Discovery Pathway
If the right pathway for you is Discovery, you will specialise in a chosen subject at Level 2 or Level 3 and follow a qualification-based curriculum that includes practical work, coursework and external assessments.
Each course is industry-focused, developed with input from partner employers to ensure relevance and practical application. Units are linked to modern, real-world scenarios for an immersive learning experience.
Independent Learning Support (ILS) staff are always on hand in classes to help you become more self-sufficient, providing any physical or practical support you need.
Transition to employment courses
Business in Action
For those aspiring to be entrepreneurs, this course develops essential business skills and is led by a job coach. By exploring the college’s ecommerce clothing business, learners gain practical insights to fuel their own business ventures. An independence curriculum embedded into the study programme enables students to maximise their potential for personal development, good health, social skills and self-advocacy.
Transition to Employment
For students who need extra support in the move from college to an external employer, job coaches will develop work skills through employer visits, sector-based learning and work experience. This course includes a customer service qualification at Entry 3, Level 1 or Level 2 plus maths and English.
Subject areas
Each of our subject areas offers both Level 2 and Level 3 accredited qualifications.
Art and design students explore various artistic practices, developing skills in both two- dimensional and three-dimensional art. They engage in live projects, working on client briefs to enhance their employability.
UAL Level 2 Award or Diploma in Art and Design
This course provides students with a practical and engaging introduction to the creative industries. It offers opportunities to explore materials, methods, and processes, develop technical and creative skills and understand the broader context of art and design.
UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication
This course equips students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge for entry-level roles, training, apprenticeships, or further study in the creative sector. The qualification offers a comprehensive introduction to the creative industries and builds a strong foundation in the creative process.
Future career routes
After completing your Art and Design course you will be able to progress to higher learning or employment within the industry.
Business students gain a well-rounded skill set that prepares them for various roles in the business world. By engaging in hands-on experiences like managing enterprises and handling administrative tasks, they can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Open Award and BTEC National Diploma in Business
This course will add to learners' knowledge and understanding of the business sector as part of their career progression and development plans. Learners have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to build relationships with a wide variety of customers both internal and external within a range of business environments.
Future career routes
You will develop the transferable skills to progress to further learning and prepare for employment within both business and elsewhere.
Hospitality learners gain hands-on experience in an industry-standard kitchen, café, and our Premier Inn training facility. They develop skills in barista work, baking, kitchen operations and housekeeping, with live demonstrations from local chefs and visits to hospitality businesses.
[logo Warwick Conferences and Premier Inn]
Future career routes
You can go on to study at a higher level in hospitality and tourism or apply for a supported internship placement at one of our employer partners.
ICT learners use industry-standard software like Adobe Suite to study mobile app design, web technologies, graphics and video game design. The course includes industry work experience opportunities.
Level 2 Open Awards or BTEC First in Information and Creative Technology
This BTEC First in Information and Creative Technology inspires learners to explore careers in the sector, build broad skills and knowledge, and progress to Level 3 study, Supported Internships or employment in diverse tech roles.
Level 3 BTEC National in Digital Games Production
This qualification is designed to provide a technical introduction to digital games production. Learners develop skills in areas such as games engine scripting, 3D modelling and environment and games testing.
Creative digital media students use the media suite to learn about film, animation, photography and audio production using professional software and equipment.
UAL Diploma in Creative Digital Media
Level 2 students work on moving images, digital publishing, advertising and photography. They focus on the digital media industry, learn how to plan and pitch a digital media product and work towards a final digital production product.
At Level 3 learners create a portfolio and focus on working to a creative media brief. The course includes media-based programming, factual programme production, stop motion, pre-production techniques and soundtrack production.
Future career routes
You will develop the knowledge and skills to support further study in creative media or a related area such as design or IT and be able to progress to employment within the industry.
Music students have access to a fully equipped band room and a professional recording studio, where they develop skills in music industry practices, recording, performance and production techniques.
