Accounting is a core business skill, required across all industries. You'll learn to be an effective and successful accountant, bookkeeper or finance professional. 

We will advance your knowledge and practical experience, leading you to a successful career in a stable and lucrative industry or further study with an apprenticeship or university degree.

We offer AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualifications. You will become a student member of the AAT (paid separately) and enjoy the benefits of being associated with the respected national body for accounting and bookkeeping.

AAT student membership details here.

Skills you will learn include:

• Bookkeeping
• Accounts preparation
• Costing
• Financial spreadsheets
• Ethics
• Business tax
• Personal tax
• Management accounting
• Company statements.

If you have a passion for creativity and want to learn and strengthen your skills surrounded by others who share your passion, then you are in the right place. 

Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) can help you develop your skills in Art and Design with the support of our expert teachers in our new state-of-the-art facilities.

Whether you want to explore drawing or Photoshop, become a graphic or fashion designer, an architect or an animator, we have a course for you. As well as UAL Diplomas, we offer a range of opportunities in this growing area including the traditional A Level route, Access to HE and Higher Education courses.

A growing industry

Employment in the Creative Industries has grown at five times the rate of the rest of the economy since 2011 and has grown more than 1.5 times the rate of the wider economy over the past decade. Contributing £108 billion in gross value added (GVA) annually.

The Government plans to build on that success and maximise the growth of the creative industries by £50 billion by 2030, creating one million extra jobs and delivering a 'creative careers promise that builds a pipeline of future talent'.

Read more about the Governments ambitious plans to grow the economy and boost creative industries here.

With the right training and experience from our Business courses, business professionals can work in various positions, including accounting, marketing, finance and management.

Careers within the Business industry can offer an exciting and rewarding career path, and our courses will help you to hone your developing skills with a practical approach, enabling you to progress into a successful career in the Business sector.

Links to supportive business allow students to become familiar with the commercial world outside the college, as well as learning from our lecturers in the classroom environment.

Business is a broad term that represents many professional areas of the business world including marketing, economics, human resources, business management, law and entrepreneurship.

Our Business courses are enhanced through enrichment activities, visits, presentations by guest speakers and opportunities to get hands-on experience in the workplace. Business students are also able to take part in our AFC Wimbledon Football Development Programme.

If you are good with children and you like the idea of helping to positively contribute to their development, then a career in Childcare could be for you. 

Early Years/Childcare is an extremely rewarding industry to work in. Qualified Early Years practitioners could go on to work in nurseries and schools, as teachers, teaching assistants and support staff.

Our teachers have a vast knowledge and experience of working in these sectors and teach and train our students to the standard required for entry into the workplace and higher education.

At Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) we offer a range of levels in Childcare including the brand new T Level to choose from. 

Benefits of studying childcare at RuTC

• Strong links with employers to keep our training relevant and up-to-date
• Work placements in childcare settings
• Industry talks and work experience
• Industry-experienced teaching staff
• Level 3 T-Level available. 

As we progress through the digital age, Computing and Information Technology jobs are in high demand. Our specialist teachers will help you hone your skills for a successful career.

Some of the most in-demand jobs in this sector are for software engineers, computer programmers, data architects and web developers, according to Indeed.

As well as offering the more practical BTEC courses, we also offer the more traditional A Level route, providing a range of opportunities in this growing area. Our courses run up to and include university level, providing opportunities to work across a wide range of industries.

As the demand for construction workers is on the rise, it has never been a better time to train as Construction and Building Service professionals and Plumbers. 

At Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC), we teach construction trades in Plumbing and site and bench Carpentry.

What separates us from school is that we teach these subjects with a vocational approach. The majority of teaching is practical and is undertaken in our industry-standard workshops, taught by teachers who have worked in the industry they specialise in.

The college has excellent relationships with construction industry businesses.

STEM Centre

Brand new Plumbing and Carpentry workshops are currently being built as part of our new STEM Centre, which is due to open in 2024. You can find out more about our campus redevelopment plans here. 

