If you meet the requirements on English language and already have the results of your examinations, and they are suitable, you will be given an 'Unconditional Offer' after you have paid your deposit. This means that if you decide to accept our offer of a study place, your place is guaranteed and you should go on to apply for you visa as soon as possible.

If you are still taking your examinations or are waiting to hear your results or haven’t paid the deposit, you may be given a 'conditional offer'. A 'conditional offer' means that we will offer you a study place if you achieve the grades we ask for in the subjects that are specified in the offer. If you do not pass your exams or get lower grades than you are asked for, or haven’t paid your deposit, you will still be considered, but a place cannot be guaranteed.

Can I study part time?

UK immigration regulations require students from abroad (except those from EEA countries) to study full-time in order to qualify for entry as a student. If you are in the UK with immigration status other than a student, e.g. you are dependant of a student, you can study part-time.

Can I continue to do a degree course after HNC/D?

Yes, successful completion of your HNC/D programme would qualify you to join a degree course from the 2nd or 3rd year in a UK university.

Will my qualifications be recognised?

Yes. Many overseas school-leaving certificates, college diplomas, university degrees and other qualifications are recognised. To check the equivalence of your qualification with those in Northern Ireland write to NARIC – the National Academic Recognition Information Centre – for advice:

UK NARIC
ECCTIS 2000 Ltd
Oriel House
Oriel Road
Cheltenham
GL50 1XP
T: +44 (0) 1242 260010
F: + 44 (0) 1242 258600

If your qualifications are insufficient it might be necessary for you to study an access / foundation course or a lower qualification than you intended in order to achieve the required level for entry to your desired course.

How do my qualifications compare to UK qualifications?

The National Academic Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC) can give information and advice on the comparability of overseas qualifications with those from the UK. Find them at: www.naric.org.uk.

Will a Northern Ireland qualification be recognised in my home country?

A degree or qualification obtained in Northern Ireland has the same status as any other qualification obtained in the UK. All UK qualifications are generally recognised and well respected throughout the world.

Do I need Entry Clearance (a visa) to study?

Before arriving in the UK, the nationals of certain countries must obtain entry clearance. These countries, known as ‘visa-national’ countries, are determined by the British Government.

The UK visas web site features a visa enquiry form where applicants can check if they require a visa. Go to www.ukvisas.gov.uk.