Welcome to Edinburgh College

Welc
Edin ome t
burg o
h Co
llege
Creating opportunities for
Edinburgh and the Lothians
Message
from the Principal
Contents
Why Choose
Edinburgh College?..................2
Essential Information..........10
I would like to extend a personal welcome to you as you consider studying with us at Edinburgh
College.
Qualifications Explained....12
As one of the UK’s largest regional colleges, we have over 26,000 student enrolments. As well as
students who live and work in the local area, we are delighted to welcome students from around
100 different countries who study with us in Edinburgh and Midlothian. Our students are at the
heart of everything we do and our aim is to provide you with an excellent experience.
Ways of Attending................14
Progression Routes..............15
Students are well represented at all levels of decision making across the college. We have an
active Students’ Association, representing the student voice and organising a wide range of events
for the student community.
How to Apply..........................16
The college plays a leading role in educating and supporting the workforce of the future, with a
continuing commitment to high academic standards and excellence in learning and teaching. We
offer more than 900 courses ranging from access and short courses to HNC, HND, degree level and
continuing professional development on a full and part time basis.
Our Facilities...........................18
Our academic centres have skilled, knowledgeable staff who combine expertise in specialist areas
to give our students the very best educational experience. The exciting and progressive curriculum
has been designed to meet the needs of industry, providing a wide variety of vibrant, vocational
and academic courses with flexible learning opportunities to suit all learning needs.
Advice and Support..............20
Student Services....................21
We have established relationships with employers and universities to create a connected
community that provides you with strong links into work or higher level study. We are committed
to ensuring our students are prepared for a successful career through work placements,
internships and connections with a wide range of industries.
Student Support....................22
What’s more, many of our lecturers are industry professionals so you will benefit from
expert teaching that is up to date, relevant and engaging to ensure you have the best possible
opportunities for an exciting and rewarding future.
Fees and Funding...................23
I hope you will decide to join us at Edinburgh College and I look forward to welcoming you soon.
Living in Edinburgh...............24
Edinburgh College
Students’ Association..........26
Mandy Exley
Principal
Celebrate
Your Success...........................28
Keep in Touch..........................28
Equality, Diversity
& Inclusion................................29
Our Campuses........................29
A
International Prospectus
|
[email protected]
Why Choose
Edinburgh College?
Best Opportunities for Learning
As you would expect from one of the leading colleges
in the UK, each of our four campuses boasts fantastic
learning facilities. You’ll find comprehensive libraries
and wireless internet access throughout and the
college’s virtual learning resource centre gives you
access to course materials, additional reading and
study support online.
Whatever course you choose, you’ll be studying
under the guidance of expert tutors utilising industryleading equipment and resources. Here are just a few
of the highlights that make Edinburgh College a great
choice for further study.
Last year 94% of our graduates were in
employment or further study within six
months of graduating.
Scotland’s First
Solar Meadow Teaching Centre
Our solar meadow, with more than 2,500 photovoltaic
panels, is the first teaching project of its kind in
Scotland and will help to provide the next generation
of engineers to develop essential skills in the growing
renewables sector.
The site works effectively as an outdoor classroom,
allowing students to analyse the interaction
between biodiversity and solar technology, as well
as monitoring and assessing the operation and
performance of the solar panels.
2
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
[email protected]
OPITO Apprentice of the
Year - Five Years in a Row
Making Waves
in Renewables Training
We are one of only three approved UK
OPITO (Offshore Petroleum Industry Training
Organisation) Training Centres in the UK.
Utilising our oil production platform simulator,
we have successfully trained thousands of
apprentices for the oil and gas industry with
outstanding results.
The MacTaggart Scott Hydraulics, Pneumatics and
PLC Laboratory opened at our Midlothian Campus
in 2013. This partnership between the college
and engineering firm MacTaggart Scott provides a
professional training facility that offers the perfect
learning environment to develop engineering skills in
hydraulics and pneumatics.
Edinburgh College students have picked up the
prestigious OPITO Apprentice of the Year award
for the fifth consecutive year. John Paterson won
OPITO’s top apprentice award in 2013, following
Scott Stage in 2012, Fergus Stewart in 2011, Sarah
Coull in 2010 who was the first woman ever to win
the prestigious title and Mark Wigginton in 2009.
The next phase of equipment to be installed is
planned to include wave and tidal simulators, which
will recreate North Sea conditions, suitable for
testing wave and tidal technology in the confines of
a laboratory. Access to this technology will allow our
students to develop crucial skills in wave and tidal
energy.
“I am amazed at how
much I have learned
already and the excellent
support and guidance
that I have received
throughout. It’s definitely
given me the best training
that I could have hoped
for so early in my career.”
John Paterson
On Track for
First Class Training
We have developed one of the best highways,
civil engineering and railway track training sites
in Scotland. More than 70% of our City & Guilds
Railway and Engineering graduates have been
successfully placed with railway agencies into
employment.
WorldSkills UK Finalists
At the Forefront
of Electrical Technology
Our electric vehicle research project, in partnership
with SEStran, Edinburgh Napier University and
Mitsubishi is the largest scheme of its kind in Scotland.
Ground breaking research into the college fleet of
electric cars has been crucial in showing the reduction
in emissions and long term motoring costs.
Thirty new public electric vehicle charging points
have been installed from the North Highlands to
the Borders and Ayrshire to Fife to help ensure that
commuters are
never more than
50 miles from a
charging post. The
aim is to make
electric vehicles
a realistic option
for travelling and a
genuine alternative
on the roads.
