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University technical colleges (UTCs)
A university technical college (UTC), offers a way of studying scientific and technical subjects from the age of 13/14 to 19. There are currently 45 UTCs in England. In West Yorkshire, there is a UTC in Leeds, and further afield in Yorkshire there are UTCs in Sheffield and Doncaster.
You can start studying at a UTC at 13 or 14. You will study the core GCSE subjects of English, maths and science, and a technical specialism, as well as other subjects like art, geography and history. Each UTC offers at least one technical specialism.
Many students join a UTC at 16, after their GCSEs. At a UTC, you can study qualifications such as A levels or a T level in your chosen technical specialism. Sometimes, courses may be called study programmes. A study programme is the course you choose to take, as well as English and/or maths, if you have not got a grade 4 or above in these subjects at GCSE. It should also include work experience and other activities that will help you progress.
The technical specialisms offered by UTCs include computing, construction, creative media, engineering, health sciences and social care, IT, science and sports science. Check out the UTCs in your area to find out what subjects are offered near to where you live.
Each UTC is linked to a local university and local employers and students learn in the classroom and via projects, that may include time working with an employer.
