Help to get you started
If doesn’t matter where you are in your learning journey – we can help you find the best place to start.
We offer all prospective students the opportunity to access impartial information, advice and guidance from our Student Support Services team. We will work with you to create a suitable learning pathway to achieve your goals. This may be a change in career, returning to work, Higher Education or just to build your confidence and skills with us.
So, whether you are looking to join us for the first time or returning to the College and you need some extra advice and support, call 01226 667000 or email advice@northern.ac.uk
Use the information below as a guide for where to begin and how to progress.
Short introductory courses and Essential Skills in English and maths
Ready-made course package in a chosen subject area
Select 4 courses that are of interest to you and / or relate to your future plans.
After completing the 4 courses, you may want to do another 4 to continue building confidence or you could move onto some short accredited courses.
A basic knowledge and introduction to a subject / topic
Short accredited courses at Level 1 and Level 2, Functional Skills in English and maths, Essential Digital Skills Qualifications
Ready-made course package in a chosen subject area
Select 1 or 2 accredited courses that relate to your future plans. This will provide you with an opportunity to gain qualifications and prepare you for moving onto longer more substantial qualifications or to look for employment and / or volunteering opportunities.
After completing 1 or 2 Accredited courses, you may want to do 1 or 2 more to continue building confidence or you could move onto our long course accredited Diploma courses.
Level 1 qualifications that are the equivalent to GCSEs Grades 3 to 1 / D to G
Level 2 qualifications that are the equivalent to GCSE’s Grades 9 to 4 / A* to C
Long accredited courses at Diploma Level 2 and Level 3, GCSE English and Maths.
Select 1 long course that will help you to move onto university or employment.
You may also want to study GCSE or Functional Skills qualifications alongside your course that will help you to progress.
Level 2 qualifications that are the equivalent to GCSE’s Grades 9 to 4 / A* to C
Level 3 qualifications that are the equivalent to A Levels or BTECs
University courses at Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6
Select 1 long course that will help you to achieve your chosen career goal.
Level 4 qualifications are the equivalent to Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Level 5 qualifications are the equivalent to a Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND)
Level 6 qualifications are the equivalent to Degree
Careers support whilst at College
As a student of Northern College, you can access a range of support to enable you to progress into further study, employment or volunteering.
We offer:
Click on the College’s Careers Programme to view activity taking place throughout the academic year.
Below are our regular Careers newsletters that we provide for our students.
We also work in partnership with the National Careers Service, to provide careers advice for any prospective and current student. You can book an appointment by contacting the College on 01226 667000. Alternatively, visit the National Careers Service website for further information.
Useful careers information
Prospects is a careers website which includes information on job profiles, as well as advice on CV writing and interview preparation for those seeking employment
The UCAS website (Universities and Colleges Admissions System website) provides comprehensive information on applying to university.
For information on apprenticeships and current opportunities, the Get my first job or Apprenticeships websites are a great place to start.
Alternatively, Volunteering provides an opportunity to give back as well as develop new skills and gain experience.
Take your first step and start your new chapter
We have a wide range of courses to support you to secure your ideal job or build a new career. We will support you every step of the way to achieve your goals. Visit our courses page or contact us to learn more.
Fully focus on your studies by staying on-site with us.
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We have acres of National Trust gardens and parkland to explore right outside our building.
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We’re rated by Ofsted, the UK education standards office, as Outstanding.
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We have outstanding pass rates, to ensure our students achieve and progress.
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We have a whole team to support you through your studies to make sure you do well.
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Make new friends and study alongside like-minded adults as part of our unique learning community.
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