A GUIDE TO STUDYING AT FIFE COLLEGE PROSPECTUS

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1 A GUIDE TO STUDYING AT FIFE COLLEGE PROSPECTUS

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5 Hello. Hello and welcome to our 2015/2016 Prospectus. This is your guide to studying at Fife College which will help you explore, choose and pursue a particular course and related career path. All you need to know about the courses we have to offer can be found in our comprehensive course listing which starts on page 55. The colour coded sections will help direct you to the subject area that you re interested in. We ve also put together a few helpful features on support services and college life which will give you a good idea of what you can expect when studying at Fife College. We hope this prospectus helps you make an informed choice about studying with us. If you have any questions please don t hesitate to get in touch. Call us on or [email protected] Fancy a chat? Fancy chatting through your options with someone that can help? Do you have a question regarding college or about a course you re interested in applying for? You can speak to the Customer Services Team on or use the chat function on our website. Just click Live Support at the top right of every page of our website to chat live to someone in our Customer Services Team. Get a feel for what s happening at Fife College by liking our page or following us on twitter. Follow us: Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 5

6 Contents WELCOME 9 A warm welcome to Fife College from Hugh Logan, Principal and Cheif Executive and Suze Edney, Student President. Apply online today! 10 APPLY ONLINE TODAY FEATURE 12 Achieving Your Goals with Fife College 14 Gaining Skills for Employment 17 Working with Employers to Improve Career Opportunities and Pathways Ensuring our students are job ready and have defined pathways to employment and career progression. RESOURCES 23 Qualifications Explained A comprehensive guide to the qualifications we offer. 32 Studying to Degree Level How studying at Fife College can take you to a degree 37 Facilities An overview of the facilities we have to offer across our campuses 41 Making it all add up A helpful guide to financing your studies at Fife College 48 Support, Advice & Guidance We re here to help! 50 We ve got Fife covered! Gaining Skills for Employment Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

7 READY TO APPLY? 53 How and When to Apply for Courses at Fife College 54 Competition Time! Win a Kindle Fire HDX! 54 Competition Time Complete our online survey for your chance to win a Kindle Fire HDX COURSE DIRECTORY 55 A detailed directory of our full-time courses Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 7

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9 Welcome from the Principal Fife College provides excellent opportunities for learners in Fife and is an ideal choice for your studies. Our aim is to provide a quality learning and teaching environment for all of our students, ensuring you have support systems in place to allow you to reach your true potential and achieve your ambitions. Working closely with Fife Council, as well as our local schools and businesses, we ensure that we provide clear pathways from school into further and higher education and, ultimately, employment. In the pages of this prospectus you will find a wealth of information about the facilities and support services available to you, as well as the range of courses we have to offer. This will allow you to make an informed choice on the course that s right for you. Fife College is a vibrant, fun and creative place to learn and I look forward to welcoming you. Hugh Logan Principal and Chief Executive Fife College Welcome from the Students Association On behalf of the students at Fife College, I would like to welcome you to the new prospectus! So, now that you ve opened your copy you ll want to find out more about Fife College and what it has to offer you. Take some time to have a good read, do some research and discuss your options to help you find the perfect course. Whether you re looking to try new things and meet new people, build on current qualifications or get the knowledge and skills to find your dream job, my team and I are here to help. Remember, college life isn t all about studying; having fun is important too. The Students Association is here to make sure you have just that! The Association is run by our students, for our students. We organise activities and events throughout the year and also work at getting you the best deals with local shops, pubs and clubs. We are also here to support you if things get tough. Representation, advice and support are always available to you should you need them. The Association has an open door policy, so pop in and say hello. This prospectus is just a snapshot of what we offer at Fife College. It s a great place to study. We hope you ll choose to join us and make memories that will stay with you forever! All the best, Suze Edney Student President Fife College Students Association (FCSA) Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 9

10 Our website is a really useful source of information for Course factsheets Online applications Student testimonials Campus tours...and much more! Visit Apply online today! It s as easy as 1 2 3! 10 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

11 1 2 3 Have a browse through our courses and find the one that s right for you. Visit the course search on our website and click on the apply online link within the relevant course entry. Follow the stepby-step online application process. You can also pick up an application form at any campus reception desk. If you have any questions please don t hesitate to get in touch. Call us on or [email protected]. Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 11

12 Achieving Your Goals with Fife College We know that everyone is different and that you will have your own unique goals and aspirations, both when you are getting ready to start college and when you are looking to leave and take the next step. Fife College offers a wide range of courses to help you develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills to prepare you for employment or further, more self-directed study. Fife College can help you achieve your goals through: Providing an alternative route to university, allowing you to study locally and preparing you for a higher level and different style of study Providing relevant and meaningful courses and qualifications to ensure you have the appropriate skills and qualifications for better employment opportunities and career development Studying at Fife College is a great way to gain qualifications but it is also so much more than that! You will also have the opportunity to share ideas and views, meet interesting people and make new friends. Your time at Fife College will encourage you to grow and develop confidence, initiative and independence that you can take forward into your life and future career. 12 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

