COURSES 2026/27
CAMPUS LIFE
If you’re looking for modern, state-of-the-art campuses then you’ve come to the right place.
We offer a range of impressive learning and teaching facilities, equipped with cutting edge technology and resources.
You will also find first class learning resource centres, food outlets, hair and beauty salons, sports facilities, and events and conference space.
Our campuses have also won a range of architectural awards for their striking design and inspirational learning environments.
ALLOA
STIRLING
FALKIRK
STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The Forth Valley Student Association (FVSA) is run by students for students to give you the opportunity to have your say on whatever matters you feel are important. The FVSA are an autonomous organisation who are responsible for representing the voice of students, in order to improve the educational experience of its members and students of the College as a whole.
When you enrol at Forth Valley College, you automatically become a member of the Student Association.
STUDENT FUNDING
Eligible full-time students do not pay tuition fees and in addition, you may be able to access funding to help with things such as living costs, travel costs, course materials and childcare.
Funding available for Further Education (FE) students includes:
• Bursary Maintenance Allowance
• Educational Maintenance Allowance
• Travelling Expenses
• Study Materials
Funding available for Higher Education (HE) students includes:
• SAAS Funding
• Student Loans and other grants
• Part-time Fee Grant
Membership of the Student Association offers lots of great benefits and can help you make the most of your college experience.
To find out all you need to know about the FVSA and how you could get involved, please visit www.forthvalley.ac.uk/FVSA
Funding available for both FE and HE students includes:
• Housing Funding
• Student Assistance Fund
• Childcare
For more information on the funding above, such as eligibility and how to apply, please visit our website at: www. forthvalley.ac.uk/funding
Our Student Funding team is also available to assist students to apply for financial support and to advise on the types of funding available.
Please feel free to contact them on 01324 403000 or alternatively e-mail: funding@forthvalley.ac.uk
STUDENT SUPPORT
At Forth Valley College, we work hard to support all of our students. We understand that everyone is an individual and that you may require some additional support to help you achieve your full potential. We have fantastic teams in place to support you at each stage of your learning journey.
LEARNING SUPPORT
You may have an additional support need that means you may need some extra help at College. Within our Student Support Team, we have highly experienced Learning Support Advisors (LSA) who can meet with you to discuss your support needs and make recommendations related to your learning experience.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Also within our Student Support team, we have a team of empathetic Support and Guidance Advisors (SGA) who can provide you with support and guidance on a range of issues including course choices, support with personal issues, money issues, career advice and progressing to university. SGAs also provide support to care experienced students, carers and young adult carers and estranged students. They provide a drop-in service for any student looking for support
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SERVICE
Forth Valley College’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Service is here to support students who are experiencing mental health challenges or caring for someone who is.
This needs-led, bespoke service is designed to help students achieve their learning goals and build the skills they need to thrive - both at college and beyond.
Our Mental Health Mentors offer tailored guidance, practical support, and advice to help students:
• Build and strengthen coping strategies
• Set and achieve SMART goals
• Develop resilience and wellbeing
Students can refer themselves to the service, or college staff can make a referral on their behalf.
LEARNING SERVICES
Our Learning Resource Centres (LRC) provide access to modern, well-resourced facilities at our three campuses in Alloa, Falkirk and Stirling. Our LRCs are vibrant hubs of learning activity where you can work quietly, make use of our facilities and access resources and support. We also provide much of our LRC service online. Students can access this through Moodle and Microsoft Teams.
To find out more about any of the support and advice available to you at Forth Valley College, please visit: www.forthvalley.ac.uk/support-advice
QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED
At Forth Valley College, we are proud to offer a wide selection of courses across a range of qualifications. When applying we understand that it is important for you to know which level of course is right for you. Here is a breakdown of the levels of courses we offer across our full-time programmes:
NATIONAL QUALIFICATION (NQ/NC)
These courses are first level courses which usually require one year of study. Upon completion, you can choose to progress to a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND)
Suggested entry requirements: National 4 or National 5 qualifications in relevant subjects.
HIGHER NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
A Higher National Certificate (HNC) will take one year to complete. On successful completion, it’s normal to go on to the second year of a HND, but some courses may also allow direct entry to year two of a related degree programme.
A Higher National Diploma (HND) offers a higher level of study than a HNC and will take up to two years to complete on a fulltime basis. Successful completion may allow you direct entry to year three or four of a related degree programme at university.
HNCs and HNDs are designed to equip you with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge in your chosen subject. They are vocationally focused and are therefore geared towards specific careers.
