Coleg Gwent Higher Education Guide 2014/15

www.coleggwent.ac.uk/he

Coleg Gwent Higher Education Guide Supporting & inspiring you to succeed 2014/15

University Qualifications at Coleg Gwent

information Open Evenings 2014 Open Evening Wednesday 22 January 5-8pm, all Campuses Open Evening Wednesday 21 May 5-8pm, all Campuses

Open Days 2014 March Open Days Tuesday 4 March Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone & Usk Campuses, 2-8pm Wednesday 5 March Crosskeys & Pontypool Campuses, 2-8pm Thursday 6 March City of Newport Campus, 2-8pm June Open Day Tuesday 17 June all Campuses, 2-8pm

Coleg Gwent is a collaborative partner of the University of South Wales.

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Welcome It’s great that you’re thinking of studying with us at Coleg Gwent.

You don’t have to go to a university to get a top quality universitylevel course – Coleg Gwent is right on your doorstep.

Whether you’ve just finished your A Levels or a vocational course, you want to return to education after a break, or you’re planning a career change, we could have just the opportunity you are looking for.

So take a look through this guide, come along to one of our open events or simply pick up the phone – we’re here to help you take the next step.

Jim Bennett Principal/Chief Executive

reasons to study

Higher Education @

Coleg Gwent Save time and money by studying locally – our HE courses are offered locally, so you don’t have far to travel and you could continue to work, meaning you can avoid building up a large debt.

Improved career prospects – a Higher Education (HE) qualification can lead to increased earning potential, a wider range of opportunities and a more rewarding career. On average, graduates tend to earn substantially more than people with A Levels or NVQs who did not go to university.

Plenty of support – you’ll benefit from a range of specialist support and you’ll have a Personal Tutor. 98% of our learners said the support they received helped them to progress.

Gain a degree in 2 years and an honours degree in 3 years – Foundation Degrees offer an opportunity to ‘top up’ your qualification to an honours degree. This usually involves an extra year studying full time (or the part time equivalent).

Flexibility on entry requirements – Foundation Degrees generally have more flexible entry requirements than full degrees which may provide an alternative route for you to fulfil your ambitions.

Smaller class sizes – you’ll usually find the class sizes are smaller than at university.

A university qualification – a Foundation Degree is a university qualification in its own right, equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree. Coleg Gwent’s Foundation Degrees are awarded by the University of South Wales.

Real work experiences for your CV – our full time HE courses usually involve learning in the workplace as well as at college. You’ll get the chance to work on real projects gaining experience for your CV and picking up the technical and practical skills needed for your chosen line of work.

Wide range of subjects and delivery modes– we offer a range of full time or part time HE courses in many different subject areas. This flexibility allows students to keep a job or work around family commitments.

Easy application process – applications are direct to Coleg Gwent rather than via UCAS which means we have a more flexible application & admission process.

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Higher Education

is for everyone!

Q

Did you know that more than 650 people are studying for a Higher Education (HE) qualification at Coleg Gwent and this number is increasing rapidly?

We offer a wide range of subjects for you to choose from. You can study Foundation Degrees, HNC/HNDs and professional qualifications, providing you with opportunities to study university qualifications right on your doorstep.

We also offer a range of Access to HE courses so if you are returning to study and you’re not quite ready to join our HE programmes, our Access programmes may provide you with a pathway onto your chosen HE course.

Types of HE Courses Foundation Degrees These combine academic study with practical training, including on-the-job training. You can gain a Foundation Degree within two years and have an option to complete an extra year to top up to a full honours degree.

Higher National Certificates / Higher National Diplomas (HNC/HND) These are work-related qualifications that combine theory and practice to develop skills for a particular field of work. These are highly valued by employers and usually take two years to complete.

Access to Higher Education/Pathways to Degree If you can’t quite meet the entry requirements for the above, an Access course provides you with the perfect preparation for studying at degree level. Access courses prepare you for university study, developing the study skills you need to be progress.

Professional Qualifications Professional qualifications are generally awarded directly by professional bodies. Most professional qualifications involve practical training which allows you to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field. These show you have achieved a recognised level of competence in a particular discipline.

Once you’ve taken a look at this guide please visit our website –

www.coleggwent.ac.uk/he 4

THEONA ARISTIDOU “Small friendly classes and one to one support – it’s great.”

“I started the course at Coleg Gwent after dropping out of another university – the big lecture theatres and large classes meant I didn’t get the personal support I wanted – which is why Coleg Gwent is ideal.

The class groups are much smaller which makes it easier to ask questions, you get more personal support and you feel part of the class. Getting one to one support is easy; I just book a tutorial so I can address any issues with assignments, ask questions if I missed something in a lecture or discuss anything else I need to concentrate on my studies.

“I don’t feel like I’m just a number, the tutors really want each student to pass.”

REBECCA STOPGATE “The Foundation Degree is the perfect qualification for me.”