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
Carpentry student, Oliver
Beatson and Electrical
Installation Apprentice,
Alexander Gardiner,
both won the Highly
Commended Award in
their categories and went
on to achieve 2nd place
in the 2013 WorldSkills
Competition.
“If I didn’t have the support
from the lecturers at
Edinburgh College I would not be here at this stage.”
Oliver Beatson
Scotland’s Best Students’
Association
Students’
Association
Edinburgh College
Edinburgh College Students’
Association was named Student
Association of the Year at the 2014
NUS Scotland Awards.
3
One of the Most Respected
Training Providers in the
Performing Arts
The Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS)
at Edinburgh College is one of Scotland’s most
respected training providers in the performing
arts specialising in acting, dance, make-up
artistry, technical theatre and theatre costume.
With double BAFTA winner Emma Thompson as
Patron, we nurture the talents of our students
who are taught by some of the best educators in
their field. Our dynamic and engaging learning
environments ensure our students receive the
best and most up to date training.
Former PASS students include:
Karen Gillan
Shane O’Meara
Pamela Jean Smith
(Doctor Who)
(Waterloo Road)
(Professional dancer,
worked on set
with Lady Gaga)
Our BA Dance students were featured in the
closing sequence of Sunshine on Leith
PASS is an exciting,
high octane,
cutting-edge
centre which will
attract much of the
wealth of talent
in Scotland and
beyond.
Emma Thompson, Patron
4
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
[email protected]
Setting the Scene for Success
Our CRE:8 centre offers state-of-the-art facilities
for Broadcast Media students. This includes a
fully equipped TV studio with green Chroma key
and infinity curve, AVID editing suites, a 96 seat
auditorium for screenings, professional sound
recording studios with editing suites and the latest
digital audio facilities.
BAFTA for Former Student
Former TV student, Garry
Fraser, won the Scottish
Newcomer BAFTA in
filmmaking in 2013 and
is currently our artist in
residence. He now regularly
works alongside BBC
and Channel 4 Creative
Directors.
One current student and
three graduates were also
shortlisted in the 2014
Scottish BAFTAs.
Award Winning Student’s
Designs hits the High Street
An Edinburgh College student’s design range has
been launched in high street stores across the UK
by the well known accessories brand Goji. Twenty
one-year-old Emil Bloom, who is studying HND
Graphic Design, initially designed the accessories
for Goji as part of a competition run by the Young
Creative Network (YCN) Student Awards, a
network that showcases the best graphic design
student work from all around the world.
Goji, which developed the Tinchy Stryder
headphones brand, was in search of a new look for
the launch of its new accessories range. The Goji
representatives were so impressed with Emil’s entry
that it put the range into production immediately.
The accessories range, Goji Gorilla Movement, can
now be purchased at Currys and PC World across
the UK and online.
Edinburgh College graphic design students swept
the board at the YCN Awards, picking up more
accolades than any other Scottish college.
“We realise how important it is to encourage our students
to apply for competitions such as the YCN Awards to
develop their creativity beyond their everyday work in the
classroom.” Helena Good, Edinburgh College Lecturer
Own Record Label is a Musical
Feast
Computing Student
Wins WorldSkills Gold Award
Edinburgh College has launched its own record
label and radio station. Our sound recording studios
are equipped with the most up to date technology
including ground breaking audio consoles from
Solid Stage Logic (SSL) and Toft Audio – used by the
world’s top sound producers.
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
For the second year in a row Edinburgh College has
won a WorldSkills gold award for computing. HND
Computer Networking and Internet Technology
Student, Lorenz de Wilde, won the Microsoft Network
Administrator Advanced category. HND networking
student, Jiri Kores, also won the gold award in the
previous year.
“My lecturer encouraged me to go for the competition and
I’m pleased to have been given the opportunity to take part
in such a huge event”. Lorenz de Wilde
5
Supporting
Entrepreneurial Talent
The Creative Exchange is a vibrant new hub for
creative entrepreneurs that has been developed
in partnership with the City of Edinburgh
Council. The joint initiative is specifically
targeted at the creative industries and combines
a world class workspace with state-of the-art
facilities, including ultra-fast broadband and
digital technology.
A range of business support services is available
from start-up advice to mentoring, as well
as help to secure investment. Six Edinburgh
College students are funded each year to take
up entrepreneurial residency at the Creative
Exchange to invest in the development of new
and emerging talent.
6
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
[email protected]
Photography
Students Snap up Awards
Our outstanding photography facilities are
fully equipped with a drive-in studio with white
infinity coving, unique in photography courses in
Scotland, and professional darkrooms that offer the
opportunity to develop and process your own prints.
The results speak for themselves - 2013 was an
exciting and rewarding year for our students:
National British Institute of Professional
Photography (BIPP) Awards in London
All five categories were won by two Edinburgh
College Students:
Angel Goday:
• Student Photographer of the Year Award: Single
Image Category
• Student Photographer of the Year Award:
Commercial Category
Lee Howell:
• College Portfolio Award
• People and Portraiture Category
• Visual Arts Category
BIPP Scottish Regional Awards
15 students won a total of 21 category awards and
merits including:
Overall Winner: Linda MacPherson
Photojournalism Category: Lee Howell
Towergate Fine Art Competition
Gold Award and Certificate of Merit: Lee Howell
The One to Watch
by the Lisa Pritchard Agency (LPA)*
Outstanding Portrait Submissions
First Place: Jim Yorkston
Runner Up: Lee Howell
*The Lisa Pritchard Agency is one of the most prominent artist
management and photo shoot production agencies in the UK.
