Discover an inspiring learning environment at South Devon College, where state-of-the-art facilities support your success. Our modern campus offers industry-standard workshops, specialised suites, science labs, creative studios, and cutting-edge technology, ensuring hands-on experience in every subject.

Placed in the heart of Torbay and South Devon, surrounded by stunning coastline and landscapes, our campuses provide the perfect place to help you thrive, learn, and socialise.

At South Devon College, your learning goes far beyond the classroom. Our impressive £36 million campus in Paignton is home to an exciting range of specialist, industry-standard facilities designed to give you the very best start in your chosen career – all while enjoying a vibrant and welcoming college experience.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll see why our facilities stand out. You’ll have access to over 200 computers, Apple Mac suites, and collaborative learning spaces across campus. Our £17 million award-winning Hi-Tech & Digital Centre offers state-of-the-art labs in computing, cybersecurity, creative media, and engineering, keeping you connected to the future.

For those with a passion for the arts, we have dedicated photography studios, digital production suites, and even a cinematic 4K screening room. Into hospitality? You’ll find Horizons, our on-site fine dining restaurant, where catering students cook and serve professional meals to the public in a commercial restaurant environment.

Beauty and hair students gain hands-on experience at Inspirations, our fully operational salon, and Barberworx, a public-facing barbershop. Both are designed to simulate real commercial environments and use the latest professional equipment.

Animal Care students train in our on-campus Animal Unit, where they care for creatures great and small. including meerkats, pigs, pygmy goats, rabbits, and more. Meanwhile, our Marine Academy gives students unique access to specialist maritime training.

Our Mama Bear’s Nursery supports parents studying at the College, providing professional early years care right on campus.

For downtime, there’s plenty to enjoy too – relax in our student common room with pool tables and games consoles, cool off at the ice cream parlour, or grab a hot drink in one of our cosy cafés. When it’s sunny, head outside to enjoy green spaces or catch a match at the South Devon College Sports Centre, complete with a 3G pitch, MUGA courts, changing facilities, and a community teaching space.

Set on the banks of the River Dart, the South Devon College Marine Academy offers a truly immersive maritime training environment, combining breathtaking natural surroundings with some of the most technologically advanced marine facilities in the UK.

Officially opened in 2022, our purpose-built Marine Academy is a centre of excellence, providing state-of-the-art resources for students pursuing careers across the marine and maritime sectors. Located within a fully operational boatyard in Kingswear, students benefit from direct access to tidal waters and the open sea – perfect for gaining experience in real-world marine conditions.

At the heart of the Academy is our industry-leading Bridge Simulator, a cutting-edge training tool funded by the LSIF project. This dynamic system allows students and apprentices to practise navigation, vessel manoeuvring and safety procedures in a realistic yet controlled environment. From challenging sea states to emergency scenarios, you’ll experience life at sea without ever leaving shore, building critical skills safely and efficiently.

The simulator is also a powerful resource for marine engineering students, enabling vessel stability testing, load configuration analysis and virtual design trials. These hands-on, technical experiences give you a head start in one of the UK’s fastest-evolving industries.

As a recognised Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Centre, full members of British Marine and the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL), and an accredited provider for City & Guilds, EAL Awards, and the University of Plymouth, the Marine Academy offers industry-aligned, employer-informed programmes that prepare you for both national and international careers. The Roc + Dock project, in partnership with Hydrosurv and backed by Innovate UK, has developed advanced, automated docking stations for the wireless deployment, recovery and charging of zero emission Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) – training a future-ready maritime sector through state-of-the-art technology and real-world training capabilities.

At South Devon College, our Animal and Land-Based Unit offers an immersive, hands-on learning environment where you’ll work with over 150 species – including meerkats, skunks, porcupines, pigs, rabbits, lizards, and insects – using industry-standard facilities that mirror real working environments, including a commercial dog grooming area.

Animal welfare is central to everything we do. Our experienced teaching team delivers ethical, high-quality training that prepares you to work confidently and compassionately in the animal care and management sector. Through strong partnerships with local employers, including Paignton Zoo, you’ll also benefit from work placements and vocational trips that expand your skills and expose you to real career pathways.