13 Jenna Makein NC Fashion Design and Manufacture Employed as a visual merchandiser at Marks and Spencer The course was great. I really enjoyed the mix of business and design which catered for everyone; those keen to go to university and those keen on heading straight into work. Part of the course included a placement at House of Fraser with their Visual Merchandiser. This was a fantastic experience and it made me realise that Visual Merchandising was definitely the job for me. Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 13

14 Gaining Skills for Employment Generally, gaining a qualification after school will increase your earning potential many times over, and so will the wider skills and attributes that you will develop by studying your qualification at Fife College. We work closely with businesses and employers to ensure that we deliver the skills, competences and learning that will put you in the best position to start and build your career. By developing programmes that are relevant, up-to-date and support the needs of businesses, we help our students gain the skills that employers are looking for. We also regularly review and adapt our courses to meet the changing needs of industry, ensuring that you gain the skills you really need to go from college straight into employment. So, what skills are employers looking for? Well, employers look for vocational competence, in other words, skills related to the industry. As well as knowledge, experience and a relevant industry qualification, these skills include: Reliability Self-motivation Readiness to follow instructions and take advice Ability to work co-operatively with others, listen and follow instructions Willingness to carry out tasks and being open to advice and guidance Taking responsibility Flexibility Versatility Integrity Enthusiasm Good at communicating Focus and determination At Fife College, all of our courses are designed to help you develop these skills so that you are ready for employment when you complete your studies. They also include elements of the following core or essential skills, valued by employers: Communication Numeracy Information and Communications Technology Working with Others Problem Solving 14 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

15 Every year, students qualifying from colleges in Scotland see their collective income increase by 150M. Scotland s Colleges; The Economic Impact of Scotland s Colleges. Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 15

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17 SPECIAL FEATURE Working with Employers to Improve Career Opportunities and Pathways Developing the right skills for the right job is essential that s why we work with partners such as Fife Council and Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and liaise with employers in the Fife area and beyond to help our students enter their chosen careers more quickly and become more successful in the job market. By involving employers in education we can help address the situation where students find they are unable to get a job when they leave education because they lack experience and haven t built up the skills they need to help them secure employment. Our fantastic links with a wide variety of employers ensure that Fife College students are job ready and have defined pathways to employment and career progression after their studies. Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 17

18 SPECIAL FEATURE HOT NEWS A competitive science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills base is vital to our future as a knowledge intensive economy. As the economy rebalances towards manufacturing investment and exports, major growth sectors require these skills. CBI March 2014 Fife College Leading on the Fife STEM Strategy to Provide the Skills and Qualifications to Build a Successful and Prosperous Economy. What is STEM? STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. STEM industries in Fife are: Advanced manufacturing Heavy engineering (bridge & ship-building) Energy, especially renewables engineering Science technicians (hospital labs, research and development, nursing and other health posts Engineering maintenance STEM industries have been identified by the Scottish Government as critical for Scotland s future economic success. There are many opportunities in this area for young people with the skills, qualifications and enthusiasm to follow a career in these industries. Global organisations such as GE Oil and Gas will see 50% of its Scottish workforce retire in the next few years, and are actively engaged in recruiting to ensure they have a skilled workforce which will support their future growth and success. Other organisations are also concerned there will be skills shortages in years to come due to an ageing workforce. Fife College is taking a lead role in the development of a STEM strategy and working with key partners to provide a solution to this skills deficit. This will ensure that the courses we offer reflect the needs of the economy and include the skills required to support the growth of STEM industries. 18 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

19 The Life Sciences sector has a turnover in excess of 3.1bn per year. DID YOU KNOW Life Sciences employs around 32,000 people across 600+ organisations in Scotland. Fife College Pilots New Foundation Apprenticeships Fife College is piloting a new foundation apprenticeship programme with 50 pupils in five Fife schools. This will offer pupils the opportunity to take part in vocational learning while in fulltime education, boosting their employability skills and increasing their chances of moving into the workplace upon leaving school. As opportunities grow in engineering, there will be a greater need for more skilled people to work in this sector. Developing these skills and vocational competencies at school will open up more options for pupils when they leave secondary school as they will have the choice of pursuing a Modern Apprenticeship, going to college or university, or moving in to employment with an increased confidence in their skills for the workplace. Engineering is a rewarding career that can open doors and has the potential to take employees anywhere in the world. Very few girls in Fife choose careers in engineering in spite of the strong engineering sector in Fife. In FMC Technologies (a global organisation with a site in Dunfermline) 37% of their workforce is female, although hardly any of these are from Fife or Scotland. This pilot also aims to encourage more women into the sector and improve awareness of engineering careers. Fife College Supporting the Life Sciences Sector to Address Future Skills Shortages Over the past few years Fife College and NHS Lothian have developed an innovative partnership to deliver training and education programmes in laboratory science from a unique, purpose-built training facility within St John s Hospital, West Lothian. Working together, we have developed a twoyear training programme for S5/S6 school pupils so that alongside first-rate practical skills, they also gain nationally recognised qualifications and invaluable industry awareness through studying in a real-life working laboratory. Successful completion of Year One will provide pupils with the required qualifications to join a Modern Apprenticeship programme within the Life Science sector or NHS. Completion of the HNC Applied Science in Year Two allows direct articulation into second year of many related college and university degree programmes. Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 19

