College Life

Enrichment​

We understand that your time at college is not just about your core study programme. College life should be an opportunity to explore and develop your interests away from the classroom and workplace, provide opportunity to socialise, raise aspirations and support your health and wellbeing!

“South Hampshire College Group is committed to providing Enrichment that is transformative for personal growth, creativity, imagination, and employability. The opportunities we provide will allow all students to develop expertise in existing passions, as well as provide new experiences in order to gain cultural capital and promote excellence. We believe in more than academic success and will support students to develop relationships, build friendships and to build the skills needed to become well-rounded members of society.”

Student talking with laptops on table

Course Levels

Understanding Course Levels

Selecting the right course level is key, whether you’re starting your education journey, returning to studies, or looking to upskill for your career. Our courses cater to a range of needs and are designed to suit various backgrounds and experiences. The appropriate level for you depends on your previous education, exam results, and experience.

This guide provides an overview of the course levels and their entry requirements. For specific criteria related to individual courses, be sure to check their dedicated pages on our website.

Whether you’re aiming for university or heading straight into employment, South Hampshire College Group has a course that’s right for you.

Entry Level

Perfect for those beginning their educational journey; Entry Level provides foundational skills like literacy and numeracy.

Types of Qualifications
  • Entry Level Certificate
  • Basic Literacy (English)
  • Basic Numeracy (Maths)

Entry Requirements

  • No formal qualifications required

  • Acceptance by interview

Level 1

Level 1 offers a way to start building your knowledge and skills with a variety of courses and qualifications, setting you on a path toward further education.

Types of Qualifications

  • BTEC Certificates / Diplomas
  • Employability and Introductory Awards

  • NVQ Level 1

  • Kickstart Programme

Entry Requirements

Depends on the subject, ranging from GCSE grade profile 1-2 to five GCSEs at grade 3 or above. Specific entry requirements can be found on individual course pages.

What Comes Next?

  • Transition to T Level (Pre T Level)

  • Level 2 Course

  • Traineeship or Apprenticeship

Level 2

Level 2 courses provide a more advanced understanding of a subject, preparing you for further education, apprenticeships, or employment.

Types of Qualifications

  • Pre T Level
  • BTEC Level 2 Diploma
  • Level 2 NVQ
  • Level 2 City & Guilds
  • Intermediate Apprenticeship

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 3-9, including English and Maths

OR a full Level 1 qualification with a ‘stepping stone’ English and Maths qualification

What Comes Next?

  • T Levels
  • Level 3 Course
  • Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Entry-level Employment

Level 3

Level 3 offers advanced studies, ideal for those preparing for university, higher apprenticeships, or specialised work.

Types of Qualifications

  • T Levels
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
  • NVQ Level 3
  • Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Foundation Diploma
  • Access to Higher Education

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 4-9, including English and Maths

OR a full Level 2 qualification with a merit profile and GCSE English and Maths grades 4-9

Some courses, like Engineering, may require a grade 5 in Maths

What Comes Next?

  • Level 4 Course
  • University
  • Higher Apprenticeship
  • Employment

Level 4

Level 4 is equivalent to the first year of a university degree, allowing you to specialise in a specific field.

Types of Qualifications

  • Higher National Certificate (HNC)
  • Foundation Degree
  • Higher Apprenticeship

Entry Requirements

Requirements depend on the course type; see individual course descriptions for details

What Comes Next?

  • University
  • Higher Apprenticeship
  • Employment

Level 5

Level 5 offers advanced qualifications, allowing you to delve deeper into your chosen field of study.

Types of Qualifications

  • Foundation Degree
  • Higher National Diploma (HND)
  • Higher Apprenticeship

Entry Requirements

Dependent on course type; check individual course descriptions for specifics

What Comes Next?

  • University
  • Degree Apprenticeship
  • Employment

Level 6

Level 6 signifies completion of an undergraduate degree, setting you up for a professional career or advanced studies.

Types of Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science (BSc)
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Degree Apprenticeship

Entry Requirements

Specific to the course; see course descriptions for more information

What Comes Next?

  • Master’s Degree
  • Further industry specific training
  • Employment

Explore Your Future with a Work Placement

Get ready to dive into your future career with a valuable work placement. Our courses are all about preparing you for what’s next, giving you real hands-on experience while you learn everything you need to succeed.

Work experience is a key part of your course as it is your chance to get a real feel for the job and industry you’re interested in.

What you'll gain:

  • Boost confidence: Step out of your comfort zone and discover your strengths in a real work environment
  • Expand your skills: Learn new things and level up your practical skills that you’ve learned so far in college
  • Stand out: Adding your skills and work experience to your CV can really impress future employers and universities, showing your dedication
  • Personal growth: Learn how to work with different people and build up those all-important soft skills, including communication and teamwork
  • Try out different careers: Get a taste of different jobs and see what you really enjoy doing
  • Make connections: Meet people who could help you out in the future, whether it’s with a job or just some good advice

Guidance every step of the way

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry. Our Work Placement Team is here to help. They’ll support you in finding the perfect placement, whether you already know what you want to do or you’re still figuring it out.

Your future starts here

Ready to take the first step towards your dream career? As a current student, you can reach out to your lecturer or get in touch with our Work Placement Team today and start exploring your options.

Not currently a student? Click HERE to find out all about our courses and options.

Term Dates & Holidays

Autumn Term 2025

Term Starts: 8 September 2025
Inset Day: 23 September 2025 (college closed to students)
Half Term: 27 October – 31 October 2025
Inset Day: 17 November 2025 (college closed to students)
Inset Day: 3 December 2025 (college closed to students)
Term Ends: 18 December 2025

Spring Term 2026

Term Starts: 5 January 2026
Inset Day: 29 January 2026 (college closed to students)
Half Term: 16 February – 20 February 2026
Term Ends: 27 March 2026

College will be closed in the morning for mock GCSE exams on these dates and will reopen at midday

English mock GCSE: 17 March 2026
Maths mock GCSE: 18 March 2026

Summer Term 2026

Term Starts: 13 April 2026
Inset Day: 30 April 2026 (college closed to students)
Half Term: 25 May – 29 May 2026
Term Ends: 8 July 2026

College will be closed in the morning for GCSE exams on these dates and will reopen at midday

Maths Paper 1 GCSE: 14 May 2026
English Paper 2 GCSE: 21 May 2026
Maths Paper 2 GCSE: 3 June 2026
English Paper 2 GCSE: 5 June 2026
Maths Paper 3 GCSE: 10 June 2026

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