What Next?
After completing your first year a college, what do you do next? Whether you want to continue onto the next level, change course, campus or want to just discuss your options - we can help.
16-18 year old students
If you are already an Oaklands Student and want to progress onto the next level in your course you'll need to do the following:
1. Have a progress review with your tutor
2. PDR - discuss your options with your tutor
3. Plan for your next academic year
4. Enrol on ILP
5. Any other queries please contact your tutor, email: returning@oaklands.ac.uk or call: 01727 737000
Firstly speak to your tutor so they can advise you on what level you can take in the next course. From there if you email:  returning@oaklands.ac.uk with your student number and course change you'll be advised on how to proceed.Â
You can speak to your tutor about the different options available to you.
It's important to note though that only certain courses are taught across both campuses and if yours is only in one location moving campus may not be possible.Â
If you are looking to enrol onto your second year of your course you'll need to do the following:
2. PDR - discuss your options with your tutor
3. Plan for your next academic year
4. Enrol on ILP
5. Any other queries please contact your tutor, email: returning@oaklands.ac.uk or call: 01727 737000
19+ students
If you were 18 in in your first year course and will have turned 19 when you enrol for your 2nd year you should firstly speak to your tutor. They can advise and guide you on the following:Â
- You will be able to receive full funding and will not be required to pay, as long as you are enrolled early.
- It's important to note that students who have declared they do not wish to return and change their minds in September, will be liable for fees so will have to pay or take out a Student Loan.
- These students can claim the certificate for their 1st year L3 qualification
If you were between 19 and 24 on your 1st Year and were given fee remission because you were doing your 1st Level 3 the following will apply:Â
- Please speak to your tutor as early as possible so they can advise you on how to be enrolled accordingly, as if they were doing a 2 year qualification, and continue to claim the correct funding and ensure they will not have to pay for their 2nd year.
- If the students have declared that they do not wish to return and then change their minds in September, they will have to pay or take out a Student Loan.
- These students cannot claim the certificate for their 1st year L3 qualification.
- The qualification claim must only be for the completed 2nd year qualification that the student is enrolled onto.
Our Courses
We offer a variety of courses across our three campuses, from picturesque parkland to close to the town centre locations.
Progression for each level
This level is suitable for beginners. You will be learning basic skills and knowledge and will be supervised as you undertake various practical and knowledge based activities. You will learn the foundations needed to progress onto a higher level.
What do I need?
No formal entry requirements
What courses can I do?
Diploma Level 1
Apprenticeship
What will I get?
You’ll finish your course with new practical skills for work and daily life, work experience, personal development and an introduction to your subject. You could progress onto a level 2 course and expand your opportunities further.Â
Having successfully completed your training on the level 1 course the Level 2 Diploma Award is your natural progression. This course will help you get work in your chosen industry. You will produce a portfolio of work to show future employers.
What do I need?
Three GCSEs at Grade 3 or Grade D or above or a Level 1 qualification
What courses can I do?
Apprenticeship
BTEC Diploma Level 2
Higher Diploma
What will I get?
You will enhance the skills acquired during the Level 1 course. You will further develop your skills with more experience and knowledge increasing your awareness of your chosen industry and options for future qualifications and employment. This is the minimum level that most employers will ask for when you go for a job. However progressing onto a Level 3 course will further expand your employability and allow you to start in much better paid and skilled job.Â
You should have a keen interest in having a career within your chosen subject or, with a level 3 qualification, you have the option to pursue a Foundation Degree or Degree Level.
What do I need?
Four GCSEs at Grade 4 or Grade C or above normally including Maths and English or a relevant Level 2 qualification.
For A Levels:Â Six GCSEs at Grade 5 or Grade C or above normally including Maths and English
What course can I do?
Advanced Apprenticeship
BTEC Extended Diploma
What will I get?
You’ll finish your course with good problem solving skills for your chosen industry, being able to learn and adapt independently, and you'll be able to manage work relationships and business knowledge.
Most universities ask for this level of qualification, and employers tend to look for applicants who are qualified to at least this level.
This course, will give you the advanced specialist knowledge and skills you need for a successful career within your chosen industry.
Our strong links with potential employers who provide a large proportion of work-based learning will give you a distinct advantage when it comes to finding work once you leave us. If you're already working in the industry, this Foundation degree will give you a qualification that opens up opportunities for promotion or alternative roles.
What do I need?
48 UCAS points plus GCSE in Maths and English at Grade 4 or Grade C or above
What course can I do?
Foundation Degree (first year certificate of education)
Bachelor's/Honours Degree (first year) or a Degree Apprenticeship
NVQ/VRQ Level 4
Higher Apprenticeship
What will I get?
You’ll finish your course with advanced problem-solving skills, business knowledge, relationship management skills, and leadership and project management skills.
More in-depth knowledge and an understanding of your subject means you’ll be able to find solutions and respond to complex problems and situations.
What do I need?
48 UCAS points plus GCSE in Maths and English at Grade 4 or Grade C or above
What course can I do?
Foundation Degree (second year) (a university-level qualification worth the same as the first two years of an Honours Degree).
Bachelor's/Honours Degree (second year)
What will I get?
You’ll finish your course with a thorough knowledge of your subject, a high level of work expertise, competence in managing and training others
Studying your chosen subject to this level will allow you to develop your knowledge and skills. You'll learn to use your own ideas and research. You could go from here to do postgraduate courses such as a Master's Degree.
What do I need?
A qualification at Level 5
What course can I do?
Honours Degree or a top-up year from a Foundation Degree.
What will I get?
You’ll finish your course with specialist knowledge in your chosen subject and an ability to use your own ideas and research in response to complex problems and situations.
