Frequently Asked Questions - MK College

Frequently Asked Questions

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We’ve answered some of the most common questions we’re asked. If you can’t find the information you need here, please use our live chat or fill in an enquiry form.

Application and Admission

HOW DO I APPLY TO STUDY AT MK COLLEGE?

Use our course finder to browse our range of courses. Once you’ve found the perfect course for you, hit ‘apply’ in the top right-hand corner, and there are just a few steps to go through, including filling out your personal details and giving us your predicted grades.

At MK College we take into consideration more than just your grades when we offer you a place. Your passion and determination matter just as much. We know there’s a lot of uncertainty around exams next summer – please don’t let this put you off from reaching for your goals.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GET MY GCSE RESULTS?

We ask students to accept their place and enrol on their chosen course before results day – when you’ve got your grades you just need to send them to us. We will let you know how to do this nearer the time.

If your grades aren’t what you were expecting, we can help with this too – they may be better or not as good as you hoped for but don’t worry! You can just contact us and we will make sure you’re put on the course that’s right for you. Depending on your results and what you want to do, you will be able to book a slot at one of our Advisory Days to discuss your options

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T ACHIEVE THE GRADES FOR MY COURSE?

Our Advisory Days are an opportunity for students to book a slot to speak to careers’ guidance experts and tutors about next steps. We know it can be tricky when things don’t go to plan, but we are here to help get you back on track.

WHEN WILL I HEAR ABOUT MY INTERVIEW?

We usually start these from January – students are invited in for a meeting with a tutor and can bring someone with them if they’d like to. Interviews are your chance to ask any questions you might have about the college or your course. We realise that they might feel scary but our tutors want to meet you and find out why you want to do their course, so please just be yourself.

CAN I STUDY MORE THAN ONE SUBJECT?

That depends! If you choose a Study Programme, T Level or Apprenticeship, you choose to focus on one subject. If you choose to study A Levels you will have the choice of three subjects. You may also need to resit your English or maths GCSE, which you’ll be able to do if you take a Study Programme.

WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT MY COURSE?

If you aren’t enjoying your course, or you no longer feel it’s right for you, we will work with you to figure out your next steps. Please let your tutor know as soon as you can so we can get it right for you.

IS THE COLLEGE OFFERING T LEVELS?

Yes! T Levels are a 2-year qualification that combines classroom learning and an extended industry placement together on a course designed with businesses and employers. Giving you a perfect mix of classroom and real-life training. Find out what they are and if you could be right for you here.

IS THE COLLEGE OFFERING A LEVELS?

Yes! We offer four different A Level Pathways, including Creative, Digital, Green and Social Sciences. Find out what they are and if you could be right for you here.

Academic Support and Requirements

DO I NEED TO STUDY ENGLISH AND MATHS?

If you don’t achieve a 4/C in your GCSE maths or English, you will be able to retake either or both subjects whilst son a Study Programme at MK College. If you achieve a 4 or over in both GCSE maths and English, these subjects will be included in your course in ways that are relevant to your professional specialism.

WHAT IS A STUDY PROGRAMME?

These are vocational courses which focus on one professional specialism and will help you to develop skills that will lead to a specific career straight after college. This could be a construction trade, beauty therapist or childcare specialist – to name just a few! You will learn with other like-minded people from tutors who’ve worked in the industry themselves. We have industry-standard tech and equipment so you’ll get the hands-on training required to dive straight into work. Check out our study programme courses here.

WHAT IS AN OFFER GUARANTEE?

Offer Guarantee means that once you have applied and received an offer to study at MK College, your place with us is secure no matter what you get on GCSE results day. We know that there’s so much more to you than your grades, which means that we want to help you fulfil your potential in whichever way we can.

While the course or level may be different to the one you originally applied for, we will find you a place and support you all the way. We encourage you to do as well as you can in your GCSEs as this will give you a greater chance of securing a place on your desired course and level. However, if you don’t do as well as expected, we will support you in finding the right alternative for you, such as starting out at a different level of study.

IF I STUDY AT MK COLLEGE, CAN I STILL GO TO UNIVERSITY?

Of course you can! The majority of universities accept BTEC qualifications, and the UCAS points equivalent work in the same way as A Levels and T Levels. Find more information on this here.

We also offer university-level qualifications so you might want to check out our undergraduate courses.

WHEN I START IN SEPTEMBER, WILL I HAVE TO ATTEND COLLEGE EVERY DAY?

No – you will have a mixture of face to face and online learning. The teaching time for your course adds up to around three days – the rest of the week will be for your own studies as well as English & maths classes if you need to re-sit these.

Financial Support

CAN I GET ANY FINANCIAL SUPPORT?

There are bursaries available for students in different situations, from Free School Meals to Student Loans. Find out more here.

For Adult learners there a loans and bursaries available depending on your circumstances. Find out more here.

College Life

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIXTH FORM AND COLLEGE?

College offers a wide range of vocational courses, T Levels, A Levels, Apprenticeships and foundation degrees. Sixth Form is usually the last two years of secondary education for students aged 16 to 18 and typically only offer A Levels. Whereas College caters for school leavers and adults.

Most people at college (who are not studying A Levels) will be studying just one subject. This means that if you’re the type of person who’s ready to leave school and focus on what you’re passionate about, you can put all your energy and commitment into it at college.

As part of your time at college, you will get work experience, learn from our expert tutors and take advantage of our industry-standard facilities. And because you’ll be studying alongside learners and tutors who have the same interests as you, it can help drive you to achieve your best through your shared passion and commitment to your subject.

WILL I GET TO DO WORK EXPERIENCE?

Yes, all of our Study Programmes require you to complete a certain amount of work experience hours. We work with lots of local and national employers to offer you valuable and varied work experience opportunities. Companies we work with include Red Bull, NiftyLift, Microsoft, KPMG, Mercedes, BSI, Volkswagen Financial Services, Milton Keynes University Hospital, and many more.

HOW LONG DO I NEED TO STUDY AT MK COLLEGE?

This entirely depends on you and your goals. You are required to stay in education until you are 18, however this could be in the form of a study programme, T Levels, A Levels or an apprenticeship. Most of our Level 2 courses take one year to complete, and most Level 3 courses take two years to complete. Apprenticeships can last anywhere from one year to more than five.

WILL I GET TO MEET MY CLASSMATES OR TUTORS BEFORE I START?

Yes! We hold Discovery Days for those who have applied for a course, to give a further taste of what the next few years will look like. Everyone who applies will receive details of these.

HOW CAN I GET TO MK COLLEGE?

We have two main campuses, Chaffron Way and Bletchley. Both campuses have excellent public transport links. Click here for further info on planning your route.