Harlow College Digital Full-Time Guide 2026-27 by HarlowCollegeOnline

DIGITAL COURSE GUIDE

MORE THAN COURSES, CAREERS.

The first FE College in the UK to be awarded

Apple Distinguished School status

Ofsted Graded GOOD (2024)

Great progression routes including onto our HNC/Ds & Level 4 courses

96% PASS RATE

- £11m investment in our partner College at London Stansted Airport For students studying A Levels in our Sixth Form Centre (2025)

Stansted Airport College

Institute of Technology

- £3m investment in new state-of-the-art Centre

Awarded the prestigious EdTech Demonstrator status (2020)

New Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Training Centre –opened February 2023

STAR Agency

Dedicated to helping you become work-ready

New Renewable Energy Training Centre – helping to meet Net Zero by 2050

Great location - Harlow is at the centre of The London-StanstedCambridge Innovation Corridor

Amazing new nursing facilities on campus, including fully equipped hospital ward

How to use this guide.

This prospectus is interactive! From virtual tours to video messages from our students, this year’s digital guide is jam-packed full of online goodness to help you make an informed decision.

We’ve put together this handy ‘how to’ so you can get to grips with our buttons, what to click and where it will take you.

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When you see this symbol, click it to play a video and hear from our students

When you see this symbol, click for six aspirational careers for that area

When you see this button, click to find out more information about one of our courses or visit a website

When you see this symbol, click to view a 360° tour of the area

Let's get started.

I already know what I would like to study

Take me to the Contents Page

I need some help with picking a course that’s right for me

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Everything Else

So, you need some help choosing the right course for you?

You’re in the right place! Take a look at the following categories and decide which one best suits your personality. Select one and explore the course options that we believe would be a great option to consider studying.

If you are still not sure you can speak to one of our Careers Advisers at the College: guidance@harlow-college.ac.uk

Likes working indoors and at tasks that involve organising and accuracy, working with data or numbers, planning work and events.

Likes meeting people, leading, talking to and influencing others, encouraging others, working in business.

Likes to discover and research ideas, observe, investigate and experiment, ask questions and solve problems.

Likes to use words, art, music or drama to communicate, perform or express themselves, create and design things.

Likes to work with people to teach, train and inform, help, treat, heal and cure, serve and greet. Concerned for the wellbeing and welfare of others.

Likes to work mainly with hands, making, fixing, assembling or building things, using and operating equipment, tools or machines. Often likes to work outdoors.

Likes working indoors and at tasks that involve organising and being accurate, following procedures, working with data or numbers, planning work and events.

A

Levels IT, Computing & Cyber Security Business

Likes to use words, art, music or drama to communicate, perform or express themselves, create and design things.

A Levels Games Design

Likes meeting people, leading, talking to and influencing others, encouraging others, working in business.

Likes to work mainly with hands, making, fixing, assembling or building things, using and operating equipment, tools or machines. Often likes to work outdoors.

Likes to work with people to teach, train and inform, help, treat, heal and cure, serve and greet. Concerned for the wellbeing and welfare of others.

Likes to discover and research ideas, observe, investigate and experiment, ask questions and solve problems.

A Levels

Childcare

Health & Social Care

Hospitality & Catering

Public Services

Sport

Hello from our Prinicpal.

We have many modern, state-of-the-art facilities at Harlow College, designed especially to enhance the student experience and make your time on campus a memorable one. Here are some of our great facilities.

Click a 360° Tour button and take a virtual tour.

We focus on getting you work ready.

As a Harlow College student you have access to at least 30 hours of work related encounters during your course such as work placement, employer talks and workplace visits. These are great ways to help you develop employability skills as well as providing you with great networking opportunities!

Students on T Level programmes take part in Industry Placements of up to 45 days/315 hours as part of the course.

Our STAR Agency has great connections with employers and organise an activity filled careers programme throughout the year.

We are an Apple Distinguished School.

What does this mean for you as a student at Harlow College?

All enrolled 16-18 year old students will be eligible to loan an Apple device, meaning you’ll be able to use an iPad in class for your learning, using apps such as Showbie and Padlet.