Our Electrical Installation courses will help students advance their understanding of the techniques and practices used within domestic and commercial settings.  

Learning a trade for which there is high demand, with opportunities to be taken on by a company or work on a self-employed basis.

Students practise the installation of domestic (240V) and industrial (up to 10,000V) wiring and electrical components including circuit breakers, consumer units, lighting and power circuits, in accordance with industry standard regulations.

The courses focus on developing the hands-on use of tools and components to complete real installations and develops your theoretical knowledge of the underpinning maths and science which explain how these systems work.

STEM Centre

Brand new Electrical Installation workshops are currently being built as part of our new STEM Centre, which is due to open in 2024. You can find out more about our campus redevelopment plans here.

Demand for engineers is predicted to grow faster than other occupations and we are committed to helping you gain the skills and knowledge to secure a career in this industry. 

With demand growing and a rise of vacancies for ‘green engineering’ roles in the UK, which has increased by more than half over the last five years according to a study by the Engineering Council, we can provide you with the right training to help you progress, from teachers who have worked in the industry.

Engineering is taught using a wide range of equipment and software to ensure the student is immersed in the technology which will become familiar when they move on into employment. We offer mechanical and electrical engineering and our students have a high success rate in progressing to university or an apprenticeship.

STEM Centre

Brand new Engineering workshops are currently being built as part of our new STEM Centre, which is due to open in 2024. You can find out more about our campus redevelopment plans here.

The health and social care sector is a major employer with practitioners working for the NHS, local authorities and within the private sector, including care homes.

If you have the passion and drive to help others, a career in Health and Social Care could be the perfect route for you.

There is always a demand for workers in the Health and Social Care sector. The range of employment opportunities is vast, including nursing, midwifery, paramedics, dentistry, allied health professionals, social workers, carers and youth workers – to name a few!

Our teachers have a vast knowledge and experience of working in these sectors and teach and train our students to the standard required for entry into the workplace and higher education.

At Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) we offer levels 1 to 3 in Health and Social Care including an Access to Higher Education Diploma, all of which can enable students to progress to university or into a rewarding career.

Due to the nature of Health and Social Care courses, students will receive work experience with industry placements. This experience and the training they receive from our staff puts our students in a really good position to progress to further study with higher education or an apprenticeship. Students will also be able to go straight into the workplace.

The Media industry is an exciting, fast-paced and creative sector. If you have a passion for TV, film, gaming or journalism, Media will help you develop your skills for a successful career. 

Whether you want to build your skills in animation or gaming or want to work in the TV or film industry, we have a course for you.

We offer a range of opportunities in this growing area including the more practical UAL Diplomas and the traditional A Level route. We also offer Access to HE and Higher Education courses.

A growing industry

Employment in the Creative Industries has grown at five times the rate of the rest of the economy since 2011 and is has grown at more than 1.5 times the rate of the wider economy over the past decade. Contributing £108 billion in gross value added (GVA) annually.

The Government plans to build on that success and maximise the growth of the creative industries by £50 billion by 2030, creating one million extra jobs and delivering a 'creative careers promise that builds a pipeline of future talent'.

Read more about the Government's ambitious plans to grow the economy and boost creative industries here.

The music industry is one of the UK’s greatest success stories, contributing £6.7 billion to the UK economy in 2022 (UK Music). We can help to fine tune your talents for a successful career.

We’re firm believers in following your dream. If you have a passion for creativity and performance, whether you’re interested in performing or working on one of the many other roles behind the scenes, we can help you. Some notable RuTC music alumni include rapper, Dave, and pianist Michael Fuller (Howell). 

You may wish to enter the music industry directly on completion of your course, use our training to supplement what you already know, or use us as a stepping stone to university.

Our Sports facilities include a new all-weather 5G sports field and a large Sports Centre with gym and changing facilities. We offer Sports courses at Level 2 and 3.

