City of Wolverhampton College Higher Education Course Guide 2021/22

HIGHER EDUCATION COURSE GUIDE 2021/22 www.wolvcoll.ac.uk

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Teachers at school led me to believe that A Levels were the only way to achieve anything in life but I chose the college route after school and followed my passion for computer games - it gave me the chance to find out what I really wanted to do in the industry, gain a speciality and progress to university afterwards.

Thomas Edwards, former HND Games Design student progressed to the second year of a degree course at Staffordshire University where he graduated with a BEng first class honours.

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#DoMore WITH A HIGHER LEVEL QUALIFICATION Are you…

• Leaving Sixth Form and thinking about ‘what next?’

• Completing a Level 3 course and looking to continue studying?

• A Level 3 apprentice who wants to take your career to the next level?

• Employed and looking to expand your knowledge to boost your career?

• Looking to upskill and return to education to improve your career prospects?

If the answer is 'yes' to any of these, then City of Wolverhampton College can help you #DoMore with a higher level qualification.

Gaining a higher level qualification will increase your earning potential, open doors to more opportunities and lead to a more rewarding career...

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Higher education course guide 2021/22

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SO HOW DO WE #DoMore?...

Career Focussed Qualifications We provide qualifications that prepare you for future employment and our close links with employers help us ensure that our courses reflect what is expected in industry – giving you a head start on the career ladder.

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Professional Master Classes We regularly invite employers in to deliver presentations and seminars to our higher education students. These events enable you to network with industry professionals and get an insight into the professional behaviours expected in industry.

Work on Live Projects Depending on your course, we could ask you to work on live projects – these range from project managing an event to working to a business brief and delivering a project back to an employer.

Industry Visits We give you the opportunity to take part in a range of site visits across the year, broadening your industry knowledge and applying your academic knowledge to work place situations.

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Quality Approved We are rated Good by Ofsted and have been awarded the QAA Quality Code which is a set of nationally agreed expectations that all UK Higher Education providers are required to meet to ensure you get the best service.

Student Focus We care about our students and what they think so you will have regular opportunities to take part in surveys and give feedback which is used to improve the college offer. 96% of our HE students are satisfied with the quality of the course.

Excellent Facilities We continually invest in our facilities to enhance your learning experience. We have industry-standard facilities and equipment so you’ll gain experience of using the kit that you’ll work with when you progress in your career.

Extensive Resources We not only have great resources for you to use while in college, we also have equipment which you can borrow to study outside of college.

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Higher education course guide 2021/22

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WHY #DoMore AT COLLEGE? So you’ve got the choice of studying a higher level course at college or at university. Which route do you take? Here’s why you should choose to study at college…

Top class tutors Our tutors haven’t always been teachers! They are photographers, engineers, scientists, graphic designers, artists, journalists, plumbers, mechanics, head chefs – the list goes on. They have lots of experience working in their chosen industry, giving you invaluable insight into what skills employers are looking for. What better way to learn than from the people who’ve worked, or who currently work, in the jobs you want to be in when you finish your course.

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Small class sizes Our class sizes are far smaller than at some of the traditional universities, which is great news for you.

You’ll receive more contact time with your tutor plus one-to-one support allowing you to achieve the best results possible.

It’s all about you Our tutors care about you and your experience while you’re a HE WolvColl student!

It’s our job to support you throughout your qualification by offering one-to-one help when you need it – something that isn’t easily accessible at universities.

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Variety Our tutors vary the way that they teach you, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and independent study to ensure you’re always engaged and learning.

Career focussed courses With courses in everything from games design and teaching, to performing arts and construction, there’s something for just about everyone. Better still, all of our courses focus on giving you the skills you need to find the job you want.

Study on your doorstep Our higher level courses are delivered in Wolverhampton so there’s no hassle or cost involved in moving to study.

We’re cheaper University fees have been in the news for some time now but our fees are very competitive compared to other providers.

