What can you study
Choosing what to study when you’ve got your whole future ahead of you is really exciting but can feel very overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start. This guide is here to explain all your options, what grades you might need to study them and how you can apply!
Please note, all entry requirements are intended as a guide only. The most up-to-date requirements can be found on our course pages.
Our qualifications explained
Top tip: Note the advantages of each type of study, the entry requirements, and work out which suits you and your ambitions best. Don’t worry if you’re still unsure, we can help with careers advice to clear things up.
Study Programmes
Key features:
- Full-time study
- Job-specific technical qualifications
- Develop your skills in facilities that are the same as in the workplace
- Career experience
Entry
If you currently have no formal qualifications this may be your best option. Entry Level study programmes offer a basic understanding of a subject area, help to enhance your career prospects, and improve your English and maths skills.
No formal qualifications but you will be invited for an interview/ assessment.
1
Level 1 study programmes are practical and prepare you with skills for a specific career. You will gain a wealth of background knowledge in your chosen subject. There will be the chance to improve your English, maths and ICT skills.
4 GCSEs at grade 2, including English Language.
2
Level 2 study programmes equip you with the skills you need for a specific career. You will start to specialise in the areas you find the most interesting, but lessons are still broad enough to give you a wide range of progression opportunities if you’re not sure what you’d like to do in the future.
4 GCSEs at grade 3, including English Language. Some study programmes with high practical content will require you to start at Level 1 as you will need to build skills in these areas.
3
Level 3 study programmes usually last one or two years, and offer more specialised, advanced learning which give you the skills and knowledge to progress directly into a job, a Higher Apprenticeship or university level course.
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, plus a grade 4 or above in English Language. Some study programmes with high practical content will require you to start at Level 1 as you will need to build skills in these areas.
Key features:
- 80% classroom learning, 20% workplace learning
- 45-day real work placement - put your skills and knowledge into practice in the real world of work, and build contacts with employers
- opportunity to try different job roles and explore different career options
- build essential skills desired by employers, such as teamwork and communication
- one T Level is the equivalent of three A Levels
- T Levels are available across a number of key industries
- gain transferrable technical skills
Each T Level has specific entry requirements to ensure you are studying at the correct intensity.
However, most subjects will have entry requirements of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language and Maths.
Apprenticeships
Key features:
- Employed in a full-time job
- Typically attend college one day a week to complete your qualification
- Learn on the job
- Earn a wage
Intermediate Apprenticeships
4 GCSEs of a minimum grade 3, including a minimum grade 3 in GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths*
Advanced Apprenticeships
4 GCSEs of a minimum grade 4, including a minimum grade 4 in GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths*
A Levels at The Sheffield Sixth Form
Key features:
- Full-time study
- Study a tailormade pathway containing 3 or 4 subjects to match your learning to a specific career
- Exam and coursework assessments
- Exclusive facilities in the city centre
3 A Levels
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or higher, including GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths
What you can study
Click below to view all the subjects that you can study at The Sheffield College
How to apply
If you are currently in Year 11 and at school in Sheffield, Rotherham or Barnsley, please apply online through Sheffield Progress. Your school will support you through this process.
If you are applying from outside of Sheffield, you can apply directly by clicking 'Apply Now' on the page of your chosen study programme or A Levels.