Are you looking to become an illustrator, graphic designer, interior designer, art teacher, fine artist, concept artist or one of the many other careers in art and design? Then this is the course for you! This course is suitable for those looking to pursue a specialist career in the creative industries. It provides you with the necessary industry relevant skills, knowledge and understanding to access appropriate entry level roles, training programmes or apprenticeships in the creative sector.

Are you hoping to find a career in the world of fashion? This course has pathways in both fashion design and fashion styling/ promotion. The course covers all aspects of the fashion industry including design, illustration, pattern cutting and production, marketing, styling and promotion, business and retail, textiles, photography and more! This course is suitable for students looking to pursue a specialist career in the creative industries. It provides students with the necessary industry relevant skills, knowledge and understanding to access appropriate entry level roles, training programmes or apprenticeships in the creative sector.

Are you looking for a career in photography? This course will prepare you for studio and location photography working in fashion, sport, travel, food, portraits, wedding, photo journalism, forensics, teaching, fine art and many other avenues of photography. You will experience both digital and traditional photography. This course is suitable for students looking to pursue a specialist career in the creative industries. It provides students with the necessary industry relevant skills, knowledge and understanding to access appropriate entry level roles, training programmes or apprenticeships in the creative sector.

The online world is changing rapidly. More businesses and individuals are turning to social media and online content as a tool for growth. If you aspire to earn a living in social media, you’ve come to the right place. On this course you will learn how to shoot, edit and distribute your own content – allowing you to explore your creativity by working within a range of genres. You will build a portfolio of work across a variety of online platforms, develop your entrepreneurial skills, and explore how you can monetise your content. Whether you aspire to become a social media influencer, or managing PR and social media accounts for celebrities/businesses, this course is designed for you.

This is a full-time course over two years (Extended Diploma), using a range of assessment methods including assignments, presentations to industry professionals, coursework and live briefs.

These will aim to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to specific creative activities in app design and in the creation of your own professional portfolio. Experienced teaching staff will provide industry standard training in a wide range of practical and theoretical areas to ensure you are well prepared for progression into university, apprenticeships or into industry where there is a need for an app. You will work in our dedicated Creative Industries Centre and have access to specialist equipment.

This course will introduce students to the materials and processes used in art , design and media, and the skills needed to record and express ideas. Students are given the opportunity to explore, develop and test their creativity and commitment to the subject and will gain an understanding of the job roles available in the creative industries.

This Barbering Course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and techniques needed to succeed in the industry. Through practical, hands-on training, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills by working on fellow students perform cuts for paying clients - giving you real-world experience. Throughout the course, you will learn how to follow essential health and safety practices in the salon, conduct professional client consultations to understand and meet their needs, master the art of cutting facial hair and develop a strong foundation in barbering techniques, including clipper and scissor work.

One unique advantage of this course is the opportunity to learn within Harlow College's two state-of-the-art hair and beauty salons. These salons are conveniently located on the Harlow College campus and in Harlow Town Centre, offering a real-world learning environment equipped with industry-standard equipment. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your practical skills but also expose you to the professional atmosphere of a salon, preparing you for a successful career in the hairdressing industry. 

Learn the basic skills and techniques of Beauty Therapy. You have the opportunity to try out your practical skills on your fellow students and the final assessment of these skills will be carried out by applying treatments to paying members of the public.

Learn the basic skills and techniques of Beauty Therapy. You have the opportunity to try out your practical skills on your fellow students and the final assessment of these skills will be carried out by applying treatments to paying members of the public.

This course is ideal for therapists looking for a career in all aspects of the beauty industry, potential entrepreneurs aspiring to set up a small business or for those looking to work within the spa/leisure industry.

Bricklayers develop skills that can be used worldwide. In the UK, efficient and qualified bricklayers will typically earn between £100 - £150 per day. The Level 2 Diploma will enable you to develop and hone your skills in the craft of bricklaying and will enable you to experience all aspects of the craft. You will also gain a greater understanding of the construction environment.

Start dates for this course:

September 2025

November 2025

January 2026

This course is aimed at supporting young people to re-integrate back into education to support them to find a future course or career path that’s suitable to them. This programme develops confidence and self esteem as well as self-awareness. It allows students to develop skills that they will use in employment or on further courses including English and maths. Students also spend time researching courses and/or employment that they may wish to move on to on completion of the programme. You will either study the Certificate or Diploma qualification depending on what we feel is most appropriate for you.