You will also be able to use your iPads for anything from the latest virtual reality programmes to online learning.

The iPad will help to develop your digital skills which will take you into the world of work, improve your confidence and build your understanding of how technology can enhance or improve certain situations or outcomes.

We are an Institute of Technology.

Our IoT centre offers flexible higher technical qualifications and apprenticeships that can fit around your needs. We offer prestigious and affordable education options, whether you’re starting out at 18, or taking a new direction later in life.

Importantly, the IoT will equip you with the skills that employers need, through high-quality training, industry-expert teachers, and access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Our qualifications are developed with respected industry partners, which means plenty of opportunities for you to meet employers, and reassurance that the skills you are learning are relevant to the job market.

Employers can be confident that people studying at an IoT are gaining the skills needed now and in the future.

Find out more

Become an Apprentice.

Apprenticeships are a great way to get ahead in the world of work, whether you’re at the start of your career, want to change career direction, or if you’re returning to work after a break.

Apprenticeships are available from Level 2 all the way to Degree Level and depending on which Apprenticeship you choose, what level it’s at, and your previous experience, your Apprenticeship can take between one and six years to complete.

Find out more

We put our students at the heart.

Keeping you Safe

The College has a responsibility to provide you with a safe learning environment. The College provides a fully trained Safeguarding team who are available to help you with any concerns you may have - these may include: bullying, family issues, homelessness, discrimination, honour based abuse, domestic abuse, harmful sexual behaviour or concerns about becoming radicalised, being drawn into extremist behaviour or getting involved in County Lines, as well as helping you to access mental health support.

Learning Support

The College prides itself in giving high quality support to individuals with learning difficulties, disabilities, or other additional needs including emotional, medical, social or behavioural. By providing the right type of support we work hard to enable you to achieve excellence and reach your full potential. If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan your application must be submitted no later than March 31.

Financial Support

The College administers a Bursary Fund to assist students with costs related to attending College. They may include: travel costs, uniform, equipment, iPad deposit, educational visits and meal costs. Your eligibility will be assessed according to your personal circumstances, your household income and the course that you’re studying. The Bursary desk is open daily in the STAR Agency.

Pastoral Care

All full-time students have a Personal Development Coach to guide them through their study programmes. There are regular tutorial sessions to set and review your learning targets and group sessions to discuss emerging themes, wellbeing and health.

English & Maths

Having strong skills in English and maths remains one of the most important assets for employment and life. All our courses include aspects of English and maths and if you haven’t achieved a grade 4 or above from school you will continue to study these subjects via a weekly timetabled lesson.

Your learning continues outside the classroom.

You don’t have to be sporty or arty to get something out of our Enrichment programme. Taking part in Enrichment will help you to develop the important wider skills and behaviours that employers look to find in young people.

As well as giving you new challenges and developing your skills you will make new friends and have some fun!

Take a look

We have study options to suit everyone.

Not sure what level courses you can apply for? We can help you with these simple steps.

Click the buttons below to find out more about our study options:

A levels

Vocational Courses

T Levels

Apprenticeships

Supported Studies

Higher Education

English & Maths

Access to HE

Choices - 16-18

re-integrate back into education

Check out our qualifications table and match up your existing qualification to give you an idea of what options are available to you at College.

Qualifications

Table

Stansted Airport College is the first of its kind in the country and as such offers you a unique opportunity to get onto the first rung of the career ladder within the aviation industry. We have strong partnerships with a whole range of employers on the Airport campus. partners are involved in the design and delivery of the curriculum, providing work placements and offering real job opportunities at the end of your course.

We have a purpose-built facility and stateof-the-art resources, so that our students are used to working in a professional environment.

Being part of Harlow College, we are recognised by Ofsted for our Good quality, support for students and we have excellent systems in place to make your learning exciting, meaningful and innovative.