One of the many benefits of the sports industry is that there are potential opportunities globally and it is relatively easy to get work experience and part-time work alongside your qualification to boost your CV.  

Typically, careers in sport are on the rise as people strive for a healthier lifestyle. Jobs within this sector can include teaching and coaching, physiotherapy, nutrition, personal training, assisting with injury recovery and gym instruction. Sports courses can also lend themselves well to careers in events and event management.

Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) has an amazing location for those interested in Sport. We're on the same site as Harlequins and Twickenham Rugby Stadium is a 5 minute walk away, making the college an attractive option for sports enthusiasts.

AFC Wimbledon Football Development Programme

By studying Sport at RuTC, you also have the opportunity to take part in our football development programme with AFC Wimbledon. The programme is taken as enrichment alongside your study, which means you can achieve your qualification while developing your game with AFC Wimbledon UEFA qualified staff. Find out more about the AFC Wimbledon Football Development Programme.

If Travel and Tourism is your passion, then one of our courses could be your passport into an industry that could open up a world of opportunities. 

Richmond upon Thames College is in a fantastic location with Heathrow Airport just a few miles away, making the college an attractive option for those looking for opportunities in one of the UK’s busiest airports.

Roles within the Travel and Tourism industry can include delivering customer service as cabin crew, marketing package tours as a travel agent, entertaining holidaymakers as a holiday rep, as well as managing events as a hotel manager or conference organiser.

At Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) we offer Travel and Tourism courses from Level 1 to Level 3, and we have a mock aeroplane cabin for students to use. 

As the world advances, so does the need for scientists and technicians to help develop new ideas and bring them to fruition. 

At Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) we have responded to this demand by building a new state-of-the-art STEM Centre opening in 2024, and a range of courses that will help develop the scientific talent of the future.

Some of the top science fields that are in demand include biology, chemistry, medical sciences and research and development, you find out more about in-demand Science careers on Indeed. 

We offer a range of opportunities in this growing area including the more practical BTEC courses from Level 1 to Level 3 or the traditional A Level route.

STEM Centre

Brand new Engineering workshops are currently being built as part of our new STEM Centre, which is due to open in 2024. You can find out more about our campus re-development plans here.

If you have a passion for food and drink and aspire to work in a creative and fast-paced industry, where your love of culinary arts can be supported, then you are in the right place! 

Whether you aspire to be a Michelin Star chef, own a restaurant, manage events or work front of house, training in our modern restaurant with will help you achieve your goals.

The View Training Restaurant is Richmond upon Thames College's new commercial restaurant, with amazing panoramic views across London. Here, our talented trainee chefs and waiting staff serve fine dining lunches and dinners to a variety of local charities, businesses and people from Richmond, Kingston, Hounslow and surrounding areas.

Our students also have the opportunity to work in the college's canteen and coffee shop, creating and serving lunch every day to our staff and students. This gives them the opportunity to experience different aspects of the hospitality industry.

Hospitality careers are driving job growth, as UK employment hit a record high in 2023, according to an article in leading catering magazine, The Caterer. There is a 10% shortage of head chefs across the industry and a 21% shortage of production chefs, which means that there is a need for employees in these areas and wages are on the rise too.  You can read more about these insights in The Caterer.

We have a department dedicated to students with special educational needs. Our friendly specialist trained staff, are committed to providing high levels of support to each student.

Our courses are suitable for students who have few or no formal qualifications and would like to progress onto a vocational course in the future.  Staff offer a caring and supportive environment to help students reach their potential and progress to further study or employment.

Our aim is to prepare students for life outside of education and to help them to integrate into society. Whether that is to travel or live independently, find employment or develop communication skills.

Students have the opportunity to work in our Apple Tree Café, snack shop and garden, as well as being a part of frequent fundraising activities for various charities.

Progression

Many of our students progress through the courses offered in our Supported Learning department. Some students will then progress into mainstream education, and some will go into the workplace, or will live independently. Progression routes are different for every student, our focus is to ensure that the progression needs of the student are met and that we can help them to transition from education smoothly.