This course has been designed to nurture budding authors, to build their confidence and develop their writing skills, to expose them to a range of different genre and writing medium, help them to hone their craft, and most importantly, build their confidence.

In year one you will concentrate on developing a creative writing portfolio and setting up a website to promote your work. You will experience writing material for a range of different audiences and developing original content for a number of different mediums. These may include poetry; writing for children, the stage and radio. You will discover how to record sound effects and incorporate them into your scripts as well as .looking at lighting and stage design. Some of your work could be published in our online magazine Spotlight, giving you a chance to get your work read by a wider audience. In the second year you will work on a project for television which will include not only the script but promotional material including a short, filmed trailer. You will also investigate job opportunities, and perfect CVs and UCAS applications, should you decide to go to university. Throughout the course you will develop your research and presentation skills and conduct a major project of your own choosing which will form part of an exhibition at the end of each year.

This course will provide you with a good knowledge of the development of babies and young children. You will gain an understanding of the stages and sequences of brain development, physical development and social skills. There is an opportunity to progress onto Level 3, (with the relevant GCSE's) or work as a qualified level 2 practitioner.

This programme is a practical, work-related course. You will learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations. It covers the basic underpinning knowledge and technical practical skills needed to be an Electrician. The programme provides a good foundation for future careers opportunities or progression on to a more advanced work-related qualification.

This is as a practical, work-related course. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations. It covers the basic underpinning knowledge and technical practical skills needed to be an Electrician. The programme provides a good foundation for future careers opportunities or progression on to a more advanced work-related qualification.

This course is a practical based Engineering coursed designed to support learners from full time education to progress into an apprenticeship (what we call a pre-apprenticeship). It can also be used to help learners progress from Level 2 to Level 3. We cover a broad range of Engineering (machining, mechanical, electrical) to help learners find what they enjoy doing and then look to help them progress into their future doing what they enjoy!

Throughout the course there will be large amounts of practical work included in the relevant topics e.g. programming CNC machines, working with hand tools, manual machining on lathes and mills, mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance and testing, electronic circuit building. Various Engineering and Manufacturing companies will be visited in the local area and further trips to Engineering Conferences.

This course is suitable for those interested in a career in the public services or those wishing to study a variety of degrees including Law, Criminology, Politics, or Public Services. The public sector is the UK's largest employer and includes central and local government, the armed forces and the emergency services.

This course is designed to upskill young people working in the catering industry. You will study how to maintain a safe, hygienic and secure working environment, how to maintain, handle and clean knives, how to work effectively as part of a hospitality team and maintain food safety when storing, preparing and cooking food. Completing this course will mean you have a qualification that shows employers and customers you have the skills to work in a range of catering and hospitality roles like hotel receptionist, chef, bartender or waiter/waitress. 

This is a full-time course over one year. A range of assessment methods including assignments, presentations to industry professionals, course work and live briefs.

These will aim to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to specific creative activities in games art application and in the creation of your own professional portfolio.

The dedicated professional lecturing team offer industry will offer training in a wide range of practical and theoretical areas to ensure you are well prepared for progression onto L2. You will work in our dedicated Creative Industries Centre and have access to specialist equipment.

This is a full-time course over one year. A range of assessment methods including assignments, presentations to industry professionals, course work and live briefs.

These will aim to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to specific creative activities in games design topics and in the creation of your own professional portfolio.

The dedicated professional teaching team will offer training in a wide range of practical and theoretical areas to ensure you are well prepared for progression onto L3 or into industry. You will work in our dedicated Creative Industries Centre and have access to specialist equipment.

This is a full-time course over two years (Extended Diploma). A range of assessment methods including assignments, presentations to industry professionals, coursework and live briefs. These will aim to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to specific creative activities in games art application and in the creation of your own professional portfolio. The dedicated professional lecturing team offer industry-standard training in a wide range of practical and theoretical areas to ensure you are well prepared for progression onto Level 3 or into industry. You will work in our dedicated Creative Industries Centre and have access to specialist equipment.

