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Fully Funded Courses
for 19+ learners

If you’re looking to improve your skills or gain new qualifications, there may be full funding available depending on your age, current qualifications and financial situation.

Adult student cutting hair on a mannequin in the hair salon at Harrogate College

If you’re 19 or older, you can study these courses for free:

  • GCSE Maths and/or English – if you haven’t either GCSE at grade C (or grade 4) or higher
  • Essential Digital Skills courses (up to Level 1), if you don’t already have basic digital skills

If you’re aged 19 to 23, you may qualify to study for free for:

  • A qualification at Level 2 (equivalent to a GCSE), if you don’t already have a Level 2 qualification
  • A qualification at Level 3 (equivalent to an A Level), if you don’t already have a Level 3 qualification

If you’re 24 or older, Entry Level to Level 2 courses can be free if:

  • You’re unemployed
  • You’re on certain income-related benefits or
  • You earn less than £25,750 a year

Level 3 courses (A Level equivalent) can be fully funded if:

  • You don’t already hold a Level 3 qualification or
  • Earn less than the National Living Wage

If you are unsure which courses you can study for free, we’re here to help. Get in touch with the team by emailing contact@harrogate-college.ac.uk or call us on 01423 879 466

Please note, this guidance doesn’t apply to Skills Bootcamps and leisure courses.

Affordable Study

At Harrogate College, we recognise people’s circumstances are different, which is why our range of courses is designed to help everyone. With us you can take back control of your future and work towards something to be proud of.

Depending on your financial circumstances and the qualifications that you currently hold, you could be entitled to the following:

  • Access to fully funded courses
  • Financial support with childcare whilst you are in college
  • Travel card
  • Meal vouchers
  • Financial support

Looking for more information regarding course fees and financial support? Click below to visit our finance pages:

Below is a list of courses you could potentially study for free. Click on any that catch your eye to view the course details.

Business

Accounting - Level 2

Duration: 1 year | Study Mode: Part time

Master your finance knowledge with this analytical course.

AAT provide training for a huge range of accounting and finance roles, respected by employers worldwide.

Study our Level 2 Certificate in Accounting qualification to develop your skills in finance administration: double-entry bookkeeping, purchase, sales and general ledgers, basic costing and using accounting software, to gain work ready skills to qualify for finance roles.

The course is ‘part-time online taught’ on a morning AND afternoon and will run for the full academic year.

View Course Details
Business - Level 3

Duration: 2 years | Study Mode: Full time

From online content to memorable branding, this Level 3 diploma brings the thrilling world of marketing to your door. You will explore core principles of marketing, developing your understanding of key topics and devices such as market research, event marketing, customer communications and brand activation.

Alongside studying course content developed in collaboration with employers and higher educational bodies, you will carry out work experience - putting your learnings into practice. This course will prove to be only the start of your exciting marketing career.

View Course Details
L3 AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting - Level 3

Duration: 1 year | Study Mode: Part time

The Level 3 AAT Diploma in Accounting is an intermediate-level qualification designed to enhance accounting skills and knowledge, building on foundational principles.

This diploma covers advanced bookkeeping, final accounts preparation, management accounting, and tax processes, providing a comprehensive understanding of accounting practices. It is ideal for those progressing from the AAT2 Certificate or individuals with some accounting experience seeking formal recognition.

The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring learners are well-equipped for various accounting roles. Completing the AAT3 Diploma can significantly improve career prospects and serve as a stepping stone to higher-level accounting qualifications.

Please note this course may be free depending on student circumstances, please enquire for more information.

View Course Details

Computing & Digital

Digital Functional Skills - Entry Level

Duration: 1 day per week (14 weeks) | Study Mode: Part time

Our digital functional skills courses provide learners with access to high-quality provision to equip them with the digital skills they need for life and work.

Entry 3 is aimed at life and Level 1 is aimed for work and includes spreadsheets and documents.

Eligibility requirements for funding, are those adults assessed with IT skills below L1.

The fees per course if not eligible for funding are £450 (for all 20 sessions) as a course fee to cover tutor, exam fees and materials.

One morning per week: Either a Wednesday or Friday

View Course Details
Digital Functional Skills - Level 1

Duration: 1 day per week (14 weeks) | Study Mode: Part time

Our digital functional skills courses provide learners with access to high-quality provision to equip them with the digital skills they need for life and work. Level 1 is aimed for work and includes spreadsheets and documents.