As part of your studies, you’ll explore key topics such as animal handling, biology, husbandry, and conservation. Sustainability is also a key focus within the Animal Unit. Students take part in projects that support biodiversity and environmental responsibility, such as designing and building bird boxes, bat boxes, hedgehog homes, and barn owl boxes using recycled materials. These projects not only reduce waste but also help to create space for nature around our campus.

Our courses range from Level 1 through to a top-up BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Science at University Centre South Devon, giving you a clear progression route into careers such as veterinary nursing, wildlife rehabilitation, and animal rescue.

The Student Innovation and Research Centre (SIRC) at South Devon College is a dynamic hub where ideas, collaboration and creativity come together to elevate the student experience. Purpose-built to promote student-led research and innovation, SIRC gives learners at all levels a professional environment to develop their academic, technical and industry-relevant skills.

SIRC is more than just a building – it’s a collaborative space where students, lecturers and partner organisations work together on live projects that solve real-world challenges. Whether you’re studying engineering, health, digital technologies or education, the centre supports interdisciplinary learning and connects you with expert staff and forward-thinking businesses.

Developed in partnership with the University of Plymouth, SIRC enhances the research capabilities of University Centre South Devon and plays a key role in helping students apply for Research and Innovation grants. Its design allows for flexible use, supporting everything from STEM-based exploration to creative and community-centred initiatives.

SIRC aligns closely with the region’s growing innovation ecosystem, including the Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre (EPIC), ensuring students are part of a local and national conversation around cutting-edge technologies and ideas. Through its annual Student Innovation and Research Journal, the centre also provides a platform for student work to be published, helping you build your professional profile while still studying.

The South Devon College Sports Centre is a modern, purpose-built facility designed to support sporting excellence, physical education and community wellbeing. Whether you’re training for competitive sport or staying active as part of a healthy lifestyle, our centre provides the space and equipment to help you achieve your goals.

At the heart of the Sports Centre is our state-of-the-art 3G all-weather pitch – a latest-generation surface ideal for football and other team sports. The pitch is built to full competitive standards, offering a professional-level playing experience all year round, regardless of weather conditions. There is also a traditional grass pitch.

Alongside the main pitch, the centre also features a versatile Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), designed to accommodate a wide range of sports including basketball, netball and five-a-side football. These spaces support both structured curriculum sessions and recreational play, giving students the freedom to train, compete, and enjoy sport in a dynamic setting.

Supporting facilities include modern changing rooms, clubhouse and a community teaching space ideal for sports theory lessons, coaching seminars and team strategy sessions. The entire complex is designed to promote high levels of engagement, performance, and personal development.

At South Devon College, our award-winning automotive training workshops offer a cutting-edge learning environment designed to prepare you for a successful career in the fast-moving motor industry. Equipped with the latest technology in the sector, our facilities are purpose-built to give you real-world experience in diagnostics, repair, and vehicle maintenance.

You’ll train in our specialist EV diagnostic workshop and dual-purpose classroom, where you’ll gain hands-on experience with both traditional and modern vehicle systems. As part of our commitment to sustainability and future-focused learning, we provide in-depth training in green technologies, giving you a competitive edge in a growing area of the industry.

The College has invested in a fleet of hybrid and electric vehicles, including a VW Golf GTE, a Honda Civic Hybrid, and three Nissan Leafs. You’ll use specialist diagnostic equipment and industry-standard safety gear to work confidently and safely with high-voltage systems – skills that are increasingly in demand as the sector evolves.

From engine diagnostics and electric vehicle servicing to fabrication, air conditioning, parts distribution, and customer service, our facilities support a wide range of technical and transferable skills. You’ll be guided by a team of experienced staff, many with backgrounds in race teams, MOT testing, and hybrid technology.

With strong links to local and regional employers, you’ll benefit from real industry connections, work placements, and a clear path into employment.

At South Devon College, we offer exceptional facilities that create a dynamic and modern learning environment for all students. You’ll have access to specialist equipment and industry-standard resources designed to support your success.

Our main campus in Paignton features cutting-edge facilities including science labs, digital media studios and creative arts spaces. The Sixth Form Centre provides a dedicated area for A Level students, complete with quiet study zones, collaborative learning spaces, and access to the latest digital tools and academic resources.

We’re proud to offer a well-equipped and supportive environment with access to learning resources you’ll need. You’ll benefit from the latest technology and inspiring spaces that promote both independent and group learning.

