Process Overview

There are 5 levels of study at DISC as part of the internship programme ranging from Foundation through Gateway to Supported Internship and beyond.  The full supported internship programme is designed to prepare and ultimately guide our young people into the creative and digital workforce.  In consultation with young people and their parents and carers, DISC staff will determine the level of programme most appropriate for each candidate.  

All our programmes run from September to July. 

DISC Office Presentation

Entry Requirements

Candidates interested in joining DISC, at any level, must hold an active EHCP and have an interest in pursuing a career in the creative and digital sector. These interests may include coding, programming, character design, website design, 2d / 3d illustration, animation, photography, social media creation, podcasting, AI, data analysis or other areas of expertise.  Please note that DISC is not a gaming college.  Candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 24.  There are no formal qualifications required to join DISC.  

How to Apply

If you think you might be interested in joining DISC, have an EHCP and an interest in, and talent for, creative or digital making, please book a slot on one of our upcoming open evenings where you’ll be given a tour of DISC and the opportunity to ask initial questions.  After your open evening visit, if you think DISC might be the right fit for you, you will be invited to a taster session.  The taster session gives the candidate the opportunity to talk about their creative / digital interest and if possible, share examples of their creative / digital work. 

Following a successful taster session, candidates will be offered a conditional place, subject to LA funding.  A place is secured on the DISC internship programme, once DISC has successfully gained funding from the candidate's local authority.

If you are unable to book a slot on one of our open evenings, don’t worry you are still able to apply. Please get in touch with us at admissions@disc.ac.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need to live in Greater Manchester to attend DISC?
No, DISC is open to anyone from any local authority.
2What qualifications do I gain from DISC?
DISC is unlike other colleges. We do not offer formal qualifications such as ‘A’ levels. Instead, DISC works with interns to build an industry standard portfolio. However, unless interns possess a Level 2 Qualification in both English and Maths, or are exempt from doing so, there is an expectation that they will work towards this.
3Do I need to share my EHCP with DISC?
You will need to share your EHCP with DISC before a conditional offer is made by the college. DISC will then use your EHCP and latest EHCP review to apply for LA funding.
4Do I need to contact the Local Authority about funding?
If a candidate wants to join DISC, it is useful to name DISC at the EHCP review. DISC applies directly to the relevant LAs for funding.
5What do I do if I can’t make the open evenings / there are no more slots available?
If you are unable to book a slot on one of our open evenings, don’t worry you are still able to apply. Please get in touch with us.
6What is the deadline for Sept 25 applications?
We do not have a deadline for applications. We will begin to send out conditional offers once all of our open evenings have taken place.
7Am I able to attend DISC virtually?
No, DISC does not offer any virtual places on our internship programme.