20 SPECIAL FEATURE The new campus is due to open in Fife College - Leading the Way in the Implementation of Exciting New Career Routes Fife College has been working with partners to develop opportunities for students to build their work readiness and develop the right blend of knowledge, skills and experience they will need to be successful in their chosen field. An example of this is the Integrated Career Pathway for Hospitality and Tourism which will be available at the new Fife College Levenmouth Campus. School pupils in S3 and S4 will be able to study an SVQ in Hospitality at Level 1 whilst still at school as their college curriculum option. This will serve as a pre-apprenticeship course with entry into VQ 2 Modern Apprentice with Fife College. After a year of employment with Fife College as a fulltime Modern Apprentice, with all of the apprentices workbased learning taking place in the College s Levenmouth Bistro, supporting progression to wider career opportunities in tourism. Similarly, they aim to open up new career routes for school leavers in Care, Engineering, Computing Networking, and Hair and Beauty as well as progression routes into further study with Fife College. 20 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

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23 QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED A comprehensive guide to the qualifications we offer. Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 23

24 QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is a way of comparing the wide range of Scottish qualifications. It covers achievements such as those from school, college and university as well as many workbased qualifications. The level of a qualification indicates the level of difficulty and the number of credit points indicates the length of time it takes to complete. One SCQF credit point represents an average of 10 hours of learning time. Every Scottish university and college is now using SCQF levels and credit points to describe their courses. The table opposite will give you a quick and easy to understand guide to the different SCQF levels. 24 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

25 QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED SCQF Level SQA Qualification Qualifications of Higher Education Institutions SVQs/MAs 12 Doctoral Degree Professional Apprenticeship Some SQA qualifications are changing between see Masters Degree, Integrated Masters Degree, Post Graduate Diploma, Post Graduate Certificate Honours Degree, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate Professional Apprenticeship SVQ 5 Professional Apprenticeship 9 Professional Development Award Bachelors / Ordinary Degree, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate Technical Apprenticeship SVQ 4 8 Higher National Diploma Diploma of Higher Education Technical Apprenticeship SVQ 4 7 Advanced Higher Scottish Baccalaureate Higher National Certificate Certificate of Higher Education Modern Apprenticeship SVQ 3 6 Higher Modern Apprenticeship SVQ 3 5 National 5 Intermediate 2 Modern Apprenticeship SVQ 2 4 National 4 Intermediate 1 National Certificate National Progression Award SVQ 1 3 National 3 Access 3 2 National 2 Access 2 1 National 1 Access 1 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 25

26 QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED At Fife College, we provide a range of courses at all levels to suit your individual needs and circumstances, offering useful and relevant education whatever your starting point. From Introductory and Access courses to HNC, HND and Degree level courses, you can be sure to find something suited to your own ability. Skills for Work Our Skills for Work courses are designed specifically for school pupils. You would attend college one day a week to achieve a qualification similar in level to a National 3. These courses help you develop career skills and awareness, learn about college life and the pathways available to help you on your way to your future career goals. Highers Highers can improve your future job prospects, help you move onto further study at HNC/HND level or simply allow you to gain some new skills and qualifications. Many of these are offered either for daytime study or as evening classes within the college, and sometimes as transitional day release programmes. Further Education Access and Introductory Courses Access and Introductory courses are the perfect stepping stone for those with no formal qualifications who want to progress to higher levels of study. National Certificate (NC), National Qualification (NQ) and City & Guilds These courses are designed for school leavers and typically last one year. These courses can be used as a stepping stone to employment or on to further study at HNC and HND level. Higher Education Higher National Certificate (HNC) HNCs are normally offered through the equivalent of one year s full-time study and are generally recognised as the equivalent of your first year of study at university. With the completion of an HNC, you have the option of progressing through to an HND, degree or employment. Higher National Diploma (HND) HNDs tend to last two years if done as a full-time course. If you re progressing through from HNC, you can go straight into the second year of the HND meaning you will only need one year to complete your qualification. HNDs are generally recognised as your second year of university study and give you the option of progression through to a degree or employment. Degrees There are many routes to studying a degree with Fife College. Working alongside partner universities, we can offer a great range of degrees right on your doorstep and articulation routes to other university courses with the benefit of studying the first two years locally. Have a look at our degree section on pages for more information. 26 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

