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Joining NCD

We are delighted that you and your child are considering New College Durham as we appreciate this next step is a big decision!

We hope this page will help you move forward with the decision.

Finding your new at NCD means enjoying a modern campus with world-class facilities, high quality teaching from specialist staff, support built around your child, new enrichment opportunities and (best of all) new memories.

Your child will be top of the class with a top performing college in the North East and nationally.

  • Visiting the college

    Visiting the college

    Where possible and when it is safe to do so, we will welcome you and your child on-site to get a feel for the campus, and to receive advice and guidance at one of our open events. However, to ensure your safety during the COVID pandemic, we have a process in place so all stages of the application journey can be completed remotely.

    If this is the case, you can experience what it’s like to study at NCD from the comfort of your own home with our virtual tour. Click here to explore where your child will be studying, catching up with friends for a coffee break in our on-site Starbucks and Costa, and making unforgettable memories.

    CLICK HERE FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE COLLEGE.

  • Applying for a course

    Applying for a course

    After learning more about the wide range of courses we offer at an open event or a one-to-one chat with one of our lovely ASC team, your child needs to simply follow the steps below to apply to NCD:

    1. Create an online account
    2. Complete our online application form (this can be done any time throughout the year!)
    3. Wait for us to review and respond to your child’s application
    4. Accept the invitation to meet for an informal chat with one of our friendly teaching staff
    5. Let us know your decision – your child can accept their place when they meet with our teaching staff or they can wait to chat to you first and then let us know later over the phone, via email or through their online account
    6. Enrol over the summer!
    7. Join us for our Get NCD ready event in June to apply for a bus pass, order uniform and get peace of mind for the rest of the summer before starting in September!

    Applying for apprenticeships can be different for each employer – email our brilliant apprenticeships team This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for support or more information.

    Please do not worry if your child does not achieve the desired grades, our teaching staff will ensure they are offered a place on a suitable course.

  • Starting NCD

    Starting NCD

    Once your child has accepted their place and is enrolled, please ensure they check their emails!

    You will be invited to attend our Get NCD ready event in June to prepare for the first day – at this stage they will receive further information about their induction and first day of term.

    Again, we want the best for your child so to ensure their transition during Welcome Week is a breeze, our meet and greet team will be at the main entrance on their Welcome Day to ensure they get where they need to be!

    As soon as they start college, your child will be allocated a Personal Tutor who will be responsible for their progress and wellbeing. If your child needs one-to-one support to help them with study skills, motivation and/or time management, a Personal Learning Coach (PLC) will get in touch with them.

    Click here to find out how we will ensure your child is safe on campus due to COVID-19.

    Click here to see our term dates.

  • Progression

    Progression

    When your child has finished their course, we will support them with their next steps - whatever they want to do we will help them achieve their goals!

    • Independent careers advice
    • Help with CV writing
    • Engagement with local employers
    • Help with UCAS applications
    • Visits to UCAS conventions and university open days
    • Talks and taster sessions to discover the university level options available at NCD

    Whether your child wants to get straight into employment, progress to a higher apprenticeship or prepare to study a university level course at NCD or university, we’ve got them covered!

    A real alternative to university

    More and more students are choosing to study degree level courses at college instead of university.

    At NCD University Centre your child will get the same high-quality qualification they would get at a traditional university, but their experience will be very different. We are a great choice if your child doesn’t feel ready to move away, being familiar with the campus and staff make the change much smoother.

    Smaller class sizes mean your child will have more support from our fantastic lecturers and more opportunities to ask questions and join in discussions. Our flexible learning options mean students can fit their studies in around family or work commitments.

    Click here to find out more about studying a degree at NCD and the wide range of degree courses we offer – including foundation degrees, honours degrees, top-up degrees, degree apprenticeships and professional qualifications. 

  • Keeping you informed

    Keeping you informed

    We will regularly inform you about your child’s progress at college as we understand that their development is important to you.

    You are more than welcome to contact us to discuss any issues or concerns about their progress, attendance, motivation, punctuality and personal circumstances.