The qualification is based on the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) professional standards for instructing gym based exercise. Throughout this qualification, learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of relevant anatomy and physiology. They will also develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to pre-screen clients and check their readiness to exercise, health and safety and induct individuals and small groups to gym equipment.They will also plan and instruct gym-based exercise programmes. In parallel, learners will develop their communication and customer service skills, their awareness of environmental sustainability and their commercial skills, all of which are valued highly by employers. Problem solving, team working skills and research skills will also be developed.

The Level 1 Diploma in Hair and Beauty is designed to build on your interest and passion for the hair and beauty industry, covering a wide range of skills from styling, plaiting and twisting to make-up or nail art.

This qualification is designed for those who wish to prepare for further learning or training in the hair and beauty sector. It will also enable you to perform your own basic services and to assist others in the salon.

This course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to provide basic shampoo and condition, styling men's and women's hair, plaiting and twisting, the art of dressing hair and, salon reception duties. You will gain an insight into working in the sector and knowledge of the health, safety and hygiene requirements. It will support progression onto a Level 2 course.

Do you want to be a senior hair stylist, colourist or even run your own hair salon? If you are already working as a hairdresser and have a level 2 qualification, this course is the perfect next step. You can build on the skills you have already gained to become creative and highly skilled in a wide range of hairdressing services, including colour, bridal hair, creative hairdressing and the promotion and selling of products. When you complete this course you will have all the essential skills you need to gain employment or start your own business in the hairdressing industry!

Do you want to be a senior hair stylist, colourist or even run your own hair salon? If you are already working as a hairdresser and have a level 2 qualification, this course is the perfect next step. You can build on the skills you have already gained to become creative and highly skilled in a wide range of hairdressing services, including colour, bridal hair, creative hairdressing and the promotion and selling of products. When you complete this course you will have all the essential skills you need to gain employment or start your own business in the hairdressing industry!

This is a level 1 aimed to provide an introduction to Further Education and the courses on offer. It comprises of core units that will prepare students for a level 2 qualification, pastoral units that will give students essential skills for personal development, and subject units to give an example of future courses. Other pathways include Engineering, Sport and Business.

This qualification is designed for anyone considering a career in the health or social care sector. The course includes a certificate in understanding working in the health and social care sector and additional learning about the social care sector and the main human body systems (anatomy and physiology). It is a good foundation year for progression to the level 3 course - T level health. 

Take your first steps towards a career in the digital industry. You'll learn the skills to produce IT systems and software, websites and mobile apps, and video, graphics and animation.This  programme specialises in wide-ranging subjects across computer systems, hardware and software. IT is an ever-changing industry full of possibilities and this course will build your skills and understanding preparing you for further study.

The course provides you with the basic knowledge to progress on to higher level programmes or out into the sector. You will have work experience within the sector that will draw on your theoretical knowledge and allow you to understand the sector and explore the variety of job roles within the sector.

This NVQ provides you with the competence, skills and knowledge to work effectively and efficiently with IT systems, communications and productivity tools and applications in a range of job roles and industry sectors.

This is the first step in your career in one of the most exciting careers available. Led by a team of former journalists, this programme is designed to introduce learners to the fast-paced environment of print, broadcast and online journalism. You will learn how to improve your writing style, how to conduct interviews, what job roles are available, and how to improve your chances of getting your first foot in the door of this very competitive industry.

This course will give students the potential opportunity to progress to the level 2 qualification in business, or to develop skills that will be valuable in a variety of full-time employment opportunities.

This course will give students the potential opportunity to progress to the level 3 qualification in business, or to develop skills that will be valuable in a variety of full-time employment opportunities. It is a one-year programme that can help build up some essential skills and knowledge of the subject of business before stepping up to the next level.

This course offers the potential opportunity to progress to employment in a wide range of job roles across the business sector and digital industries – for example in roles such as business administrator, finance assistant, HR assistant and marketing assistant and a lot more.

This course is designed to engage and motivate students who are interested in learning about the maintenance of motor vehicles and the various roles that are available in the retail motor industry.

This course is suitable for anyone interested in working in the vehicle repair/maintenance industry. It is designed to maximise opportunities for progression onto an apprenticeship programme where you can work towards becoming a fully qualified Motor Vehicle specialist.

The qualification allow learners to learn, develop and practise the skills required for employment and/or career progression in the automotive industry.
The content covers and is mapped to the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) within the ST0499 Autocare Technician occupational standard.

