Information for Parents, Carers & Supporters: Parent and Carer FAQs

HCA offers UAL Extended Diplomas in four broad various creative disciplines, equivalent to three A-levels, designed to prepare students for higher education or employment in the arts sector.

Students can enter at Level 2 or Level 3 depending on their qualifications and experience.

Our subject areas are:

• Art, Design and Communication

  This includes painting and illustration/animation, sculpture and making, graphic and media design, textile design and fashion, jewellery design and craft, photography - and many more options.

   

• Creative Media Production and Technology

  This focuses on more digital and screen-based media like videography and film-making, games design, animation, website design, motion graphics and content creation - as well as many more options.

   

• Performing and Production Arts

  This focuses on all elements of the performing arts, from acting for stage and screen, dance, musical theatre to stage management, event production and script-writing - as well as many more options.

   

• Music Performance and Production

  This focuses on all aspects of music production with the opportunity to pursue popular music or classical composition, singing and song-writing, tuition across multiple instruments as well as event and band management, production and recording.

Applications are made directly to HCA via and online application portal, typically starting in the autumn term around October. Prospective students may be invited for an interview or portfolio review.

Most years, HCA accepts applications into the Spring - however places are limited to early application is advised.

If you have any questions, or would prefer to apply using a paper application form, just email registry@hca.ac.uk.

Students  learn through tutorials, workshops, guest speakers and real-world creative projects - and have outstanding access to specialist learning resources and technical facilities to develop their projects independently with the support of technical demonstrators. 

Additional help is available for any students who need it.

Yes, students who haven't achieved a grade 4 (C) in GCSE English or Maths will continue studying these subjects alongside their diploma.

HCA has a dedicated team for supporting students to pass their GCSEs and outstanding pass rates.

Regular assessments and feedback sessions are conducted. Progress reports are shared with students, and parents are informed during scheduled meetings.

Students commute to the college from across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, Powys and Monmouthshire.

HCA is easily accessible by public transport with the campus located just ten minutes from Hereford's rail and bus stations. More information on routes and travel assistance is available by contacting registry@hca.ac.uk.

Parents and carers can contact the college via phone or email. Regular communication is encouraged to support student success.

Yes, HCA hosts Parents' Evenings at key points to discuss student progress and address any concerns.

Students have access to career advisors who provide information on higher education, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.

HCA has an outstanding record of supporting students taking their next steps, and in providing practical insight into careers within the creative industries giving students the opportunity to start exploring career opportunities and specialisms before they complete their course.

Our high pass rates, connections with universities and degree courses and expertise in supporting students prepare portfolios and for interviews or auditions mean that if students want to apply to study a degree, they will be an excellent position to secure a place at one of the UK's top programmes in their subject area.

Consistent attendance is crucial. Parents are notified of unexplained absences, and support is offered to address any issues.

HCA is committed to providing access to outstanding arts education to all young people. We have staff dedicated to ensuring any additional needs are met, included an experienced group of LSAs who can offer small-group or inidvidual support to students.

If you want to discuss individual needs, or funding applications, you can either speak to our staff at an Open Event or email registry@hca.ac.uk.

Undergraduate degrees: Applications are submitted via UCAS, typically opening in September. The 'Equal consideration' deadline is in January, but HCA many students apply after this date and HCA will consider applications beyond this date as long as spaces are available. 

Applications typically close in September, and HCA can support any summer applicants with the process of applying for funding or finding accommodation where required.

Applicants will be given guidance and asked to submit a portfolio. Face to face interviews can be requested, but all applicants will receive personal feedback from course staff - along followed by an offer, if one is being made.

Foundation diploma: Foundation course applicants can apply directly to the college via an online portal. You can access this via the relevant link in the main website menu bar under APPLY NOW.

After academic staff have looked at your portfolio or audition materials, and reviewed your application the next step is to make you an offer. There are two types of offers. The type of offer will be listed on UCAS and be specified in HCA's communications with you.

Conditional Offers:

• You need to meet specific requirements (e.g., achieving certain grades in A-levels or diplomas, completing a course) to secure your place. 
• Once you meet the conditions, your offer becomes unconditional.
• Most offer are conditional offers.

