Turn your creativity into a career.
We currently have availability on all our creative courses. If you’re ready to apply, scroll down and begin making an application.
Via UCAS is the main way you can apply to our undergraduate courses. However there are a few exceptions. Check out the steps below.
If you’ve missed the UCAS application deadline, don’t worry, we are still accepting applications! Either head to the UCAS website, get in touch using outreach@hca.ac.uk, or continue reading as we have answers to all the questions you may have further down this page.
Apply via UCAS
To apply through UCAS you’ll need our institution code H18 and the relevant course code – which is available on each course page. Click the link here, to visit the UCAS page, login in and follow the application process.
The initial UCAS deadline for applications was January 25, however you can still apply to study on a degree course at HCA all the way up until September 2023. We run Open Events and personal tours throughout the Spring and Summer – contact outreach@hca.ac.uk if you want to find out more.
Apply to HCA direct.
There are circumstances where you can apply direct to HCA without going through UCAS. Ordinarily this is when your academic qualifications don’t fit a standard profile. You can check if this applies to you by emailing registry@hca.ac.uk
Also if you are under 21 and study a college-level course at HCA, and intend on applying to HCA and no other institutions, you can contact registry@hca.ac.uk and apply directly.
Step one.
What happens next…?
Once we have received your application, you will be invited to the college to attend an interview or an online interview. Please note for our art, design and media courses, you will be required to bring along a recent portfolio of work with you to interview.
For Performing Arts and Popular music you will have an audition and an interview. During the interview, the tutor will assess your suitability for the courses based on the entry requirements for that particular course – again, these can be found on the individual course web pages.
FAQ's.... Frantically asked questions! (at this stage)
That’s okay! It can be as simple as a selection of up to 20 pieces of your favourite work from school or college.
Our lecturers and admissions teams are looking for artistic flair or genuine passion for a subject, your ability to buy an expensive “portfolio” shows none of these things.
We have a large volume of applicants and if you have not heard anything by 7.30am February 1st, please don’t panic. We will send you regular updates and it should be within 10 working days.
Add this number to your phone now 01432 802878 and if you need any help or reassurance, give our team a call, they will help you with any questions!
Yes! Your creativity is what we’re interested in, your passions, your love of art, design, making and creating! UCAS points do matter and we would always encourage you to meet those criteria, HOWEVER, they will not stop you, if you can show us why you believe you would fit onto one of courses then contact our registry team here.
Step two
Track your application
Once your application is in, sit back and wait, or login in to UCAS and keep it permanently open day and night, as soon as we’ve reviewed your UCAS application, we will get back to you via the portal (and email) with your next step.
Don't let the process stop you! If this all feels a bit daunting and you need some help... Pick up the phone, email, message, we have a team of people ready to help you!
People apply to HCA with from different backgrounds and with different levels of experience. If you feel like it would help to talk to one of the HCA team ahead of applying through UCAS, our Registry team can offer informal ‘advisory interviews’ to guide you. If that sounds like it might be right for you, you can reach them on 01432 802878, or e-mail registry@hca.ac.uk for more information and to book in a time.
Step three
Accepting your offer
You’ve had an incredible interview, you absolutely love HCA, the campus, the town, the workshops and the course. Now what…? Once again, it’s time to keep an eye on UCAS, we will contact you within 48 hours to let you know the result, and following this, once you’ve received your offer from us, head to UCAS and click accept!
Don’t panic, as mentioned earlier, pick up the phone and call registry, we will make individual decisions on every single one of our students and that includes those who don’t meet the standard criteria!
We have incredible new student accommodation built just for us, click here to find out more about the rooms we offer, the prices and how to apply. No1 Station Approach
Want to come and see us?
If you want to check out our incredible campus, facilities, workshops, lecturers and town, we still have spaces on our Open Days throughout December and January, click HERE to book your spot!
Each year students apply and then book a visit afterwards, you’re more than welcome to attend Open Days or have a Personal Tour after January. We’d love to meet you before September!