Pathways and entry criteria
Choosing the right combination of courses for you
Here at HNC we set our entry criteria and requirements to ensure that each and every student studying at the College is set up for success. We offer a range of A Level and Applied/ Small Alternative Academic Qualification courses. We structure students’ study programmes around our ‘Pathways’, which provide you with a framework with which to build a study programme that is as unique as you and your ambitions.
Each Pathway has its own minimum entry criteria, and the Pathway you are on determines the courses and qualifications you can choose to study. We recommend reviewing the Pathway entry criteria ahead of choosing your courses – you can access any Pathway where your predicted grades meet, or exceed, the entry criteria. There are five Pathways to choose from:
On this Pathway you will choose a minimum of 2 A Levels as part of a 3 A Level or equivalent study programme. A Levels are traditional academic qualifications assessed largely by exams at the end of the two-year period.
What you need
To study on the A Level Pathway, you will need a minimum of 6 GCSEs at grade 4 including GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics. Subject entry criteria also applies.
How can I build my study programme?
1 A Level + 1 A Level + 1 A Level
2 A Levels + 1 Small Alternative Academic Qualification/ Extended certificate/V Level
Will it suit me?
The A Level Pathway is best suited to those who are looking for a more traditional academic route, and those who are happy to be assessed mainly by exams at the end of their course.
*To pursue a 4 A Level programme, please speak to a member of admissions. A minimum of 6 GCSEs at grade 7 or above is required, and GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics must be a grade 6 or above
If you opt for the Blended Pathway you’ll study one A Level alongside a mix of A Level equivalents (either an Extended Certificate, V Level or a Small Alternative Academic Qualification).
What you need
To study on the Blended Pathway, you will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 including GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics. Subject entry criteria also applies.
How can I build my study programme?
1 A Level + 1 Diploma (a two A Level equivalent)
1 A Level + 1 Small Alternative Academic Qualification/ Extended certificate/V Level + 1 Small Alternative Academic Qualification/ Extended certificate/V Level
Will it suit me?
This Pathway is best suited to those who want to experience choice, and want a mix of assessment – a key benefit is that assessment is ongoing and some is by coursework, so it doesn’t all happen at the end of your two years.
If you opt for the Applied Pathway you’ll study a mix of applied qualifications.
What you need
To study on the Applied Pathway, you will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 including GCSE English Language OR GCSE Mathematics. GCSE English Language or Mathematics must not be below a grade 3. Alternatively, you can access this Pathway with 4 GCSEs at grade 4 including GCSE English Language and Mathematics. Subject entry criteria also applies.
How can I build my study programme?
1 Small Alternative Academic Qualification/ Extended Certificate/V Level + 1 Small Alternative Academic Qualification/ Extended Certificate/V Level + 1 Small Alternative Academic Qualification/ Extended Certificate/V Level
1 Diploma (2 A Level equivalent) + 1 Small Alternative Academic Qualification/ Extended Certificate/V Level
Will it suit me?
This Pathway is best suited to those who want to experience choice, and want a mix of assessment methods.
If you opt for the Full Time Applied Pathway your study programme will be made up entirely of one qualification which is equivalent to 3 A Levels. This will either be a an Extended Diploma or a Large Alternative Academic Qualification
What you need
To enrol on this as a minimum you will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including GCSE English Language or GCSE Mathematics. You must achieve EITHER grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics and/or GCSE English Language as resitting both is not permitted. GCSE Mathematics/English Language must not be below grade 3. One vocational qualification at Merit can be substituted for one GCSE grade 4. Alternatively, you can access this Pathway with 4 GCSEs at Grade 4, including GCSE English Language and Mathematics. Subject entry criteria also applies.
How can I build my study programme?
1 Applied Extended Diploma or a Large Alternative Academic Qualification.
Will it suit me?
The full time Pathway allows you to combine academic study with the application of theory in a real-life context. These are assessed by a combination of coursework and exams.
If you opt for the Foundation Pathway your study programme will be made up entirely of one qualification which will be studied alongside resits in both GCSE English Language and Mathematics. This Pathway will see you study for a year before progressing on to a Level 3 Applied Programme.
What you need
To enrol on this as a minimum you will need 3 GCSEs at a minimum of grade 4. GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade 3 (students studying this pathway must be resitting BOTH GCSE English Language and Mathematics. One vocational qualification at Merit or above can be included in place of one GCSE grade 4
How can I build my study programme?
1 Foundation Certificate with resits in both GCSE English Language and Mathematics
Will it suit me?
The Foundation Pathway is designed to support students to develop the practical, personal and academic skills needed for their next steps. This will Pathway will be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams.
Subject specific entry criteria
Students must also meet the entry criteria for their subject choices, as well as their pathway – you can find the individual entry criteria for each subject on our courses information page. As with the Pathways, you can apply for any courses where your predicted grades meet, or exceed, the minimum entry criteria
Additional entry requirements
Here at HNC your predicted GCSE grades will determine which Pathways and courses we are able to offer you, but your school report and attendance record are also used to assess your suitability to join HNC. We strongly recommend that you read our College mission and vision statement. This statement outlines our curriculum intent and our expectation is that students choosing to study at HNC fully commit to our vision and to becoming their best selves. At your admissions interview, we will review this information as part of our decision. Attendance expectations are 95%+ and any student falling below this threshold will be reviewed and given the opportunity to demonstrate any reasons behind this before a decision is made. It is important to note that HNC is a full time, Campus based provider where students are expected to aim for 100% attendance and achieve a minimum of 95%, therefore we carefully review an applicants ability to engage with these expectations as part of our interview process. To read more, please visit our Admissions Policy by clicking here.
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