Programs

Food Academy Courses

The Food Academy at West Herts College offers a variety of courses for those passionate about the hospitality and culinary arts. These programs are designed for individuals looking to develop their skills as chefs, bakers, and hospitality professionals. The sector offers diverse career paths, from working in restaurants and events to management roles, catering to those with a strong attitude and a desire to excel.

Football Programme

West Herts College offers football programmes designed to develop your skills both on and off the pitch. These Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma courses focus on enhancing performance and understanding the technology within the sports industry. You will gain experience and knowledge applicable to a range of careers, including data analysis, coaching, administration, sports development, and performance.

Foundation Studies

Foundation Studies at West Herts College are designed for students with learning difficulties or disabilities. These courses focus on building independence, confidence, and essential life skills. The college offers bridging programmes to help students transition from school to college, along with personalized learning plans to cater to individual needs. Support is provided by knowledgeable staff, effective use of technology, and peer groups. A significant majority of parents and carers believe students receive the necessary support to succeed. In addition to life skills, students will also develop their core English and maths abilities by completing a Functional Skills qualification awarded by NCFE.

Graphic Design

This program focuses on developing the flair, originality, and technical skills needed for a career in creative roles. Graphic Design is a field with broad applications across all sectors, as businesses rely on creative professionals to communicate their stories. Design is integral to many aspects of our lives, from physical products and environments to digital media and advertising. If you have a strong visual sense, this course can help you build a successful career.

Hairdressing

Health and Social Care

The Health and Social Care sector offers rewarding careers focused on providing essential physical, emotional, and social support to individuals. This field values empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others. Professionals in this area work in diverse settings, including homes, residential facilities, day centres, and supported housing. The sector is evolving with new integrated care models aimed at promoting health and wellbeing, which may lead to exciting cross-sector roles in the future.

HND in Film and Television

The HND in Film and Television is a practical higher education course designed to prepare you for a career in the dynamic film and television industry. It aims to develop you into a professional who can critically analyse and adapt to the evolving demands of employers. This qualification also serves to broaden access to higher education and enhance your career prospects.

Interior Design

This program focuses on Interior Design, equipping you with the skills to create individual and impactful spaces. You will gain the confidence to bring your design ideas to life and become a professional Interior Designer. The course offers opportunities to present your design concepts, including furniture placement on scaled floor plans, to clients. You will develop a professional portfolio that meets industry standards.

Languages

West Herts College offers language courses in French and Spanish for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills. These courses are designed to help you communicate effectively with people from different nationalities. We provide a variety of levels to suit your current proficiency in either French or Spanish.

Level 1 Certificate in an Introduction to Hairdressing

This introductory certificate course provides the foundational skills needed for a career in hairdressing or barbering. You will learn in professional training salons under the guidance of experienced tutors, building your confidence and creativity. The curriculum covers essential topics such as salon health and safety, professional presentation, hair washing and conditioning, basic styling, and hair twisting techniques.

Level 1 Certificate in Beauty Therapy

This Level 1 Certificate in Beauty Therapy is an introductory program designed for individuals with a creative flair who enjoy working with people and are interested in starting a career in the beauty industry. You will gain fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to perform professional beauty treatments. The course focuses on hands-on training in professional salon environments under the guidance of experienced tutors, helping you build practical abilities and confidence. You'll learn essential topics such as skincare, professional salon presentation, health and safety, and basic manicure and pedicure techniques. This course provides a solid foundation in beauty therapy, allowing you to explore various aspects of the industry and prepare for further specialized training.

Level 1 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services

This Level 1 Diploma is designed as an introduction to the public services, aiming to equip you with essential life and employability skills. It's ideal for those seeking excitement, challenge, and a pathway into diverse career options within the public and emergency sectors. The course focuses on developing fundamental skills required for this field, preparing you for further study or direct entry into entry-level roles.

Level 1 Diploma in Automotive Engineering

This Level 1 Diploma in Automotive Engineering is designed for school leavers looking to start a career in the motor vehicle industry. The course provides fundamental skills and practical experience, preparing you for further education or training. You will develop essential engineering knowledge and hands-on abilities, alongside personal and employability skills, making you adaptable to various specialist areas within engineering.

Level 1 Introductory Diploma in Sport

This introductory diploma provides a foundation for entry-level roles in the sport, fitness, and leisure industries. You'll gain essential practical and theoretical skills needed for careers in these sectors. The course is designed for school leavers and focuses on developing fundamental abilities.

Level 2 Diploma in Creative Digital Media Skills

This Level 2 Diploma in Creative Digital Media Skills is designed to introduce you to the dynamic and ever-changing digital media industry. You will gain a broad understanding of various sectors within the industry and develop essential skills that can prepare you for a wide range of careers. The course is recognised by ScreenSkills, the industry body for UK screen-based industries, and holds the ScreenSkills Select quality mark, indicating its suitability for preparing students for careers in the screen industries.

Level 2 Diploma in Music Industry Skills: Performance

This Level 2 Diploma is designed for school leavers looking to gain foundational skills in the music industry, focusing on performance and behind-the-scenes production. The course provides a platform to develop both individual and group talents, fostering a professional approach to various aspects of the music business. It's an ideal stepping stone for those considering further study in music performance or production.

Level 2 Diploma in Music Industry Skills: Production

This Level 2 Diploma in Music Industry Skills: Production is designed for students interested in developing a strong foundation in music production and the broader music industry. It offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing you for further study or entry-level roles. You will explore core aspects of music performance technology, recording techniques, music theory, and live event management, alongside specialized modules in music business and digital audio workstations.

Level 2 Extended Certificate/Diploma in Sport

This Level 2 Extended Certificate/Diploma in Sport is designed for school leavers looking to start a career in the sport and fitness industry. The program provides a foundation for further study or direct entry into roles within the leisure sector. It's an excellent first step for young individuals eager to succeed in this dynamic field, which currently employs a significant number of people aged 16-24.

Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production: Film and TV

This two-year program is designed to equip you with the skills needed for a career in the TV and film industry. You will engage in a variety of creative projects, learning essential techniques from industry professionals using industry-standard equipment. The course offers a thorough introduction to the theories and practices of digital video production, allowing you to work with real clients and build a showreel.

Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media: Games Design

This course provides an introduction to the creative and conceptual aspects of game design. You will learn to respond to design briefs and prepare for a career as a game designer. Through practical projects, you will develop skills in areas such as game engine scripting, 2D and 3D animation, 3D environment creation, and coding for web-based games. The program is recognized by ScreenSkills, the industry body for the UK's screen-based industries, and holds the ScreenSkills Select quality mark, indicating its suitability for preparing students for careers in this field.

Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Music Performance

This Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Music Performance is designed for aspiring singers, guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, and drummers. The course aims to enhance your performance skills, introduce you to diverse musical styles, and improve your ability to collaborate within musical groups. You will also gain a comprehensive understanding of the music industry, including its various roles and the cultural significance of music in society. This program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in the music industry or related fields, as well as individuals looking to develop their musical talents in a new direction.

Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts: Dance

This two-year program is designed for students passionate about dance and aiming for a career in the performing arts industry. You will develop diverse, dynamic, and disciplined dance skills across various styles including ballet, jazz, and urban dance. The course emphasizes practical application through real projects and performances, preparing you for either higher education or direct employment. You will gain experience in creating and performing your own work, as well as learning established choreography.