Victoria Claydensmith Head of College

Stansted Airport College

Courses

Aviation Operations

Level 2 Logistics

Level 2

Travel and Tourism Diploma (Aviation pathway)

(Can combine with Cabin Crew in Year 2)

Level 3

Travel and Tourism Extended Diploma (Aviation pathway)

Level 3

Pre-Apprenticeship in Engineering Operations

Level 2

Aeronautical Engineering Extended Diploma

Level 3

Aircraft Maintenance Fitter/Technician

Apprenticeship

Level 3

HNC Aeronautical Engineering for England

Level 4

HND Aeronautical Engineering for England

Level 5

Hospitality and Tourism Event Management

Level 3

Find out more

A Levels

About this course

If you enjoy academic learning and want to study a broad r ange of subjects, A Levels could be the perfect option for you. They are valued by employers and universities and are a popular entry route into higher education.

At Harlow College we offer a choice of 19 A Levels plus the option of an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in our specialist Sixth Form Centre. Most of our students study four A Level subjects over their two years with us. Some subjects have elements of coursework but the majority of assessment will be through the end-of-course exams.

A Level Art

Level 3

AS/A Level Biology

Level 3

AS/A Level Business

Level 3

AS/A Level Chemistry

Level 3

AS/A Level Computer Science

Level 3 (Subject to minimum numbers)

AS/A Level Economics

Level 3

AS/A Level English Language

Level 3 (Subject to minimum numbers)

AS/A Level English Literature

Level 3

A Level Environmental Science

Level 3

AS/A Level Geography

Level 3

Find out more

AS/A Level History

Level 3

AS/A Level Law

Level 3

AS/A Level Mathematics

Level 3

A Level Media Studies

Level 3 (Subject to minimum numbers)

A Level Photography

Level 3

AS/A Level Physics

Level 3

AS/A Level Politics

Level 3

AS/A Level Psychology

Level 3

AS/A Level Sociology

Level 3

Find out more

Automotive

About this course

This course is ideal if you are interested in working in the vehicle repair/maintenance industry. It is designed to maximise opportunities for progression onto an Apprenticeship programme where you can work towards becoming a fully qualified automotive specialist. You will learn the practical skills and knowledge required to work in the dynamic automotive industry.

Courses

Motor Vehicle

Level 1

Light Vehicle Service and Maintenance

Technicians Diploma

Level 2

Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

Principles

Level 3

Heavy Vehicle Service & Maintenance

Technician Apprenticeship

Level 3

Light Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance

Technician Apprenticeship

Level 3

Find out more

Building Services

About this course

Think of yourself in a brand new building with all the mod cons. Maybe a new build home or an office block. Now take away the lighting, heating and ventilation, the plumbing, power supply, the security and safety systems. You are left in a cold, dark, uninhabitable shell. Building Services Engineers really do “bring buildings to life”.

Courses

Multi-skills (Plumbing & Electrical)

Level 1

Electrical Installations

Level 2

Electrical Installations

Level 3

Plumbing

Level 2

Plumbing

Level 3

T Level Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Level 3

Property Maintenance Operations

Apprenticeship

Level 2

Installation/Maintenance Electrician

Apprenticeship

Level 3

Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician

Apprenticeship

Level 3

Find out more

Business

About this course

Understanding the basics of business in today’s world of work is an essential foundation for your future career. This course introduces you to the area of business and provides a good basis to go on to a more advanced, work-related qualification. You will experience different business scenarios that will enhance and advance your skills for business. CLICK

Business and Retail Diploma

Level 1

Business Level 2

Business Level 3

T Level Business – Management and Administration

Level 3

Business Administrator Apprenticeship

Level 3

HNC Leadership and Management for England Level 4

HND Leadership and Management for England

Level 5

HNC Marketing Management for England

Level 4

Childcare

About this course

Studying Childcare will give you extensive knowledge of the development of babies and young children. Students will gain an understanding of the stages and sequences of brain development, physical development and social skills, with classes delivered by staff who are experts from the childcare sector.

Level 5 Courses

Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children and Young People’s Settings

Level 1

Early Years Practitioner Diploma

Level 2

T Level Education & Childcare -

Early Years Educator

Level 3

Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship

Level 2

Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

Level 3

Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship

Find out more

Choices

Pathways to Further Education

About this course

We appreciate that some learners may not have a clear idea on what subject they wish to study, whilst others may have had their education interrupted or had alternative experiences at school.

