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Higher Education

Stay local, go far!

You don’t have to go to university to achieve a higher education qualification. Whether you are looking to upskill, retrain or future proof your career, we can help you achieve your ambitions.

At Harlow College, we offer a whole range of courses for adults, with the opportunity to learn online, take classes in College, or a mixture of the two, all designed to help you with your personal or professional development. Our HE courses are flexible, allowing you to fit your study around personal commitments or a part-time job.

We are Ofsted graded Good as a College and have excellent teachers who can help you develop your skills. We also have great links with industry and access to a wide range of professional resources.

We offer Higher Education courses at Levels 4 and 5. These include Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), Professional Diplomas and NCTJ Journalism qualifications. These qualifications are designed to give you the skills to put your knowledge to practical use.

HNCs and HNDs are highly valued by employers and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations.

If you plan to study Higher Education at Harlow College, you may not have to pay for tuition fees upfront. Help may be 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.

Higher Education FAQs

Why study Higher Education at Harlow College?

Harlow College is a vibrant, state-of-the-art campus with fantastic teaching facilities and tutors with years of industry experience. You will learn in smaller class sizes, meaning you get more one-to-one support from your tutor. The College is easily accessible by car and public transport. Harlow Town station is served by the Stansted Express, with frequent fast train s from London Liverpool Street and Cambridge. The College also offers a range of services to students which include: The Skylight Restaurant, our fully licensed restaurant offering delicious food at affordable prices; the Food Court, our onsite canteen for breakfasts, hot dinners and snacks; Costa Coffee Shop and Starbucks in our University Centre building; great discounts available at our Hair and Beauty Salons and an onsite gym.

How do I pay for my Higher Education course?

There are several options of financial help available for Higher Education courses, ranging from 19+ Advanced Learner Loans to a Student Loan from Student Finance England.19+ Advanced Learner Loans:Advanced Learner Loans are available for courses at Level 3 to 5 and are only paid back once you start earning £27,295 a year (before tax and other deductions).The Student Loan:

Colleges and universities charge tuition fees for Higher Education courses. Most people are eligible to receive a student loan to cover this fee. This loan is available from the government via Student Finance England.

As a Higher Education student you can apply for a range of financial help with living and study costs, loans (which have to be paid back), and grants which don’t have to be paid back. If you plan to study Higher Education at Harlow College, you may not have to pay for tuition fees upfront. Every new student may be entitled to a Tuition Fee Loan that will cover your fees and this won’t be paid back until you're earning a certain level of income.

More information about Tuition Fee Loans

Financial advice and guidance is always available from our Admissions team. Call 01279 868100 or email:

Do I qualify for a Higher Education course?

To qualify for one of our higher education courses you need to be:
  • Aged over 18 years 
  • Have either a level 3 qualification like A-levels or a vocational qualification like a BTEC or Access to Higher Education Diploma 
  • Have relevant work experience in the field you want to study if you haven’t got a level 3 qualification 
  • Non-native English speakers or those who have not studied the final two years of school in English should demonstrate capability in English at IELT 5.5 standard. 
  • Mature students with relevant knowledge and skills, demonstrating a commitment to the chosen subject will be considered.

Study in our new Institute of Technology

The South East Institute of Technology (SEIoT) is situated on the Harlow College campus and is a close partnership between high-performing further education colleges, universities and employers, helping to ensure that what we offer is based on what the economy and local communities need and that our students have the best possible career prospects. 

Underpinned by significant government investment to fund industry-standard facilities and equipment, IoTs represent an exciting new model for skills delivery. We will be opening our brand new Institute of Technology Centre in September 2023, where students will be able to study advanced technical courses in the areas of computing and cyber security, engineering, business, healthcare, and travel and tourism management. 

See our range of higher level courses at the Institute of Technology

What if I’m not quite ready for a Higher Education course?

Not got the qualifications yet to progress to one of our HE courses? Don’t worry. We have a range of intensive one-year courses aimed at students over 19 years of age. We will help you find your path with pre-Access and Access courses to your preferred HE course. 

If you are over 23, you may not have to pay anything upfront. An Advanced Learner Loan may be available to you. If you complete the course and your degree, the loan for Access may be wiped. Find out if you are eligible for Advanced Learner Loans

Call 01279 868100

Read our Access and Participation Statement

Read our Student Protection Plan

CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and leadership (Online and On Campus)

The Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management is studied both online and on campus, meaning part of your study will be at home and part of your study will be face to face in college. The qualification, designed for middle managers, is designed to develop personal management capabilities and grow professional management skills including decision-making, managing team dynamics and delegation capability. Learners will complete a number of units and each unit will require a piece of work to be submitted and all deadlines will be provided during the induction.

In addition to monthly classes all learners will be expected to complete independent study outside of the classroom. This varies from week to week but could include set readings, research or gathering information from within the workplace.

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Computing for England (Cyber Security Pathway) HNC Level 4

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

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Computing for England (Cyber Security Pathway) HND Level 5

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

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Construction Management for England (Construction Site Supervisor) HNC Level 4

If you are already working in the engineering industry and want to upskill, as either a Higher Apprenticeship or standalone HNC. 
Or if you want to progress to university top-up eventually to a full degree.

Find out more form the Pearson student guide:
https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/schools/campaigns/btec-higher-nationals.html

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Construction Management for England (Construction Site Supervisor) HND Level 5

If you are already working in the engineering industry and want to upskill or if you want to progress to university top-up eventually to a full degree.

Find out more form the Pearson student guide:
https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/schools/campaigns/btec-higher-nationals.html

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Counselling and Applied Psychology HNC Level 4

This course is for anyone wishes to practise as a counsellor either with an employer, charity or independently (self employed) as it meets the BACP SCoPEd framework entry point A (see below) at either HNC or HND level assuming you complete the full HNC and the 100 hours placement.