We have a dedicated Sixth Form Centre which offers 24 A-Levels, A-Level equivalent courses and GCSE Pathway in Humanities and Science, for students who wish to take a more academic pathway. 

These are ideal for students wishing to follow an academic pathway and progress to university, apprenticeships or the world of work.

GCSEs

Our GCSE Pathway courses provide students who have the potential to move onto Level 3 study with five intensive GCSE courses to build up their confidence and study skills over one year. It is an ideal option for students who do not quite meet the minimum requirements for their intended A-Level or applied A-Level courses but want to develop their academic potential within humanities or science related subjects.

 A-Levels

Click here to see a full list of our A-Level subjects and information.

We have 24 A-Level and A-Level equivalent subjects to choose from with subjects that aren’t always available in school. We have developed a range of A-Level equivalent subjects, which are vocational courses that can be studied alongside academic A-Level subjects.

A-Levels provide an academic way of studying in comparison to vocational courses, which offer a more practical approach. Students often study A-Levels to maintain a variety of subjects to allow them more choice when it comes to university. They also choose A-Levels if they prefer a more academic way of working, preferring classroom work, lectures and exams.

Students will be completing AS-Level qualifications in the first year and, upon successful completion, will study A2-Levels in the second year. This is the equivalent to two-year A-Levels but gives you a recognised qualification at the end of the first year.

A-Level Subjects

• Applied Business Level 3 (A-Level equivalent)

  In the 21st Century, all organisations need to make sure that the people in them are busy organising resources, producing, selling, marketing, managing their staff and managing their finances. Managers must organise these resources to provide goods and services for customers to be successful.

  This qualification helps you develop skills, knowledge and the depth of understanding you need to prepare you for entry into employment, promotion if in a job and to gain entry to higher education.

  The course is a practical, work-related course and you will cover a range of business topics including business organisation, marketing, the business environment and finance.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 5.

  Exam Board: OCR

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Applied Criminology Level 3 (A-Level equivalent)

  This course explores criminology by looking at psychological, criminological and biological theories, case studies and analyses criminal activities/criminal justice system. You will study current issues such as the media creating moral panics against young people, procedures for criminal investigations, criminal agencies of control and why white-collar crime is underreported. The Office for National Statistics stated in 2014 that 212,699 fraud offences were recorded in England and Wales which has increased every year since.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language at grade 5.

  Exam Board: WJEC

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Applied Law Level 3 (A-Level equivalent)

  This course looks at how the law works, how law is made and the people involved in the law. You will also study several aspects of criminal law such as homicide, theft, burglary and robbery.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 5.

  Exam Board: Edexcel

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Applied Psychology BTEC Level 3 (A-Level equivalent)

  Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and human behaviour. It is an interesting subject that can help you understand why people think, feel and behave in the way that they do.

  This course provides an exciting opportunity to find out about different areas of psychology. You will learn how psychological theory and psychological research is applied to real world situations and problems to produce practical solutions.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language and maths at grade 5.

  Exam Board: Edexcel

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Architecture A-Level

  Our Architecture A-Level course is a design discipline with practical elements that involves studying the factors resulting in innovative and functional building designs. This highly unique course focuses on sustainable architecture, also called green or environmental architecture. It challenges the students to create intelligent designs and use available technologies to ensure their structures work harmoniously with nature.

  The architecture programme will develop your problem solving skills when working with three-dimensional structures with a variety of exciting and challenging briefs for environmental and spatial design.

  Understanding three-dimensional structure is best developed through creating architectural models, and you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of rigid and semi-rigid materials that simulate architectural solutions. Research and contextual references will be focused on both historical and contemporary Architecture. Students will receive professional experience from visiting Architects over the two years, field trips to innovative builds, and a host of University experience days.

  During the A-Level programme, students will be expected to explain and justify their designs through annotations and evaluations in their sketchbooks. Students will also produce a personal portfolio of work suitable for interview for University or
  higher-level study in Architecture or Interior Design.

  Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language at grade 5 and a demonstrable enthusiasm for drawing.

  Exam Board: Eduqas

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Biology A-Level

  A-Level Biology explores the principles of living systems and how life works. You will study the minute details of the cell and wonder over how such intricacies fit together to make the perfect you, living, breathing and able to make decisions.

  You will also learn about how to ensure the planet is not damaged to ensure life continues in its full beauty for years to come.

  Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language at grade 5, Maths and Biology or double Science at grade 6.

  Exam Board: Edexcel

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Business A-Level

  Business is a dynamic subject which gives you the opportunity to learn about how businesses operate with strong links to the constantly changing world around us. The course covers key areas of business life in the 21st century through four key themes.

  In the first year you will develop an understanding of marketing and managing business activities including finance, business strategy and global business. You will learn about these areas through a combination of lectures, role plays, presentations, group work and trips to see real businesses in operation. The A-Level consists of three externally examined exams.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 6.

  Exam Board: Edexcel

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Chemistry A-Level

  A-Level Chemistry explores the ways that molecules, atoms and ions react and how those reactions affect our life. There are 3 areas of Chemistry-organic which deal with how carbon compounds interact.

  These carbons have been associated with life at some point. Inorganic chemistry looks at the reactions of the Periodic table. Physical chemistry looks at the physical properties of Chemicals.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English at grade 5, Maths at grade 6 and Chemistry or double Science at grade 6.

  Exam Board: Edexcel

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Computer Science A-Level

  In a world where computers and computer technology is used in every aspect of everyday life, it is no wonder that the demand for skilled computer scientists is increasing.

  In A-Level Computer Science, students learn the principles of computing, algorithms, computer programming, machine data representation, hardware and software computer systems), computer architecture, networking and databases.

  Computer Science is ideal for those with an abstract and analytical mind with an enthusiasm for problem solving and designing solutions.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English and Maths at grade 6. Computer science GCSE preferred but not essential if you can demonstrate ability in IT.

  Exam Board: AQA

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Economics A-Level

  Looking at the world around us questions always asked include: why is there climate change, why did the Financial crisis happen, why is there inequality, why did BREXIT happen, are there alternatives to how societies organise themselves?

  Economists rarely agree the answers to these type of questions but we develop the key skills of investigation, evidence based analysis, use of models and ideas to try to answer them. However we must always realise that people, businesses and governments may not act as we expect. At the heart of the investigation is the economic problem which leads to choices that must be made by individuals, businesses and governments and the consequences of these choices by investigating: what do we produce, how do we produce and for whom do we produce?

  Drawing on classical economic thinking and alternatives, economics investigates how markets operate, alternatives to the current systems we have developed as well as the global interactions between countries in the modern era of international trade.

  We will aim to investigate the past to analyse the present to try to shape the future.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 6.

  Exam Board: Edexcel

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• English Language and Literature A-Level

  Throughout the English Language and Literature A-Level, you will develop and apply your knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation. You will read and interpret a wide range of both literary and nonfiction texts, including spoken word scripts, comedy and biography.

  You will look at the purpose and the effect of all sorts of written and spoken language in a variety of situations. You will learn how to describe how language works and will extend this study to works of literature, in both years.

  There are opportunities for writing in a variety of formats as well as the academic essay and a major focus of the course is upon the choices of language and form that you and other writers make.

  This course has a strong emphasis on creative writing and supports entry to degrees in the arts, social sciences, business studies and media. It provides a secure basis for direct employment in many industries including journalism and the creative arts.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language at grade 5.

  Exam Board: OCR

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• English Literature A-Level

  Studying English Literature A-Level invites analytical and creative thinkers to enjoy some significant works in the three major genres of plays, poems and novels and to learn how to write well focused academic essays on them. There will be particular focus with the contexts within which these works were written and the different interpretations to which they are open. A strong feature of the subject lies in bringing texts together through comparison.

