Full-time Courses

Christiane Kaufmann

"I have found the course very effective and have had fun. I have been tought very well and would recommend it to others."
Christiane Kaufmann, EFL Student

View our Prospectus for International Students

  • Understanding the qualifications
  • Programmes for International Students
  • Access to Higher Education
  • Higher National Diploma
  • A Levels
  • Vocational Qualifications
  • Foundation Programmes
    • We provide an extensive range of course options, including both academic and vocational courses. You can use course search to look at our full time courses or view our Prospectus for International Students.
    • We have a fantastic location, two great campuses with excellent transport links to central London and Heathrow Airport.
    • In 2009 our pass rate for A levels courses was 96% A-E.
    • Nearly 500 students progress to university each year.
    • In October 2009 Harrow College was inspected by Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education). Ofsted assessed the quality of provision which includes quality of teaching and the impact on learning, the curriculum, assessment and care, guidance and support as good.
    • Inspection Harrow College was judged as good for the quality of provision (this includes teaching and learning).
    • Many lecturers are specialists in their chosen field, passing on their skills and experience to students.
    • Excellent support for learners including pastoral, tutorial and enrichment.
    • We have excellent facilities and resources on both of our campuses – you can view some of them in our virtual tour.
    • There is more to College life though than just academic achievement, you will be given the opportunity to meets lots of new people, make friends and have the chance to take part in many enrichment activities.
    • We will give you the opportunity to develop more independence, while studying in a serious environment.
    • The College implements a Safeguarding Policy for young people and vulnerable adults.

    Understanding the qualifications

    AS (Advanced Subsidiary) Level is a one year course and A2 is the second year in the same subject, leading to a full A Level qualification.

    BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma gives you a specified work related focus. It is a 2 year advanced level course equal to 3 A Levels.

    BTEC Level 3 Diploma will give you a strong grounding in the expertise and knowledge base of a particular sector. It is a 2 year advanced level course equal to 2 A Levels.

    Access to HE courses are for one year and are designed for people who would like to go to university but lack the formal qualifications needed for entry.

    HNDs are the equivalent of one or two years of university study which can be converted into a degree by taking one or two years of extra study.

    Programmes for International Students

    Harrow College can offer these programmes to international students:

    • International Foundation Programme
    • Pre-Foundation Programme
    • English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
    • EFL Summer Programme
    • A Levels
    • Vocational Qualifications e.g BTEC Diploma, City & Guilds
    • Higher Education programmes e.g Higher National Diplomas
    • Access to Higher Education

    Access to Higher Education

    The main feature of Access to HE courses is that for most you don’t need to have previous qualifications. It doesn’t matter if it is a long time since you studied, as Access to HE courses are designed to help you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to prepare you for university.

    We offer Access courses in:

    • Nursing
    • Education Studies
    • Humanities and Social Sciences
    • Social Work
    • Computing

    As well as learning your specialist subjects, you’ll also receive tuition in English, Maths, IT and Study Skills.

    What to expect

    You’ll attend approximately 15 hours of classes a week at the College, but you’ll also need to study at home in your own time. Timetables aim to be ‘parent friendly’ as far as possible.

    You’ll receive lots of support. You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who will be on hand to provide advice and guidance, and who can help you complete university application forms when the time comes. Our Careers Advisors are available to give direction and extra support is provided in core subjects.

    You’ll be able to access College computers in the evenings and on Saturdays.

    Students wishing to progress to a teaching qualification may need to study for a GCSE equivalent in Science to meet Government requirements.

    Please note: The Access to Nursing course requires students to complete a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure. Students are charged for this and need to complete a Harrow College Declaration form. A satisfactory check is an essential entry requirement for your course. You will be informed of what is required for the check before starting the course. Approporiate evidence of work experience will be required by universities and a CRB check will need to be completed for the relevant work placement.

    Applying for a place

    All applicants undertake diagnostic assessments in English and Maths and also attend an interview prior to a place being offered.

    Recent university destinations for Access students include:

    • Brunel University
    • City University
    • Kings College London
    • Middlesex University
    • School of Oreintal and Africa Studies
    • University of Westminster

    Higher National Diploma

    HNDs are qualifications in their own right but can be converted into a degree by taking one or two years extra study. They are also valued by employers as they are designed to give you the knowledge and skills for a field of work.

    HNDs can be equivalent to one or two years of university study. After completion, you may choose to progress to the second or third year of a bachelors’ degree (whichever is applicable).

