FAQs


Here are some of our frequently asked questions. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here please get in touch! 

WHEN WILL I NEED TO BE IN COLLEGE? (TERM DATES & COLLEGE HOURS) 

You can find out about term dates here. The hours and days you are required at college will vary depending on your course. Timetables are sent to students via email before the first term starts. 

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT A COURSE?

You can find out more about a course you’re interested in by using our course finder. Each course should have information on entry requirements, course structure, how the course is taught, the campus and progression opportunities. 

Alternatively, you can attend one of our open events where you’ll have the opportunity to speak to lecturers and ask any questions you may have.

I DON’T KNOW WHICH LEVEL OF COURSE TO APPLY TO

If you know the subject you want to study but aren’t certain about which level is best suited for you, you can still make an application to study with us. Our helpful Admissions team review each application so can advise you on the course that is best for you. You can also check out our Qualifications Explained  page for more information. 

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR MY COURSE? 

This all depends on your age, circumstances and what type of course you’re applying to. In general, if you are under 19 you will not have to pay for your course. The College is able to offer some financial assistance to certain students over 19, more information on this can be found here

The prices for our part time and Higher Education courses can be found on each course page. 

I’M TRYING TO GET HOLD OF CERTIFICATES FROM DUDLEY COLLEGE

If you previously studied at Dudley College or are a current student, you can email: exams@dudleycol.ac.uk 

If you simply forgot to collect your certificate(s), they may still have them on file or they can contact the exam board to get hold of them. 
If possible, please include your full name, the year you sat the exam, the name of the qualification and the exam board in your email. 

WHEN IS YOUR NEXT OPEN EVENT?

You can find details of our latest open events here.

I’VE JUST MISSED YOUR OPEN EVENT, IS THERE ANOTHER CHANCE FOR ME TO COME AND LOOK AROUND THE COLLEGE?

Absolutely! We hold open events throughout the year so please head over to our events page to take a look at when the next one is taking place. Alternatively, we have 360 tours and guided videos tours of each campus you can view online. 

I’M AN EMPLOYER WITH A JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS – WHO DO I CONTACT?

We’re always keen to work closely with local employers. If you’re looking for an Apprentice, contact our Employer team.

WHAT ARE THE OPENING TIMES FOR THE COLLEGE SALON EVOLVE CAMPUS? 

Please visit the  Salon page for up-to-date information about its opening times. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LEVELS AND VOCATIONAL COURSES?

Levels are academic-based learning – you pick three subjects, study these subjects over two years and you will be assessed by exams at the end of the second year. If you choose to study a vocational course, you will pick one subject area and learn about that subject in depth. Lessons are very practical and hands-on and you will mainly be assessed via coursework and observations, as opposed to exams. 

HOW WILL THE COLLEGE SUPPORT ME WITH DEVELOPING STUDY SKILLS THAT ARE NEEDED AT COLLEGE LEVEL?

Dudley College is committed to supporting you in achieving your academic and personal aspirations.  

If you received additional learning support at school or think that you might benefit from extra help, our Learning Support [LINK] team would like to hear from you. We are able to provide specialist support and guidance to develop your study skills. Our highly qualified staff can assist you in completing assignments, time management and revision planning. We can also help prepare you for future employment and further education. There are many support resources and specialist staff available for learners, these include:  

You will also have a dedicated tutor who will teach you and support your transition from school to college. They will guide you through your course and provide advice and guidance on applying to university, Apprenticeship schemes or employment. 

DO YOU ALLOW STUDENTS TO STUDY FOUR A LEVELS?

You can study four A Levels, although it is a lot of hard work, so GCSE grades would have to be very good (mainly grades 8-9).  

HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL THERE BE IN A CLASS?

The number of students in a class will vary depending on which study programme you are taking. On average class sizes are between 15-20 students. 

CAN I DO A FULL TIME VOCATIONAL COURSE AND A LEVEL(S)? 

You cannot mix the two due to the workload on each course; we would advise you to concentrate fully on one main programme of study.

CAN I STILL GO TO UNIVERSITY WITH A VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION?

Yes, you can gain entry to university with a T Level or Level 3 Extended Diploma. You would be advised by the careers team to do some research into what universities accept. You can do this by looking at ucas.com or by visiting university websites.

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