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
Broadening Horizons
A number of Edinburgh College students took part
in projects for the European Union’s Leonardo da
Vinci Scheme. This project supports UK vocational
education and training organisations, staff and
students to improve training, skills and employability.
The students
undertook work in
Finland, Denmark
and France to
broaden their range
of experience.
Visual Communications Stars
2013 proved to be a
year of great success for
Visual Communications
students, with one
student winning a top
prize at the Marketing
Society Star Awards and
another two named as
finalists in the prestigious
design awards.
Creative Industries
student, Jonathan
Walton, won Creative
Student of the Year. The
Marketing Society Star
Awards set standards
of excellence across all
aspects of marketing.
Veterinary Nursing Results
Above National Average
An Edinburgh College student achieved the highest
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons exam result in
the UK.
Kirsten Gilroy achieved 100% in all
12 tasks that she had to undertake in
her final Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons practical exam.
Our veterinary nursing exam results
are also consistently above the
national average.
7
Training Restaurants
Our two fully operational training restaurants,
eh15 and The Apprentice, are open to the public,
providing our students with essential commercial
work experience.
Hot Awards for
Hospitality Students
Our hospitality students were recognised for their
exceptional skills in the kitchen at the annual ScotHot
Awards 2013, winning several gold awards in the
Modern Apprenticeship Junior Skills Challenge.
A further group of students won silver and bronze
awards across a range of categories.
The ScotHot Awards celebrate and recognise the
next generation of hospitality, tourism and catering
professionals.
It’s a great achievement for us to get
this award and can only be good for job
prospects in the future to say we have
been part of this award-winning team.
Richard Lewis, Hospitality Student
8
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
[email protected]
Wella Centre of Excellence
Edinburgh College is the second
college in Scotland to be recognised
as a Wella Centre of Excellence.
The accolade reflects the top-class facilities
and training at the college. It also provides
opportunities for our students to take part in
national competitions and schemes run by Wella.
Beauty Students
Win WorldSkills Awards
Our beauty students picked up an impressive collection
of awards in the 2013 WorldSkills Awards, securing
two first places, three second places and one third
place across the Aromatherapy and Beauty Therapy
categories. Maria-Dolores Lopez Fernandez from the
Hairdressing, Beauty and Complementary Therapies
Team was given a Highly Commended award in the
Aromatherapy Open Competition for her outstanding
skills.
My love for aromatherapy and the fabulous
teaching I experienced at Edinburgh College
has given me the determination to do this
for the rest of my life.
Maria-Dolores Lopez Fernandez
Hairdressing student Karla Robertson was
placed second in the 2014 UK Association of
Hairdressers and Therapists competition with her
amazing creation for the Fantasy Style category.
Edinburgh College wins
Times Education Supplement
Further Education Award
Edinburgh College won the University
HE Access Widening Participation
category for its part in the East Lothian
Hospitality and Tourism Academy,
a partnership between the college,
Queen Margaret University (QMU) and East Lothian
Council.
The college was one of only two Scottish winners
at the awards. The Academy, which was launched in
2012, impressed the judges for the way it smooths the
transition between school, college and university.
Musselburgh Grammar pupil, Lauren Cain, is just
one of the Academy’s success stories. Over the last
year she has addressed 100 guests at the Academy’s
reception in the Scottish Parliament, spent time
working at Novotel, competed in the national ScotHot
hospitality championships, and taken classes at both
Edinburgh College and QMU.
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
Go For Goal
We have formed partnerships with Hibernian
Community Foundation, Big Hearts Community
Trust and The Prince’s Trust to deliver employment
programmes that provide young people aged 16
and over with opportunities to gain valuable skills,
qualifications and experience to get started on a
career path or college course.
Funded by Skills Development Scotland, the
programme includes an employment qualification,
early touches coaching qualification, volunteering
opportunities and one week’s work placement.
9
Essential
Information
Coming to College
Choosing to continue your education is a big decision. In
this section you will find a range of essential information
that will help you make an informed choice, including the
qualifications we offer, our academic centres, ways to
study and advice on funding.
Whichever course you choose, you will find that
Edinburgh College is a vibrant, friendly, welcoming place
with excellent resources, facilities and opportunities for
you.
Edinburgh College Business School
Our newly-formed Business School offers an extensive
range of qualifications from entry level through to
postgraduate level in Business, Finance and related
Management disciplines.
We also provide access to high quality part-time learning
programmes in management disciplines, accredited
by leading professional institutes. You can undertake
a range of Continuous Professional Development
(CPD) qualifications at the college, essential for today’s
challenging business environment.
We offer programmes delivered flexibly, adopting a
business focused approach. Our accreditation with
professional institutes such as CMI, CIPD, ILM, ACCA,
AAT and CIM ensures that the Business School meets
your professional development needs.
Bespoke training programmes provide professional
development opportunities for employees at all
levels. These programmes may be accredited or nonaccredited.
• BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Institute of Construction and Building Crafts
Academic Centres
Edinburgh College offers a range of
programmes across eight academic centres:
Centre for Creative Industries
Scotland’s creativity is renowned worldwide.
Scottish art, film, fashion, music and literature are
all internationally recognised, as is its design, IT and
computer gaming industries.
Edinburgh College offers some of the UK’s most exciting
and creative courses and has established links with
colleges and universities across Europe offering exciting
work opportunities and exchanges abroad.