    HND in Business

    Entry Requirements: Level 3 qualification (A level equivalent) and IELTS level 6
    Board: EDEXCEL
    Level: 5
    Campus: Harrow on the Hill
    Coursework/Exams %: 100/0

    The BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business is designed to provide for the needs of a wide range of individuals who wish to gain an academic understanding of how business works and to evaluate the application of various business notions. On this course you will study a range of units on topics such as ‘Marketing Principles’, ‘Managing Financial Decisions’, and the ‘Business Environment.’ You will be taught using various methods which include traditional lectures, class discussion and supported individual study. This course is assessed through assignments which incorporate various assessment methods such as controlled tests, written reports and presentations.

    The BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business contains a balance of practical skill development and knowledge requirements, some of which can be theoretical. Appropriate links are made between theory and practice and maximum use will be made of learners’ prior work and life experiences.

    The BTEC Higher National Diploma is a qualification which allows you to enter a specialist area of employment in the business sector or progress into higher education.

    A Levels

    The College offers courses for young people taking academic qualifications (A Level and GCSE). AS (Advanced Subsidiary) Level is a 1 year course and A2 Level is the second year in the same subject, leading to a full A Level qualification.

    In 2009 our A Level pass rate rose to 96%. Many subjects achieved 100 per cent pass rates including Art & Design, English Literature, Government & Politics and Further Maths.

    Vocational Qualifications

    The College offers career based courses that give you a practical, real world approach to learning, while developing key knowledge and skills. Our vocational courses prepare you for progression to university or work in a specific area.

    Foundation Programmes

    International Foundation Programme with Business

    The International Foundation Programme with Business is a three-term course that provides an intensive, fast-track route to a university place. The Foundation Programme will prepare you for your chosen undergraduate degree subject. You will develop your English language, IT and higher education study skills and be introduced to Business Studies. You will be prepared for the IELTS exam, working towards Level 6. You can start the programme in September or January. You may be able to join the programme in April, depending on the level of your English.

    IT students

    The course covers business related units. On successful completion of the course you will be able to apply for undergraduate degree programmes at British universities and are guaranteed progression on to the HND in Business, and if successful on the HND progression, on to a final honours degree programme at universities that accept the HND programme as leading to the final year such as Middlesex and Hertfordshire universities.

    Your programme

    The Harrow Foundation Programme with Business is an academically demanding course which consists of general and academic English, business, IT, study skills and specific IELTS preparation. Successful completion ensures guaranteed entry for qualified graduates to a choice of degree courses at any British university. We will give you full counselling and advice to make the right choice. You may also be able to meet university representatives before making a final decision through events held at the College or universities.

    • Business (6 hours per week ) English language, General and academic (16.5 hours per week) including IELTS
    • Study skills (1.5 hours per week)
    • Tutorial (2 hours per week)
    • IT (2 hours per week)
    • Enrichment activities (2 hours) This includes a range of sports and other activities.

    Your personal tutor will offer advice and guidance on the university application process and support you throughout your studies. There is a wide range of expertise within the teaching team and they are experienced in supporting foreign students and preparing them for further study. The team includes experienced teacher trainers who are up to date in the latest methodologies. You will have the opportunity to make many new friends in a warm and caring environment.

    The Business Aspect

    The Harrow International Foundation Programme with Business is ideal for students wishing to study Business-related degrees at university, including Economics, Business Studies, Accounting, Marketing, Management Studies, Finance and Hotel & Tourism Management. The course is carefully designed to focus on the academic areas most useful to your future study intentions.

    Where next?

    Foundation programme can progress to Marketing, Management Studies, Business Studies, Economics, Actuarial Science or Accounting and Finance Bachelor Degree programmes with our university partners.

    Extended Foundation Programme

    This course is for students who are not yet ready to join the Foundation Programme. The course begins in September but it is usually possible to join at other points in the year, subject to tests and advice from the college.

    The Extended Foundation Programme offers general English for 15 hours per week in the mornings plus afternoon classes for 11 hours which include English for business and IT, and study skills. There will be 2 hours tutorial with a personal tutor who will track your progress and offer support, particularly with your academic success. You will also take part in enrichment including sport and other activities.

    Should this course not be suitable, Harrow College offers a diverse range of EFL classes to suit different learners. For example:

    Preparation for Foundation Programme

    This is a course of 25 hours per week which runs every morning (15 hours) plus afternoons of IELTS (6 hours), study skills, enrichment and tutorial support (4 hours). Students can join this programme throughout the year. The morning sessions are general English where you will develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills to a level suitable for following the International Foundation Programme. These classes are usually of mixed nationalities and you will be able to make friends easily with students from other countries. The medium of instruction is always English and this encourages you to develop your skills more quickly and helps you settle down in England. Lessons are taught by well qualified and experienced teachers and they involve interesting activities and challenges to ensure you progress to the next level. The teachers will support you if you find anything difficult and they will help you learn and understand more easily.