At the heart of South Devon College, our spacious, modern Library spans two floors and provides an inspiring environment for focused study, digital learning, and personal development.

With over 25,000 physical books, a wealth of academic journals, and access to a wide range of online databases and eBooks, the library supports every curriculum area across the College. Whether you’re researching for assignments or exploring your personal interests, you’ll find the resources you need, all backed by helpful, knowledgeable staff.

There are 65 bookable PCs available for student use, along with dedicated laptop zones on each floor and free Wi-Fi throughout. You can book a computer up to two weeks in advance, allowing you to plan ahead and secure your preferred study space. Prefer peace and quiet? Head to our Silent Study Room for distraction-free revision.

The library also features a dedicated Silent Study Room available until 2pm, perfect for those who prefer a quiet study area. Our Book Nook offers a refreshing break from academic reading, with a hand-picked selection of fiction, graphic novels, biographies and collections focusing on wellbeing, LGBTQ+ literature, and sustainability.

Specialist staff also deliver workshops and guidance on a variety of study skills including presentation techniques, research skills, referencing and exam preparation amongst others.

You’ll also benefit from access to our eLibrary and Virtual Learning Environment, where you can browse the library catalogue and can access resources remotely 24/7.

Horizons is South Devon College’s very own licensed fine-dining restaurant, offering a unique training environment where hospitality and catering students develop their skills in both professional cookery and food and beverage service.

Set within a bright, airy and contemporary space, Horizons is open to the public and delivers a full-service experience that reflects the standards of the modern hospitality industry. From elegant lunches and evening meals to themed dining events and special occasions, every dish is thoughtfully prepared and professionally presented by our students, under the guidance of expert College staff.

The restaurant operates alongside our fully-equipped training kitchens, where students refine their culinary techniques and service knowledge in a live, customer-facing setting. Guests benefit from creative, seasonal menus and exceptional service, while students gain invaluable hands-on experience in a working hospitality environment.

At South Devon College, you’ll train in Inspirations, our professional, fully operational hair and beauty salon designed to give you the ultimate hands-on experience in a real working environment. From the moment you step into our salon, you’ll be immersed in industry-standard practice using the latest products, equipment and techniques found in today’s salons and spas.

Inspirations is home to our students studying Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, Barbering, Holistic Therapies, Theatrical and Special Effects Make-up, and Media Make-up. Whether you’re passionate about creating bold looks, offering expert treatments or providing wellness therapies, you’ll develop your skills in specialist, fully furnished training rooms and salons, supported by a team of expert tutors with years of industry experience.

Inspirations is open to the public so you’ll gain invaluable experience working with real clients, refining your customer service skills and technical ability in a professional setting. You’ll also take part in exciting enrichment opportunities, including our highly anticipated annual Hair and Beauty Show, where you’ll showcase your creativity and talent on the catwalk!

Creations Dog Grooming is a professional dog grooming service based at South Devon College’s Paignton campus. If you’re looking for a friendly and affordable service, you’re in the right place!

With the support from South Devon College students, Creations Dog Grooming offers haircuts, bathing, drying and nail cutting at a reduced rate.

At South Devon College, our on-site gym and fitness facilities provide a welcoming and inclusive space to help you stay active, build strength, and boost your wellbeing, whatever your fitness goals. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or an experienced gym-goer aiming to level up, our facilities and classes are here to support your journey.

The gym is fully equipped with modern cardio machines, free weights, resistance equipment, kettlebells and functional training tools, giving you everything you need for strength training, endurance work, and full-body conditioning.

For those who love group exercise, our weekly fitness classes offer something for everyone:

• Ab Attack – High-energy cardio and toning
• Flex and Flow – A dynamic yoga-Pilates fusion
• Dance Yourself Fit – A calorie-burning dance workout
• Group Indoor Cycling – High-intensity spinning sessions
• Mixed Pilates – Gentle, adaptable mat-based Pilates
• Body Blast – Circuit-style strength and endurance training
• Yoga – Core-focused movement and breathwork
• Couch to 5K – Free beginner’s running plan with optional weekly coaching

You can also book our Indoor Sports Hall, Dance Studio or Cycling Room for your own activities – or join us in a game of badminton with free weekly court access and equipment provided. Bring a friend or family member along at no extra cost!