•
•
•
•
•
10
ART AND DESIGN
BROADCAST MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY
COMPUTING
MUSIC AND SOUND PRODUCTION
PERFORMING ARTS
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
The creation of the Institute of Construction and
Building Crafts has given Edinburgh College the
opportunity to approach the education of construction
students in a more integrated way. Progression is key to
the development of the Institute as we build on already
established articulation routes and partnerships. We aim
to be the training provider of choice in Edinburgh and
the Lothians for the construction and built environment
sector.
The Institute will meet the regional outcomes and
demands of the core training providers including the
Construction Skills Training Board (CITB), BEST, SNIPEF,
Historic Scotland and local authorities by providing both
vocational and academic progression routes that give
our students opportunities at all levels to move on to
employment or university.
• BUILT ENVIRONMENT, SECURITY AND
PLUMBING
• CARPENTRY, JOINERY, PAINTING AND
DECORATING
• TROWEL TRADES AND ALLIED SKILLS
[email protected]
Engineering +
International Centre
Edinburgh College delivers an exceptional portfolio
of further and higher engineering courses, as well as
offering bespoke training for professionals.
Edinburgh College has one of the largest and most
established International centres in Scotland, focusing
on English language teaching. Our English for Speakers
of Other Languages (ESOL) programme teaches English
to people whose first language is not English so that they
can live, work and study in the UK.
By working closely with industry we are able to
ensure that you develop the skills that employers and
industry leaders are looking for. Many of our lecturers
are industry professionals, which will give you the
competitive advantage of learning from people with
years of experience in their field.
•
•
•
•
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING
SCIENCE
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Centre for Health, Wellbeing
and Social Sciences
Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences is our largest
curriculum area. Work placements play a significant
part in the provision of the quality learning and
teaching experiences within this centre and we
have established close partnerships with industry,
universities, the NHS and local authorities.
We have over 200 dedicated staff, many of whom have
industry experience to provide our students with the
most relevant and up-to-date knowledge and skills.
•
•
•
•
•
•
CHILDHOOD PRACTICE
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
HEALTH AND VETERINARY PROFESSIONS
SOCIAL SCIENCES
SPORT AND FITNESS
ENGLISH, COMMUNICATION AND HIGHERS
You can study ESOL at our campuses or at one of our
community venues. We also offer an English Language
Summer School in July and August.
• COLLEGE-BASED ESOL AND TEACHER
TRAINING
College Community
Our community team deliver a programme of courses
both within our four main campuses and at a number
of community venues. We work in partnership with the
community, schools, local authorities, employers and
local agencies to ensure access for under-represented
groups in our communities.
•
•
•
•
•
•
ACCESS AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
COMMUNITY-BASED ESOL
COMMUNITY-BASED LITERACIES
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
SCHOOLS AND YOUNG PEOPLE
EMPLOYABILITY TRAINING (WEACT)
To find out more about a specific area, download one
of our course area booklets at:
edinburghcollege.ac.uk/prospectus
Tourism and Hospitality Academy
The hospitality industry is one of the fastest growing
sectors in the UK and the skills you learn here are readily
transferable; a career in hospitality can be the key to
discovering new countries and people.
Edinburgh College offers an innovative and exciting
programme of courses, designed to put you at the
forefront of this dynamic industry.
•
•
•
•
•
TRAVEL, AND TOURISM
MODERN LANGUAGES
HOSPITALITY AND PROFESSIONAL COOKERY
RETAIL AND EVENTS
HAIR, BEAUTY AND COMPLEMENTARY
THERAPIES
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
11
Qualifications
Explained
National Qualification Group Awards (NQGA) is
the term which encompasses National Certificates
(NCs) and National Progression Awards (NPAs).
Edinburgh College offers a range of nationally and
internationally recognised courses across a wide
variety of subjects. The course you choose will depend
on your current qualifications, experience and career
aspirations.
National Progression Awards (NPAs) are also
designed to help you reach your goals and
are available in a variety of sectors including
construction and childcare. They also link to
National Occupational Standards, which are the
basis of SVQs.
The majority of qualifications we offer are from
the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). These
courses are designed to prepare you for further study
or to progress directly to employment.
All SQA units and qualifications relate to a level in the
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
The SCQF allows you to understand the full range of
Scottish qualifications and how they relate to each
other. See the framework on the page opposite or visit
scqf.org.uk for details.
Higher National (HN) Qualifications are offered as
one-year Higher National Certificates (HNC) and
two-year Higher National Diplomas (HND). Most
HNs are work-related and designed to meet the
needs of employers and can be the equivalent to the
first two years of a university degree programme.
National Qualifications (NQs) cover a broad range of
subjects to suit your skills and interests. At Edinburgh
College we offer these courses at various levels. NQs
will prepare you for entry to HNC/HND programmes
and can cover training related to employment.
Advanced Highers, Highers and Intermediates
are designed to prepare you for HN or Degree
courses.
Professional Development Awards (PDAs) are ideal
if you’re already in a career or vocation and wish to
broaden your knowledge and skills. PDA qualifications
can be at different levels from NC to HN and may
include work-based units.
12
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
National Certificates (NCs) are designed to
prepare you for employment, career development
or progression to more advanced study at HNC/
HND level.
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) recognise
your ability to do a specific job. They’re designed
in consultation with employers and are based on
national standards set directly by representatives
from industry, commerce and education to enhance
your job prospects.
Degree Programmes
Edinburgh College offers a number of degree
programmes in partnership with universities including
Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University
and Queen Margaret University.
We also offer Associate Student Degree Programmes
which guarantee you a place at one of our partner
universities on completion of selected HNC/D
courses.
Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP)
A one-year SWAP Access Programme can lead to a
guaranteed place on a HN or degree course at college
or university. SWAP programmes are designed
specifically for adults who do not have the required
entry qualifications for university and have been out
of full-time education for three years or more.
Visit scottishwideraccess.org for further information.
Professional Qualifications
Edinburgh College offers a range of qualifications
certificated by professional and other awarding
bodies designed to help you develop and progress in
your career. These include BTEC, City & Guilds, VTCT,
AVID Pro Tools, CMI, Cisco and ILM.
Find out more about the qualifications we offer on our
website.
[email protected]
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
13
1980’s
SCQF 3
SCQF 4
SCQF 5
Ordinary Grade
Standard Grade Foundation
Access 3
Standard Grade General
Intermediate 1
Standard Grade Credit
Intermediate 2
National 3
National 4
National 5
Higher
1st Year of Degree Programme
Higher National Certificates
SCQF 7
Higher
2nd Year of Degree Programme
Higher National Diploma
SCQF 8
SCQF 6
Bachelors/Ordinary Degree
SCQF 9
2014/15
Bachelors Degree with Honours
Advanced Higher
2010’s
SCQF 10
Advanced Higher
2000’s
Masters Degrees
Postgraduate Diplomas
1990’s
SCQF 11
Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (CSYS)
1970’s
Doctorate Degrees
1960’s
HIGHER NATIONAL AND
DEGREE QUALIFICATIONS
SCQF 12
SCQF
LEVEL
SQA QUALIFICATIONS
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
Ways
of Attending
You can attend college through various modes
of attendance, depending on your learning
requirements.
Full-Time
Full-time study of our further education courses,
which include National Qualifications such as
Highers, National Certificates and Scottish Vocational
Qualifications (SVQs) and other non-advanced
courses, generally requires you to attend college
approximately 3.5 days per week for a year.
Full-time study of Higher National Certificate and
Diploma (HNC/D) courses requires you to attend
college approximately 3 days a week.
Part-Time
Our part-time courses are designed to fit around your
life, with duration and attendance varying between
each course. We offer a range of part-time advanced,
non-advanced and leisure courses.
Open Learning
We have a range of flexible learning courses which
you can study at home or at one of our campuses. You
can start a course any time and study at a pace which
suits you. A tutor will provide regular guidance and
support.
Work-based Learning
Work-based learning includes day-release and blockrelease courses which allow you to develop your skills
and career prospects while continuing to remain in
employment.
Schools/College Partnership
We have a programme for secondary school pupils
that is designed to enhance the curriculum and assist
you in your transition from school to full-time further
education. The Schools/College Partnership team can
offer a range of courses which can be added into your
existing school timetable.
Training and Development
We offer a wide range of training and development
programmes which are aligned with industry and
professional institute standards. Our courses offer a
range of qualifications and delivery modes, enabling
us to support both individual and organisational
requirements with a tailored provision. Our
accreditation with professional institutes ensures that
we can meet your training and development needs.
Modern Apprenticeships
The college is approved by Skills Development
Scotland (SDS) to offer the Modern Apprenticeship
Scheme to encourage employers to train young
people towards a recognised workplace qualification.
Our vocational areas of delivery include Automotive,
Creative Industries, Engineering and Hospitality and
Tourism.
For more information call 0131 535 4616.
Introductory Courses
We deliver a range of introductory courses in many
subject areas across the college. These work in
conjunction with our mainstream curriculum and
offer you the opportunity to start on a programme of
progressive study at a level that suits you.
The courses often have no formal entry requirements
and are a great way to prepare for college life.
Evening and Leisure
We offer a wide range of evening courses
including languages, arts, Higher qualifications and
introductory skills in subjects such as counselling.
14
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
[email protected]
Progression
Routes
Our courses have been designed to make sure you
progress towards your goals; whether you’re looking
to go straight into employment, enhance your career
options, or move on to university or further training.
Continuing at College
If you’re planning to continue your studies at college
- whether with Edinburgh College or elsewhere – we
offer advice about courses, financial support and help
with applications.
Going to University
Thanks to our excellent links and relationships with
universities, many courses allow you to progress
directly from the college to the first, second or even
third year of a degree programme.
Before choosing a course, we recommend you talk
to our advisors about your goals and the higher
education opportunities available to you. We’ll be
able to provide you with all the latest information
on universities, articulation routes and entry
requirements. We’ll also advise you on how to apply
and what funding options are available.
Associate Student Degree Progression
We offer a number of Associate Student Degree
places to support your development. These exciting
opportunities guarantee you a place at one of our
partner universities through our links with the
University of Aberdeen, Heriot-Watt University,
Edinburgh Napier University and Queen Margaret
University.
We currently offer eight Associate Student Degree
programmes in engineering, computing, tourism
and hospitality. If you’re selected for the Associate
Student Degree programme, you’ll begin with HNC
or HND level courses delivered at Edinburgh College,
before progressing to the 3rd year of study at
university to complete your degree.
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
Articulation Routes
For many of our HN courses we have an agreement
with universities that on completion of a specific
course, students can progress directly to advanced
entry on a specific degree programme. We also have
many informal agreements that can provide entry to
an appropriate year of a degree programme at various
universities. Ask at your interview about articulation
opportunities from your chosen course.
The Open University
Edinburgh College is working with The Open
University (OU) in Scotland to create flexible
opportunities for students who wish to progress from
their Higher National study to a degree.
The OU’s BA/BSc (Open) degree allows students to
choose from a wide range of OU modules tailored
to their personal and vocational needs. This allows
students to either build on the subject areas studied
in college, or provides the flexibility to develop skills
and knowledge in other subject areas.
