Study Programmes

Middlesbrough College has a range of study programmes to shape our student's future career ambitions.

Alongside A Levels at our purpose-built sixth form MC6, we offer vocational courses across a broad range of industries such as sport, hairdressing and engineering. For students who would like to train whilst in employment, we offer T Levels, a qualification that includes an industry placement, and apprenticeships with our training and apprenticeship company, Northern Skills.

TTE provides technical training programmes and apprenticeships for school leavers to give them the skills to support their careers. Students can expect to be trained in a safe environment, using 'real life' kit and equipment within our fully equipped extensive workshop.

Study programme are made up of 4 key elements as detailed below:
 

1. Study Programmes

A-Levels

A-Levels are two-year, linear courses that allow students to keep their options open, with focused study on three or four subjects.  

A-Level students can also combine their study with a BTEC qualification; either 2 A-Levels and 1 Vocation qualification, or 1 A-Level and 2 Vocation qualifications. More information about the ‘Mix it Up’ Programme and the subject combinations can be found here.  

 
Take a look at our A Level courses
 

T-Levels 

T Levels are a brand new qualification which are an alternative to A Levels. This 2-year qualification will help your child to build the future that they want. 

If your child is on a T Level programme they will spend 80% of their time in the classroom and 20% of their time in the workplace, putting the skills they have learnt into auction. Every T Level student will take an industry placement that lasts at least 45 days, helping them to gain valuable experience in the workplace and allowing employers to meet the new talent in their industry. Our courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that they meet the needs of industry and prepare your child for work.

We have previously worked with Northern Powergrid, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, Northumbrian Water, North Link Digital and CPI.

T Levels provide the skills, knowledge and experience your child needs to open the door to highly skills employment, higher level study or an apprenticeship.

Find out more about T Levels courses
 

Vocational Courses

Vocational courses have an emphasis on developing a student’s practical skills and knowledge in a specific sector.  

We offer vocational courses in every sector area from hairdressing to engineering. The College offers a range of specialist facilities, including a simulated aircraft cabin, commercial training restaurant, on-site hair and beauty salon, and the STEM Centre.  
  
Discover our Vocational Courses here. 
 

Apprenticeships 

Apprenticeships allow students to learn and gain hands-on experience in a real working environment. Northern Skills is the apprenticeship and training arm of Middlesbrough College, and delivers over 100 types of apprenticeships to around 2700 apprentices across the North East and Yorkshire. 

Anyone aged 16 or above who has completed education can apply for an apprenticeship. Our apprenticeships cover everything from Business Admin and Dental Nursing to Accounting and Engineering. Alongside earning a wage, completion of an apprenticeship will result in a nationally recognised qualification. 

View our available apprenticeships here.
 
Download The Parent's Guide to National Apprenticeships Week 2023
 

2. Maths and English 

English and maths at GCSE 4 (C) or above are essential qualifications for progression within further education and to Higher Education and employment.

All students will continue to study English and maths if they do not hold a GCSE 4 (C) or equivalent in these subjects. Dependent on your child's school grades, this will either be a GCSE qualification or Functional Skills course. 

Don't worry if your child didn't enjoy these subjects at school, College and TTE are different, and we often find that applying maths and English to subjects that they enjoy at can make a real difference. 

Employers frequently stress the importance of GCSEs/Functional Skills, and these are recognised as being vital to the world of work.

Students generally need to have at least a grade 4 (C) GCSE in maths and English or equivalent to progress onto many University courses. 
 

 

3. Work Experience 

We have developed excellent relationships with local, regional and national employers and will work with your child to find a business that can provide quality and relevant work experience. 

The benefits of work experience include:  

  • Being prioritised for future job opportunities and apprenticeship vacancies
  • Gaining access to some great employers within the local areas
  • Enhancing a UCAS application
  • Gaining confidence and self-esteem
  • Gaining greater insight into the world of work
  • Giving their CV the edge over others and helping refine their career choices

Your child will be assigned a dedicated Work Placement Co-ordinator who will visit them and provide support throughout the process ensuring they get the most out of the work placement and that it fits with their career ambitions.  

Find out more about Work Experience.
  

4. Thrive - Personal Development

This is an extensive programme of activities and events running alongside their main study programme that supports your child's personal development, helping them to prepare for progression and success in life, learning and work. 

 

Sessions include skills for employment such as team building, problem solving and collaboration. In addition to topics to help students keep safe and make the right life choices such as first aid, safeguarding and Prevent training and personal welfare.  

Thrive also focuses on supporting students into Higher Education and employment through sessions including UCAS application support, University talks and visits, progression opportunities, and employability skills, such as CV writing, interview skills and employer talks. 

The College also offers enrichment activities, sports activities and trips and visits.