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Higher education course guide 2021/22

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PROGRESS AND #DoMore WITH YOUR FUTURE Completing a higher level qualification can open the door to a whole new career or help you progress in the one you already have. Higher education is all about giving you the inspiration to develop new and existing skills.

#DoMore and achieve your ambitions A higher level qualification gives you the freedom to be creative and the knowledge and experience to achieve your personal and academic ambitions. A higher level qualification will not only improve your career prospects, but it will develop you as a person.

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#DoMore by learning new skills As our courses are vocationally orientated, you’ll develop a strong work ethic and the confidence to progress in the workplace.

You’ll develop a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking and writing skills that you can use in your personal and professional life.

#DoMore and be that person that employers want!

The UK is increasingly becoming a knowledgebased economy and employers are looking for people with higher level qualifications to fill their vacancies.

#DoMore and earn more!

A higher level qualification can vastly increase your earning potential and open up new opportunities to find employment.

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I really like it here! It’s a relaxed atmosphere and smaller class sizes mean it’s more personal and you have more contact with tutors, which wouldn’t be the case at university.

Lewis Terry, HND Games Development

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Find out more and apply www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/apply

Higher education course guide 2021/22

HIGHER LEVELS EXPLAINED There are a few different ways to study for a higher level qualification.

Basically, anything Level 4 and above is a higher education qualification with a Level 6 qualification being degreelevel. So here’s a simple explanation of our qualifications:

HNC/HND (Level 4/5) • Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are vocationally orientated qualifications specifically designed to provide practical, job-related skills.

• You can progress from a HNC to a HND and many of our courses can lead to degree level programmes.

• A HND is broadly equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree.

• HNC/Ds are recognised by employers as higher level qualifications.

Foundation Degree (Level 5) • Our foundation degrees are run in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton and offer an alternative pathway to a full honours degree.

• As a stand-alone qualification, students complete two years (full-time) emerging with a Level 5 qualification which is broadly equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree.

• This qualification is recognised by employers as a higher level qualification.

Working in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton

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Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4/5) • A higher apprenticeship is a real job and gives you the same great benefits as other apprenticeships allowing you to earn while you learn.

• You will receive training in the workplace enabling you to progress to the next academic level, gain invaluable work experience and improve your salary and future job prospects.

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CertEd/PGCE • We offer professional teaching qualifications if you aspire to work in educational settings such as further education colleges and adult community settings.

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Higher education course guide 2021/22

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OUR COURSES 2021/2022 BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

CREATIVE ARTS

Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Business (RQF)

BTEC HND Art & Design (Photography) (RQF)

Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Business (RQF)

BTEC HND Creative Media Production (Games Development) (RQF)

COMPUTING & IT Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Computing (RQF) Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Computing (RQF)

BTEC HND Performing Arts (Performance) (RQF)

CONSTRUCTION

HND Performing Arts (Backstage Theatre and Venue Production) (RQF)

Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Construction and the Built Environment (Construction) RQF

EARLY YEARS

Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering) RQF COUNSELLING Theraputic Counselling Diploma Level 5

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BTEC HND Music (Live Sound and Events) (RQF)

Supporting Children in Primary Education Foundation Degree Early Years Services Foundation Degree (Childcare)

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ENGINEERING

TEACHING & EDUCATION

BTEC Level 4 HNC Engineering (RQF) Manufacturing - Operations Pathway - Mechanical Pathway - Electrical/Electronic Pathway

Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (H) Post-Compulsory Education / Certificate in Education Post-Compulsory Education

Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Engineering (RQF)

TRAVEL & TOURISM

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management (QCF)

Health & Social Care Foundation Degree

UNIFORMED PUBLIC SERVICES

SCIENCE

Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Public Services (QCF)

Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Applied Chemistry (QCF) Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Applied Biology (QCF) SPORTS & FITNESS Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Sport (QCF) (Sport & Exercise Science)

Foundation Degrees are delivered in partnership with

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Find out more and apply www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/apply

