Need support?
Whatever stage you are at, our friendly team is here to help and answer any questions you may have. If you'd like to get in touch, simply complete our enquiry form and we'll be happy to provide the advice and support you need.
Admissions Policy
Our admissions process is designed to be fair, transparent and accessible for all applicants.
Please read our Admissions Policy for full details about applications, offers, admissions criteria and learner support.
University Level Applications
For university course applications at our University Centre South Essex, please visit our dedicated page offering information and guidance on the application process.
Understanding Financial Matters
To learn about fees and funding for your chosen course, visit our dedication support pages. Here you will be able to fund out about support for school leaners and adult learners.
What happens during the application progress?
We'll support you throughout your journey, from application through to enrolment.
The first step is to apply directly from your chosen course page and complete the online application form. Once you've applied, you'll gain access to the SECG Applicant Portal, where you can track the progress of your application and receive important updates from our Admissions team.
As your application progresses, we may contact you for additional information. During this process, we encourage you to tell us about any additional support needs you may have. This allows us to work with you to understand how we can best support you when you join one of our colleges.
As part of the admissions process, many courses include a taster day, interview or audition. These activities help us get to know you better and ensure you have all the information you need to make the right choice. You can find more information about what to expect below.
Once we have made you an offer and you have accepted it, we'll invite you to attend an enrolment appointment. At enrolment, we'll review any conditions attached to your offer, such as GCSE results, and confirm your place on the course. If your circumstances have changed, we'll discuss alternative options and help you find the right pathway.
Attending an interview or audition event
For the majority of our courses you will take part in an interview taster event at which the course tutors will give a short overview of the department and the courses offered. For an audition you will be asked to perform specifically relevant to the course you have applied for.
There will be time set aside for you to speak with a course tutor, one-to-one, and ask any questions you may have. If you decide, the course is not for you there will be other departments there on the night and course advisers to help you with your course choice.
Applicants aged 19 or above may be required to attend an English and maths assessment event.
Please note Interviews do not take place in the summer months. Where an application has been made after 31 May, an interview/taster event cannot be guaranteed and you will be invited to our drop-in sessions at enrolment.
If you cannot attend your interview it is important that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can reschedule it.
Email admissions@southessex.ac.uk or call 0345 52 12345.
Please bring evidence of your examination results (or your predicted results), your most recent school report (if applicable) and/or any other evidence to support your application. For some vocational courses such as those in art, design, music or performance, you may also need to bring a portfolio of relevant work or attend an audition. In the event of any subject-specific requirements, we will notify you in advance as to what you will need to bring with you.
Smart casual is acceptable for most interviews. However, we will notify you in advance if specific dress is required.
Yes, parents/guardians are welcome to come with you but may be required to wait in our reception or refectory areas. If there is a specific reason why you need your parent or guardian's support during your interview please let a member of staff know when you arrive.
Our interviews/auditions are there to ensure that you meet entry requirements for the course and that it is the right study level for you. They are also an opportunity for you to find out more about the course. This is a great chance to ask questions and for you to give us an idea of why you want to complete the course and what plans you have for after you finish your studies.
Once you have attended we will review feedback and progress to offer you a place on your chosen choice or discuss other options with you.