How to apply - adults

This is information about ‘adult’ (19+) courses at The Manchester College. If you want to apply for a university or degree level course, please see our university and degree level section.

Apply online

You can apply for a course using our course finder.

Once you’ve decided which course is for you, it’s best to apply as soon as you can. There may be a waiting list close to the start date.

Letting you know we've got your application

We’ll aim to let you know we’ve received your application within 48 hours of it arriving. If you haven’t heard from us after seven days, please contact our Course Enquiry Team using the online enquiry form.

Interview and/or our decision about your application

The relevant department will process your application and they may invite you to an interview. When we’ve made a decision, we’ll send you a letter to let you know whether your application has been successful.

Initial assessment

When you apply to The Manchester College we may ask you to take two short tests on a computer. These are to find out your level of skills in English and maths. Depending on which course you apply for, we may also ask you to take an ICT test.

Don’t panic!

Don’t worry about initial assessment. It lets us know what’s the best course for your level of skills. It lets us know if you need any support with your studies.

The test instructions are easy to follow and we’ll help you log on to the system. You will have plenty of time to work through the questions.

You can use the screen reader to read the questions to you if you want to. Please ask us for headphones if you would like to use the screen reader.

Do you have a learning difficulty or disability?

Please let us know. Help and support is available.

Get ready for the tests

Try to read, write and use maths in your day-to-day life. This will get you ready for the tests.

If you want to set yourself some challenges or get tips on spelling or maths, visit the BBC Skillwise website.

English test

We’ll ask you to:

  • look at some simple charts and timetables
  • answer multiple choice questions
  • put some sentences in order
  • use your knowledge of grammar and punctuation

Please answer all the questions as carefully as you can. The first few questions set the level for the rest of the test.

Maths test

We’ll ask you to do some simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

There will also be questions on:

  • money
  • percentages
  • volume
  • ratio
  • simple maths problems

Please answer all the questions as carefully as you can. The first few questions set the level for the rest of the test.