This is a practical programme, which helps you to develop skills in cooking. These skills will allow you to prepare a wide range of dishes. The Certificate gives you an excellent grounding in the hospitality and catering industry.

The qualification has been designed for those who have an interest in the media and are looking to explore and extend their interest via a full-time, immersive learning experience. The course covers a range of disciplines from film and television, social media, marketing, and photography, among others. Many students have identified a specific career in the creative industries that they wish to progress to using this qualification as a starting point.

The qualification has been designed for those who have an interest in the media and are looking to explore and extend their interest via a full-time, immersive learning experience. The course covers a range of disciplines from film and television, journalism, social media, PR and marketing, photography, and creative writing, among others. Many students have identified a specific career in the creative industries that they wish to progress to using this qualification as a starting point.

If music is more than just a passion, it’s a profession, then this course is designed for you. Your music skills and knowledge will be enhanced. We aim to produce highly skilled, resilient, positive and versatile young performers and artists. Students work in collaboration with each other to meet the challenge of termly projects resulting in live concerts and music productions. You will explore music performance, composition, live sound and recording, whilst developing your study skills in research, analysis and critical evaluation. You shall also be given the opportunity to develop music theory and skills of your own choosing throughout the course.

This is an excellent course for increasing self-confidence, communication and performance skills. It will provide a foundation for further study in this field and possible progression to a career in the performing arts industry. This qualification will give you a broad experience and understanding of performing arts as a collaborative activity and prepares you for the reality of working in the sector. 

If performing is more than just a passion, it’s a profession, then this course is designed for you. Your skills and knowledge will be enhanced. We aim to produce highly skilled, resilient, positive and versatile young performers and artists. You will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of the demands of professional training in the performing arts dance industry in our purpose-built and modern acting studios and 110 seated theatre. It is for anyone who wants to study dance, performing arts, musical theatre or even production arts.

This course is designed to produce highly skilled, passionate and versatile young performers and artists. You will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of the demands of professional training in the performing arts industry in our purpose-built and modern dance and acting studios and theatre. It is for anyone who wants to study dance, choreography, musical theatre, dance in education and production arts.

For candidates who want to work as plumbers in the building services engineering sector. This qualification does not make candidates fully qualified plumbers but enables them to gain the relevant hand skills and knowledge through studying Health and safety, Electrical principles, Scientific principles, Plumbing processes, Cold water systems, Hot water systems, Sanitation, Central heating systems and Drainage systems.

For those who want to work as plumbers in the building services engineering sector. This qualification does not make you a fully qualified plumber but enables you to gain the relevant hand skills and knowledge through studying cold water systems, hot water systems, sanitation, central heating systems and environmental technology systems and site procedures and planning. You will also be required to undertake a minimum of 45-day industry placement.

The NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma extends and deepens the specialist work related to Policing. There is potential for the qualification to prepare learners for appropriate direct employment into the Police Apprentice pathway. It is broadly equivalent to three A Levels. The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Policing is designed as a full time, 2-year programme for learners who wish to develop their skills and knowledge of the sector. This qualification also supports learners interested in progressing to further/higher education. 

This programme is for anyone who works or wants to work as a patisserie chef in the catering and hospitality sector. The course will give you an overview of the many elements that make up being a professional pastry chef, which is a specialised and unique role within the catering & hospitality sector. If you are an experienced professional chef ready to take your cooking skills to the next level, or a student progressing from the Level 2 Practical Cookery Programme, this course will help you by providing you with an industry-standard qualification.

ATTENDANCE PATTERN: 3½ days over 5 days
You will be expected to attend on at least three evenings per year

This hands-on programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to help you become a professional chef. It will open doors to various sectors of the food industry and provide you with many workplace essentials. Throughout this course you will gain high standard cookery skills in our state-of-the art facilities, alongside other fundamental knowledge in hygiene, health & safety, teamwork and customer care.

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.

Working in the uniformed public services can be a very rewarding experience, be it on the front line of the armed forces or helping the public as a Police Community Support Officer. On this course you will learn about the skills and qualities needed to be an effective member of the services and the types of work that you would participate in. The course is mostly academic, however throughout the course you will also complete a number of practical units which will challenge and develop both your fitness and outdoor activity skills.

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.

This is the course for someone who loves 'hands on' Science. It combines in-depth study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, whilst developing core skills in English and Mathematics. You will spend most of your college time in laboratories, carrying out a variety of practical scientific investigations. It is an appropriate course for anyone wishing to pursue a career in any of the science industries and for those who wish to study Science at university. The course lasts for two years and the Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels in Science.

