College Level FAQs

What about my travel arrangements?

Those living outside the county should apply to their own council for travel assistance in the first instance. If they do not offer assistance you can apply to Herefordshire Council. Students aged between 16-18 from Herefordshire should apply directly to Herefordshire Council for transport assistance. Students who are 19 or over should visit Herefordshire Council’s website for further guidance or call 01432 260931/ 01432 260937. For more information, please visit our Transport page.

Will I continue to study English and Maths at college?

We believe that it is essential for students to have the opportunity to develop these skills in preparation for the academic demands of higher education and to improve their employment prospects. Unless students have already achieved a GCSE at grade 4 / grade C or above in both Maths and English, students studying a further education course at Hereford College of Arts will also study these subjects alongside their chosen subject area. They will work towards qualifications in either GCSE or Functional Skills, whichever is the most appropriate. For more information, please visit our English and Maths page.

How do I know I am progressing on the course?

Your projects will be assessed throughout the course and there will be regular tutorials where you will get feedback. You will also receive your own Individual Learning Plan (ILP) which sets out your learning goals and objectives and will enable you to track your progress on the course.

Is any homework set?

There are tasks in each project that have to be completed. These may take the form of journals and reflective evaluations to support creative / practical work. What is required will vary from course to course, but we do expect students to work to the best of their ability at all times and to work in the evenings and at weekends when required. This is absolutely necessary if you want to achieve grades higher than a pass and you have hopes of progressing to university.

How do you let my parents know I am making good progress?

We send out reports to parents / guardians twice a year. The report includes details on your attendance and progress. We invite parents/guardians into college to discuss the reports and to view your current work. We also invite parents to information evenings to discuss higher education (university), UCAS applications and progression options.

Will I have an opportunity to exhibit my work or to perform?

College hosts public exhibitions for students and there will be opportunities to exhibit externally. Performing arts and music students put on major performances and gigs throughout the year in a variety of venues.

Are any educational visits organised?

We normally arrange trips about once a term, to visit places of interest. These include exhibitions, locations overseas, galleries, games and digital expos and theatres – and act as a resource for project research.

Will I get any help or advice if I want to go to University or College?

Yes! Approximately 70% of our college-level students go on to university or college. Some of you may stay on and apply to one of our BA (Hons) degree courses here at Hereford College of Arts. Wherever you decide to go, we can provide practical support and help with UCAS applications, your choices, interview techniques, portfolio building, and mock interviews.

What are the entry requirements for College Level courses?

For information on how to apply for our college level courses, including entry requirements, please visit our How to Apply page.

What support do you offer for people with disabilities / learning difficulties?

HCA’s Additional Learning Support (ALS) is committed to providing a high standard of specialised and individually tailored support to improve outcomes for all students. Please see our Learning Support pages for more details, we’re always happy to help!

University Level FAQs

Is there parking for students?

Yes. Parking permits have to be applied for but will not be issued to students with the following postcodes due to their proximity to the college, unless there are extenuating circumstances (e.g. ill health):
HR1 1__, HR1 2__, HR2 6__, HR2 7__, HR4 0__ and HR4 9__.
If your application is rejected, you can appeal through your tutor.
The annual cost of a permit is £15. Spaces in the car park are not guaranteed for permit holders especially when the college is busy as there are limited places.

What are the entry requirements for University Level courses?

• Minimum age 18.
•  Portfolio submission (where applicable) and successful interview or audition.
•  Academic achievement – we would normally expect applications to have achieved 80 UCAS Tariff.
• Points at entry but whilst qualifications are important our offers are not solely based on academic results and we may make offers based on other evidence of talent and sustainability for the course.
•  Mature students with related experience.
• Applicants whose first language is not English and require a tier 4 student visa must achieve Level B2 in an approved secure English Language test prior to enrolment. For further guidance please visit the UK Visa and Immigration website www.gov.uk/tier-4-genral-visa.

For more information on how to apply for our University Level courses, please see our How to Apply page.

Do students receive printer credit?

Yes. Students receive £5 printer credit at the start of each term (Autumn, after Christmas and after Easter). Students can purchase additional credit at any time throughout the term from the Library or reception at College Road Campus and the Library at Folly Lane Campus.

What are the café opening times?

Folly Lane Campus : 8:15am – 2.00pm.
College Road Campus: 8:00am – 2:30pm.

Where is the student accommodation?

Hereford offers a variety of student housing options, please take a look at our Student Housing pages to find out more.

Can I be a part of a society at HCA?

Yes. You can find our current range of societies on the Student Union Facebook page HCA Student’s Union Societies page, and are more than welcome to share your society ideas to create your own when you’re here!

How far is the city centre from the campuses?

Each campus is about a 20 minute walk from the very centre of Hereford.
If you’d like to find out more about our campuses and their location, please visit our Visit Us page.

What support do you offer for people with disabilities / learning difficulties?

HCA’s Additional Learning Support (ALS) is committed to providing a high standard of specialised and individually tailored support to improve outcomes for all students. Please see our Learning Support pages for more details, we’re always happy to help!