The Choices programme provides learners with a route into education, ongoing support and guidance, the development of skills and confidence and recognised qualifications to ensure every learner is prepared for the next step of their chosen pathway.

Courses

Choices Certificate

Level 1

Choices CertificateConstruction pathway

Level 1

Choices CertificateHealth Science pathway

Level 1

Choices Diploma

Level 1

There are three start dates: September 2026 November 2026 January 2027

Find out more

Construction

About this course

We want to prepare you with the best construction and building skills so you can begin a career in this highly valued profession. The construction skills learnt throughout your time at Harlow College can be easily transferred throughout the region, country or the world and will enable you to work with many industry leading employers. Our purpose-built workshops and construction areas are designed to simulate real world on-the-job experience.

Courses

Brickwork

Level 1

Site Carpentry

Level 1

Brickwork

Level 2

Site Carpentry

Level 2

Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship

Level 2

HNC Construction Management for England (Site Supervisor)

Level 4 (Subject to validation)

HND Construction Management for England (Site Supervisor)

Level 5 (Subject to validation)

Find out more

Engineering & the Built Environment

About this course

Qualified and highly skilled technicians are increasingly in demand in this exciting and rewarding industry. Our Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Centre (HAMEC) opened in March 2017, and is focused on the key engineering areas of advanced manufacturing and engineering. If you’re looking for real-life experience and the opportunity to progress to work or further study then join the Engineering team.

Courses

Engineering Operations (Pre Apprenticeship)

Level 2

General Engineering

Level 3

Engineering Machining Technician Apprenticeship

Level 3

Engineering Mechatronics Maintenance Technician

Apprenticeship

Level 3

Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship

Level 4

Automation & Controls Technician Apprenticeship

Level 4

Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship

Level 4

HNC Construction Management for England (Site Supervisor)

Level 4 (Subject to validation)

HND Construction Management for England (Site Supervisor)

Level 5 (Subject to validation)

HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering for England

Level 4

ESOL

English for Speakers of Other Languages

About this course

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) i s all about integration and inclusivity. You will have the opportunity to make new friends and will be part of a welcoming and diverse community. It will develop your language and communication skills as well as increase your confidence in speaking, writing and reading English.

Career Progression Opportunities

Upon completion of your Level 1 programme you can progress on to other vocational or academic areas within the College which could lead onto a range of careers or higher education. You may also progress onto Functional Skills or GCSE English and Maths.

Courses

ESOL Pre-Entry

ESOL Entry 1

ESOL Entry 2

ESOL Entry 3

ESOL Progression Level 1

Find out more

Games Design & Creative Technologies

About this course

Our creative courses in Games and App Design, as well as creative technologies, will provide you with the skills and understanding for a career in the industry through our different pathways. Games Design involves creating the stories, coding, visuals and the overall experience of a video game. App design, on the other hand, focuses on creating user-friendly interfaces for mobile applications.

The L4 Creative Technologies course provides you with the opportunity to build a portfolio on a chosen specialism to prepare you for your next step on your creative journey.

Courses

Games Design

Level 1

Games Design

Level 2

Games Design

Level 3

Creative Technologies (Games, Multimedia & Graphics)

Level 4

Find out more

Hairdressing, Beauty & Barbering

About this course

Our Hair, Beauty and Barbering courses are for those dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate about making clients look and feel amazing. Throughout your time at Harlow College you will develop the knowledge and practical skills to break into this successful, growing industry. You will study in our contemporary commercial suite of salons and treatment rooms and have the benefit of our strong links with the hair and beauty industry, including our new town centre salon.

CLICK FOR SIX ASPIRATIONAL CAREERS IN THIS AREA

Courses

Hair & Beauty Diploma

Level 1

Beauty Therapy

Level 2

Women's Hairdressing

Level 2

Beauty Therapy

Level 3

Hair Services

Level 3

Find out more

The Salon at Harlow College

A touch of luxury at affordable prices

Why not treat yourself to a new hairstyle or pamper yourself with one of our specialist beauty treatments.

