Age 16-18
Vocational courses.
Learn by doing in a subject you love
Practical, hands-on courses in industry-standard workshops, studios and salons. Start at the level that suits your grades and move up each year, all the way to Level 3, which is equal to 3 A levels.
At a glance
- Levels
- Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3
- How long
- One year for each level, 2 years for a Level 3 Extended Diploma
- Assessed by
- Coursework and practical tasks, with some exams
- Where
- Every campus
100%
pass rate in 74 vocational courses in 2026
17
subject areas, from art and design to travel and tourism
3 levels
so you can start where you are and move up each year
3 A levels
is what a Level 3 Extended Diploma is equal to, with UCAS points
Right for you
A vocational course could be right for you
A good fit if
- you like learning by doing
- you want to focus on one subject or career area
- you prefer coursework and practical tasks to exams
- you want to build up step by step, one level at a time
Think about another route if
- you want to study several different subjects
- you prefer reading, essays and exams
Not sure yet? Compare A levels, T Levels, vocational courses, trades and apprenticeships.
How it works
What studying a vocational course is like
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Start at the right level
Your GCSE grades decide whether you start at Level 1, 2 or 3. You can move up a level each year.
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Learn in real workspaces
Workshops, studios, salons, labs and kitchens built like the places you will work.
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Build a portfolio
Most work is assessed through assignments, projects and practical tasks, with some exams.
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Get work experience
Employer projects, visits and work placements help you build skills and contacts.
Subjects
Choose your subject area
Explore the subject areas and the courses at each level.
- Art and design
- Business and office skills
- Catering and hospitality
- Computing and IT
- Construction and engineering
- Early years and education
- ESOL
- Hair and beauty
- Health and social care
- Media, TV, film and games
- Motor vehicle
- Performing arts and music
- Public services
- Science
- Sport
- Travel and tourism
Move up one level at a time
- Level 1Build your skills and confidence. For students with GCSEs at grade 2 or above.
- Level 2Develop your skills in your chosen subject. For students with GCSEs at grade 3 or above.
- Level 3Advanced study, equal to A levels, leading to university, apprenticeships and jobs.
- ThenUniversity, an apprenticeship or a job.
Trade courses, such as bricklaying, plumbing, electrical, motor vehicle, hairdressing and beauty therapy, start at Level 1 or 2 and have their own page.
Entry requirements
The grades you need
These are our usual requirements. Each course page lists its exact entry requirements.
Level 3
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths, and an average point score of 3.50.
Level 2
4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and maths.
Level 1
3 GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English and maths.
Not sure what your grades mean? Enter your predicted GCSE grades to see where you could start.
Check your gradesWhere it leads
Where a vocational course could take you
University
Level 3 vocational courses carry UCAS points and are accepted by most universities.
Apprenticeships
Your practical skills make you a strong candidate for apprenticeships.
A job or your own business
Go straight into work, or start your own business with the skills you have built.
Enquire
Not ready to apply yet?
Leave your details and we will send you information about our courses, open events and life at New City College. You can also ask us a question.
- Course information sent to you
- Invitations to open events and taster days
- Help from our advisers
Questions
Questions about vocational courses
Still have a question? Email info@ncclondon.ac.uk or telephone 0330 135 9000.
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It depends on your GCSE grades. Use our GCSE grades tool to see where you could start. We confirm your level at enrolment.
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BTECs are one type of vocational qualification. We offer BTECs and other vocational qualifications, depending on the subject.
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Yes. Level 3 vocational courses carry UCAS points. A Level 3 Extended Diploma is equal to 3 A levels.
Start something new with us
Come to an open event on Saturday 21 November or Saturday 30 January, 10am to 2pm, or apply for your course today.
