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2 CONTENTS WHAT IS DEGREE LINK? ABOUT NORTH EAST SCOTLAND COLLEGE ABOUT ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY SUPPORT MEET HANNAH MEET LUKAS MEET ANA-MARIA MEET NEIL COURSES & PROGRESSION ROUTES 2

3 DEGREE LINK? Degree Link is the unique partnership between North East Scotland College and Robert Gordon University, allowing students to enter directly into year three of a degree from HND level. As the first and only college in Scotland to be an associate of a university, NESCol has worked closely with RGU to offer students seamless progression from one course to another. Degree Link is mostly offered on a 2+2 basis two years at college followed by two years at university but there are also opportunities for a students start on an HNC course and progress onto the second year of the related HND course at college, before progressing directly into third year at RGU. In addition, there are 1+3 routes available on certain courses. The best part of the Degree Link is that you can start at a level where you feel comfortable - in college - and still end up with an Honours Degree. There are over 30 different Degree Link courses available you ll find these on pages More information is available at our website: 3

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5 On the 1st November 2013, Aberdeen College and Banff and Buchan College merged to become North East Scotland College and are now the single largest provider of vocational education and training in the North East of Scotland. As one we provide an even wider range of educational and training opportunities, meeting the needs of individuals, communities and employers across the region whilst continuing to demonstrate the quality and excellence which were the hallmarks of our founding institutions. Our main centres include our Aberdeen City Campus, Aberdeen Altens Campus (centre for specialist engineering, motor vehicle and construction courses) and our Fraserburgh Campus. We also have specialist animal care premises at the Craibstone Estate; a beautiful campus shared with the Scottish Rural College. Our Learning Centres are based in Macduff, Inverurie and Ellon. For more information visit our website: 5

6 In 2013, Robert Gordon University moved all teaching to the Garthdee Campus, creating a space that is both impressive and inspiring to its staff and students. We focus on preparing students for the world of work through a proven combination of professional placements, academic and research excellence, and state-of-the-art facilities. Our employment record speaks for itself, reflecting innovative, real life courses designed together with industry partners and we are proud to be known as the Best UK University for Graduate Level Employment. * Throughout the year there are a variety of opportunities for prospective students to visit Robert Gordon University, meet staff and view the facilities first hand. From individual visits at one of our Visit Afternoons, to Open Days and Open Evenings, we will be happy to meet you and introduce you to the first-class facilities that we have to offer. For more information visit our website: *Robert Gordon University was named Best UK University for Graduate Level Employment, HESA

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8 Support TIME FOR A CHANGE Moving from college to university is an important decision for anyone; saying goodbye to the familiar and embarking on a new course at university can be daunting, but there is a lot of support available to you, both at North East Scotland College and once you arrive at RGU. APPLYING The first step to gaining your degree is deciding which course best fits your aspirations. Have a look at the progression route for each course, along with the course specifications, before applying for the one that you prefer. Once you have decided which Degree Link route to take, you can apply online at: or by picking up a copy of the NESCol course guide and submitting the form found at the back. When it comes to progressing to university, you will need to apply through UCAS. If you don t apply through UCAS, you won t receive an offer and will not be able to progress. UCAS website information can be found in the UCAS and SAAS section of this booklet. Depending on which course you progress through, there may be certain conditions that have to be met in order to progress from college to university. This will be clear in the course specifications in the course guide. ASSOCIATE STUDENT SCHEME The Associate Student Scheme is free to all HN students who are planning to progress to RGU through the Degree Link programme and are on a recognised Degree Link route. As an Associate Student you will be issued with a RGU Associate Student Card which provides you with access to university facilities and resources while you are still at college. When you sign up for your card you are automatically enrolled on the university system, giving you access to the Virtual Learning Environment known as Moodle. Making use of Moodle at an early stage will also give you access to a wealth of resources including the Coming from College page with lots of information about the differences between study at college and university, and practical information to answer any questions you might have about student life and the campus. On Moodle you will also find valuable study skills information, which will help understand how to think critically, write academically and prepare for exams or presentations all essential skills you will have to demonstrate at university! 8

