How to apply: Post-16 courses
Everything you need to know to apply for a Post-16 course at HCA
Apply for 2025
Applying with us
Our step-by-step guide
You can apply now by following these simple steps:
- Decide which course you want to apply for.
- Click or tap the Apply Now button at the bottom of this page.
- Follow the instruction on the online application portal to register and start your application.
If you are unable to access the online application form, please contact the Registry Department on 01432 845304 or email registry@hca.ac.uk.
Once you have completed the online application form we will write to you and invite you to attend a face-to-face interview or audition.
We will also send you some guidance to help you prepare - but the main aim of your interview is to give us the chance to get to know you, and for you to get a feel for the course team.
We schedule interview/audition in blocks to give you a chance to meet some of the other students who will be starting the course with you.
- Art & Design and Digital Courses
You will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview where we will discuss your ideas and ambitions and look through your portfolio of work.
- Music Courses
You will be invited to play or sing informally and bring in your own compositions or recordings, followed by an individual interview.
- Performing Arts Courses
You will be asked to attend a performance workshop and complete a two-minute solo audition piece, followed by an individual interview.
Level 3
Minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C), or a Level 2 Diploma Merit grade in your subject.
To ensure that you qualify, it is highly desirable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths.
- Interview and portfolio or audition.
- Minimum age: 16 years old.
Level 2
Minimum 4 GCSEs Grade 9 – 2 (previously A* – F)
To ensure that you qualify, it is also highly desirable that you achieve at least a grade 4 / C or above in English or Maths.
- Interview and portfolio or audition.
- Minimum age: 16 years.
Trying something new?
You don't have to have studied a subject at GCSE to start it HCA. Our course can help you turn what LOVE, into what you DO. Our teaching staff will help you get up to speed and thrive on the course - regardless of what your background in the subject is. They will want to see a passion for the subject in your application, and hear why you want to study it. If you have questions about your qualifications, or your fit on the course, reach out to our Registry team below and they can talk you it.
Questions about qualificationsOther information
If you’re interested in applying for Performing and Production Arts or Music Performance and Production then you have the option of attending an audition clinic.
Audition clinics are the perfect way to help you prepare for your audition and interview. They run on set days through the Autumn and Spring terms. The Registry team will send you the dates for 2024/25 once they receive your application.
There are two different entrance points to our Post-16 qualifications, Level 2 or Level 3.
Level 2
Level 2 offers an opportunity to build out your foundation in your subject area for a year, before moving on to Level 3.
This might be due to experience, or GCSE grades - and it is possible to move between the two levels after you've started, if you don't feel like the fit is right for you.
You can choose to leave after a year with a Level 2 Diploma in your subject, although almost all students stay on to complete a Level 3 course at HCA.
Level 3
The Level 3 courses for Post-16 students are a two-year qualification certified by the UAL Awarding Body.
Students can opt to leave the course after one year, collecting a Level 3 Diploma.
Almost all students continue for the full two years, and are awarded and Extended Diploma.
There are three key passing grades, Distinction (168 UCAS points), Merit (120 UCAS points) and Pass (72 UCAS Points). A Distinction is equivalent to three A* grades at A-Level.
English and Maths are an integral part of the course.
If you do not yet have the necessary grades (Grade 4/C or above) you will get additional teaching and support to study for either a GCSE or functional skills qualification, depending on your prior GCSE grades.
Start your application now
You can get your application started online today. Use the button below to complete a five-minute online registration process, and start your application now.
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Portfolio course
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