Find out more information about OU study at:
openuniversity.co.uk/collegeroutes
Employment
With our focus on your employability, we provide all
the support you need when looking for a job upon
completion of your studies.
We work in partnership with Skills Development
Scotland to help you at all stages with professional,
impartial careers advice. Whether you know what you
want to do, or simply want to discuss your options,
our advice and guidance team can also help you to
organise your job search and prepare your CV.
If you have any questions about moving on after your
studies, call us on 0131 660 1010
or email [email protected].
15
How
to Apply
1. Find the right
course for you
We know that deciding which
course to study can be a difficult
decision. So, before making a
decision you can browse our
courses online. This will allow you
to learn about entry requirements
and progression routes and
discover more about the course
content.
You can also book an appointment
with our Course Information
Team. We’re here to discuss your
course choice and answer any
questions you may have about
studying at Edinburgh College.
To make an appointment please
call 0131 660 1010.
2. Apply online
To make the process as simple
as possible, you can apply for
most of our courses online. Once
you’ve chosen a course you’d like
to study, it’s as simple as finding
the course entry on the college
website and clicking on the “Apply
Now” button.
If you’ve never applied online
before, we ask you to register
some details needed to process
your application, including your
name, date of birth, valid email
address as well as creating a
password.
When you apply, please take time
to fill out the form as accurately
and fully as possible. You don’t
have to complete the application
all at once and can return to it
later using your log in details.
If you require support in
completing your course
application form, or wish to
request alternative formats (e.g.
large print), please contact:
[email protected]
or call 0131 660 1010.
16
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
[email protected]
3. Acknowledgement
of application
4. Invitation to
interview
Once you’ve submitted your
application you’ll receive an
acknowledgement by email. This
will contain details of the course
you applied for, how to monitor
the progress of your application
and contact details if you have any
questions or queries.
For most of our courses you’ll be
invited to attend an interview
before an offer is made. For some
courses you may also be asked
to attend an audition or bring a
portfolio of work.
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
5. Place offered
After being successful at
interview, you’ll be given either
an unconditional or conditional
offer. A conditional offer
means you must obtain further
qualifications or meet certain
criteria before you are accepted.
An unconditional offer means
that you have been accepted on
to the course and are guaranteed
a place. You must remember to
accept your offer to guarantee
your place.
17
Our
Facilities
Edinburgh College boasts an excellent range of
facilities across all four of our campuses.
Learning Resources
We have on-site libraries and resource centres across
our campuses, so you’ll always have access to a PC
and place to study while you’re at the college.
You will have instant access to Moodle – the virtual
learning environment for Edinburgh College. This can
be accessed in college, at home, or anywhere with
Internet access.
Your own student email account can be accessed
through Moodle. Having a student email account
can also act as proof that you are at an academic
institution and therefore entitled to substantially
discounted academic prices that are available for
many software packages.
Student Spaces
There are several spaces available to students across
all of our campuses that can be used to study, relax or
meet with friends. There is also a quiet room in each
campus set aside for meditation and prayer for people
of all faiths and none.
Each campus also has various outside spaces which
can be utilised in the warmer weather and study
rooms are also available for individual or group use.
Food and Drink
There are several areas to eat and drink at each of
our campuses, from college shops to Costa Coffee.
Whether you want to grab a snack from the shop
or have a hot meal at lunch-time, there are facilities
to suit your needs. Edinburgh College also has two
training restaurants available for reservations: The
Apprentice at Granton and eh15 at Milton Road.
18
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
Sports Facilities
Students can take advantage of the excellent sporting
facilities across our campuses – both as a study
resource and as a gym member, receiving discounted
rates on all gym memberships.
The Club at Milton Road holds a fully-equipped gym
with Precor cardio and resistance machines, designed
to allow you to achieve your personal fitness goals,
as well as a free weights section allowing you to build
strength and muscle tone. Members can also take
advantage of regular programming sessions from one
of the fully qualified and motivational instructors.
Spa, Hair and Beauty Facilities
Edinburgh College is home to three hair and beauty
training salons, all of which offer the latest in industry
innovations, including luxury spa therapies and stateof-the-art hair treatments and styles.
This venture opens up an excellent opportunity for
everyone to benefit from these facilities, and through
sponsorship from Wella, Elemis and Dermalogica, our
students offer a discounted service in spa and salon
experiences.
Waterfront Nursery
The Waterfront Nursery at our Granton campus
provides high quality childcare for children from 3
months to 5 years old. The nursery opened with a new
purpose-built facility in 2006 and facilities include: 2
baby rooms, a tweenie & toddler room, a junior room,
Ante-Pre and Pre-school rooms and an impressive
outdoor play area with additional activity areas.
[email protected]
Accommodation
Living on campus is the ideal way to make new friends
and get the full student experience. Edinburgh
College is proud to offer some of the best student
living available in Edinburgh.
The college maintains a purpose-built residential
complex at Milton Road, available to rent once
an application form has been completed. This can
be downloaded from the college’s Club website,
theclubedinburgh.com/student-accommodation.
To apply for a place at Granton Campus, please fill out
the online application form at:
crm-students.com/crm-accommodation/edinburgh.
Each campus offers a safe and comfortable
environment with meal options, no utility bills and
excellent transport links to the four campuses.
Student residents also have a limited membership to
the Club Gym and Spa.
Students can also apply for residences at Granton
Campus, provided through CRM Students.
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
19
Advice
and Support
At Edinburgh College our friendly and experienced
staff are here to give you the confidence and
knowledge to develop and succeed in your chosen
career.