SCoPEd framework 2022 – see page 11:
https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/14435/scoped-framework-january-2022.pdf

Anyone wanting to Top-up to a full degree would need to complete the full HND.

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Counselling and Applied Psychology HND Level 5

This course is for anyone wishes to practise as a counsellor either with an employer, charity or independently (self employed) as it meets the BACP SCoPEd framework entry point A (see below) at HND level assuming you complete the full HNC and the 100 hours placement.

SCoPEd framework 2022 – see page 11:
https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/14435/scoped-framework-january-2022.pdf

Anyone wanting to Top-up to a full degree would need to complete the full HND.

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  • Level: 4
  • Study Mode: Full-time
  • Start Date: September 2026

Creative Enterprise Level 4

UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Creative Enterprise

Unfortunately, due to high demand for places applications for our full-time courses for 16–18 year olds starting in September 2025 are now closed.
If you're interested in applying for a course in September 2026, we will open applications on 16th October 2025

Have you ever wanted to work in the creative industries? Be your own boss? Get yourself university level education without the debt? Well now’s your chance.

Whether your dream is to work in film or TV, become a freelance journalist, set yourself up as a content creator on social media, launch yourself into the world of PR, marketing, and events management, or even become a published author, then this is the course for you.

Why are you still waiting? APPLY NOW!

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Creative Technologies Level 4 (Games, Multimedia & Graphics)

UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Are you ready to launch your career in the dynamic world of the creative industries? Harlow College have launched the UAL Level 4 Creative Technologies (Games, Multimedia & Graphics) course, designed for individuals eager to break into the creative sector and build an impressive portfolio. This course is perfect for those aiming to progress to university or stand out in job interviews with a strong showcase of skills and projects.

Are you ready to launch your career in the dynamic world of the creative industries? Harlow College have launched the UAL Level 4 Creative Technologies (Games, Multimedia & Graphics) course, designed for individuals eager to break into the creative sector and build an impressive portfolio. This course is perfect for those aiming to progress to university or stand out in job interviews with a strong showcase of skills and projects.

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Electrical and Electronic Engineering for England HNC Level 4

If you are already working in the engineering industry and want to upskill, as either a Higher Apprenticeship or standalone HNC. 
Or if you want to progress to university top-up eventually to a full degree.

Find out more form the Pearson student guide:
https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/schools/campaigns/btec-higher-nationals.html

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Leadership and Management for England HNC Level 4

If you are already working as a manager and want to upskill or if you are looking to work within businesses as a manager.

If you wish to top-up to a degree, face-to-face and online top-up courses are available at:
- Coventry University Group
- University of Portsmouth
- Sheffield Hallam University
- University of Roehampton
- Oxford Brookes University

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Leadership and Management for England HND Level 5

If you are already working as a manager and want to upskill or if you are looking to work within businesses as a manager.

If you wish to top-up to a degree, face-to-face and online top-up courses are available at:
- Coventry University Group
- University of Portsmouth
- Sheffield Hallam University
- University of Roehampton
- Oxford Brookes University

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  • Level: 4
  • Study Mode: Full-time & Part-time
  • Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
  • Start Date: September 2026
  • End Date: July 2027

Marketing Management for England - HNC Level 4

Subject to Validation

This course aims to develop students’ marketing management skills, knowledge and understanding to achieve high performance and deliver marketing activities to drive business. It will provide insight into marketing operations and the opportunities and challenges presented so that students can create, manage and maintain key marketing channels, including digital, offline and social media.

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TAQA Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice

This two-unit qualification builds on the core knowledge gained at Level 4 Award in Understanding Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, with an added focus on demonstrating evidence of a functioning quality assurance system. Classes will take place one day per week for four weeks, followed by personalised 1:1 support for up to one year to help you complete your qualification successfully.

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TAQA Level 4 Award in Understanding Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice

This knowledge-based qualification is ideal for those beginning their journey as a Quality Assurance Practitioner. It’s designed for senior teachers, trainers, or assessors who need to understand the principles and practices of internal quality assurance, but who are not yet carrying out IQA activities themselves.

The Award comprises one unit and provides a solid foundation in the theory and processes of quality assurance.

Classes take place one day per week for four weeks, followed by individual 1:1 support for up to one year to help you successfully complete your qualification.

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TAQA Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice

This comprehensive three-unit qualification builds on the knowledge and skills gained from the previous awards, focusing on leading internal quality assurance at a strategic level within an organisation.

Designed for experienced practitioners, this course is ideal for those who take responsibility for managing and coordinating the internal quality assurance process, including planning and sampling strategies, monitoring assessor practice, and providing guidance and support to assessment teams.

By the end of the qualification, you will have the knowledge and evidence required to effectively lead and maintain high standards of quality assurance across your organisation.

Classes will take place one day per week for four weeks, followed by personalised 1:1 support for up to one year to help you complete your qualification successfully.

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Teacher Training Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

This course will prepare you with everything you need to start work in a full teaching/training role. You will learn and apply the practical and theoretical aspects of planning, teaching/training and assessing in Further and Adult Education or the private or public sector. This 30 week course is for perfect for anybody working either full or part-time in a full teacher, trainer or instructor role.

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Teacher Training Level 5 Diploma in Teaching

This course will prepare you with everything you need to work as a qualified teacher in the post 14 learner sector. You will learn and apply the practical and theoretical aspects of planning, teaching/training and assessing to enable you to teach in Further Education Colleges, Sixth Form Colleges, Adult Community Learning, Privately Owned Training Providers, or Offender Learning. This is a new qualification and is the replacement for the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training.

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UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Performance

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.

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