Admissions

Further Education Admissions

• Aims of the Admissions Policy
• Admissions Policy
• Guide to Admissions 2010/11 Entry
• Contact Details
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Fees information

Further information and guidance will be added to this page throughout the year in order to support applicants for 2010-11 entry.

Below are the Aims of the College Admissions Policy.

Aims of the Admissions Policy

South Essex College is committed to equality of opportunity for all potential learners at the College. We aim to create and maintain the conditions whereby applicants are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential regardless of ethnic or national origin, disability, gender, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation or other distinction.

We will offer free and unbiased advice and guidance about all the programmes available at the College. We aim to recruit students to the programme that best suits their prior qualifications, experience, career aspirations and interests.

Our goal is to provide all potential learners with the opportunity to study the programme of their choice providing they meet the entry criteria as outlined in College publications.

In some cases the number of applicants who meet the entry criteria for a course will exceed the available places for a programme. In this event we aim to recruit with integrity and endure that available places are offered to applicants based on the agreed Admissions Process taking into account our commitment to widen participation and equality of opportunity.

Candidates who meet the entry criteria for a programme but to whom we are unable to offer a guaranteed place (i.e. Offer Subject to Availability) will be kept informed of the status of their application and provided with appropriate advice and guidance about other available programmes at the College.

Admissions Policy
Guide to Admissions 2010/11

Frequently asked Questions

How do I apply for a course?
You can apply on-line or post your application form in using our freepost address below. Alternatively you can drop-in to the College and complete an application form at Reception or Learner Support Services and post it in the Application Form box in Reception.

Southend Campus Applications:
Admissions, South Essex College, FREEPOST SMU110, Luker Road, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 5BR

When can I apply?
You can apply anytime throughout the year. However many of our courses are very popular and we would advise you to apply as soon as possible.

Is there a deadline for applications?
No. However as we have many popular courses you may wish to apply sooner rather than later to ensure you are successful in gaining an offer on your first choice course.

What if I need support when I am studying?
If you disclose on your application or at interview that you have a disability, medical condition or learning difficulty you will be referred to the Learner Support Services team where they discuss your potential support needs if you become a student at the College.

What type of Interview will I have?
Most interviews that take place for our courses are one to one interviews with you and the course tutor.

For some of our courses (part-time courses) we may interview you over the telephone.

Some courses invite groups of applicants along to a session where the course tutors will give a short presentation about the Faculty and the Course which is then followed by a one to one interview.

Following an interview an academic or learner support interview may be required before we can process your application further. Where support is required, once support is agreed an offer on a course will be made, subject to the availability of places.

What do I need to bring to my interview?
Please bring with you evidence of examination results, record of achievement and most recent school report.
For interviews for Art, Design, Fashion and Photography courses you will also need to bring with you a portfolio of your work.

How long will my interview take?
Business and Public Services interviews may last up to 1 hour.
Interviews for Fashion, Art and Design courses may last up to 1 ½ hours.
Interviews for Construction will involve a group presentation plus interview, please allow up to 2 hours for this process.
All other courses one to one interviews may last up to 45 minutes.

Can my parents/guardian come with me?
Yes, we welcome parents/guardians to come along with you to interview as we understand this is an important decision you are making. However you may prefer to come along to your interview without your parents/guardians.

What if I can’t make my interview?
If you cannot attend your interview (for your Course, Academic, Communicator or Learner Support interview) it is important that you let us know as soon as possible and we will reschedule your interview for an alternative day. In most cases we will be able to offer you a new date when you phone, if we are waiting on additional interview dates for Courses, Academic, Communicator or Learner Support we will write to you with a new interview date and time.

You can contact admissions directly via email admissions@southend.ac.uk or by telephone 01702 220432/220490/220473 to advise if you cannot attend your interview.

Applicants who fail to attend their Course, Academic or Learner Support Interview and who did not contact Admissions to advise of their non-attendance will be sent a No Show letter. The letter will ask applicants to re-schedule their interview, if the applicant does not respond to this letter within 14 days (of the date of the letter) their application will be withdrawn and a withdrawal letter will be sent to the applicant.

How do I change my contact details?
It is important that you let Admissions know if your contact details have changed so that you do not miss out on receiving important correspondence regarding your application including interview letters, offer letters and your personal enrolment pack. Failure to provide us with up to date, correct information may result in your place being given to another applicant.

How do I change the course I have applied for?
Please contact Admissions as soon as possible if you have changed your mind about the course you have applied for.

What does Subject to Availability mean?
In some cases the number of applicants who meet the entry criteria for a course will exceed the available places. When this happens we make Offers based on the date of application and may also make Offers Subject to Availability. If you receive an Offer Subject to Availability it means that we are currently unable to guarantee you a place on the course and you are on the waiting list. We will keep you informed if the status of your Offer changes during the year.
In the majority of cases applicants with Offers Subject to Availability will be able to enrol on the course due to other applicants withdrawing or failing to achieve the entry criteria. Where no place becomes available we will endeavour to find a place on a suitable alternative programme.

Do I have to confirm my offer of a place?
For all applicants with an offer letter for one our 16-19 courses you will need to confirm your place. In July 2010 we will send you a letter asking you to confirm that you still wish to take up the offer of a place at the College.

When does enrolment start?
Further Education enrolment generally starts on GCSE results day. We will include in your enrolment pack your course specific enrolment day and it is important that you attend the correct day.

When will I get my enrolment pack?
Your enrolment pack will be sent to you approximately two week prior to your enrolment day.

When is the first day of term?
At enrolment you will meet your tutor and they will advise you of the date, time and venue of your first day.

Tuition Fees

Home/EU Students

Under 19 – All Programmes	Nil
Over 19 – Further Education Programmes	£1,194
FE Full Time for Over 19s (Home/EU)	£1,194
FE Full Time for Non-EU/International Students	£4,600*

All fees quoted are accurate at the time of publication for the current year, but may be increased for 2010/11.

*Payable in full at enrolment

Information for International Students