Suggested entry requirements: One of the following in relevant subject areas:
• Two Highers
• NC/NQ Course
• Foundation Apprenticeship
PARTNERSHIP DEGREE
We offer undergraduate degrees in partnership with a number of leading Scottish universities. With these programmes you complete the first two years of your degree at FVC before moving on to years three and four at the university campus.
Suggested entry requirements: One of the following in relevant subject areas:
• Three or Four Highers
• Foundation Apprenticeship
MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS (MA)
A MA is a qualification you gain whilst in full-time employment earning a wage.
Most of your learning will take place in the workplace with lots of hands-on practical training. You will still be required to attend college on a part-time basis – usually either one day per week or one full week every month, and the programmes are normally one to four years in duration.
To find out more about MAs visit www.forthvalley.ac.uk/ apprenticeships
For more information and help with finding the right level of course for you please talk to one of our Support and Guidance Advisors or visit our website at www.forthvalley.ac.uk/choosing-the-right-course
WHY CHOOSE TO STUDY IN SCOTLAND?
Scotland is famous for its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture and dramatic history. A part of the United Kingdom, along with England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Scotland has a population of over 5 million, with the Scottish people having a reputation for their warmth and spirit.
Scotland has a rich diversity of artistic and cultural heritage and a history of making a huge impact on the wider world. Popular with country and city lovers alike, Scotland offers the picturesque beauty of the countryside and famous historical sites, in addition to bustling, cosmopolitan cities with a vast array of unique attractions.
THE FORTH VALLEY AREA
The Forth Valley region is situated in the heart of Scotland and covers three local authority areas: Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling.
A gateway to the scenic highlands and an area of outstanding beauty overlooked by the magnificent Ochil Hills, the area has a wide variety of things to do and see, with something to cater for every interest.
Discover the heritage of the Forth Valley area by exploring popular galleries and historical sites such as Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, Callendar House, the Stirling Old Town Jail and the Tower Trail in Clackmannanshire. The Antonine Wall, a World Heritage site, passes through the area and the canal link between Edinburgh and Glasgow is home to The Falkirk Wheel, the World’s first rotating boat lift, another popular tourist attraction.
There are also a number of countryside parks as well as city parks, such as The Helix and Kelpies, Callendar Park and Kings Park, with cycle and walking routes. Those looking for a more relaxing experience can enjoy a football match, go to see a film at one of the local multiplex cinemas, or book tickets to one of the many concerts, festivals or theatre shows happening regularly throughout the area.
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STATE-OF-THE-ART CAMPUSES
OVER
750 COURSES
TEACHING DEPARTMENTS
12,000 STUDENTS 600 MEMBERS OF STAFF A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS FROM FOUNDATION TO DEGREE LEVEL
KEY SPECIALISMS
DEDICATED TEAM FOR APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & COMMERCIAL TRAINING
BESPOKE TRAINING
ENERGY, STEM & CONSTRUCTION
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
CREATIVE & DIGITAL INDUSTRIES
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
97% OF OUR STUDENTS PROGRESS TO A POSITIVE DESTINATION
PROGRESSION ROUTES
Many students progress from an HNC or HND to University. In a typical year, more than 220 of our students apply to university. College staff support students to make their university applications via UCAS FIND OUT MORE
We offer a range of degree courses in partnership with six of Scotland’s universities
Forth Valley College
FULL-TIME COURSE LISTING 26/27
Art & Design - Portfolio Preparation
Newstart - Creative Industries
NQ Access to Creative Industries
NQ Creative Industries- Level 5
NC Creative Industries - Art & Design
NC Creative Industries - Graphic Design
ART & DESIGN
HND Graphic Design (Visual Communication)
HND Production Arts
BA Art & Design Year One (University of Stirling)
BA Art & Design Year Two (University of Stirling)
BA Art & Design Year Three (University of Stirling)
BAKERY
Newstart - Bakery & Cooking
NC Bakery
Bakery & Patisserie - Level Six
HNC Professional Cookery - Patisserie
HNC Professional Cookery - Patisserie (Maritime)
HND Professional Cookery with Management - Patisserie route
BUSINESS
NQ Access to HN Business, Administration & Accounting
NQ Business Management with Digital Technologies
