Post-16 Application Hub
Welcome to HCA's application hub. You're a few clicks away from applying - but these pages also include some useful info on the application process and what comes next.
Apply online - fast, easy and you can start today
Start, save and finish later
What goes into your application
Personal details
We'll ask for your basic info like your name, address date of birth and contact details.
We'll also ask for an emergency contact at this point.
Education information
On this page, you'll be asked to list the schools you studied at, when you started and when you finished/will finish attending.
There is a Qualifications page where we'll ask you to list your previous qualifications and any current qualifications you are studying for - including grades or predicted grades if you have them.
Study Skills and disabilities
These pages let you include information about any disabilities, learning difficulties and any current additional support or access arrangements.
This information helps us understand how best to support you at a student at HCA, and enables us to make any reasonable adjustments that can ensure you thrive on your course.
Your personal statement
This is an open-ended section that lets you tell us a little bit more about you as a person, and about your interests in the subject.
There is no right or wrong way to write a personal statement. This is just a good way to introduce yourself to us - and it helps start a conversation at your interview.
It helps to think about what want to do in the future - but it's also a chance to think about what you are most proud of, what inspires you or what you've enjoyed learning up to this point.
Your References
We will also ask for a reference from your school or college. There is a link on the application page that lets you download our reference form.
You will just need to print that out or email it to the person at your school or college who you want to complete the reference - and ask them to send it back to us once complete.
>> You don't have to wait for you reference to submit your online application. Once you've downloaded the form you can move to the next page and complete your application.
How It Works - 5 Easy Steps
Find the subject you want to study, and check the Entry Requirements to make sure you select the correct level for you.
- Level 2 is a one-year Transition Course that prepares you for our Extended Diploma if you need to add to your experience or qualifications.
- The Level 3 Extended Diploma is a two-year course that is the equivalent of three A-Levels.
You can find out more about this on the relevant course pages - or contact our Registry team below if you are not sure which Level to apply for.
Click/tap the course button. This will open a new window and add your course to your Basket.
Click the Basket icon in the top-right to complete your application.
You will be asked to register on the portal before you can complete your application. This will only take a couple of minutes and require basic contact information.
Fill in as much of the application as you can, and download the reference form.
Remember you can save you progress using the button at the bottom of each page - and return to complete you application later. If you are not sure what to put into a specific section, or have questions about your qualifications our Registry team may be able to help. You can email them using the button below.
Once you have filled out all the pages, check over the information on the final Review and Submit page.
When you are happy, tick the box and hit the Submit button. You will then need to make sure someone at your school or college completes your Reference form.
Once we receive that, we will be in touch to arrange an interview with you at our Folly Lane campus.
Find your course below and apply now:
Creative Media Production and Technology
Entry requirements and course info
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C) or Level 2 Diploma (Merit).
- It also desirable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths.
Course duration
Two years, full-time
UCAS Points
Distinction – 168 (equivalent to 3 x A* at A-Level)
Merit – 120
Pass – 72
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs Grade 9 – 2 (A* – F)
- It also preferable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English or Maths.
Course duration
One year, full-time
UCAS Points
N/A
- Acheiving a Merit grade will enable progression onto our L3 Extended Diploma courses.
Art, Design and Communication
Entry requirements and course info
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C) or Level 2 Diploma (Merit).
- It also desirable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths.
Course duration
Two years, full-time
UCAS Points
Distinction – 168 (equivalent to 3 x A* at A-Level)
Merit – 120
Pass – 72
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs Grade 9 – 2 (A* – F)
- It also preferable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English or Maths.
Course duration
One year, full-time
UCAS Points
N/A
- Acheiving a Merit grade will enable progression onto our L3 Extended Diploma courses.
Performing and Production Arts
Entry requirements and course info
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C) or Level 2 Diploma (Merit).
- It also desirable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths.
Course duration
Two years, full-time
UCAS Points
Distinction – 168 (equivalent to 3 x A* at A-Level)
Merit – 120
Pass – 72
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs Grade 9 – 2 (A* – F)
- It also preferable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English or Maths.
Course duration
One year, full-time
UCAS Points
N/A
- Acheiving a Merit grade will enable progression onto our L3 Extended Diploma courses.
Music Performance and Production
Entry requirements and course info
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C) or Level 2 Diploma (Merit).
- It also desirable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths.
Course duration
Two years, full-time
UCAS Points
Distinction – 168 (equivalent to 3 x A* at A-Level)
High Merit - 144
Merit – 120
High Pass - 96
Pass – 72
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs Grade 9 – 2 (A* – F)
- It also preferable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English or Maths.
Course duration
One year, full-time
UCAS Points
N/A
- Acheiving a Merit grade will enable progression onto our L3 Extended Diploma courses.
Fashion Business and Retail
Entry requirements and course info
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C) or Level 2 Diploma (Merit).
- For Fashion Business and Retail we also require grade 4/C or higher in English
Course duration
Two years, full-time
UCAS Points
Distinction – 168 (equivalent to 3 x A* at A-Level)
Merit – 120
Pass – 72
We are not currently running a Level 2 Diploma for Fashion Business and Retail.
- Our Registry team can help advise you if you have questions or concerns about applying for our Level 3 Extended Diploma
- Or you could consider joining one of our other Level 2 courses and progressing onto our Fashion Business and Retail Extended Diploma.
Application FAQs
Applications are open throughout the year - however are courses are popular, so early applications are advised.
We begin our interviews in November, and receive the majority of our applications by the end of March.
We will do everything we can to accommodate all students who meet the Entry Requirements - so regardless of the time of year you should always apply, or contact us to discuss making an application.
If you feel like you are missing a major piece of information, you can always reach out to our Registry Team to check what to do.
You will discuss parts of your application during your interview - so that's a great chance to go into more detail on parts of the application like the Personal Statement.
After you submit your application it will be picked up by our Registry Team, who will get check it and get in touch with you via email to arrange an interview.