The course provides the essential core of scientific knowledge and applied skills so that you will be able to progress to a Level 3 Applied Science qualification. This in turn will enable you to progress within a wide choice of Science-based allied career pathways, apprenticeships and/or employment.

This level 2 programme will enable you to develop and hone your skills in site carpentry and will enable you to experience all aspects of the craft both on and off the job. Upon successful completion of your course you will hold all qualifications to the expected industrial standard. You will also gain the opportunity to progress onto an advanced apprenticeship in site carpentry.

This course is ideal if you are interested in the sport and leisure industry and enjoy sport and physical activity with an opportunity of specialising in sports at university.

The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to access and progress to degree level study or employment in the production arts. It provides an opportunity for those who have an interest in the performing arts to explore, develop and test their creativity. Within a qualification structure which is stimulating, demanding and provides a supportive transition from general to a more specialised level of study.

The new Business T Level will help students develop the core skills, knowledge and experience needed for a range of roles within the business sector. The course has been designed in collaboration with employers and businesses so the content meets the needs of industry and prepares learners for work.

Students will be required to undertake work placements as part of the course, and complete practical assignments set by employers. 

This course is suitable for anyone wanting a career in construction, specifically in surveying and design, civil engineering, building services design, or hazardous materials surveying.

T Levels are designed to deliver world-class technical education and give you a new choice after GCSEs. The Construction T level has been designed with leading businesses and employers in the construction industry and gives you:

• A thorough understanding of concepts and theories of the construction industry.
• The opportunity to solve real life problems in the construction industry.
• Valuable experience of learning from the experts through working side by side with those in the construction industry on your industry placement so that you have the chance to learn what this career is like in the real world while you continue your studies.
• Specialist knowledge and skills of design for construction and the built environment.

The Digital T level has been designed with leading businesses and employers in the Digital industry and gives you:

• A thorough understanding of concepts and theories behind cybersecurity
• The opportunity to solve real life problems in the cybersecurity field.
• Valuable experience of learning from the experts through working side by side with those in the cybersecurity industry on your industry placement so that you have the chance to learn what this career is like in the real world while you continue your studies.

T Levels are designed to deliver world-class technical education and give you a new choice after GCSEs. The Education and Childcare T level has been designed with leading businesses and employers in the sector and gives you: 

• A thorough understanding of concepts and theories of the education and childcare sector.
• The opportunity to solve real life problems in the education and childcare sector.
• Valuable experience of learning from the experts through working side by side with those in the education and childcare sector on your industry placement so that you have the chance to learn what this career is like in the real world while you continue your studies.  
• Specialist knowledge and skills relating to either early years or supporting and mentoring students in further and higher education 

T Levels are designed to deliver world-class technical education and give you a new choice after GCSEs. The Health T level has been designed with leading businesses and employers in the sector and gives you:

T Levels are designed to deliver world-class technical education and give you a new choice after GCSEs. The Health T level has been designed with leading businesses and employers in the sector and gives you:

• The opportunity to solve real life problems in the health sector.
• A thorough understanding of concepts and theories of the health sector.
• Valuable experience of learning from the experts through working side-by-side with those in the health sector on your industry placement. You will have the chance to learn what this career is like in the real world, while you continue your studies.
• Specialist knowledge and skills relating to supporting the adult nursing team.

T level Science is aimed at students who are interested in pursuing a career in laboratory science. Year one includes essential knowledge and skills to work in science or healthcare including how the industry works, core scientific concepts and key regulations including managing information, health and safety and good scientific/clinical practice.

In Year 2 you will specialise in Laboratory Sciences understanding how to design and perform practical experiments, keep good records and solve problems.

Alongside your work at college you will have a extended industry placement of 315 hours (around 45 days) which enables you to gain important experience of a workplace and also develop the key skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.

The qualification has been designed for those who have an interest in media and who wish to explore and extend this interest via a full-time, immersive learning experience. Many students will have identified a specific career in the creative industries that they wish to progress to (e.g. producer, director, cinematographer, broadcast technician, editor etc), using this qualification as a starting point.

This is a combined practical and theory based work-related course. You will learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands and you will develop the skills you need to start a career.