Our Student Advice and Support Teams can help you
with all aspects of life at Edinburgh College. You can
take advantage of many of our services before you
come to college, so please contact us at any time for
further information.
20
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
[email protected]
Student Services
Our Student Services teams are dedicated to
supporting students from enquiry to progression and
moving on.
You can call our Student Services Team on
0131 660 1010, email [email protected]
or drop in to one of our offices on the ground floor of
each campus to get some face to face advice.
Student Advice and Guidance
Whether it’s help with accommodation, progression
and pre-exit advice, seeking employment or
assistance with applying for additional funding our
Student Advice and Guidance Team are here to help.
We want all our students to realise their full potential
by moving onto the right career or course. We provide
a number of resources to guide you through this
process including a Skills Development Scotland
Careers Adviser who will advise you on all aspects of
your career.
As an Edinburgh College student you will have
access to Jobzone on Moodle. This is our student
employment service where you will find part-time
vacancies and advice on job seeking, CVs, interviews
and more.
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
Course Information
Going to college is a big decision. There may be lots of
questions you want to ask. Our College Information
team can help with information about courses, travel
to college, funding options and support for your
learning. We can point you in the right direction for
further advice and guidance depending on your own
circumstances. We can tell you about life as a student
at Edinburgh College, show you around your chosen
campus and help you make your course application.
Financial Support
Our Student Funding Team will award you with
the most appropriate levels of Bursary, EMA and
Childcare funding. To make this possible, our team will
make sure you’ve provided all the evidence required.
We’ll give you an indicative offer of funding before
you start learning, so you can plan ahead and budget
your finances to make everything more manageable.
Student Funding staff are available daily to answer
any questions, and help you with the application
process.
In addition, if you have any concerns about whether
you can afford to come to college, please get in touch.
We will be happy to help you investigate sources of
funding and work through a budget plan.
21
Student Support
Our Student Support Team is here to talk through any
support you may need to get started and to stay on
track. We all need support at some time so it’s always
best to ask.
If you have specific support needs and wish to discuss
how this may affect your plans to study, the Student
Support Team can help. To make sure you have a
smooth transition into college life, we’ll discuss
everything before you make your application and
again at interview and enrolment.
You may have just left school and are studying
independently for the first time. Perhaps you have
been in employment or bringing up a family and
are returning to education after some time away.
Whatever your background, our Student Support
Team are here to help you make a success of your
studies. We can help you become more confident
with skills such as planning projects, organising your
time, reading efficiently, giving presentations, writing
reports and essays, revision techniques, exam skills,
memory skills and using the library.
We also understand that learning can sometimes
be more challenging as a result of a specific learning
difficulty or a disability that requires specialist
support. We can provide confidential support and
guidance for students who have a specific learning
difficulty such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, or who
have a sensory impairment, physical disability,
health problem, mental health problem or social or
emotional difficulties. We are able to assist if you
qualify for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA),
including discussing supportive technology. Formal
assessments for the DSA are carried out in the
college.
22
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
Learning
Development Tutors (LDT)
Each person studying on a full time further education
and HNC level course with us has a dedicated LDT to
ensure that you achieve your ambitions.
Your LDT will provide guidance and advice throughout
your time at the college while supporting your
academic and personal progress through tutorials and
drop-in sessions.
English Language Support
If English is not your first language, you may want
some extra support with your course work while at
college. Our English Language Support Team will:
• Assess your language level before you start your
course
• Help you plan and prepare for oral and written
assignments
• Offer ways to improve your English, for example:
spelling, pronunciation, grammar, using specialist
vocabulary
• Improve your English through use of Computer
Assisted Language Learning (CALL) facilities
• Help with any special examination arrangements
which may be available to you
For more information on English Language Support
call: 0131 344 7338
[email protected]
When you’re considering starting college, it’s
important to think about funding and how you’ll pay
for some of the costs that come with being a student.
Funding can vary depending on the level of your
course and whether you study full- or part-time, with
the funding available for HNC or HND courses being
very different from bursary and EMA funding.
We understand the amount of information can be
overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to make the
process simple and easy to understand. Our advisers
will discuss your individual circumstances, helping you
with a financial health check. This allows us to offer
you budgeting advice, as well as explaining how to
apply for funds.
Fees
and Funding
Childcare Funding
You may be able to claim financial help towards the
cost of registered childcare throughout your studies.
This applies if you’re studying either full-time or parttime on one of the following types of course:
For more information about how to fund your course
and what you may be entitled to while studying at the
college, please refer to our Edinburgh College Funding
Information booklet.
• Further Education level (National Certificates,
BTEC Diplomas, City & Guilds, SVQ’s)
• Higher Education level (HNC/D and Degree)
We encourage you to make an appointment to visit
the college and speak with one of our advisers. They’ll
explain the funds available for your studies, as well as
helping you with the application process.
If you’re studying an HN or degree-level course, you’ll
need to show that you’ve taken full entitlement from
the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS)
before we can consider your application. We’ll provide
all the help and advice you need when you apply.
The Waterfront Nursery at Granton campus provides
high quality childcare for children from the age of 3
months to 5 years old.
Some of the funds you may
be able to apply for include:
For more information about childcare visit the college
website or call 0131 669 4400
or email [email protected].
