Careers start here.

Your Study Options

Free Course and Careers Advice for Adults

Unsure what part-time course is right for you? Book a free Course and Careers Advice Appointment with our expert adviser

book IAG appointment now button

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z #

Higher Education

  • Creative Enterprise web banner
  • Performance web banner

Your Learning Continued...

At Harlow College, we offer many professional and higher level courses for people who are looking to further their education, study an Apprenticeship or progress in the workplace.

If you want to work at the top level of your industry, you will usually need a professional qualification. These qualifications are also a very good way to evidence all the skills and experience you have already gained in your job.

We have an exciting new range of Higher and Professional qualifications, designed to enable you to become highly skilled and ready for your next steps without the need to go to university.

Help is available towards the cost of your college course as well as maintenance with either a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan or a loan or grant from Student Finance England. If you are under 19 at the start of your course, some of these courses will be free.

We value all our learners at Harlow College and welcome applications from all ages and experience. So, whether you are 16 and taking your first steps in further education, or 66 and looking to re-train, we look forward to hearing from you.

Call 01279 868100

Read our Access and Participation Statement

Read our Student Protection Plan

AAT Level 1 Access Award in Bookkeeping (Online and On Campus)

This Level 1 qualification introduces the role of a bookkeeper and simple bookkeeping techniques. It covers the buying and selling process and the common documents used. The unit also includes recording transactions in the books of prime entry. On completion of this unit, students will be familiar with bookkeeping terminology and will have developed practical bookkeeping skills. Students will gain the confidence to contribute effectively in the workplace and to move on to further study in bookkeeping.

This Level 1 course is part-funded, so the cost for students is reduced. 

On successful completion of this course, you might be eligible for a fully funded Level 2 course. Please see information on progression.

Please note: classroom attendance is fortnightly, on every other Tuesday.

AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping (Online and On Campus)

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Foundation course is an entry-level bookkeeping qualification, ideal for anyone who is seeking an introduction to basic bookkeeping principles and skills.

This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom. 

This Level 2 course is part-funded, so the cost for students is reduced. 

On successful completion of this course, you might be eligible for a fully funded Level 3 course. Please see information on progression.

Please note: classroom attendance is fortnightly, on every other Wednesday.

AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting (Online and On Campus)

This AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) professional level course is a higher-level accounting qualification. If you successfully complete this qualification and fulfil the AAT’s work experience requirements, you can apply for AAT full membership and achieve professional AAT Accountant status. This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons in the classroom.

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of this course. Please ask a member of college staff for details. 

Please note: classroom attendance is weekly, every Tuesday.

Business Higher National Certificate

The Pearson BTEC HNC in Business course will provide you with a well-rounded and challenging programme of study. The engaging programme will cover essential business and management knowledge, practical skills that are relevant for successful progression to the HND in Business, into the world of work or a related degree.

A Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a vocational Higher Education course. A full-time HNC takes one year to complete or two part-time.  An HNC is one level below an HND (it's generally equivalent to the first year at university). This will be carried out through pre-blended learning using HN Online.

If you are interested in a career in Business and/or are seeking to progress further in your career or starting your own business then the nationally recognised HNC course is ideal for you.

Business Higher National Diploma

The Pearson BTEC HND in Business course will provide you with a well-rounded and challenging programme of study. The engaging programme will cover essential business and management knowledge, practical skills that are relevant for successful progression to the HND in Business, into the world of work or a related degree.

A Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND), is a work-related course provided by higher and further education colleges in the UK. A full-time HND takes two years to complete, including the HNC year. Generally, an HND is equivalent to two years at university. Graduates can gain entry into their final (third) year at university and obtain the Honours Degree.

If you are interested in a career in Business and/or are seeking to progress further in your career, or starting your own business then the nationally recognised HND course is ideal for you.

Computing for England (Cyber Security Pathway) Higher National Diploma

An exciting and informative study programme that stimulates and challenges students.

Counselling – Access to Higher Education Diploma

This pathway is for those who wish to study for a Counselling and/or Psychology degree at university or undertake the Higher National Diploma at college. The Counselling Diploma programme is the most suitable route for you if you are looking to go on to study a degree in subjects such as: Psychology, Psychology with Counselling, Criminology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Education with Psychology, Sociology, Psychology with Professional Development or other similar subjects.