The Salon at Harlow College offers a full range of hair and beauty treatments, incl. barbering, massage, facials, nails, eyebrows & lashes and make-up.

NEW The Salon at East Gate, Town Centre

The Salon

Health & Social Care

About this course

Due to our ageing population, nursing and care are becoming ever more necessary. Our courses prepare you for providing the specialist care that vulnerable people of all ages need. Specialist training is given for those wishing to work in care homes, health settings and in social care settings (e.g. hospices, care homes for the elderly or for people with disabilities or mental illness).

Courses

Health & Science

Level 1

Health and Social Care

Level 2

T Level HealthSupporting the Adult Nursing Team

Level 3

Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

Level 3

Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship

Level 4

Find out more

Hospitality & Catering

About this course

If you have a passion for food and restaurant service and you are hard working and dedicated, then our state-ofthe-art kitchens and Skylight Restaurant are the perfect place to start your training. There is a shortage of qualified chefs in the UK and the majority of Hospitality and Catering students are employed within weeks of completing their course. Be part of that success - join us and develop the skills and knowledge you’ll need, supported by our dedicated and highly experienced staff.

Courses

Multi-Skilled in Food

Preparation & Hospitality

Level 1

Food Production & Cooking

Level 2

Professional Cookery

Level 2

Professional Chefs (Kitchen & Larder)

Level 3

Find out more

The Skylight Restaurant at Harlow College

Delicious seasonal food at great prices

Why not book a meal for yourself and your friends at our cosy restaurant, situated on the college campus.

We are open and ready to take bookings for Friday lunchtimes.

Make sure to take a look at our special themed evenings coming up.

Skylight Restaurant

IT, Computing & Cyber Security

About this course

Every company relies to a certain extent on IT and technology professionals with advanced technical skills to complete a diverse range of jobs. Our IT courses will give you a solid understanding of business and empower you to progress to university or into a challenging and rewarding career.

Courses

Digital Technology Technical Diploma

Level 2

T Level Digital Support ServicesCyber Security

Level 3

Hardware, Network and Infrastructure

Foundation Apprenticeship

Level 2

Information Communications Technician

Apprenticeship

Level 3

HNC Computing for England (Cyber Security)

Level 4

HND Computing for England (Cyber Security)

Level 5

Find out more

Journalism & Creative Writing

About this course

Journalism and publishing are among the most creative and dynamic industries in the world. Whether you want to be a published author or a working journalist, there are endless opportunities for travel, creative expression, and career progression.

Students have the opportunity to develop original content in a range of formats, including long and short form stories, children’s books, poetry, and scripts written for radio, TV, and theatre. Students also have access to a range of industry speakers.

Whether it is your ambition to work in print, TV, or radio, the journalism industry offers endless opportunities for travel and career progression. Our Journalism Centre has produced successful journalists for over 50 years, whose alumni include Piers Morgan, Richard Madeley and Sophy Ridge among many more.

Courses

Creative Writing Level 3 Journalism Level 3

Find out more

Performing Arts & Music

About this course

Whether your passion lies in theatre, choreography, musical theatre, dance, acting, or music, these courses will provide a foundation for further study in these fields and possible progression to a career in the industry. The Performing Arts courses will give you a broad experience and understanding of this collaborative sector, while the Music course will give you a great insight into this vibrant and growing industry that provides many exciting career opportunities.

CLICK FOR SIX ASPIRATIONAL CAREERS IN THIS AREA

Courses

Performing & Production Arts

Level 2

Performing & Production Arts (Acting & Musical Theatre)

Level 3

Performing & Production Arts (Dance)

Level 3

Music Performance & Production

Level 3

Professional Diploma in Performance (UAL Professional)

(Pathways in Music, Musical Theatre and Dance)

Level 4

Find out more

Science

About this course

Science impacts on our lives every day. It improves our health, helps solve crime and broadens our understanding of the world around us. Studying Science can help you to progress to university or move to many careers such as forensics, biomedical science, nursing and veterinary work. Fascinating new discoveries are made daily in laboratories around the world and you could be part of this exciting world of exploration.