NQ Introduction to Business & Administration
NC Accounting
HNC Administration & Information Technology
HND Accounting
HND Accounting - Year Two
HND Business
Newstart - Care & Communities
Health, Fitness and Lifestyle - Level 5
NC Health & Social Care - Level 5
Pathway to Health & Social Care - Level 6
HNC Social Services
HNC Social Services (Distance Learning)
HNC Healthcare Practice
HNC Healthcare Practice (NHS)
HNC Healthcare Practice (Distance Learning)
CARE
Step into Early Learning & Childcare
CHILDCARE
NQ Child, Health & Social Care - Early Years Route
Pathway to Childcare Practice
PDA in Educational Support Assistance
HNC Childhood Practice
NC Working with Communities
HNC Working with Communities
COMMUNITY LEARNING
COMPUTING
Access to Computing
NC Computing with Cyber Security
HND Cyber Security - Year One
HND Cyber Security - Year Two
NQ Bricklaying (Pre-Apprenticeship)
CONSTRUCTION
NQ Carpentry & Joinery (Pre-Apprenticeship)
NQ Construction Multi-trade (Pre-Apprenticeship)
NQ Computer Aided Design for Construction & Manufacture
NQ Introduction to Construction Craft
NQ Painting & Decorating (Pre-Apprenticeship)
HNC Architectural Technology with Digital Construction
HNC Civil Engineering (Full-time)
HNC Civil Engineering (Part-time)
HNC Civil Engineering (Part-time - Year Two)
BEng/MEng Civil Engineering/Structural Engineering (Heriot-Watt)
ENGINEERING
Access to Engineering
Pre-Apprenticeship Electrical Installation (Alloa)
Pre-Apprenticeship Electrical Installation (Falkirk)
NQ Access to Engineering Technology (Falkirk)
NC Electrical Engineering
NC Fabrication & Welding
NC Mechanical Engineering
NC Industrial Automation (Measurement & Control)
HNC Engineering: Fabrication Welding
HNC Measurement & Control Engineering
HND Electrical Engineering
HND Mechanical Engineering
ENGINEERING (CONTINUED)
BEng (Hons) / MEng (Hons) Electrical Engineering (Heriot-Watt)
BEng (Hons) / MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Heriot-Watt)
BEng Electrical Engineering (University of Aberdeen)
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (University of Aberdeen)
EVENTS MANAGEMENT
NQ Tourism & Events
HNC Events Management (Maritime)
HND Events Management - Year One
HND Events Management - Year Two
NC Beauty Therapy Skills - Level 5
HAIR & BEAUTY
NC Beauty Therapy Services & Treatments - Level 6
VTCT Hairdressing - Level 2
VTCT SVQ Hairdressing - Level 3
HND Beauty Therapy
HND Make-up Artistry - TV, Film & Theatre
HOSPITALITY & COOKERY
City & Guilds Professional Cookery - Level 1
City & Guilds Professional Cookery - Level 2
City & Guilds Professional Cookery - Level 3
Hospitality Services - Level 4
Hospitality Operations - Level 5
HNC Professional Cookery (Maritime)
HNC Hospitality Management (Maritime)
HNC Professional Cookery
HND Professional Cookery - Year Two
HND Hospitality Management
ESOL for Life, Work and Study Level 4 (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
LANGUAGES
NQ ESOL for Life (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
Fast Track to Nursing
SWAP Access to Nursing
NC Creative Industries - Photography
HND Photography - Year One
HND Photography - Year Two
Pre-Apprenticeship in Plumbing
NC Applied Science – Level 4
NQ Applied Science – Level 5
NC Applied Science – Level 6
NQ Access to Chemical Engineering
HNC Applied Biological Sciences
HNC Chemical Process Technology
NURSING
PHOTOGRAPHY
PLUMBING
SCIENCE
HNC Petrochemical Operations (Chemical Engineering) - Year Two
HNC Petrochemical Operations (Chemical Engineering) - Year One
HND Applied Biological Science: Biomedical Route – Year One
HND Applied Biological Science: Biomedical Route – Year Two
HND Applied Biological Sciences
HND Applied Biological Sciences – Year Two
HND Chemical Process Technology (Chemical Engineering)
HND Chemistry with Sustainability
HND Industrial Biotechnology
BA (Hons) Professional Education (Secondary) with Chemistry (University of Stirling)
BA (Hons) Professional Education (Secondary) with Physics (University of Stirling)
BEng Chemical Engineering (University of Aberdeen)
BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering (University of Strathclyde)
BEng (Hons) / MEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering (Heriot-Watt)
BSc (Hons) Applied Biological Sciences (Heriot-Watt University)
BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling (Heriot-Watt)
BSc (Hons) Biological/Medical Science Subjects (University of Aberdeen)
SOUND PRODUCTION
Creative Industries - Sound Production
HND Sound Production - Year One
HND Sound Production - Year Two
to Sport & Fitness - Level 4
NQ Introduction to Sport & Fitness
NQ Sport & Fitness - Level 5
SPORT
NQ Pathway to Fitness, Health & Exercise - Level 6
NQ Pathway to Sports Coaching - Level 6
HNC Fitness, Health & Exercise
HNC Sports Coaching & Development
SUPPORTED LEARNING
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