“I was unsure of the level of knowledge I’d need to do a full honours degree and I didn’t have the confidence to throw myself in at the deep end, so the Foundation Degree, which eases you into higher level learning, has been ideal. I’ll spend two years at Coleg Gwent then a year at the University of South Wales topping up my course to a full honours degree. I’ll have achieved the same as all my friends who did full honours degrees, in the same time, but in an environment where I was supported to develop my confidence.”

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Support

in and out of the

classroom

Learning support – specialist support for those with hearing impairment, learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Careers and employability – help with your CV, job applications and careers advice.

Learning resources – a massive collection of books, journals, online resources and the latest learning technologies.

Money matters – advice on grants and loans to lighten the load so you can concentrate on your studies – see page 8 for more information.

University applications – to make sure you apply on time and for the right course if you want to progress.

Welfare and wellbeing – counselling, chaplaincy and health & wellbeing support services.

For more information visit:

www.coleggwent.ac.uk/support Working together to respect your

Welsh language

choices

We’re working to provide a wider service to our Welsh speakers.

Welsh - Your language. Your choice. Your way. We give you ownership of the way you use it.

All HE learners have the option to write assignments and undertake assessments and exams in Welsh*.

Discuss your individual needs during the application process * If you are studying on a course taught and assessed in English and wish to be assessed in Welsh you must notify the College at the start of a module or, at the latest, within four weeks of the start of a module. You must complete the relevant form so that appropriate arrangements can be put in place. In the case of some assessments, such as group assessments, presentations or practicals, it may not be possible to make the necessary arrangements.

For more information visit:

www.coleggwent.ac.uk/cymrycg 6

COLE BAYNTON “My Foundation Degree is so affordable.”

“Cost was an important factor when deciding whether to do the course as the media have been reporting about the rise in tuition fees but the financial support I’ve received have made it so much more affordable than I first thought. The grant from the Welsh Governments means I’m not paying more than £3000 a year which is great, especially compared to what all of my friends at uni in England are paying.

“Staying at home has other advantages too; I’m still close to my friends, I still play for my local rugby team and ultimately, it’s just really handy.”

SAM BULL “The College makes it easy to juggle studying with family commitments.”

“Fitting studying in around three children puts real demands on your time but the flexibility and support at College helps you manage your schedule and fit everything in. I’ve had brilliant support from lecturers as well as in the learning centre with study skills such as referencing and note taking.

“The Welsh Government grant also means I don’t have to worry about the financial implications of studying, I can just focus on my assignments and ultimately, creating a better future for me and my family.”

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How much will it

cost

Think a university-level qualification is going to cost the earth?

Wrong. It will only cost you £3,685* Undertaking a Higher Education course is an investment in your future. As well as being fun and rewarding, learning can help you secure a job or move up the ladder in your chosen career. There are costs associated with learning, whether it’s the time you invest or the tuition fees, but you may be eligible for financial support which means it could cost less than you think!

Full time students *Welsh students and EU students are eligible for a Tuition Fee Grant and the maximum you will pay is £3,685. You are not automatically assessed for this grant so you do need to make an application for it through Student Finance Wales. When applying for your grant you can also apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. This loan can be for all or some of your fee, it is up to you to decide how much of the loan you need to take. This has to be repaid once your studies are complete and you are earning a minimum salary of £21,000. Other financial support is also available to help you with your living costs. This includes the Maintenance Grant and the Maintenance Loan. Welsh students should apply for all their student support via an online application with Student Finance Wales (www.studentfinancewales.co.uk).

Part time students Part time course fees vary between courses and our website provides full details on the relevant course page.

If you are a part time student studying at least 50% of an equivalent full time course, you may be entitled to receive a Fee Grant to help with your tuition fees, depending on your household income. You could also be eligible for a Course Grant to help towards the cost of studying. These grants are means-tested but you don’t have to pay them back.

Additional Financial Support Whether you’re studying part time or full time, you may also be able to get extra help if you have adults or children who depend on you financially. This does not have to be repaid and includes Adult Dependants’ Grant, Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance.

If you have any additional course-related costs due to a disability, you might be entitled to additional help through the Disabled Students Allowance. *Figures subject to Welsh Government approval and could change. Fees correct at time of going to print.

For more information on financial support, or to make an application, visit

www.studentfinancewales.co.uk or you can speak to your local authority

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How to

Apply

Once you’ve taken a look at this guide please visit our website –

www.coleggwent.ac.uk/he – where you’ll find lots more information on our courses and career options. You might also want to come along to one of our Open Events – you’ll find details of these on the inside front cover of this guide.

Apply Once you’ve decided which course you’d like to study, applying is easy.

• ONLINE: visit www.coleggwent.ac.uk/apply • PHONE: call 01495 333777 for an application form • IN PERSON: at any of our five campuses

Advice & Guidance Session You will be invited to meet a subject tutor who will provide you with more details about your course and answer any questions you may have.

Enrolment & Induction You will be able to familiarise yourself with the college and have the opportunity to meet other students on your course and the staff that will be teaching you. These sessions are usually held in early September and you should expect to be in college for two days. The invitation letter that we send you will explain everything that you need to bring along with you.