Comminity Dental Services (CDS) are a key college partner in the development of our new Dental suite of courses. We are launching both the Oral Hygienist and Dental Nursing apprenticeships; CDS are supporting through co-delivery of the programmes.

Courses

Health & Science

Level 1 Applied Science

Level 2

T Level Science - Laboratory Sciences

Level 3

Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship

Level 3

Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

Level 3

Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship

Level 4

Find out more

Sport & Public Services

About this course

If you were inspired by the heroics of the GB Team at the recent Paris Olympics, then a career in the sport and leisure industry could be for you. We’ll teach you great leadership and management skills that can be transferred across many industries.

The public sector is the UK’s largest employer and includes central and local government, the armed forces and the emergency services. These courses are ideal for students interested in a career in the Public Services, including the Police Force and will give you the opportunity to experience a variety of trips, visits and residentials.

Courses

Gym Instructing

Level 2

Personal Training

Level 3

Sport & Exercise Science

Level 3

Public Services

Level 2

Public Services

Level 3

Policing Diploma

Level 3

Find out more

Supported Studies

About this course

We offer a range of one year programmes for students with mid to moderate learning difficulties or disabilities aged 16-24. Our aim is to prepare students towards independent living, paid employment and good health as well as community inclusion. Working alongside the Preparing for Adulthood agenda, all the elements of the course are based on what young people say are important to them! All students will receive enterprise and innovation projects, work experience and English and maths.

Any student wishing to study in this are must hold an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP).

Find out more

Courses

Towards Independence and Work

This course will help you to develop the skills you need towards living independently and will prepare you for work experience.

Links to Work

This course will prepare you for future paid employment, developing working skills and independent living and working towards a Supported Internship.

Supported Internships (EHCP required and ready to transition to work)

This course provides placements to learners at Princess Alexandra Hospital. They are interesting and varied and will hopefully lead to future employment.

Links to Community

This course is designed for learners with SEND who are preparing for their next steps after college, and will focus on building independence skills, travel training and practical English and maths for everyday life.

Find out more

TV, Film & Social Media

About this course

The media is one of the most creative and dynamic industries in the world. Whether you want to work in TV, film, radio or social media, there are endless opportunities for travel, creative expression, and career progression.

Students engage in a range of practical projects and benefit from having access to industry-standard software, and an impressive range of cameras, tripods, dollys, mics, and lenses, as well as a TV studio that contains portable sets, a greenscreen, and lighting rig to produce a range of content.

The courses are designed to enable students to develop a portfolio of work across a variety of platforms, and develop their entrepreneurial skills. Students have access to industry-standard equipment and opportunities that will challenge their creativity with projects set in realistic workplace scenarios.

Courses

Multimedia Level 1

Multimedia Level 2

Social Media & Content Creation Level 3

TV, Film and Digital Media Level 3

Professional Diploma in Creative Enterprise Level 4

Find out more

Visual Arts

About this course

Discover your creative potential and broaden your knowledge of the visual arts. Jobs in the creative industry are highly sought after, that’s why we want to equip you the best we possibly can through hands-on experience in outstanding facilities. Our links with industry leaders mean you work to real live briefs and we’ll push you to perform to your very best.

Courses

Art, Design & Media

Level 1

Art & Design

Level 2

Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication

(Pathways in Art & Design, Fashion and Photography)

Level 3

Professional Diploma in Creative Enterprise

Level 4

Find out more

Access to Higher Education

About this course

One year pre-university courses for adults. Don’t have the qualifications needed for university? Here’s your chance. If you’re an adult learner an Access course gives you the opportunity to get the qualifications you need to get back to work, start a new career or update your study experience. Many of our Access students are now pursuing new careers and making changes to their lives they never thought possible.

Courses

Access to HE - Construction and the Built Environment

Level 3

Access to HE - Criminal Justice and Policing

Level 3

Access to HE - Health Professions (Nursing & Midwifery)

Level 3

Access to HE - Medicine

Level 3

Access to HE – Psychology & Counselling

Level 3

Find out more