What is an Access to Higher Education course? 

An Access to Higher Education course is a 1 year pre-university course that prepares adults for study at university. This course is ideal if you have been out of education for a while, planning a career change or upskill in your current job. A typical Access course is 2-3 days a week, 9.30am-3pm and are taken by students of all ages and backgrounds.

Creative Enterprise Professional Diploma – Creative Business Start-Up

The UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Creative Enterprise is an exciting, practical one year creative business start-up course aimed at those with the dream of starting their own creative business.

The qualification develops business skills and awareness, expands your industry contacts through professional collaboration and networking, and helps you build a strong creative portfolio within your own creative specialism.

The qualification is for anyone who is interested in starting their own creative projects or company.  It will support those who want to gain industry knowledge and experience and test a business idea with the support and guidance of specialist mentors.

Education and Teaching – Access to Higher Education Diploma

If you ever wanted to be a teacher or work in the education profession then this course is for you. This Education, Teaching and Childhood Studies pathway provides a wide knowledge and understanding of the UK Education System. It will prepare you for study on any teaching/education related university course. The Access diploma will give you a solid grounding for when you commence your university degree, (BA, BSc), Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma.

What is an Access to Higher Education course? 

An Access to Higher Education course is a 1 year pre-university course that prepares adults for study at university. This course is ideal if you have been out of education for a while, planning a career change or upskill in your current job. A typical Access course is 2-3 days a week, 9.30am-3pm and are taken by students of all ages and backgrounds.

General Engineering Higher National Certificate

This course provides an extensive knowledge and skills in engineering with specialist units available in Advanced Manufacturing and Automated Systems. You will be studying in the new (£11m) state-of-the-art Harlow Advanced Manufacturing Centre (HAMEC) equipped with over £2m worth of industry standard machinery and equipment. There is a huge demand for qualified engineers locally, nationally and internationally. We work closely with industry to ensure our courses meet the requirements of employers.

General Engineering Higher National Diploma

This course provides an extensive knowledge and skills in engineering with specialist units available in Advanced Manufacturing and Automated Systems. You will be studying in the new (£11m) state-of-the-art Harlow Advanced Manufacturing Centre (HAMEC) equipped with over £2m worth of industry standard machinery and equipment. There is a huge demand for qualified engineers locally, nationally and internationally. We work closely with industry to ensure our courses meet the requirements of employers.

Health & Social Care – Access to Higher Education Diploma

This course is for those who do not have the relevant experience or qualifications to progress to university. It will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in a career in Health and Social Care. You will learn and apply the theoretical and practical knowledge required for working the Health and Care field. Many of our former students are now pursuing new careers and seeing changes in their lives they never thought possible.

What is an Access to Higher Education course? 

An Access to Higher Education course is a 1 year pre-university course that prepares adults for study at university. This course is ideal if you have been out of education for a while, planning a career change or upskill in your current job. A typical Access course is 2-3 days a week, 9.30am-3pm and are taken by students of all ages and backgrounds.

International Travel & Tourism Management Higher National Certificate

You will study approximately 8 units per year on the HNC/D course, all closely related to the industry you have chosen to pursue your career in. In the HND year (Year 2) there is the option to follow 2 different pathways, Aviation Operation or Events Management, a decision that is made at the start of Year 2.

International Travel & Tourism Management Higher National Diploma

You will study approximately 8 units per year on the HNC/D course, all closely related to the industry you have chosen to pursue your career in. In the HND year (Year 2) there is the option to follow 2 different pathways, Aviation Operation or Events Management, a decision that is made at the start of Year 2.

Journalism NCTJ – News & Magazine – Fast Track
  • Ask a Question
  • Level: 5
  • Study Mode: Full-time
  • Start Date: Cohort 1: September 2022 - February 2023 / Cohort 2: February 2023 - June 2023

Journalism NCTJ – News & Magazine – Fast Track

This fast track course, regarded by many editors as the gold standard in training, helps to open doors into the industry. The course is intensive and the pressure to meet deadlines is real. You need to be committed but there will be plenty of fun on the way. You will meet lots of like-minded people who could be good contacts in the future. The course offers pathways in news and magazine journalism and includes a range of modules specifically designed to maximise your employability once you graduate. Final assessment is conducted via examination and coursework and will help to prepare you for the pressures of the newsroom, where you will be asked to produce concise and accurate stories to deadline.