  You will engage critically and creatively with a range of exciting texts and develop your knowledge of literary analysis. You will explore the connections and relationships between texts, the attitudes and values of writers and deepen your understanding of the changing traditions of English. You will study three components: drama, poetry and prose, as well as having the opportunity to create an original extended essay on two coursework texts.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language at grade 5.

  Exam Board: Edexcel

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Film Studies A-Level

  Film can be argued to be the major art and cultural form of the twentieth century and of great significance at the beginning of the new millennium. 'Cineliteracy' is something you have been developing since childhood. The A-Level film studies is designed to deepen the way you understand, appreciate and enjoy film, building on your existing knowledge and interest.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language at grade 5.

  Exam Board: Eduqas

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

   

• Geography A-Level

  More details coming soon - if you're interested in studying Geography A-Level, please ask for more information at your interview.

  Entry requirements: 

  Exam Board: 

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Government and Politics A-Level

  Politics is about considering important questions such as; Why the voting age should be lowered to 16? Why aren’t there more women in British Politics? Why do so few people vote in UK elections? Politics is around us and influence our everyday lives. Politics is about the way societies handle the competition for power, decide who may use that power and how it can be curbed to avoid abuse. Politics means different things to different people, it can solve problems, offer alternatives, stimulate anger and frustration or allow for people to live a better life.

  ‘Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you’ - Pericles.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language at grade 6.

  Exam Board: Edexcel

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Graphics and Illustration A-Level

  Graphics and Illustration A-Level provides the opportunity for students to develop their creative potential as a graphic designer or illustrator through a wide area of study. Every year students use their projects as a tool for expressing their personal interests, from children's books, packaging and promotion to fashion magazines, animation, new media and branding.

  Graphic design and communication is an exciting, dynamic, continually evolving field. On this course, students will be taught the design process through a series of tutorials and practical workshops in design, drawing, illustration and typography.

  At Richmond upon Thames College, we want our students to be creative, to be inspired by the exercises set in the scheme of work, to try new ways of image making and experiment with a wide range of different materials. Students will learn to use design and multimedia software and acquire the technical skills to be proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator; these will enhance design and illustration work, until students are creating final pieces to a professional standard.

  As part of the Graphics and Illustration course students will also be introduced to a range of graphic subjects such as illustration, letterforms and packaging design. The course will nurture and encourage innovative and creative thinking, helping students to find their own voice and way of working within the broad scope of graphic communication.

  Please note that only one specialist endorsed option in Art and Design can be taken in an A-Level study programme. Graphics and Illustration is offered as a specialist endorsed option and the syllabus title for this course is: Art and Design – Graphics and Illustration A-Level.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language and a demonstrable enthusiasm for drawing.

  Exam Board: Eduqas

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• History: Modern European A-Level

  History is the study of past events, which uses a narrative to examine and analyse the sequence of those events and sometimes attempts to investigate, objectively, the reasons that caused them.

  This course focuses on the three big European powers of the 20th century (nationalism, dictatorship and democracy in twentieth century Europe), Germany, Russia and Great Britain, and their contrasting fortunes as the century progressed.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language or History at grade 6.

  Exam Board: AQA

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Law A-Level

  Studying law offers the opportunity to develop a range of skills and explore many aspects of society. The law reaches into every aspect of everyday life. Questions of law affect all kinds of current issues ranging from whether Parliament must be able to vote on the BREXIT deal, to whether ISIS brides may be stripped of their UK citizenship, or whether social media companies should be held legally responsible when people commit suicide after viewing harmful content online.

  Law appeals to a range of students including those that enjoy reading and writing essays, those that enjoy performing and those that enjoy taking a logic based approach to problem solving, but you don’t have to be all three to be good at law.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 6.

  Exam Board: AQA

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Mathematics A-Level

  Our A-Level Maths course develops techniques studied at GCSE to enable you to solve mathematical problems and to deepen your interest in the subject.