27 Daniel Croft NQ Professional Catering HNC Professional Cookery Now employed as Commis Chef at the Dakota, Edinburgh I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Fife College, I learned so much and it has given me the opportunity to get a job doing what I want to do. I continue to learn every day. It s very hard work, but as the Head Chef says; you get out what you put in, and I m really enjoying every minute of it. It s great to be able to develop the skills that I learned at College - basic knife skills and cooking techniques have given me the background needed to keep learning and improving as a chef. Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 27

28 QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS (MAs) Our Modern Apprentices are our managers and directors of the future. Ian Farrow, General Manager Score (Europe) Limited Did you know Fife College trains over 700 Modern Apprentices each year the largest MA Contract for a college 28 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

29 QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) Modern Apprenticeships are now very popular with employers. As well as creating a more responsive, motivated workforce through broader, transferable skills and self-learning, it may also reduce staff turnover by the implementation of career progression plans. Modern Apprenticeships are available in a variety of areas from motor vehicle, computing and life sciences to customer services, engineering, and many more. They offer over 16s the opportunity to train for a nationally-recognised qualification whilst being in paid employment. An MA is ideal for ambitious people starting out in their career. All of our MA courses are industry-developed to include the skills required for success in that profession. By taking the Modern Apprentice route, school leavers can earn sooner, but still work towards a qualification whilst in employment and earning a salary. So, if you want to combine study with work and earn a regular wage then this might be the perfect route for you. If you don t get a Modern Apprenticeship at your first attempt, then don t be disheartened. Studying on a full-time basis can often help you to further develop your knowledge and skills, providing you with an interview opportunity and great experiences to put on your CV. Fife College can also bring together students who are looking for an apprenticeship with employers who are looking to fill apprenticeship vacancies. Employers often come to us looking for our best students to recruit as apprentices as they know that our successful students will have the required level of knowledge to enter their industry and the commitment to pursue their chosen career. We can also help you with interview preparation. Studying for a Modern Apprenticeship was definitely the right choice for me enabling me to earn a good salary and qualifications. The Weir Group has been extremely supportive and has opened up a diverse range of opportunities to me which have helped me gain a wealth of experience. The theory and practical skills gained at Fife College have also been invaluable. I am delighted to be the first person to complete this apprenticeship and it s good to know that there are many more students about to follow in my footsteps. I look forward now to a great career in the renewable energy industry and to a promising future. Allan Wilson UK s First Wind Energy Modern Apprentice A skilled workforce is vital for our success and apprentices are central to this. Score encourages and promotes ongoing education and training, supporting our employees to continue on to future study and careers. In fact, fifty-percent of our Board members started with us as Modern Apprentices our apprentices are our managers and directors of the future. Ian Farrow General Manager Score (Europe) Limited Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 29

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32 DID YOU KNOW? You can study the first two years of your degree at Fife College before progressing to third and fourth year at university?* *Dependent on appropriate passes in graded units at HN level 32 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

33 STUDYING TO DEGREE LEVEL Qualification Progression Route Diagram Entry level depending on existing qualifications Postgraduate Qualifications Honours Degree Degree HND HNC NQ/NC Access Programmes employment and career progression employment employment employment or articulation to a related degree not offered at Fife College Pre-entry qualifications eg. NQ or Highers can be gained at Fife College. HNC = university year 1 HND = university year 2 Degree choose to study year 2, 3 or 4 at Fife College or university Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 33

34 STUDYING TO DEGREE LEVEL Make Fife College Your First Step Towards University If you want to go to university, coming to college can be the ideal stepping stone. It allows you to enter at a level that you feel comfortable at and progress one step at a time. It can also help you gain independent study and research skills in a supportive environment. We offer a range of degree courses, in partnership with highly regarded universities, as well as defined articulation routes to other degree programmes. Articulation Routes An articulation route is a pathway between an HNC or an HND and a degree programme, usually agreed between a college and a university. There are also a number of routes into degree programmes that are not published but can be identified from student applications. These articulation routes mean that you can study an HNC or HND with Fife College then progress directly on to a degree course at university; usually with entry into second or third year, providing a more affordable option of studying locally for the first two years. By successfully completing years one and two at college you will achieve an HNC and HND respectively. So if a career opportunity should arise, you can exit your studies at that point with a recognised qualification and skills relevant to the job market. You may also have the opportunity to continue your degree level studies on a part-time basis. Contact us to discuss your options. Studying for a degree locally was a great option as it was less expensive than studying away from home. I was delighted that Fife College offered such a great progression route, allowing me to complete my degree up to honours level. I m now at University in Glasgow studying a post-graduate degree in Secondary Business Education and enjoying the student life. It is hard work but I know it will all be worth it in the end. Emma Boyes HNC and HND in Business Studies BA (Hons) Business Fife College Currently studying at the University of Glasgow. 34 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

