Full-Time

After leaving school, you will be faced with lots of important decisions on what route to take next. That’s where Peterborough College can help – We have an extensive range of full-time courses which will provide you with the necessary tools, experience, knowledge and qualifications to enable you to start on the path to your dream career!

Contact us

• Call 0345 872 8722
• Course application email: admissions@peterborough.ac.uk
• General enquiries email: info@peterborough.ac.uk
• Online chat  – our live chat facility is available on every page of our website where you will be able to chat with one of our advisors
• Online enquiry form – you can also submit an online enquiry through our contact us form

Virtual Campus Tour

How to Apply

• How to apply

  
  The easiest way to search for a course is by subject area or using our course search facility. Select the course you wish to apply for and click the ‘Apply’ button. Once you have submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email from us that your application has been received and is being processed. We will continue to stay in touch with you and provide updates regarding your application with us.

  If you require assistance in completing the application please contact us and we will be able to help.

• Interview Process

  
  Once you have submitted your application the Admissions team will be in touch about the next step. The interview process will be a little different from normal due to COVID restrictions. You will sent full details of the arrangements in due course.

• Starting your course in September

  
  The first six weeks of your course are the beginning of our Steps to Success Programme. Within this programme you will be able to access support and decide if the course you have begun is the right one for you and your future. These include (but are not limited to):

  • Allowing you to change course if you change your mind
  • Moving you between course levels if you are finding the current level too easy/too hard
  • Incorporating English and maths GCSE into your timetable if you require it (16-18 year old students only)
  • Supporting you with accessing external work experience as part of your study programme
  • Providing access to additional learning support should you need extra support in the classroom or an assessment for learning resources
  • Regular 1:1 meetings with your personal tutor (Achievement Support Lead), who will get to know you and ensure you are happy and engaged with your course
  • One-to-one reviews with your academic tutor to ensure you are progressing and achieving well

  Our commitment to student success is paramount, we are successfully using technology innovatively and have rolled out Google Education Suite, allowing our students to combine classroom contact with remote learning.

• Why choose Peterborough College?

  
  The College prides itself on providing superb facilities to all our students and a strong emphasis is placed upon preparing our students for the world of work.

  Our courses include practical and technical skills development as well as the underpinning knowledge to support progression into further education, higher education, apprenticeships and employment. Our excellent links with employers will help to prepare you for your next steps, whether that is through ‘real life’ work projects, work experience placements or specialist guest lectures. Our extensive Higher Education offer through University Centre Peterborough means that students have a broad choice of options up to undergraduate degree level, all within one campus.

  We offer much more than qualifications, our aim is to ensure that all our students develop key employability and life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, problem solving and resilience. We actively encourage our students to aim high.

  We are committed to our students, their families, our community, our employers and our regional partners. Collaboration, teamwork and excellence are at the heart of all that we do. We work hard to develop a respectful and open culture that celebrates the diversity of our city which in turn creates a caring, friendly, supportive and inclusive place to learn and work.

  If you decide that Peterborough College is the place to study then whatever your abilities or ambitions, we are confident that we will have a course to meet your needs.

• Which course is right for me?

  
  Below is a guide on the levels we offer along with a brief explanation:

  Entry Level – Entry level courses help develop your personal and work skills, in preparation for further qualifications and study levels. They are available at three levels and include subjects such as Childcare, Health & Social Care, ESOL and Motor Vehicle.

  Level 1 – Foundation Level – Level 1 courses usually last for one year and are ideal for those with little knowledge of the subject area. On successful completion learners can move onto study a Level 2 course if they meet the entry requirements.

  Level 2 – Intermediate Level – Level 2 courses usually last for one year and are equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grade 4 and above (or grade C and above on the previous grading system). A level 2 course will develop your subject knowledge further and build on your practical experience at college and through work experience. On successful completion learners can move onto study a level 3 course if they meet the entry requirements.

  Level 3 – Advanced Level – Level 3 courses generally last two years, depending on the size of qualification. They are equivalent to A Levels and are designed to develop an in-depth knowledge of a particular subject area, essential for progression onto University or into higher level roles in the world of work.

  Level 4/5 – Higher Education – Level 4/5 courses are degree level courses. Level 4 HNCs usually last for one year, and level 5 HNDs for two years, and aim to develop a specialised in-depth knowledge of a subject area. After successful completion of the level 5, learners can gain employment or alternatively progress onto a ‘top up’ degree. Other HE qualifications include Foundation Degrees, NVQ 4 and 5, Higher Apprenticeships and other Professional qualifications.

• Will my college course allow me to progress to University?

  
  Yes, over 95% of universities will accept a BTEC Extnded if you have achieved a good grade. BTEC Nationals can be worth up to 168 UCAS points – this is equivalent to 3 A-Levels.

  Please note: Different courses have different requirements so we recommend students do their own research to check entry requirements at their university of choice.

• How many hours a week will I be studying?

  
  Hours per week will vary between courses, but typically you will have 15-20 hours  of lessons with your teacher. At the present time, teaching is a combination of classroom contact and remote learning. In addition, you will be required to study independently and some courses such as performing arts or catering will also require you to be available some evenings for performances or themed catering events (subject to COVID restrictions). Tutors will discuss your hours in further detail at interview.

• How will I get to College?

  
  We offer a number of bus routes to college from a wide range of areas in and around Peterborough. See our transport section for further information.

• What is expected of me?

  
  Parents of students under 18 will receive attendance reports and are notified if their son/daughter does not turn up to class.

  At college, we believe in your independence and we treat you like an adult. Outside of your taught lessons you will be required to complete some self-study. If you are timetabled for remote learning you will be expected to complete work in the same way as if you were attending class. Your attendance is monitored weekly, including remote learning, and our tutors enforce a strict attendance policy.