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Applications and Enrolment
Your Future Starts Here
At Southend City College, Thurrock College, and Basildon College, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to education and training. That’s why we’re here to support you - wherever you are on your journey.
Whether you’ve already applied, are reconsidering your options, or just beginning to plan your next steps, we’re ready to help you move forward toward the career of your choice.
With a wide range of technical, vocational, and academic courses starting this September, we’ve got you covered.
Take the next step to a brighter future.
Open doors to regional, national and global opportunities—whether that’s employment, further study, or launching your own venture.
Find the right course for you and start your future!
Our Admissions Team is here to help you choose the right course and guide you through your journey from enquiry to enrolment. Get in touch: admissions@southessex.ac.uk or call 0345 52 12345
Enrolment FAQs
There is no need to worry, we offer a range of courses and levels which will enable you to achieve your education and career goals. Academic staff at Stage 1 of your enrolment will work with you to find a suitable course depending on your grades and other factors.
You can order a new birth certificate for births in England and Wales here .
To avoid this happening, please ensure the email address and contact number you have provided is correct. Keep an eye on your junk folder just in case! You can check your application by logging in to your Applicant Portal
Useful documents
Money Matters contains information on the funding options you may be eligible to apply for.
Your timetable will be given to you by the academic teams during induction week, between Monday 2 September and Friday 6 September.
We’ll have friendly staff around to help you get to where you need to be and lots of directional signage will be in operation throughout the college.
There will be a range of options for you which will depend on the course you have completed. This could be continuing your study with us at a more advanced level for example, progressing to a Level 2 qualification after completing a Level 1 programme, or it could mean progression to one of our Higher Education courses such as a HNC or a degree.
We pride ourselves on providing high quality support to our learners with a wide range of additional learning support needs, helping individuals to participate fully in college life. If you have disclosed special educational needs or a disability on your application, our friendly and supportive Additional Learning Support team will be in contact with you to discuss your needs.
Contacting the Additional Learning Support team
For more information about Additional Learning Support and how to contact the team, please visit our Additional Learning Support webpage
If you are a young carer, known to social care, living independently, require counselling or need general pastoral support, the Safeguarding team and wider Student Services team have staff members who can work closely with you.
Contacting the Wellbeing & Safeguarding team
For more information about Safeguarding and how to contact the team, please visit our Safeguarding webpage
Yes, you can change your course choice before, during or after enrolment, as long as there are still spaces available on the alternative course. If you start on the course and decide it’s not for you, your tutor and our Careers team will be able to provide you with support and guidance. We also host a Swap Don’t Drop Fair that assists students in exploring alternative courses.
There may be an occasion when we may have to close a course or move it to a different location. This can be due to a number of reasons such as low interest or changes to funding. In the rare case this occurs, the following steps will be taken:
- We will let you know about the changes as soon as possible
- Where the course runs at more than one campus and there are still places available, we will offer a place at an alternative campus
- Provide you with Information, Advice and Guidance to discuss alternative options
For our performance courses you will be required to complete an audition. If you have not already completed this as part of your application, this will take place before the start of term and the date/time/location will be provided to you at your enrolment.
For our art and design courses you will be required to provide a portfolio to evidence your current level. Please bring some of your recent work with you to your enrolment. If you are unsure what to bring, the academic staff at Stage 1 of your enrolment will be able to provide further guidance.
You will be contacted with full details of the DBS process if this is required for the course you have applied to.
We support learners in finding suitable work placements and have a dedicated Work Experience team to guide them through the process.
We can’t guarantee you will. You may not be studying at the same level and even if you are, a lot of our courses have more than one group. Remember, you’re not the only one starting college, you’ll be making friends in no time.
The college day is very different to school. Days are slightly longer to better represent a day in the workplace, which helps you prepare for the world of work.
You may not attend college every day of the week, but will still study in line with the required guided learning hours. The days you are not in college are an ideal opportunity for independent study as well as securing work experience to support your studies or a part time job. Most courses have work experience requirements built in to the qualifications.
Courses are delivered by industry experts in their field combining theory with practical study. A lot of tutors have previously worked in their industry, and some still do, so they are able to bring first-hand experience to the course. Tutors also work closely with local businesses which is great for work experience.
Details will be provided to you at Stage 1 of your enrolment if a uniform is required for your course. We prepare you for the workplace and uniforms may be a part of your chosen career.
For up-to-date information on traveling to and from our campuses view our Travel webpage.
You may be required to purchase specialised equipment or uniforms depending on the course you are studying. For more information speak to your tutor during enrolment or contact the admissions team via email admissions@southessex.ac.uk
Every week during term time our Enrichment team run a programme of pursuits for our students to access which includes sports enrichment, careers events and activities that engage with local community organisations and groups.
Study with us
We will treat you as an adult, and guide you through your programme so that you get excellent results at the end.
We will also help you get the most from your time at college and enjoy yourself while you are learning lots of new skills.
- Campuses in Southend, Basildon and Thurrock
- Learn from professionals
- Gain practical experience
- Find your ideal career
- Freedom to be yourself
- A stepping stone to university
- Vibrant, friendly atmosphere
Success stories
The apprenticeship route appealed to me because it offered the opportunity to gain real-world experience while working within the marine industry
My name is Maddy, and I am studying the Maritime Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Level 3 at South Essex College Group. This is my story.
