How do I search for and apply to a course at South Devon College?

Updated

South Devon College's website lets you find a course in several ways and then apply online, but the exact route depends on who you are. School leavers (16–18), adult learners, apprentices, and high school applicants each follow a different application path, so the first step is identifying your learner group before you start searching.

Finding a course

The site's main navigation offers more than one way in, so you can start from whatever you already know:

  • Course Search – use this if you have a subject or keyword in mind.
  • Career Search – use this if you know the job or industry you're aiming for but not the course name.
  • Digital Prospectus – browse the full prospectus if you want an overview before narrowing down.
  • Search by Passion – start from an interest area rather than a qualification.
  • Subject Areas – browse by department or subject if you'd rather scan categories.

If you're unsure what level suits you, the site also provides Levels and Qualifications Explained and What Level Should I be Studying? under Adult Learning. These help you work out whether an entry-level, Level 2, Level 3, T Level, or higher education course is the right starting point.

Choosing your application route

Applications are split by learner type, and the correct route is listed under How to Apply:

Learner type Where to start
School leaver (16–18) Application to Enrolment Journey / Sixth Form pages
Adult learner (19+) Adult Learning section, including free courses and online/distance learning
Apprentice Apprenticeships section, including higher and degree apprenticeships
High school (14–16) South Devon High School pages, with key dates and its own application guidance
Employer Employers section for apprenticeship funding and work placements

Each route explains its own steps, so read the one that matches your situation rather than a generic application page.

Applying and tracking your application

Once you've chosen a course, the site provides dedicated login areas so you can manage and follow your application:

  • Applicant Login – for tracking an application you've submitted.
  • Parent/Carer Login – for parents and carers supporting an applicant.
  • Student Login – for current students.
  • Staff Login and Governor Login – for internal users.

The How to Apply page is the central reference for the process itself, including specific guidance such as applying for an Enhanced DBS where a course requires one.

Support if you get stuck

If you can't find the right course or aren't sure which route applies to you, the site points to several help channels:

  • Help and Advice, including Careers Advice and Student Services.
  • Contact Us for direct enquiries.
  • Financial Support and Learning Support and SEND if funding or additional needs affect your choice.
  • Travel Support and Parking and Permits for practical logistics.
  • Wellbeing Support for You and Support for Adult Students (19+) for learner-specific help.

Key things to check before you apply

  • Confirm you're using the application route for your learner group — they are not interchangeable.
  • Check the level guidance if you're returning to study or unsure of your starting point.
  • Note any course-specific requirements, such as an Enhanced DBS, before submitting.
  • Use the relevant login to track your application once it's in.

The site's own framing is that it supports its community through learning in a modern and friendly environment, and the range of search tools and support pages reflects that — but the practical takeaway is simpler: pick your learner group first, then search, then apply through the matching route.