35 STUDYING TO DEGREE LEVEL Studying to Degree Level Locally at Fife College Delivered in partnership with highly regarded universities, these degree places give you the chance to study at degree level locally; keeping living, study and travel costs to a minimum. While studying for a degree at Fife College, as an Associate student of a university, you will be provided with many significant benefits. This will include potential attendance at university events/lectures, access to university library facilities and the chance to experience a university culture. In addition, certain universities may offer summer school and work experience depending on the course. Partner Universities Degree opportunities currently available include: University of Abertay Dundee BA Accounting with Finance BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance BA Business BA (Hons) Business BA Learning Difficulties/Disabilities BA Visual Communication and Digital Publishing BSc Applied Networking Technologies BSc Web Design and Development University of St Andrews BSc Science University of Dundee BA Art and Design BA (Hons) Art and Design BA Social Sciences BA (Hons) Social Sciences Heriot-Watt University BSc Construction Project Management BSc Quantity Surveying Construction BSc Computer Science BSc Sustainable Architecture BA Fashion BA (Hons) Fashion MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering MEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering Edinburgh Napier University BA Business Management BEng Energy and Environmental Engineering BEng (Hons) Energy and Environmental Engineering The Open University BA Social Sciences BA (Hons) Social Sciences Glasgow Caledonian University BA Fashion Queen Margaret University BA (Hons) International Hospitality and Tourism BA Business Management BA Events Management Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 35

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37 FACILITIES Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 37

38 At Fife College, you ll have the benefit of first class learning facilities and environments within our campuses and local learning centres across Fife. Our classrooms and learning environments are tailored to subject areas with many offering realistic work-based settings, including: Specialist workshops Purpose-built labs Television and recording studios Training kitchens Hair and beauty salons Then when it s time to hit the books, we also offer well-resourced libraries with dedicated study spaces, perfect for when you need to do some research or simply find a quiet place to write up a report, read a textbook or use a computer. Library facilities are available across our campuses visit to find out more including locations and opening hours. 38 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

39 And of course, there s more to College life than studying We have areas where you can relax, gather your thoughts and catch up with friends. There is also a lot for you to get involved in when your classes are finished for the day or you ve got some spare time. Here are just a few of the many highlights! Grab a Bite Our campuses have their own cafés and restaurants serving hot and cold meals and snacks. Vending machines are also available if you need to grab a quick refreshment on the go! And remember, it s not just chips. We have a wide range of options for you from sandwiches to hearty, cooked meals. Healthy eating is extremely important and at Fife College we offer plenty of healthy eating options. If you fancy something a little more special, book into one of our College Bistros for a delicious à la carte meal. All meals are prepared by our Hospitality students and chefs. To whet your appetite for the delicious food served at our Bistros, visit to view sample menus. Dinners and lunches are served throughout the year during term time and are very popular! Don t miss out! Pamper Yourself Treat yourself to a spot of pampering at our very own Inspired Salons offering hair, beauty and complementary therapy treatments at a fraction of the cost of the High Street. And if you re looking for something more eco-friendly, we offer sector leading green and health conscious treatments and products as well as traditional colours, etc. at our new hairdressing salon in Halbeath; the nation s very first vented green salon. Our Inspired Salons are located at Cupar, Halbeath, Stenton and St Brycedale Campuses. Visit for more information. Work Up a Sweat! As a student of Fife College, you can become a member of our Inspired Gym, located at St Brycedale Campus. This includes a fully equipped gym (cardiovascular and resistance machinery, free-weight area and mat areas), fitness studio, sports hall and shower/changing facilities. Our trained and enthusiastic fitness staff are on hand to offer advice and support, as well as help to inspire your workout. Chill Out As well as great teaching rooms and training facilities, we have a number of less formal open spaces across our campuses for you to relax in between classes and chat with your classmates. Let Us Entertain You! Located on the first floor of St Brycedale Campus is our very own theatre. As well as providing an excellent learning space for our students, the theatre also hosts a wide range of student performances throughout the year. Keep an eye on the College website for upcoming productions and booking details. Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 39

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41 Making it all add up. A guide to financing your studies at Fife College Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 41

42 Making it all add up. REMEMBER that you should apply for all your funding as early as possible. You need to make sure that everything is in place before you start. Deciding to come to college is one of the best decisions that you will ever make and deciding to study at Fife College is an even better one! Further education will increase your employability and earning potential. Starting your new course is a very exciting time, but it can also be a little daunting. The issues of money and funding can be big considerations for many students. The good news is that at Fife College, we have a wide range of support available to help you fund your studies. Our fantastic team is here to help you with everything from tuition fees to travel expenses. They ve seen it all (and are very friendly!) so don t be afraid to ask for help or advice. There s no need to make an appointments, just pop in and see them, or give them a call on With our at-a-glance guide to student funding opposite, you can quickly and easily see what types of funding may apply to you. There is also more information available over the next few pages. 42 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