Unconditional Offers:

• You've already met all the entry requirements and your place is guaranteed. 
• These offers are less common, but can be given if you've already achieved the necessary qualifications or if the university is confident in your abilities. 
• In some instance there might still be non-academic conditions that you need to fulfil, but your place is secured if you meet those. 

HCA is committed to safeguarding all students, with policies in place to protect those under 18 and vulnerable adults. 

The college provides a safe environment, with keycard access for students and has procedures to address any concerns promptly. You can read HCA's policies in detail here.

The college also has an HCA Wellbeing team dedicated to safety and support of all students, including an on-site wellbeing mentor. Students also have access to a 24/7 support line.

Student safety and wellbeing is the number one priority of the college, and all staff undertake regular training to ensure they can support students and identify any risks.

HCA offers academic mentoring, personal tutors, and access to mental health services. Students are encouraged to seek support early to address any challenges.

Our ratio of teaching staff to students helps ensure that issues aren't missed, and our academic mentoring team works closely with academic teams to ensure a wraparound approach is taken to supporting students though challenges - whether those are short-term or ongoing. 

The teams are also highly experienced in supporting neurodivergent students to thrive providing tools, support and liaison with course teams to ensure flexibility around assessment meets the needs of each individual students.

Due to data protection laws, HCA cannot share specific student information without consent. However, students can authorise the college to discuss their progress with designated individuals.

Students can apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans through Student Finance England. 

HCA's finance team can assist with the application process and provide information on scholarships or bursaries. You can find more detailed information on course fees and funding opportunities here.

Assessment methods include coursework, projects, and presentations. Each course has specific criteria, and students receive feedback to support their development.

In recent National Student Survey results HCA has rated between 10-15% better than the sector when it comes with assessment and feedback. 

Students can request a leave of absence for various reasons. They should discuss this with their course leader and the student support team to understand the implications and process.

Yes, HCA integrates industry projects, placements, and collaborations into its curriculum to enhance employability.

All courses include significant access to industry though a balanced programme of guest lecturers, industry visits, real-life projects, Professional Practice Conferences and major public exhibitions or performances. Degree courses also include the opportunity for formal, accredited work placements at specific points.

HCA provides information on local housing options, including dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. We also have a large number of students who commute to campus every day.

Student accommodation at Station Approach is located 15 minutes' walk from campus and was designed specifically to meet the needs of creative students with outstanding security, on-site support and social space.

You can find out more about accommodation options here.

Students can disclose any disabilities during the application process or at any time during their studies. HCA will then arrange appropriate support and reasonable adjustments.

The college is committed to providing access to outstanding arts education to as many people as possible. Our small-group teaching and flexible curriculum enables us to ensure all students' needs are met and each individual is supported to acheive their best work.

HCA offers career guidance, workshops, and networking opportunities to help students prepare for employment or further study.

Students will also be able to take advantage of extensive industry connections held by course staff - many of who are active practitioners - as well as the college's honorary fellows and the wider alumni community.

All degree students can attend Professional Practice Conferences in the second and third years, and there is the ability for students to organise and undertake accredited work placements for a Professional Practice module.

Final year degree students are given extensive support to make the transition to full-time professional work - both inside or outside the creative industries - through subject specific sessions and the opportunity to create work for major public exhibitions or performances.

For students who are relocating to study, they are encouraged to register with a local GP upon arrival. 

Station Medical is a large GP surgery two minutes' walk from Station Approach accommodation which also provides an out-of-hours service.

HCA also provides information on mental health services and wellbeing resources - including exclusive access to a 24/7 support line staffed by trained professionals.

Regular attendance is expected. If a student is absent, they should inform their tutor. Persistent absenteeism may be addressed through support interventions.

Yes, students have opportunities to showcase their work through exhibitions or performances, both within the college and in external venues.

End of course degree shows and performances put student work in front of thousands of visitors, including dedicated industry sessions. Students also exhibit at top graduate showcases like Free Range, New Designers and the online Global Graduate Showcase which offer an outstanding opportunity to make connections with agents, buyers and employers. HCA has an excellent track record of winning awards