Studying at colleges
Colleges offer courses and qualifications in a wide range of vocational and academic subject. Sometimes they specialise in particular industry sectors such as art and design, catering, engineering or finance. Further and higher education colleges often have links with companies, so that students studying vocational courses can combine classroom learning with valuable work experience. They also have links with universities so that there is a direct transition into university, in some cases to the third year of a degree.
If you are interested in applying for a place on a vocational course, you need to apply directly to the institution. Only private centres can offer you the letter of invitation to get a visa.
Regulated vocational qualifications
The UK offers many different vocational qualifications of different length, number of credits and level. If you are interested in official recognition and mapping to a Spanish qualification when you return to Spain, it is essential that you choose a programme of study which has parity in Spain.
The UK National Diploma or a BTEC 3 is roughly the equivalent of a qualification in Formacion Profesional Medio. The a Higher National Diploma (NHD) or BTEC 5 mapped to a Spanish qualification in Formación Profesional Superior.
Before applying for any qualification in the UK, make sure it is listed in the register of official qualifications: Find a regulated qualification - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Access to degree study
Students with either UK or Spanish vocational qualifications can access higher education programmes through top up programmes which colleges run in partnership with universities. A good student that finishes an HND can be placed on year three of a UK degree.
Education agents in Spain can help you apply for a vocational or degree course in the UK! Find out more on our find a UK education agent page.