  Knowledge of advanced mathematics is essential in a wide range of careers from the sciences to computing, business and economics.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including English Language at grade 5 and grade 7 in Maths.

  Exam Board: Edexcel

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Media Studies A-Level

  The mass media have been an important field of study since the 1930s. Today, with more media around us than ever before, we spend much of our day staring at screens or plugged into music. It is therefore essential that we understand how the media communicate with us, the different ways in which we might react and how the industries that make these products operate.

  Technological change is having a dramatic effect on traditional patterns of production and consumption, as the traditional media - radio, newspapers, television and film have migrated to the internet. Media Studies provides you with the critical and analytical tools to understand how the media represent the world around us, and what processes are involved. This includes learning some key theories, particularly in the area of narrative, genre, representation and the audience.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language at grade 5.

  Exam Board: Eduqas

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Philosophy, Ethics and Religion A-Level

  What is the meaning of life? Are we alone in the universe? Is there life after death? These are some of the deepest and oldest questions you will be exploring in this course. You will learn to examine the very nature of existence through a philosophical lens, developing critical thinking and analytical skills that are necessary in academia and beyond.

  During the course you will have the opportunity to participate in our college Philosophy Society, take part in university essay competitions, and embark on various field trips in and around London. These activities will enhance your learning experience and allow you to engage with philosophy outside the classroom.

  Over the two years, you will study the following areas:

  1. Philosophy of religion - exploring topics such as 'does God exist?' and  'what's the meaning of life?'
  2. Study of ethics - exploring the ideas around morality and whether is actually exists
  3. Study of religion (theological philosophy) - looking at the significance of religion and whether it has any meaning
  4. Special focus - at the end of the first year, you will look at university-level Philosophy, specifically focusing on the topic of existentialism.

   

  Studying philosophy, religion, and ethics opens up a range of career opportunities, including law, journalism, public policy, politics, education, and more. The skills you develop in this course are transferable to most fields and are highly regarded by employers and universities.

  Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs (grade 5 minimum average), including GCSE English Language at grade 5 and Maths at grade 5.

  Exam Board: Edexcel

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Physics A-Level

  A-Level Physics explores the operation of the world we live in. It deals with mechanics of how things work and how energy is transferred from one form to another.

  You will build electric circuits and learn the different components that make them up. It deals with electronics and radioactivity on which the computing and Health Industries relies.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language at grade 5 and maths, double science or physics at grade 6.

   

  Exam Board: Edexcel

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Psychology A-Level

  Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and the way that individuals behave. Examples of the kind of things psychologists are interested in are memory loss, gender identity, criminal profiling, addiction and the experience mental health issues like depression, phobias, schizophrenia and OCD.

  Psychologists try to understand and explain human behaviour objectively but the extent to which humans can be treated scientifically is a source of great debate amongst those studying human behaviour.

  Through studying Psychology we will be attempting to answer questions such as: Why do we conform to the majority? Why do we obey authority figures? How important are our experiences in childhood for our adult development? Can we trust our own memory? What influences us most: nature or nurture?

  Psychologists use many different methods of enquiry, including experiments, observations, questionnaires and case studies. During your studies you will have the opportunity to design and conduct your own investigation using one of these methods.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 6.

  Exam Board: AQA

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

• Sociology A-Level

  Sociology is the study of the individual and society. It tries to explain human behaviour by studying how the different social groups which people belong to influence their actions and beliefs.

  Many current social issues are studied by sociologists such as the increase in violent crime amongst young people (such as in the riots of 2011), the underperformance of boys in education due to a lack of male role models and the impact of new media on consumer choice and politics.

  Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (grade C and above) in academic subjects, including GCSE English Language at grade 6 and Maths at grade 4.

  Exam Board: AQA

  APPLY FOR A-LEVELS

Our Performing Arts and Dance courses offer you the chance to progress to work in the performance industries directly or via progression to prestigious specialist colleges.  