9 Your Associate Student Card gives you access to the brand new library facilities, including online databases and ebooks, and you can make use of these facilities while you are still at college, and student rates at RGU: SPORT. To sign up for a card visit: DEGREEPREP PROGRAMME Once you have received an offer from RGU, you may be invited to attend a DegreePrep Programme prior to embarking on your new course. Designed to ease the pathway from studying at college to university, the programme gives you the support you need to feel comfortable with your new learning environment. DegreePrep programmes, which are run in June and September, follow on from all you have learned at college and prepare you in advance of starting your degree course. The programme allows you to explore the Campus and meet other students who will be joining your course at the same time, as well as participate in valuable sessions including: Course information sessions delivered by course staff Guidance on study skills for university; including Academic Writing and Critical Thinking Referencing (Harvard style) and using reliable sources 9

10 STUDENT SERVICES There are a number of departments within the University that provides support for all its students. The Study Skills and Access Unit can arrange tailored one-to-one or small group sessions to students to provide advice and support on a range of study skills including: Academic writing Exam preparation and revision Maths and statistics English language for non-native speakers Time and Project Management Presentations skills You can contact the team on (01224) or by access@rgu.ac.uk The Student Help Point is the gateway to Student Services and information. From travel to tuition fees, accommodation to application forms, finance to free time, it is the place for information and advice. If you re an international student, the Student Help Point can assist with Visa information before you travel to Aberdeen, as well as with orientation and other help on arrival. While the Disability and Dyslexia Advice and Support service aims to make RGU s learning environment accessible to everyone, as well as help students with specific support needs. The Student Help Point is located on the third floor, in the Faculty of Health & Social Care building at Garthdee. GOING TO UNIVERSITY ISN T JUST ABOUT GETTING A DEGREE The Student Association, situated at the Garthdee campus, is in place to offer a variety of opportunities for you to take advantage of. It focuses on providing a social environment combined with activities that everyone can take part in. As part of the Association, you have the chance to join a society or create your own where you meet with like-minded people and have the chance to hold events or go on trips. You can join a sports team and take part in country-wide competitions and events. If that doesn t float your boat, you can volunteer within the association, raise money for charity, meet new people or even just drop in for a chat. As a student, you are automatically a member of the Student Association on enrolment. This means that during your induction you will receive your FREE student card and gain access to all the opportunities that comes with it. It s that easy! 10

11 Although the Association is there to provide a social environment, it is also your representative to the university. If you have any problems with your course or think there is something missing that would benefit the students, the association will bring these to the attention of the university. You never know how much difference a small chat will make. The main thing to remember is that university is what you make of it, so make the most of every opportunity that comes your way! A NEW LIBRARY FOR A NEW YOU As a student, you will find that a lot of your time is spent studying in the new state-of-the-art library. Built in 2013, it features a separate floor for each sector, offering plenty of study space and PCs for you to use whenever you need them. Online tutorials on accessing library facilities make the process simple and show you how to do all sorts of things; such as referencing and using effective research methods. There are also library staff on hand to provide support throughout the day, alongside classes that cover everything you need to know to effectively find useful information. UCAS and SAAS Progressing through the Degree Link route doesn t mean that you don t need to apply through UCAS; this is still a requirement. Be sure to submit your completed application before the deadline to ensure your place at university. Visit their website for more information In order to make sure you have plenty money coming in, remember to get your SAAS application in as soon as possible; leaving it to the last moment might result in your payments getting delayed. For more information and to apply visit 11

