How to apply: Post-16 courses

Name: Hereford College of Arts
Price range: $

Everything you need to know to apply for a Post-16 course at HCA.

Apply for 2025

Our post-16 courses offer an outstanding foundation to pursue a career in the creative industries and beyond.

Every year students progress onto degree courses at some of the top arts and stage schools in the UK, or go on to study other subjects from Medicine to Marketing.

Applications normally open in October. We recommend you apply by 31 March due to the high number of applications we receive for each course, however we will accept applications received after this date.

Applying with us

Our step-by-step guide

You can apply now by following these simple steps:

Decide which course you want to apply for + check entry requirements.
Click or tap the Apply Now button at the bottom of this page.
Follow the instruction on the online application portal to register and start your application.

If you are unable to access the online application form, please contact the Registry Department on 01432 845304 or email registry@hca.ac.uk.

Student working on animation design at a computer

Trying something new?

You don't have to have studied a subject at GCSE to start it HCA. Our course can help you turn what LOVE, into what you DO. Our teaching staff will help you get up to speed and thrive on the course - regardless of what your background in the subject is. They will want to see a passion for the subject in your application, and hear why you want to study it. If you have questions about your qualifications, or your fit on the course, reach out to our Registry team below and they can talk you it.

Questions about qualifications

Other information

There are two different entry points to our Post-16 qualifications, Level 2 or Level 3.

Level 2

Level 2 offers an opportunity to build out your foundation in your subject area for a year, before moving on to Level 3.

This might be due to experience, or GCSE grades - or just personal circumstances.

You can choose to leave after a year with a Level 2 Diploma in your subject, although almost all students stay on to complete a Level 3 course at HCA. You will be eligible for government funding for the duration of your Extended Diploma if you follow this route.

Level 3

The Level 3 courses for Post-16 students are a two-year qualification certified by the UAL Awarding Body.

Students can opt to leave the course after one year, collecting a Level 3 Diploma.

Almost all students continue for the full two years, and are awarded and Extended Diploma.

There are three key passing grades, Distinction (168 UCAS points), Merit (120 UCAS points) and Pass (72 UCAS Points). A Distinction is equivalent to three A* grades at A-Level.

Girl at enrolling for her course. Light, airy space with plants in the foreground.

Start your application now

You can get your application started online today. Use the button below to complete a five-minute online registration process, and start your application now.

Apply online