How to apply
Your step-by-step guide

For full-time courses…

• Step 1 - Decide on your career pathway

  • Check out Career Coach on the Derby College website. It offers a wealth of information on a broad range of careers, including helpful descriptions of what each job entails and any qualifications you might need.
  • Use Kudos – a career matching software program to find out what jobs your skills and interests are best suited to.
  • Explore different careers via the ‘job profiles’ section on the National Careers Service website.
  • Gain some relevant experience. Volunteering, work experience through school, a Saturday job or a holiday job could help you decide on your future direction. It will look good on your CV too.

• Step 2 - Research your options

  • Attend an open day or information evening at Derby College to discover the exciting opportunities on offer.
  • Take part in one of our experience events taster sessions which will give you a real insight into what it’s like to study a particular subject.
  • Speak to a careers adviser or teacher. They can give you advice about your options and where to find more information.

• Step 3 - Take our advice

  • If you’re still unsure, contact Student Services on 0800 028 0289.
  • Student Services can offer you information, advice and guidance to ensure you’re choosing exactly the right study programme to meet your needs and ambitions.
  • We promise you relevant, up-to-the-minute advice. The quality of the support we offer has been recognised with the IAG Matrix Award and Career Mark accreditation.

• Step 4 - Submit your Application

  • There’s no deadline for applications – but the sooner you apply online, the sooner you’ll secure your place.
  • Use the Search Courses facility of this website to look up your chosen course – there is an application form on every page.
  • If you have any problems submitting your form electronically, contact us straight away.
  • If you are unable to apply online, visit Student Services at any of our campuses who will help you complete your application form.

• Step 5 - Benefit from dedicated assistance

  • Once you’ve applied, you will be allocated a Student Services representative.
  • They will act as your dedicated adviser, ensuring your application is processed and your interview with the College is arranged.

• Step 6 - Come for an interview

  • When we receive your application, we’ll write inviting you for an interview. A-level Students will attend mini-taster sessions as well as the interview.
  • In some cases, you may be asked to complete some online screening assessments to establish your maths and English skills, this is just to confirm you’ve selected the right course level.
  • When you have received your conditional offer from us you will be invited back into college at a later date to attend an experience event for your chosen curriculum area, this will give you the opportunity to meet staff and students you will be studying with

• Step 7 - Accept your offer of a place

  • Once you’ve been interviewed, we’ll write to let you know the outcome. If you’ve been offered a place, it could be conditional on exam results such as GCSEs.
  • When you have your conditional offer, you will be asked to reply to your conditional offer to accept your place with us.

• Step 8 - Prepare for College

  • During August you’ll receive a welcome pack containing full details about your enrolment.
  • On GCSE results day, we hold a special event to give you further advice based on your results.

• Step 9 - Attend our Welcome and Enrolment Day

  • You’ll be invited to a Welcome and Enrolment Day at College in late August/early September.
  • During the day, you will meet with the staff from your chosen area and discuss the course details with them.
  • You’ll complete the enrolment process and sign the Student Agreement.
  • You’ll receive your Derby College ID card.

• Step 10 - Become part of the College

  • The first week of term is classed as an induction, including an introduction to your course.
  • You’ll receive a copy of your timetable and the Student Handbook, a Derby College email address and access to our online learning space and Moodle
  • You’ll be introduced to your personal coach who will work with you throughout your time at College and help ensure you achieve a positive destination after your course.