Bursary for Further Education
(National Certificates, BTEC Diplomas, City &
Guilds, SVQs)
Scottish Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
for Higher Education
(HNC, HND and Degree)
Student Loans information
for Higher Education
(HNC, HND and Degree)
Disabled Students’ Allowance
(DSA) for Higher Education
(HNC, HND, and Degree)
Assistance with registered childcare costs
(All course levels)
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
23
Living
in Edinburgh
Whether you’re already local to the area or coming
from further afield, there will always be something for
you to see and do as a student studying in Edinburgh,
including restaurants, sights, shopping and nightlife.
Edinburgh is spectacular, vibrant and historical;
it is regarded as one of the most beautiful and
friendly cities in the world. Winner of the World
Travel Awards, Leading European Destination 2012,
Edinburgh has something for everyone – stunning
architecture, lots of green space, state-of-the-art
sports facilities, world famous museums, galleries,
theatres and a lively social scene.
As the ‘City of Festivals’, Edinburgh has an all-yearround vibrancy - hosting international film, literature
and music festivals, as well as the world’s largest
arts and dance festival in August, attracting tens
of thousands of people from around the world and
doubling the city’s population in the process.
For students looking for some peace and quiet, a
short train journey will take you to some of the most
stunning scenery in the world.
24
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
[email protected]
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
25
Edinburgh College Students’
Association
As soon as you enrol at Edinburgh College, you’re
automatically a member of Edinburgh College
Students’ Association (ECSA) - the biggest and bestresourced college Students’ Association in Scotland
and recognised as the Student Association of the year
by NUS in 2014.
We’ll make sure your voice is heard through your
Student Representative Council, allowing you to
put your ideas across to the College Management
and Board of Management. This means you can
make a real difference as a student. Your elected
representatives are involved in all staff, management
and board structures to make sure we represent you
at every level.
We’ll also give you helpful advice about joining or
starting up clubs and societies, getting involved with
social events, and how to be more involved in student
life - all great ways to get the most out of your time at
Edinburgh College.
If you have a problem with any aspect of college life
such as funding, bursaries, academic problems or
international issues, we’re here to help.
We have offices at each campus, so we’re accessible
wherever you study. The team is made up of four
Sabbatical Officers – students who have been elected
to work full-time for one year. The Sabbatical Officers
are supported by a team of three Student Liaison
Officers, and we have one Regional President who
works across the whole college.
We recognise that Edinburgh College has a diverse
population. Liberation groups are therefore here to
ensure that all groups are properly represented. We
have Liberation Officers on the Executive Committee
of every campus – they are LGBT Officer and LGBT
Officer (Women’s Space), Black and Minority Ethnic
Officer, Women’s Officer and Disabled Students
Officer.
Find out more on our website ecsaonline.co.uk or
contact us on [email protected]
Societies
When you become a student at Edinburgh
College, you might want to start thinking about
what clubs and societies you’d like to join. With
so many to choose from there’s bound to be
something that sparks your interest:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Animé Club
Basketball Club
Drama Society
Film Club
Gaming Society
Hockey Club
Law Society
Pagan Society
Volleyball Club
NUS Extra Card
You can get discounts at many bars, restaurants and
shops throughout Edinburgh when you become a
student at Edinburgh College.
Applying for your NUS Extra card is simple - just
complete the online form at cards.nusextra.co.uk
Visit the ECSA website to find out more about our
clubs and societies.
26
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
[email protected]
We’ll make sure your voice is heard through your
Student Representative Council, allowing you
to put your ideas across to the College Board of
Management.
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
Students’
Association
Edinburgh College
27
Celebrate
Your Success
We are proud to celebrate the achievements and
successes of our students.
We celebrate the success of our HNC, HND, Advance
Diploma and Degree students at the College
Graduation Ceremony in September. We also host
an annual Awards Ceremony which recognises the
achievements of all our students. These ceremonies
are a proud occasion for our students, their families,
friends and all staff at Edinburgh College.
Our students regularly win national awards, including
many sports, photography, audio visual and computing
students.
Keep in Touch
If you are thinking of coming to Edinburgh College for
the first time or have just completed your studies, we
would like you to keep in touch.
Find us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/EdinburghCollege
Follow us on Twitter
@EdinburghColl
Milton Road
Alternatively you can contact us on
[email protected]
or call 0131 669 4400.
Granton
Alumni
Once you’ve finished your course and it’s time to
move on to the next stage of your career or study
journey, you can keep in touch with Edinburgh College
through our alumni group for former students.
We run a programme of events and networking
sessions with industry to help former students
develop good contacts in their chosen field, and we’re
always delighted for you to come back and share your
experience with a current class.
28
Welcome to Edinburgh College
|
[email protected]
Equality,
Diversity
& Inclusion
Edinburgh College is committed to equality of
opportunity and to a culture that respects difference.
We welcome and support all students irrespective
of age, disability, gender re-assignment, pregnancy
and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual
orientation.
We have also been awarded the Buttle
UK Quality Mark, in recognition of our
commitment to young people in and leaving
care.
Our Campuses
We have four main campuses:
Granton Campus
350 West Granton Road
Edinburgh
EH5 1QE
Midlothian Campus
46 Dalhousie Road
Dalkeith
EH22 3FR
Sighthill
Midlothian
Milton Road Campus
24 Milton Road East
Edinburgh
EH15 2PP
Sighthill Campus
Bankhead Avenue
Edinburgh
EH11 4DE
Edinburgh College
|
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
29
A
0131 660 1010
edinburghcollege.ac.uk
Our course portfolio may be subject to alteration. For information or to
speak to an advisor call 0131 660 1010
Edinburgh College is a charity registered in Scotland
Charity Number SC021213
If you require this brochure in a different format or language,
please contact us on 0131 660 1010.
N014