43 For students studying... Type of Funding Full-time NQ, NC, City & Guilds Full-time HNC, HND, Degree, Professional Qualifications Part-time NQ, NC, City & Guilds Part-time HNC, HND, Degree, Professional Qualifications Tuition Fees Paid Yes Apply to College Yes Apply to SAAS* Yes Apply to College Yes Apply to SAAS* (Part-time Fee Grant) Bursary EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) Yes (19 or older) Apply to College Yes (under 19) Apply to College Yes (Young Students / Independent Students Bursary) Apply to SAAS* No No No No No Student Loan No Yes Apply to SAAS* No No Supplementary Grants Yes Apply to College Yes Apply to SAAS* No Yes Apply to SAAS* Childcare Expenses Yes Apply to College Yes Apply to College Yes Apply to College Yes Apply to College Travel Expenses Yes Apply to College Yes Apply to SAAS* Yes Apply to College No Disability Support Yes Apply to College Yes Apply to SAAS* Yes Apply to College Yes Apply to SAAS* Individual Learning Account (ILA) 200 No No Yes Apply to ILA Yes Apply to ILA Council Tax Exemption/ Discount Yes (24 week minimum course) Apply to local Council Yes (24 week minimum course) Apply to local Council No No * to apply to SAAS, visit their website at Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 43

44 Making it all add up. Tuition Fees Paid Who s eligible? Almost everyone: all full-time students and also part-time students who are in receipt of a qualifying benefit. How do I apply? If you are starting a full-time or part-time NQ, NC or City & Guilds qualification, you need to apply directly to the College and complete a Bursary/EMA Application Form (available online and from Customer Services). If you are starting a full-time or part-time HNC, HND, Degree or Professional Qualification course, you should contact SAAS directly through their website Bursary Who s eligible? Students aged 19 and over who are starting an NQ, NC or City & Guilds qualification; students who are studying an HNC, HND, Degree or Professional Qualification may be eligible for a Young Students Bursary if under 25 on an Independent Students Bursary if over 25. How do I apply? If you re under 19 and starting an appropriate course, you should apply to the College and complete a Bursary/EMA Application Form (available online and from Customer Services). If you are starting an HNC, HND, Degree or Professional Qualification and are under 25, you should apply to SAAS for a Young Students Bursary or if you are over 25, you should apply to SAAS for an Independent Students Bursary. EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) Who s eligible? Students who are under the age of 19 and are beginning study on full-time FE courses. (SCQF Level 6 and below) How do I apply? If you meet the requirements, you should apply to the College and complete a Bursary/EMA Application Form (available online and from Customer Services). The amount of support you receive will be determined by the income coming into your household. Student Loan Who s eligible? Students of any age beginning full-time HNCs, HNDs, Degrees or Professional Qualifications. How do I apply? If you are starting an applicable course, you should apply to SAAS. Supplementary Grants Who s eligible? There are different Supplementary Grants available for different types of student. How do I apply? For full-time students starting NQs, NCs and City & Guild qualifications, the Dependant Adult Allowance is available by applying directly to the College. For full-time students on HNC, HND, Degree or Professional Qualification courses, you can apply for a Dependants Grant, Lone Parents Grant and Additional Childcare Grant for Lone Parents through SAAS. For part-time students studying Advanced Level courses, SAAS may offer a Part-Time Fee Grant, depending on your circumstances and you should apply to them. 44 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

45 Making it all add up. Childcare Expenses Who s eligible? Students with young children, in certain circumstances, can receive financial assistance for registered childcare. How do I apply? If you feel that your circumstances make you eligible, you should apply to the College. Travel Expenses Who s eligible? Students who are aged 18 or under who live more than two miles from the campus they will be based at qualify for help with travel expenses. Students who are over 18 who live more than two miles from the campus they will be based at will then be means tested for eligibility for help with travel expenses. How do I apply? Part-time students should apply to the College and complete a Part-Time Funding Application Form. Full-time students starting NQs, NCs and City & Guilds courses should apply to the College and complete a Bursary/EMA Application Form. Full-time HNC, HND, Degree and Professional Qualification students should apply to SAAS. Disability Support Who s eligible? Any student with a disability. How do I apply? Full-time students should apply to the College for an Additional Support Needs for Learning Allowance. Part-time students should apply for the Disabled Students Allowance from SAAS. Individual Learning Account (ILA) 200 Who s eligible? Part-time students in certain circumstances. How do I apply? You should firstly check whether or not your course is ILA funded. You should then check your own eligibility against the criteria on before applying directly to ILA. ILA 200 funding MUST be in place prior to the start of your course. Council Tax Exemption/Discount Who s it for? Full-time students who are attending College for a minimum of 24 weeks. How do I apply? You should apply by contacting your local Council AFTER the start of your course. Student Discounts All Fife College students are eligible for fantastic discounts and privileges with certain companies and organisations. These range from hair salons to tyre distributors. This is updated and refreshed every year and a list will be made available to you at the start of the academic year. Need some help? Contact Us To find out what support could be available to you call us on Useful Links * Please note funding is based on individual circumstances and each application will be dealt with separately. **When you apply for any type of funding, you will be asked to provide ID, such as your driving license or birth certificate. You will also be asked to show your household income for the most recent tax year. All funding is based on individual circumstances and each application is dealt with separately. Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 45

