The application process

Learn about all the important things you need to know when applying to New College Lanarkshire (NCL), including when to apply, what you need to do as an applicant, and what happens after you've submitted your application.

Finding the right course for you

Discovering the perfect college course is your pathway to achieving new career goals, entering a different industry, and pursuing your dreams and ambitions. Here are some valuable tips to guide you along the way.

We offer a variety of courses ranging from entry level through to degree programmes.

When applying for a course in your chosen area pay attention to the entry criteria and apply for the most appropriate level for you. Please ensure that you complete your application fully, including a personal statement (minimum of 200 characters, maximum of 2000 characters).

If you apply for a course that you do not have entry requirements for your application may be rejected.

If you do apply for a course where you do not meet the entry criteria, the faculty may re-level your application to the most appropriate course.

Applying to NCL

We're excited that you've decided to pursue your education at NCL! To begin your application and assist you throughout, here are some useful tips.

Applications for courses open at various times throughout the year:

January start courses: October 2023
August start courses: October - November 2023
September courses: April 2024

For candidates applying for full-time August start courses you must be 16 by the 30^th September of the year you are applying.

For candidates applying for January start courses you must be 16 by the end of February of that year.

For candidates apply for September start courses, you must be 16 by the 31st October that year.

Please note that due to Health and Safety reasons, some courses require students to be at least 16 years old before the course start date. This will be noted within the course information section if this is required.

Early school leavers (if you do not meet the dates above) will be unable to make an online application. Please request a PDF or paper application form from your school. With your school's permission you can also contact our admissions team by emailing admissions@nclan.ac.uk.

Yes, if you apply online, you will need an email address. If you don’t have an email address it’s easy to create one online using Outlook (formerly Hotmail) or Gmail.

If you are a school leaver, please do not use your school email address as once you leave these are deactivated.

Once you register on our website, we will send a link to your email to complete the registration. This link needs to be clicked to complete your application – so keep a look out for it. Please check your Junk folder too, just in case the registration email ends up in there.

The personal statement section of the application gives you an opportunity to sell yourself on your application.

This section allows you to tell the department about yourself and your reasons for choosing the course. Some courses can have thousands of fantastic applicants so tell us why you really stand out and deserve a place.

For advice and guidance on writing and constructing a personal statement, we recommend visiting My World of Work

Please be aware that you can only submit one course application at any one time, with a maximum of two applications allowed. If you wish to apply for more than one course, a new application must be submitted.

If you apply for more than one course and receive an unconditional offer for your preferred option please withdraw any other applications via your online account.

If you have not completed all sections on your application, the departments may ask for further information before your application can be progressed.

Please ensure you fully complete all sections including work experience and personal statement on the application.

We assess residency for all modes of study, this helps us determine what your eligibility might be for course fees and student funding.

Before or during your time with us, you may be asked residency questions, you will then be required to give proof of your right to study in the UK this a share code from www.gov.uk if you are originally from an EU country, if you are from a non-EU country you will be required to provide a copy of the front and back of your BRP card (residence card).

If you need support with that, please contact our Entry Assessment Advisor on 01698 232544/07789722639 or email residency@nclan.ac.uk

If you need to update your address or any other information on your application after it has been submitted please email admissions@nclan.ac.uk

If you are a returning student, please contact our Student Records team to ensure they have the correct information. You can reach them by emailing studentrecords@nclan.ac.uk

It's important your student record has the most up to date contact information to ensure we can contact you regarding any college updates and to be able to receive your certificates.

After you apply

What comes next? Let's talk about how you can keep tabs on your application and get some handy tips for your interview.

Once you have submitted your application you will be sent an acknowledgement email telling you that your application has been received.

If your application has been successful, you will then be invited for an interview. You may also receive an automatic offer based on the information provided in your application.

If your application is unsuccessful, we will also let you know.

Remember, different courses have different interview times, so don’t be disheartened if you haven’t heard anything for a few weeks – we will let you know.

Once you submit your application, you will receive an acknowledgment email.

Your application may then be reviewed by the department before you are invited for interview or made an offer.

The time frame in which you can expect to hear back can vary from department to department – you may hear back from us within a week or it may take a little bit longer, depending on the area that you apply for.

We will keep you up to date with the progress of your application.

Our teaching staff are not in college over the summer break so don’t be disheartened if you don’t hear anything during this time.

Some interviews may be scheduled during this time but the majority of interviews will take place once the staff return mid-August.

Please note that interviews may be arranged at very short notice during this busy period.

Interviews may take place via Telephone, Zoom or face-to-face. This will be dependent on the course and the interview requirements.

We'll be in touch to let you know when your interview will be taking place and via what method.

If you are unable to attend the interview please log into your online account and select the reschedule option. We will do our best to arrange another appointment for you but this is not always possible.

If you experience any issues trying to reschedule your interview, please email admissions@nclan.ac.uk or telephone 0300 555 8080.

If you do not attend, and do not advise us, your application for the course will be withdrawn.

Your offer

Your college course offer is in, and now it's time to map out the next steps in your application process.

Yes, we will ask you to accept your place on the course once an offer has been made to you.

You can accept your offer by logging onto your application account or by emailing admissions@nclan.ac.uk or telephone 0300 555 8080.

If you do not accept it within the stated time frame, your place may withdrawn and allocated to another applicant.

A conditional offer is made when the faculty would like you to achieve a condition before a definite place can be made. This could be achieving certain exam results, suitable references, etc.

Once you have the evidence you have met the condition you should submit this in email to admissions@nclan.ac.uk as soon as possible to allow us to convert your offer to an unconditional offer.

An unconditional offer is a definite place on the course with no conditions to meet.

If you have submitted an application and have been unsuccessful in gaining a place, we will let you know.

You can discuss the reasons for this with our Admissions team by emailing admissions@nclan.ac.uk or telephone 0300 555 8080.

Due to the high volume of applications and competitive recruitment process, you have been placed on the course reserve list and we will contact you should a place become available.

Please note that no further places will be offered four weeks after the course start date.

Starting at NCL

As you prepare to begin your studies at New College Lanarkshire, we extend a warm welcome to all incoming and returning students. To help get you started, here's some essential information for a successful start to your course.

Course inductions are designed to provide you with essential information and guidance about your course program and New College Lanarkshire.

The aim of the course induction is to meet your course tutor(s) and classmates, provide you with time to familiarise yourself with the college, its policies, facilities, support service, and expectations.

Our aim is to ensure all students starting at the college make a smooth transition into their studies and that you have the necessary tools and knowledge in place to succeed in your course.

Information regarding your induction will be sent to you from the middle of July onwards with the dates and times you should attend.

If you are unable to attend, please let us know so an alternative arrangement can be made. You can either email admissions@nclan.ac.uk or telephone 0300 555 8080.

If you don’t let us know that you are unable to attend your place may be given to another applicant.

When you submit your application, you will be asked questions that indicate to us if support is required.

If you have selected this option our Supported Learning team / Educational Learning Support (ELS) team will be in touch separately to discuss your needs. You can contact our ELS team by emailing els@nclan.ac.uk.

Joining us in 2024

Get to know NCL

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