How to apply for higher education and university-level courses

Our higher education (HE) courses are open for applications.

Graduates and staff stand in gowns

What university-level, higher education courses are available?

Higher education courses available at City of Bristol College include:

Search for your university-level course

How to apply for a full-time, higher education course

September – January | On-time applications are open

UCAS applications open for full-time courses starting the following year.

During this time, you can submit an application via UCAS. The deadline is 15 January 2022.

If you apply using this method, you’ll receive offers by March. You’ll need to decide on your first and second choice offers by June.

If you’ve missed this time, don’t worry. Later applications can still be made providing there are places left on the course.

February – June | UCAS Extra is still open for applications

From February, UCAS Extra starts which means if you have used all your five choices on UCAS and you don’t have any offers, you can add more choices through UCAS Extra until June.

During this time, you can apply for student funding. You don’t need to wait until you have accepted a specific place to do this.

July | Clearing opens for applications

UCAS Extra closes and Clearing opens. Full and part-time applications continue throughout the summer.

August | You’ll receive confirmation, if you haven’t already

If you’re waiting for your results to be confirmed, this will happen in August. You can check UCAS Track for confirmation of your place. We will also confirm your place with you.

Applicants who already have qualifications, such as mature students, may receive their confirmation before this.

How to apply for a part-time, higher education course

If you wish to study part-time, you can apply directly to the College. You’ll need to enquire through the course webpage.

We will then send you additional details, including an application form.

Search for part-time higher education courses

What happens after I’ve applied?

Some courses require face-to-face interviews.

Others may make you an offer based on:

  • an interview (this is likely to be a telephone interview)
  • email contact
  • a small assignment (for certain courses).

To prevent disappointment, if you have been offered a place through UCAS, you need to accept it as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions about HE applications

Is higher education right for me?

City of Bristol College offers a range of courses for people aged 19+.

Our HE courses are higher-level courses for people who are qualified at Level 3.

We are open to applications from:

  • college and sixth-form students
  • mature students who are already qualified and/or are experts in their field.

You can find out more about specific entry requirements on our course webpages.

When can I join my course, if I apply today?

All our full-time, university-level courses start in September.

However, you can join some of our courses at different points throughout the year. Please check the course webpage you’re interested in, for more details.

How can I fund my university-level course?

Studying your university-level degree at college is often cheaper than university. Student loans work in the same way and you don’t have to start paying them back until your salary is above the repayment threshold. You can find out more about student loans and repayments on the UCAS website.

Financial support is available for students who need it, including our Higher Education Progression Bursary which is available for students who completed an eligible full Level 3 course with us.

You can find more information about fees, finances and financial support on our support for HE students webpage.

We’re here to help you with your application

Have a question? Need help with your application? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

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