Higher education course guide 2021/22

GET SOCIAL WITH US wolvescollege

wolvcollvideos

@wolvcoll

01902 836000 mail@wolvcoll.ac.uk For the latest news, events, student success and course information follow us on social media, sign up to our newsletter and check out our website www.wolvcoll.ac.uk #DoMore

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Studying at college was the ideal learning environment for someone like me who had been out of education for a while – it offered university-level teaching with the one-to-one support and personal feedback. This allowed me to hone my learning, writing and presentation skills and, by the time I came to complete my degree, the quality of my work was far superior than fellow students who had gone through university from the start.

Former HND Engineering student Amin Bensiali, progressed to university after completing his HND and graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from Oxford Brookes University

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Higher education course guide 2021/22

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FINANCING YOUR STUDIES Studying a higher level qualification at college is much more affordable than going to university. There are a range of financial support schemes available to help with course fees when studying and our Student Hub team can offer advice and guidance with your application for a loan or bursary.

Tuition Fee Loans Full-time and part-time students studying for a qualification worth at least 30 credits can apply for a tuition loan available through the Student Loans Company. The loan is paid directly to the college, covers the full tuition fee and there is no upfront payment.

Your loan repayments will only start once you are earning over ÂŁ25,725 a year and all debt is wiped after 30 years.

Repayments are based on what you earn, not the amount you borrow. If you are earning over ÂŁ25,725 a year, your repayment will be calculated as 9% of any income you have above that figure.

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Maintenance Loans Full-time and part-time students can apply for a Maintenance Loan to help with living costs. The amount you borrow depends on where you live and study, as well as your household income. This is not repayable until you have completed your course and have an income of £25,725.

Further information can be found at www.gov.uk/student-finance

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Employer Sponsorship If your qualification relates to your job and will improve your work performance or advance your career, your employer may offer to pay part or all of your fees as they will benefit from a highly qualified, more productive and motivated employee.

All we need is a letter from your employer agreeing to pay part or all of your fees and the college will invoice them for payment. Or if it’s easier, they can write a cheque and include it with the letter for when you enrol.

Grants for Disabled Students If you have a disability or learning difficulty, you may be eligible to receive a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to help pay for any equipment and support you need. Full-time and part-time students are eligible for DSA on top of any other loans, grants and bursaries.

DSA is not means tested and you don’t have to pay this back.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/student-finance and search for DSA.

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Higher education course guide 2021/22

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A STEPPING STONE TO YOUR DEGREE Do you want to study at university level but don’t have the right entry qualifications?

Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas can offer you a flexible pathway to university-level qualifications within a year, in a supportive, friendly environment which fits around your other commitments. We offer a diverse range of Access to HE courses which will get you on the right path for your chosen career.

Paying for your Access to Higher Education diploma If you are aged 19-23 and this is your first full Level 3 course then it will be FREE. If you are aged 19-23 and you already have a full Level 3 qualification, or you are aged 24 or over on the start date of the course, you will have to pay fees or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. The Advanced Learner Loan is easy to apply for, not means tested and the repayments only start when you are earning over ÂŁ25,000. Most importantly, the Advanced Learner Loan will not be repayable if you go onto university and complete your degree.

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The skills I learnt at college enabled me to confidently progress to university. I had become familiar and confident in accessing reading materials and research, and the modules on the foundation degree provided the opportunity for critical and reflective thinking, discussion and debate – all relevant skills so it was a smooth transition to a degree. I felt so proud when I graduated – it was very empowering and liberating!

Former Early Years Foundation Degree student, Lisa Broome, progressed to a BA (Hons) in Childhood and Family Services at the University of Wolverhampton – graduating with a First Class Honours – and is now in the final year of a MA in Education and is planning on doing a Doctorate in Education.