We’re firm believers in following your dream. If you have a passion for creativity and performance, whether behind the scenes or on the stage, RuTC offers courses in acting and dance that can help you fulfil your potential.

Students create productions throughout the year in our specialist dance and acting studios and perform in our Auditorium several times a year to an external audience. 

Notable Acting alumni include actors Adele James and Fionn Whitehead and comedian Nathan Caton

Students progress to major arts colleges including the Royal Academy of Dance, Central School of Speech and Drama, Mountview Academy and the Theatre of Arts. 

Develop your spoken, written, reading and listening skills with our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses. Available at all levels. 

ESOL courses help you to improve your English in the context of everyday life, so you can successfully seek work, progress to further study and play your part in the community. 

With ESOL courses at Richmond upon Thames College you can:

• Start your course at a level which suits your current English skills. Learn language skills, numeracy and IT
• Learn from our qualified and supportive staff who will help you to make the most of your studies
• As you progress, you can choose to study Engineering, Business or Childcare
• Join in a range of enrichment and extracurricular activities to help you build your language skills.

Our ESOL courses provide students with essential English skills and are suitable for those who have come to live in the UK permanently. We offer courses to adults and 16-18s (free), from Entry 1 to Level 2. 

If you earn below the annual London Living Wage your tuition will be free even if you are over 18.

We're proud of our students and love to hear about their achievements when they leave us. Find out what some of our former students (alumni) are doing now. 

If you are a prospective student, this can give you an idea about some of the careers that you could go into and the route you can take. We hope that it will give you the inspiration to follow your passion.

Did you study at Richmond upon Thames College?

We are keen to hear from you and would love to know what you are up to now and how studying at RuTC has benefited you. Many of our alumni also come in and speak to our students about their career journey, let us know if this is something that you would be interested in doing. Please email the Marketing team: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Click here now to join the RuTC Alumni LinkedIn group for networking opportunities and updates.

Meet our Alumni 

We want you to have the best experience at college. As a student, you're part of our community and we offer opportunities that can help enrich your experience. 

• Student Union

  When you become a Student at RuTC you automatically become part of our Student Union. This is part of the National Union of Students (NUS), which is a confederation of students' unions in the United Kingdom.

  You can choose how involved in the Student Union you want to be. You may just want to make the most of the perks like the student discount card, TOTUM, which you can find out more and apply for here. Or maybe you want to have your voice heard and represent your class by volunteering to be a Class Representative as part of the Student's Voice. You may want to take this a step further and run for a position on our Student Council.

• Student Council

  The Student Council is comprised of students who are democratically elected by the student body. Any student who has good attendance, behaviour and punctuality may stand for election.

  The Student Council manage a budget, liaises with college staff on behalf of students, represents students' views at meetings, plans events and activities, supports enrichment activities, and promotes Learner Voice across the college. Elections for new officers take place every year during the summer term.

• Activities and Clubs

  We encourage all of our students to take up something in addition to their chosen subjects. Many of our activities and clubs run from September to the end of the academic year, while others offer you the opportunity to do something for a short time only.

  Some activities lead to nationally recognised qualifications, while others are just for fun!

  These activities allow you to enhance some of your skills whilst meeting new people outside of your subject areas. Our aim is to offer something for everyone so that you have a great time whilst learning.

  Why spend the time doing extra activities and clubs?

  There are MANY reasons:

  • Make friends outside your course
  • Develop your own opinions and ideas
  • Do something fun in between classes
  • Enhance your CV and skills
  • Get exercise while enjoying yourself
  • Be part of a team
  • Develop your character and personality
  • Make a difference in other people's lives through volunteering
  • Express yourself and your creativity
  • Do things you will love and be proud of.

  Activities and Clubs we currently offer:

  • Open mic sessions
  • Photography Club
  • The Climate Cafe
  • The gym
  • Dance enrichment
  • Pottery class
  • Film Therapy Club
  • Book Club
  • Mindfulness sessions
  • SHOUT Society
  • Dungeon and Dragons club.