12 HANNAH MCINTOSH HND Communication with Media BA (Hons) Public Relations Speaking about the differences between College and University learning, Hannah tells us about her experiences and gives a handy checklist for that big move. I attended St Margaret s School for Girls and decided to leave after fifth year as I struggled with my Highers due to the pressure of exam conditions. I chose to study HND Communication with Media and progressed straight into third year at RGU to study BA (Hons) Public Relations. When I initially decided to study Communication with Media, journalism was my main interest, but after completing my first year at college I felt more attracted to a career in public relations (PR). My PR lecturer, Lisa Rattray, was extremely helpful and a fantastic lecturer throughout my HND and her lessons definitely helped me make my decision to study PR. Before I made the transition to university I knew that there would be a jump and that studying for a degree would be more challenging. However, I found that my two years at college were focused on the practical elements of PR, which was invaluable in preparing me for working in a communications environment. My time at university has added to this. The focus on academic theory has reinforced the more practical skills I have learned at college. I had a placement whilst at university at ActivityMix, which is an employee engagement program. ActivityMix have already given me crucial experience with public relations, events management and general communications. I have been able to use my College knowledge (press releases, etc.) to assist me through work. When you progress from College to University, I would definitely recommend the following steps to help with the transition and workload: Most importantly, don t worry yourself about how hard University is going to be. I remember the fear that myself and friends at College felt before attending University and I never imagined I would do as well I have. It is challenging but if you put the work in it is definitely rewarding in the end. 12

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15 LUKAS PODHRAZKY HND Interactive Multimedia Creations - BA (Hons) Multimedia Development Before coming to Aberdeen to study, Lukas had been involved in app development, marketing and promotion of software in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. He is currently focusing on his studies and also working as an Acting Faculty Officer of Design and Technology at Robert Gordon University. He said: After finishing school, I weighed up my options and decided that the best thing for my career in the long run was to come to Scotland rather than stay at home. My parents didn t really approve of my decision in the beginning, but I managed to help them see that it was a great opportunity for me. I completed an HND at Banff and Buchan College (now NESCol Fraserburgh Campus) and then enrolled into third year at RGU. It was a very smooth transition from one institution to another. The application process was very straight forward and we received a lot of support. My fondest memory of college involves one of my lecturers - he started as a fisherman and worked hard towards gaining a degree followed by a teaching course. His dedication has inspired all of us. Now in my fourth year, I try to be as involved as I can in improving the student experience but I am focusing on my Honours Project. Being dyslexic, I understand the difficulties it can bring. That is why I am developing an assessment tool to make it easier for staff to screen students that might have dyslexia and need support and for students, to make sure the help they need is fast and efficient. I really enjoy studying at Robert Gordon University. They focus on employability and work experience. And I definitely don t regret going to College either. There are so many benefits. College helped me a lot. It was the right route for me! If there was one piece of advice I could give to international students like me it would be: Don t be afraid. Work hard and the results will come! 15

16 ANA- MARIA BOGDAN HND Events Management BA / BA(Hons) Events Management Speaking about her transition between college and university, Ana-Maria (22) explains why Degree Link was the best step she could take into higher education. I visited Scotland after I finished school in Romania and I fell in love with Aberdeen. I had always planned to go to university after school and I knew I wanted to study events management, but I didn t know where. I applied to and was offered places at five different Scottish universities, but I was also offered a place at North East Scotland College. In the end I decided to accept the place on the HND Events Management course at NESCol I knew the way the course was structured would be a good introduction to higher education. Plus, the option of joining the third year of a degree after completing my HND was a big draw. I really enjoyed my time at college. As part of the course, students are expected to gain experience (paid or voluntary) by working at events. I think I worked almost 400 hours in total at events both within and outside of the College. I loved it! When it came to applying to RGU through Degree Link I couldn t wait to continue my studies. I wasn t too worried about the step up because the transition between college and university was really well organised. I went to taster days at RGU whilst I was still studying at college and received lots of useful information. It helped me feel more confident about what to expect on my first day. The work we had done in college really prepared me for university as well I don t feel like the Degree Link students were any further behind those who had gone straight to RGU. I ve just completed my third year of a BA (Hons) Events Management and I really enjoyed it. On top of the work of the course, I was voted the class rep by my classmates for the 2013/14 year and this was a great experience. I even won a Student Contribution and Involvement Award because of my involvement. 16