UAL Diploma in Music
Learners develop their skills in production, performance, composition, music theory or music technology. They gain contemporary vocational skills such as DJing, music composition, production, enterprise and music promotion.
Future career routes
You will gain general work-related employability and transferable skills to progress to higher level qualifications in music or enter employment in a wide range of job roles.
Performing and production arts
Performing arts students use performance, technical and rehearsal spaces to hone their skills. They frequently perform at public events, festivals and productions, often in collaboration with local and national performance companies.
[logos: Graeae Theatre Company, Ascension Dance Company]
UAL Level 2 Award and Diploma, and Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Art
Learners develop the skills to progress as a dance and/or drama-based performance artist or technical engineer and take part in performances and events. They expand their acting, dance and musical performance, as well as technical and design skills. There is a focus on what it means to work in the performing arts industry.
Future career routes
You will gain the skills needed to progress within further education, higher education and employment within the performing arts industry. There is the opportunity to access relevant work experience to support progression to employment.
Sports students learn about anatomy and physiology, sports coaching, sports leadership and leisure facility operations. With access to our fitness suite, indoor sports hall and outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA), they also benefit from partnerships with a variety of national and local organisations.
[logos: Sky Blues in the Community, Warwickshire Cricket Board, Sporty Minds, and the University of Warwick Tennis Centre]
Level 2 Open Award, BTEC First in Sport and BTEC National in Sport
The Level 2 course focuses on practical sport and fitness instruction which includes work experience, sports injuries, anatomy and physiology, and psychology and sport. At Level 3 learners develop this further and look at fitness testing and programming, technical and tactical skills, athlete lifestyle, nutrition, performance and work experience.
Future career routes
You will prepare for employment both within the sport and active leisure sector and elsewhere. This can include an apprenticeship or trainee position at sports centres and gyms as a sports coach, instructor or personal trainer.
Business in Action Programme
Aspiring entrepreneurs can thrive with the Business in Action programme, which hones essential business skills. Working in the college’s ecommerce clothing outlet Herethreads, learners gain practical insights to fuel their own business ventures.
Maths and English
At our college, English and Maths are at the heart of every learner’s journey. We offer two types of sessions: core English and Maths, which focus on building skills and working towards qualifications, and Life Skills English and Maths, which help learners apply these skills in everyday life. Both are designed to be engaging, supportive, and tailored to each learner’s needs.
In core English and Maths sessions, learners may work towards Functional Skills qualifications from Entry Level to Level 2, and GCSEs where appropriate. These lessons help develop reading, writing, speaking, listening, and numeracy skills in a structured way, with clear goals and personalised support. Learners are encouraged to build confidence, resilience, and independence, with progress tracked through individual targets and regular feedback.
In Life Skills English and Maths, the focus is on using literacy and numeracy in real-world situations. Learners take part in activities like planning trips, reading timetables, budgeting, following recipes, making appointments, and understanding health information. These sessions are practical, hands-on, and often linked to vocational areas, helping learners see how English and Maths are useful in everyday life, work, and independent living.
We know that some learners find reading, writing or working with numbers more challenging. If you have dyslexia or dyscalculia, we’ll support you with personalised strategies—like using coloured overlays, assistive technology, visual resources, simplified instructions, and extra time. Our team will work with you to find what helps you learn best.
Our qualified, experienced and empathetic teachers and support staff are here to help you succeed. They understand the challenges you may have faced and are committed to helping you feel safe, supported, and proud of your progress. Whether you're working towards a qualification or building everyday confidence, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Progression opportunities
Discovery students can progress to a L3 Diploma course, work-related study programmes or into paid work. Some students who have successfully achieved at Level 3 will go onto higher education.
Some Discovery learners apply to the King’s Trust and have started their own business before leaving college. Learners who are interested in pursuing a business idea can do this through our one-year Business in Action course.
Find out more about the Discovery pathway by contacting our Admissions team at admissions@hereward.ac.uk or 02476 426120.