Medicine – Access to Higher Education Diploma

Access to Medicine is an intensive science‐based one year full time course tailored to the requirements of a medical degree, designed to provide an alternative route for non-traditional students into medical training.

It is a course for mature students who, having achieved in other areas, now wish to retrain as doctors. These include:

  • those with experience in other health-related professions
  • those whose initial career choice has proved unsatisfying and who wish to change their field of employment to the health care sector
  • those who have previously studied in higher education, but whose studies did not constitute a suitable preparation for medical training

What is an Access to Higher Education course? 

An Access to Higher Education course is a 1 year pre-university course that prepares adults for study at university. This course is ideal if you have been out of education for a while, planning a career change or upskill in your current job. A typical Access course is 2-3 days a week, 9.30am-3pm and are taken by students of all ages and backgrounds.

NCTJ Journalism – News & Magazine (1 year)

NCTJ Journalism – News & Magazine (1 year)

This one-year course, regarded by many editors as the gold standard in training, helps to open doors into the industry. The course is intensive and the pressure to meet deadlines is real. You need to be committed but there will be plenty of fun on the way. You will meet lots of like-minded people who could be good contacts in the future. The course offers pathways in news and magazine journalism and modules comprises: news reporting, public affairs, press law, shorthand, video journalism, online, and production. Final assessment is conducted via examination and portfolio to help prepare you for the pressures of a newsroom, where you will be asked to draw on knowledge of press law and public affairs and be able to produce concise and accurate stories to meet deadlines.

Nursing, Midwifery & Health Studies – Access to Higher Education Diploma

Get on the fast track to a professional career in nursing, midwifery or other supporting health-based practices. If you want to go to university but don't yet have the necessary qualifications this course is for you.  

What is an Access to Higher Education course? 

An Access to Higher Education course is a 1 year pre-university course that prepares adults for study at university. This course is ideal if you have been out of education for a while, planning a career change or upskill in your current job. A typical Access course is 2-3 days a week, 9.30am-3pm and are taken by students of all ages and backgrounds.

Performance – Professional Diploma

This course provides a bridge between education and the industry and/or specialist Higher training. You will experience professional weekly masterclasses and collaborations with the industry. The qualification has a holistic approach, encouraging experimentation and risk taking. It provides for you to test your creativity which stimulates and provides a supportive transition from general to more specialised study.

Public Service Higher National Certificate

The course will prepare you for a career in the Public Services professions, meeting the needs of the aspiring uniformed public service officer, support and administrative professional. It will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills you'll need to be successful in your future employment in the public services professions.

NOTE: A minimum number of enrolments are required for this course to run.

Public Service Higher National Diploma

The course will prepare you for a career in the Public Services professions, meeting the needs of the aspiring uniformed public service officer, support and administrative professional. It will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills you'll need to be successful in your future employment in the public services professions.

NOTE: A minimum number of enrolments are required for this course to run.

Salon Management Level 4 Diploma

This course has been specifically designed for existing or aspiring managers who work in a spa, beauty therapy,hairdressing or nail salon environment. The course is also for those wishing to set up or enhance their own business.

Sport and Exercise Science Higher National Certificate

Passionate about a career in sport? This full-time qualification will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need for a successful career in the sport industry as a Practitioner, Manager or Coach. The curriculum will develop your knowledge and understanding, opening up a broad choice of career options.

Year 1 of this two year course is studied at Level 4 (HNC). Year 2 is at Level 5 (HND).

Sport and Exercise Science Higher National Diploma

Passionate about a career in sport? This full-time qualification will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need for a successful career in the sport industry as a Practitioner, Manager or Coach. The curriculum will develop your knowledge and understanding, opening up a broad choice of career options.

Year 1 of this two year course is studied at Level 4 (HNC). Year 2 is at Level 5 (HND).