Adult Learners
Choosing the Right Course
- Introduction
- Courses for Adults
- Professional Qualifications
- Community Education
- Courses starting now
- Accessibility
- Why choose Solihull College?
- Higher Education
- Choosing the Right Course
- Where will I study
- Our Facilities
- Supporting you
- How do I apply?
- Adult Guidance
- Download a Course Guide
- Adult Enrolment
- Short Courses for the Unemployed
Choosing the right type of course is very important. Solihull College offers a variety of courses for all ages and abilities ranging from leisure-based courses such as crafts and floristry, through languages and information technology to professional qualifications.
Age needn’t be a barrier as we have a range of levels and qualifications to suit everyone including university Level courses such as HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees, Degrees and professional qualifications.
Our courses are normally divided up into Levels and range from Level 1 to Level 5. As an adult learner, we encourage you to begin your journey back into education at Level 2/3. You must meet the entry requirements of the course in order to enrol.
Solihull Collegeoffers training courses for those living or working in Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Warwickshire or other areas of the West Midlands
Level 2
Courses usually last one year.
Entry Requirements:
- 2 GCSEs at Grade D or above or equivalent
- Successful College Assessment or Interview
| Pre Access/ Return to Learn | The Return to Learn/Pre Access programme has been designed for anyone who wants to start to prepare for a college or university course, train for a new career, or simply develop confidence but doesn’t know where to start. Successful completion will enable you to progress on to one of our Access courses. |
| GCSEs | The qualification mainly involves studying the theory of a subject, combined with some investigative work. English and Maths are requirements for many jobs and college/university courses. |
| NVQ Level 2 | NVQ is a work-based course aimed at those who are employed. NVQs are often considered the perfect stepping stone to turn industrial experience into a recognised professional qualification. |
| Apprenticeships | If you want to develop your future career prospects and study at the same time then an apprenticeship is for you. They are high-quality work-based training programmes that enable you to work, learn the skills of your chosen profession and gain a recognised qualification whilst earning a decent wage. |
Level 3
Courses usually last two years.
Entry Requirements:
- 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above (incl. English and/or Maths) or equivalent Level 2 qualification.
- Relevant Industry experience will be considered.
- Successful College Assessment or Interview
| Access Courses | Access Courses are designed for adults with no formal qualifications. They provide an excellent route to gain admission onto an extensive range of programmes including degrees, HNDs or HNCs. It is also an established and well-recognised qualification in its own right. |
| AS/A2 Levels | A Levels are made up of the AS Level and the A2 Level. Each part makes up 50% of the overall A Level grade. AS and A Levels are one of the main routes into university level education. |
| BTEC National Diploma | BTEC National Diplomas are vocational courses related to a broad occupational area, combining practical, hands-on activities with detailed technical study. You may also be able to take part in related work experience. |
| NVQ Level 3 | NVQ Level 3 is a work-based course aimed at those who are employed and looking to enter a managerial or supervisory role. NVQs are often considered the perfect stepping stone to turn industrial experience into a recognised professional qualification. |
| Advanced Apprenticeship | If you want to develop your future career prospects an advanced apprenticeship is for you. They are high-quality work-based training programmes for those with a substantial amount of industry-related experience. They enable you to work, develop the skills of your chosen profession further and gain a recognised qualification whilst earning a decent wage. |
Level 4
Courses usually last between one and two years.
Entry Requirements:
•Applicants over 21 must have appropriate work experience.
•Applicants under 21 will need to have 4 GCSEs at Grade C or above (incl. English and Maths) and either one A Level or equivalent Level 3 qualification.
•For some courses, applicants may need to be inappropriate employment
•Successful College Assessment or Interview
| HNCs and HNDs | HNCs and HNDs focus on 'learning by doing' and can lead into a new career, or help you progress in your current line of work. They can also be used as a stepping stone to gain a managerial role or professional status within your employment. Some HNC/Ds can take you directly to the second or third level of a Degree. |
| Foundation Degree | Foundation degrees equip learners with a combination of technical skills and university level knowledge. They have been developed by Universities in conjunction with businesses’ to provide qualifications aimed specifically to fill skills gaps. The foundation degree is equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree and can be topped up to gain a full bachelors’ qualification. |
Level 5
Courses usually last between three and four years full time. A Part time option is available.
Entry Requirements:
•You should be 18 years +
•Successfully completed a Level 3 qualification (Minimum of 180 UCAS Points or 2 A Levels)
•Successful College Assessment or Interview
| Degree | Bachelor degrees develop your analytical, intellectual and essay writing that are increasingly being demanded by employers. They are studied through lecture and seminar-based learning with practical components where the subject requires and are assessed through projects, written assignments, and examinations and, in most cases, a dissertation. |
Still undecided on which course is best for you?
Contact our Student Support on 0121 678 7000 or email enquiries@solihull.ac.uk for further guidance.