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Higher education course guide 2021/22

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HOW TO APPLY December 2020 Join us online: Wed 2 Dec 4-7pm

January 2021 Visit us in college: Sat 23 Jan 10am-2pm Join us online: Wed 27 Jan 4-7pm

February 2021

March 2021

April 2021

Visit us in college: Wed 10 March 4-7pm Join us online: Wed 17 March 4-7pm

Visit us >>> • meet tutors to discuss your course options • talk to our award winning careers team about your future career Apply >>>

Apply at one of our open events or online at any time www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/apply

Interview >>>

After you have applied we’ll invite you in to meet with our Admissions team

APPLY Apply online at www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/apply or by visiting one of our Open Events.

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INTERVIEW After you have applied we’ll invite you in to meet with our Admissions team who will talk to you about your plans for the future to check that the course you’ve chosen is the right one for you. If you’re unsure of your options, then we’ll arrange a meeting with the Careers Guidance team.

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May 2021 Visit us in college: Wed 5 May 4-7pm Join us online: Wed 12 May 4-7pm

June 2021

July 2021

August 2021

September 2021

Visit us in college: Sat 19 June 10am-2pm Join us online: Wed 23 June 4-7pm

Discovery Day

Results Day Careers advice and enrolment

Enrolment and start of term

• meet our students and find out what college is really like • see all the facilities available to you as a WolvColl student.

Enrol >>>

YOU’RE IN! At the end of the interview, and if you’re happy with the course options selected, you’ll get a conditional offer for your place at college.

ENROL Before you start your course you’ll be invited to enrol.

This is when you can bring any evidence required to support your enrolment such as exam results and you’ll also be able to complete any other paperwork such as applications for financial support. Then you’ll get your college ID badge which means you’re officially a WolvColl student!

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Higher education course guide 2021/22

#DoMore AT GRADUATION After you have completed your studies you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate your achievements with your family, friends and fellow classmates at our graduation ceremonies which recognises all of our HE students’ outstanding dedication and talent.

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Find out more and apply www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/apply

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#DoMore AT OUR OPEN EVENTS See for yourself!

We hold open events throughout the year where you’ll have the opportunity to:

Speak to our careers experts and find out what’s the best path to take to achieve your dream career

Have a look at some examples of the work you’ll be doing on your course

Meet our current students who will tell you exactly what college life is like!

Take a tour of our facilities and see where you’ll be learning

Find out more about how to travel to our campuses, including bus, tram and rail links

See where you’ll be spending your spare time on campus, including our HE Study Zones, the cafés and Study Hubs

Meet the people who’ll be teaching you and have a chat about what the course involves

See back page for times and dates >>

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OPEN EVENTS Visit us in college: Saturday 23 January 2021 10am-2pm Wednesday 10 March 2021 4-7pm Wednesday 5 May 2021 4-7pm Saturday 19 June 2021 10am-2pm PR, WR & MO Join us online: Wednesday 2 December 2020 4-7pm Wednesday 27 January 2021 4-7pm Wednesday 17 March 2021 4-7pm Wednesday 12 May 2021 4-7pm Wednesday 23 June 2021 4-7pm

OUR CAMPUSES Next Steps Careers advice and guidance if you’ve just received your GCSE or A Level results.

Thursday 12 August 9am-7pm Friday 13 August 9am-4pm Thursday 19 August 9am-7pm Friday 20 August 9am-4pm PR only Enrolment 2021 Once you have your exam results come along to enrol: From Monday 23 August PR, WR & MO

* Dates and times subject to change depending on latest government guidance.

Please check www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/events for up-to-date information

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Paget Road Campus (PR) Paget Road Wolverhampton WV6 0DU Wellington Road Campus (WR) Wellington Road Bilston WV14 6BT Entrance postcode: WV14 6RN Metro One Campus (MO) Bilston Street Wolverhampton WV1 3AH

Book your place at www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/events

Disclaimer The information in this guide was accurate at the time of its publication.

Large print and PDF versions of this publication are available upon request. Please contact us on 01902 836000.

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