For students under 21 years, passes in 3 GCSE/GCE/CSE, normally including English, Mathematics and either Chemistry or a biological science, as well as one of the following:

UCAS Tariff: 200 points, including an A-level science, preferably chemistry or a biological science. Key skills acceptable for inclusion in offers.
ND/C (Level 3): 3 merits, specified subjects. GNVQ (Adv): merit, specified subjects. Scottish Higher: CCCC, specified subjects. International Baccalaureate: Individually assessed
QAA approved access course: Acceptable, subject specific units
Kite marked Access course: science/health studies preferably to include chemistry or a biological science.
IELTS Level 6 overall, level 6 in writing

For candidates over 21, either qualifications as above or other appropriate qualifications or experience which suggest that the applicant has an equal opportunity to succeed on the course. If you are a mature student lacking in formal qualifications, but who can demonstrate enthusiasm, determination, and evidence of academic study at an appropriate level, you may also be considered.

Entry is restricted to applicants of 18 and over.

Interviews are held throughout the year prior to for the next academic year starting in September/October. Interviews are conducted by members of the Management Team.

Applicants should complete the application form and send it together with the other documents listed on the form to Student Admissions at the College address. An administration fee is charged and should be enclosed with the application.
As a registered charity, the College is a non-profit-making organisation and endeavours to keep fees as low as possible. Any increases to fees incurred by improving and maintaining our high standard of teaching are kept to a minimum. Further details are available on request from the Student Administrator.

For full details of full/part time source funding options and online application please visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance .

Full time Course

If you are taking our course full time and have not previously received government funding, you are entitled to apply to the Education Department of your Local Authority for a student loan for tuition fees; this would fund part of your ICOM fees each year. For more information visit The Student Loan Company at www.slc.co.uk.

Student loan money is paid directly to the College, in two instalments, but not until March and May following the start of the course. You would be required to have sufficient funds to pay your fees while awaiting your tuition fees refund from the college. We refund the money that we receive for your student loan for tuition fees, as soon as we receive it

Part Time Course

You need to tell your Local Education Authority (LEA) that you are studying 50% of a full time course.

You may be eligible for a discretionary grant from your local authority. Non-repayable Fee Grants and Course Grants may be available to some students.

Please visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance for more information about applying for finance.

Professional and Career Development Loans are bank loans that can be used to help pay for work related learning. You can borrow between £300and £10,000 to help support the cost of up to two years of learning (or three years if it includes one year’s relevant unpaid practical work). The Learning and Skills Council will pay the interest on the loan while you are learning and for one month afterwards. The loan can be used to pay course fees or other costs such as travel and living expenses. You can also use the loan to supplement other forms of support such as grants or bursaries. Because the Professional and Career Development Loan is a commercial loan product, they should only be considered as an option once all other student funding options have been investigated. For further information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact Careers Advice on 0800 100 900.

You may be able to find a charitable trust willing to help finance your course or to sponsor you. Ask at your local library or try an internet search.