46 Making it all add up. Scholarships If you are committed to your studies and successful in your coursework, you may be eligible for a scholarship. If so, your lecturers will encourage you to apply for the scholarship relevant to your course. A scholarship is a sum of money that you can use to purchase equipment and materials you need for your course to help you reach your full potential. Over the years, students have used the money for everything from laptops and textbooks to hairdressing scissors and software. All scholarships are offered through the Adam Smith Foundation. The Adam Smith Enterprise and Education Foundation, also known as the Adam Smith Foundation, is the charitable trust of Fife College. The Foundation was established in 1997 with two main aims: to improve and provide opportunities for students and to enhance the learning experience across Fife. Since then, it has disbursed over 800 scholarships and awarded over 380,000. Last year, the Foundation awarded 17 scholarships in total to 111 full-time students from a wide range of subject areas. The Foundation has been able to develop its Scholarship Programme thanks to the support and generosity of businesses, charitable trusts and individual donors. Looking for more information? Contact us [email protected] 46 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

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48 Support, Advice & Guidance You will not be on your own when you come to college as there is a wide range of support available to you. Our Student Services Team can offer support, advice and guidance to you before you start college and during your induction as well as throughout your time with us. The Team can even help you with your plans for the future after finishing your studies. Their team of specialist staff can offer confidential support at all stages of the learning journey. Prospective students, and existing students, can make an appointment to see one of the advisors in private to talk to them about any concerns they may have, including; personal issues, financial concerns, on-going support and exit guidance when progressing to further study or employment. As well as our own excellent staff, we also work with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Careers Advisors to give you the best advice we can. For more information visit the Guidance section of our website. Career Management and Employment Advice We also offer careers and employment advice. Our professional and dedicated staff have a wealth of experience and expertise and are well placed to provide you with the support and resources you need to enhance your career management skills, helping with CV writing, interview preparation and anything else you might need to get you ready to apply for jobs. Health and Safety The College has robust health and safety procedures and each area has their own comprehensive risk assessments and procedures. All students are made aware of these as part of their induction. If you have additional support needs or a disability, an individual risk assessment will be carried out and any specific arrangements/resources put in place to enable safe participation in your course. Remember there are no silly questions! We are dedicated to helping you in any way we can. 48 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

49 Equality and Diversity At Fife College, we are committed to ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and that aspects of people s lives such as age, disability, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and religion, among other irrelevant factors, are not used as an excuse for poorer, unfair or disrespectful treatment, discrimination, bullying or harassment. So-called jokes, unacceptable language, behaviour and sectarianism are not part of our College culture and we take all complaints and concerns very seriously. If you would like to speak to someone about any concerns regarding non-compliance of our policies, have any suggestions to make about equality matters in the College, or would like to see a copy of our policy on Equality and Diversity, please contact our Customer Services Team. How can we help? We can help you with: Course advice and availability Guidance appointments Qualifications framework and progression routes Financial support Learning and study support How to apply and the application process Filling in forms Accommodation Childcare Flexible study and e-learning Study spaces Additional support needs Personal support and advice Reasonable adjustments and competence standards Finding a job that s right for you Our Student Services Teams provide support, advice and guidance across all campuses Find out more Good to talk Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 49

50 Meeting your needs Inclusion and Support Team We believe that learning is better when everyone can take part. We think about our learning environment and the range of differences among students and do what we can to make the College accessible and inclusive. We know, however, that individuals are different, and that some learners need further changes to get the same chances. Who Needs Support? You may not think of yourself as having support needs but if you have a greater difficulty in learning or taking part in learning than others within your age group, then you are entitled to support. This can be due to many reasons, e.g. disability, difficulties with learning, health condition or impairment. Sometimes the learning environment or parts of a course are a problem. This may be to do with the learning materials or the way some students access learning - all sorts of problems. What We Can Do: The Inclusion and Support Team provides information and advice on individual needs. The College is responsible for providing educational support, e.g. accessible computer equipment or inclusive technologies training, a sign language interpreter and learning materials in alternative format. The Team also provides learning opportunities for skill building in learning and study and using technologies for learning. Partnership Matters A number of different organisations provide support in College. The College works together with these organisations to provide you with the services you need. If you are in need of personal care then, in general, the Social Work service is responsible. Examples include assistance at lunchtime or help going to the toilet. Voluntary organisations, such as Lead Scotland or The National Autistic Society might provide other kinds of support. Other students get help to apply to SAAS for the Disabled Students Allowance if they are studying a course of Higher Education. These are only examples the support given will depend on your individual needs. 50 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

