Which course is for me - international

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The Manchester College offers further education and university level courses for international students. We offer courses in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and language support alongside your course.

We’re here to help you choose the right course. If you have any questions or are not sure which courses suit your career plans, please contact the international office.

Find courses at The Manchester College

Further education courses

In the UK, students can take further education courses after school and before university. You might want to apply for a further education course if:

  • you want to apply to university in the UK but don’t yet have the right qualifications
  • you want to learn career skills

A levels

A levels are the traditional academic route to university in the UK. A full A level programme takes two years.

In the first year you can study up to four subjects. You would usually study three of these subjects in the second year to gain full A levels.

Vocational (work related) courses

On a vocational course you learn the skills to work in a particular industry. Vocational qualifications can also be a route to university level study.

Access

Access courses are one year programmes that prepare you for university level study. Access courses are for students of 19 and over.

University and degree level courses

The Manchester College offers a full range of university level (higher education) courses. You benefit from

  • small classes
  • individual support
  • experienced, committed tutors

Foundation Degree

Foundation degrees are two year university level courses. They are usually equivalent to the first two years of a degree. You can ‘top up’ to a full degree through further study.

The Manchester College works with employers to design our foundation degrees to equip you with the most relevant industry skills.

Our foundation degrees are validated by our partner universities, which include the University of Manchester.

Foundation year

The UK education system requires students to have studied for 13 years before starting university. If your country has a 12 year education system, you may need to complete a foundation year.

You’ll study academic subjects and learn the skills you’ll need to study at university level.

HNC and HND

HNCs are similar to the first year of a degree. HNDs are similar to the second year. If you successfully complete a HND you can apply for the final year of a degree course.

HNCs and HNDs prepare you for a particular industry or career. You’ll gain academic knowledge and practical skills.

English language support

If you’re enrolled on a course at The Manchester College, we’ll give you up to five hours of English support a week. There is no extra charge for this.

English Language Summer School

The Manchester College has run a successful summer school for many years. You’ll have the chance to:

  • learn English in the classroom
  • practice your language through activities
  • explore one of the UK’s most exciting cities

    • Contact the international office to find out more about EFL courses and the summer school at The Manchester College.