Eligibility requirements for funding, are those adults assessed with IT skills below L1.

The fees per course if not eligible for funding are £450 (for all 20 sessions) as a course fee to cover tutor, exam fees and materials.

One morning per week: Either a Wednesday or Friday.

View Course Details

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

L2 Community Interpreter - Level 2

Duration: 20 weeks | Study Mode: Part time

We are now offering the Level 2 Certificate In Preparing for the Community Interpreting Role.

The role of the community interpreter is becoming increasingly important, particularly in regions with many linguistic communities. The interpreter acts as a bridge between communities and enables people to access services and situations which would otherwise not be possible.

This qualification enables learners who are speakers of other languages to develop the language and skills necessary to go on and train as community interpreters at Level 3 and Level 4.

Studying on our community interpreting course will allow you to help others in your local community develop their skills and overcome language barriers that they face in everyday situations; so, if you speak both English and another language, you may be interested in our community interpreting courses.

The course will run of a daytime at either our Harrogate (Friday) or Ripon (TBC) campus from 9.30am to 3.00pm.

View Course Details
Level 1 Community Interpreting - Level 1

Duration: 23 weeks | Study Mode: Part time

This course will run from Harrogate College and Ripon Community House

Studying a community interpreting course will allow you to help others in your local community develop their skills and overcome language barriers that they face in everyday situations; so, if you speak both English and another language, you may be interested in our community interpreting courses.

If you earn under £25,000 per year, are unemployed or don't currently hold a level 2 (GCSE level) qualification you may be entitled to study this course for free. If you don't meet the eligibility criteria we will advise you of the cost.

View Course Details

GCSEs

GCSE English Language - Level 2

Duration: 33 Weeks | Study Mode: Part time

This course will run from Harrogate College and Ripon Community House

Master your reading and writing with this programme. You’ll learn how to analyse a variety of written material while improving your grammar skills. You will discover how to read and write a range of non-fiction texts including diaries, letters, autobiographies, leaflets and articles. Additionally, you’ll boost your spelling and punctuation skills.

View Course Details
GCSE Maths - Level 2

Duration: 33 weeks | Study Mode: Part time

This course will run from Harrogate College and Ripon Community House

Grasp a solid understanding of essential maths with this programme. You will study topics including fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra, shape and measure. Additionally, you’ll develop skills in data handling, probability, problem solving and critical thinking.

More about STEM
View Course Details

Hairdressing

Barbering - Level 2

Duration: 27 weeks | Study Mode: Part time

Part time evening course for those aged 19 +

If you earn under £25,000 per year, are unemployed or don't currently hold a level 2 (GCSE level) qualification you may be entitled to study this course for free. If you don't meet the eligibility criteria we will advise you of the cost.

The VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Barbering is a vocational qualification that teaches practical barbering skills, including how to cut men's hair and facial hair, and how to consult with clients. The course is designed to prepare students for a career in men's hairdressing and barbering.

View Course Details

Health & Social Care

British Sign Language (BSL – Ripon) - Level 1

Duration: 20 weeks |

We are now offering the Level 1 British Sign Language course from Ripon.

This 20-week Level 1 course is designed to teach you how to communicate with deaf people in British Sign Language (BSL) on a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language use. You will gain the basic skills and confidence in production and reception of British Sign Language.

The course will run on a Tuesday afternoon at Ripon Community House (12.30-3.30pm).

BSL Level 1 – Learners will focus on introducing themselves, exchanging greetings, discussing simple topics like weather, family, and daily routines, and understanding basic instructions.

View Course Details

Science

Applied Science - Level 3

Duration: 2 years full-time. | Study Mode: Full time

Kickstart your science career with our exciting range of applied science courses. Our programmes combine hands-on learning in practical laboratories with academic theory and critical thinking on contemporary science topics.

Become a science specialist with this Applied Science course. You’ll obtain knowledge on physiology, diseases, genetics and astronomy. You will explore how to put your theories into practice in practical laboratories where you’ll learn about biology, chemistry and physics. Additionally, you’ll analyse and identify contemporary issues in science.

More about STEM
View Course Details

Not quite what you’re looking for?

Why not take a look at our other adult courses:

Adult student in lab coat looking through microscope in Science classroom at Harrogate College

Professional Courses

Progress your career

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Leisure Courses

Get creative with your time

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Courses in Ripon

Bringing us closer to you

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Evening classes

Learning to fit around you

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Apprenticeships

Earn, learn and achieve

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