If you want to discuss your options further call our Admissions team:

01495 333777 info@coleggwent.ac.uk 9

Higher Education Courses at Coleg Gwent

Crosskeys

BGLZ

Newport

Pontypool

Usk

Animal Studies The UK animal industry is diverse covering a large array of businesses. It offers a wealth of career opportunities for people passionate about animals, whether large or small; domestic, exotic or wild. Jobs can be found in pet shops, boarding kennels, catteries, pet breeders, training, grooming and animal welfare charities. You could also consider a career working in a veterinary practice, with horses, farm animals or even with a zoo or wildlife park.

Animal Health & Welfare Foundation Degree

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Applied Science Forensic scientists provide impartial scientific evidence for use in courts of law in criminal and civil investigations. They are primarily concerned with examining contact trace material associated with crimes. This follows the principle that 'every contact leaves a trace' that will offer potential evidence to link a suspect with the scene of the crime, the victim or the weapon. You need an enquiring mind with a keen eye for detail, as well as the ability to see the bigger picture.

Forensic Science Foundation Degree

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Business & Management A qualification in business opens up a vast array of career pathways, as business activities cover every sector in both private industry and public services. There are employment opportunities in companies of all sizes or you may be thinking about setting up your own business.

AAT Accounting Diploma Level 4

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Business Studies HNC

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CMI/ILM Management Level 5

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Law & Practice Professional Higher Diploma Level 6

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Tourism & Destination Management Foundation Degree

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Computing & IT ICT – information communication technology – plays a huge part in our daily lives. With so many leisure, personal and business applications for computers, it's impossible to imagine a world without them. This brings a variety of career opportunities across many different sectors.

Information Communication Technology Foundation Degree Information Communication Technology HND

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IT Security Foundation Degree

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Engineering & Construction If you like solving technical problems and are good at science and maths, you might consider becoming an engineer.

Construction & engineering is a vast career area and the variety of jobs available reflects this. Some experts claim that UK industry is facing a shortage of skilled and qualified employees and there is a need to double the number of recruits with Higher National Certificates and Diplomas and Foundation Degrees.

Engineering HND

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Electrical Pathway HNC Engineering

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Mechanical Pathway HNC Engineering

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Sustainable Construction & Surveying Foundation Degree Full Time courses Part Time courses BGLZ

Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone at Ebbw Vale

All HE courses are awarded by the University of South Wales, except for the following: Accounting (AAT), Professional Higher Dip in Law & Practice (CILEX) & Institute of Leadership & Management Dip (ILM)

For course information and advice or to enrol: Call 10

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01495 333777 or email info@coleggwent.ac.uk

Higher Education Courses at Coleg Gwent Health & Care

Crosskeys

BGLZ

Newport

Pontypool

Usk

The health & care sector covers numerous services across a range of organisations within the public, private and voluntary sectors. Whether you are looking for a career change, thinking of returning to the social care sector, or starting your working life from school, college or university, there are a huge range of job opportunities.

Care Studies Foundation Degree Subject to validation Childhood Studies Foundation Degree

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Community Health & Well Being Foundation Degree

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Media & Creative Industries If you are a talented artist, designer, writer, musician, photographer or multimedia designer, then you are likely to want to work in a creative industry. You can work as a freelancer or work for a larger company that employs you for your creative talent and skill. You could be working in a high tech role in computer games production, interactive media, social network and web development, digital post production in films or a star on the silver screen. Or you could be working in more traditional creative roles in the performing arts, writing or art and design.

Creative Enterprise Fashion Styling Foundation Degree

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Creative Enterprise Graphic Communication Foundation Degree

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Creative Industries Drama Foundation Degree

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Creative Industries Photography Foundation Degree

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Creative Industries Popular Music Technology Foundation Degree

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Pathway to Degrees/Access to Higher Education Designed to prepare you for a degree or Higher Education programme, our Access programmes cover a range of disciplines.

Science Access to HE

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Humanities Access to HE

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Combined Studies Access to HE Nursing & Healthcare Professions Access to HE

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Sport & Public Services You don’t need to be an outstanding athlete to enjoy a career in the sport and leisure industry. There are a variety of different jobs such as teaching, coaching or instructor, as well as jobs away from the action – in health, sports science or management. You may also find employment in sports and leisure facilities as healthy lifestyles and fitness are becoming increasingly big business.

Community Sports Development Foundation Degree

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Outdoor & Adventure Activities Foundation Degree Subject to validation

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Public & Emergency Services HND

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Teacher Training If you want to enter the teaching profession, you’ll need to initially decide which age group you wish to teach. Coleg Gwent offers courses for the Post Compulsory Education and Training (PcET) sector. This will allow you to teach on academic and vocational courses at all levels, in sixth-forms and colleges, as well as in adult and community education, work based learning providers and offender learning settings.

Learning Support Foundation Degree

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PcET

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Preparing to Teach

Once you’ve taken a look at this guide please visit our website –

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www.coleggwent.ac.uk/he 11