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19 NEIL JOHNSTON HND Communication with Media BA (Hons) Media Speaking about taking the step between college and university, Neil (20) explains how his time at North East Scotland College was invaluable to his education. When I was in my last year at Aberdeen Grammar School I actually applied to RGU to study journalism, but the more I thought about it, I realised I wasn t quite ready to take the big step into university. I had heard really good things about the College as a stepping stone between school and uni. The 2+2 route was really appealing as it meant I could graduate at the same time as if I had just gone straight to university. The college course was great. We were taught such a range of skills and given such a broad understanding of the media industry. It was a really nice mix of modules. I formed a good working ethic during my HND too. The support I got from lecturers was exactly what I needed at the time. At the end of second year I was so glad I had gone to College I really felt ready to take the next step. Of course, I was worried that the students at RGU would be more advance or at a different level to the college students who joined them in third year, but that wasn t the case at all. College provided us with the opportunity to cover many areas of the media and I found it really easy to fit into the class at uni. RGU gives you slightly more creative freedom and I ve really enjoyed it so far. I ve passed third year and got an A for the main project. I m really looking forward to my honours year. 19

20 ART & DESIGN HND Photography BA Commercial Photography HND Visual Communication BSc / BSc (Hons) Digital Media Design, Production & Development BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT HNC Accounting HND Accounting BA / BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance BA / BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance (Part-time) HNC Administration & Information Technology HND Administration & Information Technology BA / BA (Hons) Management BA / BA (Hons) Management with Human Resource Management HND Advertising & Public Relations BA / BA (Hons) Public Relations HNC Business HND Business BA / BA (Hons) Management BA / BA (Hons) Management with Human Resource Management HND Legal Services BA / BA (Hons) Law & Management HND Travel & Tourism BA / BA (Hons) International Tourism Management HND Events Management BA / BA (Hons) Events Management HND Advertising & PR BA / BA (Hons) Public Relations This course is available on a Part-time basis. Applications are considered on an individual basis Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 20

21 CARE HNC Care & Administrative Practice B Nursing (Adult) B Nursing (Mental Health) Computing & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HNC Computing HND Computing: (Networking) BSc (Hons) Computer Network Management and Design BSc (Hons) Digital Media: Design, Production & Development HNC Computing HND Computing (Software Development) BSc (Hons) Computing (Application Software Development) BSc (Hons) Digital Media: Design, Production & Development HND Interactive Media (Web Development) BSc / BSc (Hons) Digital Media: Design, Production & Development ENGINEERING HNC Electronics HND Electronics BSc (Eng) Electronic & Electrical Engineering (Part-time) HND Electrical Engineering BEng (Hons) Electronic & Electrical Engineering BSc (Eng) Electronic & Electrical Engineering (Part-time) HND Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Offshore Engineering BSc (Eng) Mechanical Engineering (Part-time) Conditions Apply 2nd year entry 3rd year entry Taught Route 21

22 MUSIC, DRAMA & CREATIVE MEDIA HND Creative Industries: TV BA / BA (Hons) Media HNC Creative Industries: Radio BA / BA (Hons) Media HND Creative Industries: Media & Communication BA / BA (Hons) Public Relations BA / BA (Hons) Media SCIENCE HND Applied Science BSc / BSc (Hons) Biosciences with Biomedical Sciences BSc / BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Sciences SOCIAL SCIENCES HND Social Sciences BA / BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences Conditions Apply 2nd year entry 3rd year entry Taught Route 22

23 SPORT & FITNESS HND Fitness, Health and Exercise BSc / BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Science HND Sports Coaching with Development of Sport BSc / BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Science Conditions Apply 2nd year entry 3rd year entry Taught Route 23

24 Did you know that over 300 NORTH EAST SCOTLAND COLLEGE students GAINED ADVANCED ENTRY Into their chosen degree at RGU last year? WEB