Further Education Course 

Vocational Studies

View Key Course Details

Why study Vocational Studies at Derby?

  • Personal development - The curriculum emphasises on areas such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy to prepare students for work environments and further study.
  • Discover your next steps – This programme is designed to help young people navigate all their options as they begin to explore their future careers.
  • Designed to support – This programme was made to support each individual, the person-centred approach ensures learners feel confident to strive for their goals.
  • Enhance employability - Students will have opportunities to develop CVs, interview techniques, job-search skills, and work-related behaviours, effectively marketing their capabilities.

The core aim of the programme is to recognise students' vocational and employability learning while fostering practical skills, confidence, and independence. To enhance maths and English qualifications, personalised learning plans and progress tracking are essential. The curriculum emphasises areas such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy to prepare students for work environments and further study. Additionally, students will have opportunities to develop CVs, interview techniques, job-search skills, and work-related behaviours, effectively marketing their capabilities.

What you will study

- Business and Retail

- Childcare

- Creative Industries and Digital Skills

- Hair and Beauty

- Health and Social Care

- Hospitality and Catering

- Land-based

- Sport and Active Leisure

- Travel and Tourism

- Public Services

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How you will learn

Learners will complete practical and theory assessments, through work shops and in classroom learning.

Careers

As entry level programmes designed to help young people find their next steps, progression may include:

- Further personal, social, and educational skills development with foundation pathways

- Subject-specific vocational skills

- Apprenticeships

- Employment opportunities

Entry requirements

There are no prior skills, knowledge or understanding requirements for these qualifications. However, learners will benefit from having functional skills, at least at one level below that of the qualification (e.g. at least Entry 3 for the Level 1 qualifications).

Fees and funding

If you are aged 16-18 on 31 August 2025, you will not usually pay tuition fees for your course. Most full-time college-level study programmes are fully funded for this age group. However, you may still have additional costs, including travel to and from college, uniforms, kits and equipment, education trips, meals while on campus, childcare (if applicable).

This is where the college bursary can help support you.

How to apply

Ready to take the next step? Applying is quick and easy, just complete our online application form using the link below.

Apply directApply direct

Additional information about your studies

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.