I had no previous background in marine engineering before joining South Essex College Group. In 2023, I enrolled on the one-year Marine Study Group programme and quickly discovered how much I enjoyed the subject. After completing the course, I decided to continue my journey and progress onto the Maritime Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship route appealed to me because it offered the opportunity to gain real-world experience while working within the marine industry. Being in the workplace four to five days a week has allowed me to develop practical skills and tackle challenges that you would not typically encounter in a workshop environment. For me, there was no other route that offered the same level of hands-on experience.
One of the things I have enjoyed most about my apprenticeship is the variety it provides. I have had the opportunity to build a wide range of skills and experience through the different types of work my employer undertakes. I have also enjoyed meeting people from many different backgrounds within the industry and learning from their experiences.
There was a point during my apprenticeship when I considered leaving the course. However, I realised that completing the programme would be an important stepping-stone in my career and could open up many opportunities in the future. Looking back, I am pleased that I made the decision to continue, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement I received from those around me. I would say that my employer and the apprenticeships team have played an important role in supporting me throughout my journey so far. Their guidance and encouragement have helped me stay focused and continue progressing towards my goals.
Since starting the apprenticeship, I have developed stronger communication skills, gained confidence working with different types of people, and improved my problem-solving abilities. Learning how to approach challenges and find solutions when things do not go to plan has been a valuable part of my development. Although I am still exploring my future career options, one of the things that excites me most about marine engineering is the variety of opportunities it offers. It is a career path that could take me around the world and provide many different experiences throughout my working life.
Being a student at South Essex College Group has given me the opportunity to explore a career path I am passionate about, develop valuable skills and build a strong foundation for my future in the marine industry.
My advice to anyone considering a Maritime Engineering Technician Apprenticeship would be to give it a try. The industry offers a huge range of opportunities and specialisms, meaning there is something to suit a wide variety of interests and skills.
If you enjoy it, it can lead to a rewarding and lifelong career!
Find out more about Maritime Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Level 3
The Skills Bootcamp has given me the opportunity to secure an apprenticeship and take the first steps towards becoming an LGV driver, something I have always wanted to do.
My name is Danny Burns, and I studied with the South Essex College Group. This is my story.
I studied the Warehouse and Storage Skills Bootcamp at Thurrock College, a free, hands-on, employer-led programme designed to give learners the skills employers in the logistics sector are looking for.
I really enjoyed my time on the course. I made new friends and gained the skills and certifications I needed to move into the industry, including an RTITB Forklift Licence and my CSCS card.
Before starting the Warehouse and Storage Skills Bootcamp, I had some difficulty finding a job. However, after successfully completing the programme, Darren and the Logistics team were incredibly supportive and helped me secure an apprenticeship.
I am now an apprentice at Rayleigh Cold Store on their Warehouse to Wheels apprenticeship scheme. This will allow me to gain further industry experience in warehousing before studying for my LGV licence in my second year.
The Skills Bootcamp has given me the opportunity to secure an apprenticeship and take the first steps towards becoming an LGV driver, something I have always wanted to do.
My confidence has boosted massively and my work is recognised here. Last year I won who wants to be an entrepreneur and student of the year in business and logistics
South Essex College Group student, Chloe Wade, has been accepted as an Apprentice Marketing Executive for the BBC in White City.
Chloe is currently studying Level 3 Interactive Digital Media. She previously studied business at the college before swapping over to the Digital Media course. Other colleges didn’t supply the course she was looking for, and she felt that South Essex College Group provided the perfect environment and location to suit her needs.
Chloe applied for the apprentice position on Boxing day in December 2022 after finding the advert on Indeed. The interview process took six months and there were six different stages of the interview. Originally, there was supposed to be only five stages, however towards the end on the interview process it was whittled down to Chloe and another candidate so the BBC added an extra interview on top. The role is for a Marketing Executive Level 4 for 18 months, as well as being full-time with one day-a-week apprentice study through the online external provider.
When asked about the support from tutors, Chloe said: “They were all so encouraging, as each stage went on I informed my tutors. Darren who teachers audience theory, was so interested and excited, he was helping me prepare for everything and teaching me certain areas such as core values to put me ahead of everyone. They were so supportive, and I don’t think I would of got this far without their help.”
Chloe enjoys the flexibility at the college and secured work experience at which she created content for a zen and holistic company. She said: “The college offers such a variety of courses and freedom.
“The courses are structured, but you get freedom as well, for example for my final project I chose to rebrand a cosmetic palette, where as another student created a music video. You all have the same criteria but freedom too. If you are worried, try it and give it a shot, the opportunities here are so wide.”
She added: “My confidence has boosted massively and my work is recognised here. Last year I won who wants to be an entrepreneur and student of the year in business and logistics. My work recognised given me a boost. I work really hard and I’m so proud of how far I have come. The college appreciates you as an individual and gives you praise when you do work really hard.”
Chloe hopes to have her own business one day, in marketing, doing social media and content creating. As well as hoping to study Level 5 and 6 at the BBC.