51 Tell Us What You Need: We encourage students to tell us about their individual needs as early as possible in the application process, because it takes time to plan and arrange adjustments and organise support. Any disclosure of a support need will be dealt with confidentially and sensitively and will not influence the admissions process. If you speak up and tell us what barriers may get in the way of your learning, we can help you to explore how the College will be able to meet your individual needs. This means that you have a say in what equipment or learning support will be most helpful to you, but you also have responsibility for thinking about and letting us know what you will need. Inclusion and Support Teams, Across all Campuses The Inclusion and Support Team is happy to help with visits to campuses by individuals, we just ask that you make an appointment. The earlier you talk to us the better. Speak up, make your voice heard by Howard Lake is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Contact us: By Phone: You can call us , extension 5254 for Rosyth and Halbeath Campuses for St Brycedale and Nairn Campus for Stenton, Cupar and Leven Campus By You can us [email protected] Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 51

52 WE VE GOT FIFE COVERED! A91 M90 A91 Ladybank No matter where you are in Fife, we re not too far away! With campuses located across the Kingdom, as well as a host of local Learning Centres, the College is only a short bus, car or train journey away and within easy reach of the Fife community, making learning more accessible. A91 Kinross Lomond Hills Regional Park Falkland A92 Stenton Campus Stenton Road Glenrothes KY6 2RA Leslie Glenrothes Kingskettl Markinch M90 Ballingry Kinglassie Thornton Blairadam Cardenden Cluny A92 A915 Kelty Lochgelly Dysart Saline Oakley Cairneyhill A985 Halbeath Campus Pittsburgh Road Dunfermline KY11 8DY Crossford A985 Dunfermline Townhill Halbeath A823(M) Crossgates M90 A921 Rosyth Inverkeithing Cowdenbeath A92 Dalgety Bay Aberdour St Brycedale Campus St Brycedale Avenue Kirkcaldy KY1 1EX A921 Burntisland Kinghorn Kirkcaldy Rosyth Campus Wood Road Rosyth Business Park Rosyth KY11 2EA North Queensferry A90 Robert Purvis House Castle Road Rosyth KY11 2AU 52 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

53 Cupar To St Andrews Kingsbarns Ceres Cupar Campus Carslogie Road Cupar KY15 4JB A915 Chance Inn e Crail Kennoway Leven A915 Upper Largo Colinsburgh Lundin Links St. Monans Pittenweem Anstruther Windygates Elie A915 Methil East Wemyss Buckhaven Leven Campus Victoria Road Leven KY8 4EU Priory Campus Victoria Road Kirkcaldy KY1 2QT Did we mention? Our excellent local Learning Centres in Anstruther, Abbeyview, Auchmuty, Bowhill, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Rosyth, Valleyfield and St Andrews offer a wide range of courses from numeracy, literacy and computing through to Windows courses, ECDL and Step In/Step Up, LEAP and Get Ready for Work our extremely popular preemployability courses. Call for more information. Need travel advice? Which is easiest foot, car, bus or train? Give Traveline a phone on or visit www. travellinescotland.com for all the latest details on public transport options for you. On Your Bike! If you fancy a healthy option and want to cycle to college, several of our campuses have bike racks so you can store your bike securely. Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 53

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55 How and When to Apply for Courses at Fife College Application received Thank you! Applications open in February and from then, you can apply for courses at any time in fact, with courses being so popular, we recommend that you apply as early as possible. Receipt of application provided within five working days Things to remember: you don t have to wait until you receive your exam results to apply; conditional offers for places can be given subject to you passing your exams. You can apply for more than one course, but you can only accept one offer. Please see the How to Apply section on our website for further information. What happens when I apply? We are committed to ensuring our admissions process is fair, transparent and consistent for all of our potential students. The diagram opposite provides a summary of the process your application will go through from submission date to outcome. Application considered within one of six time blocks noted below: December to end of January February to mid March Mid March to end of April May to mid June Mid June to end of July August The time block your application will fall into will depend on the date your application was received by the College. Maximum You will be advised of the outcome of your application within eight weeks of submission date. Did you know that last year over 85% of our applications were online! Depending on the course and level you re applying for, you may be required to attend an interview. Certain programmes, for example arts and the performing arts, will require a portfolio of work or participation in an audition. Other programmes may require an application for a PVG check. Find out more about our application process on the College website at Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 55

56 Win a Kindle Fire HDX Fancy getting your hands on a brand new Kindle Fire HDX? To be in with the chance of winning this amazing prize all you have to do is complete our very short online survey. The survey, which will only take a few minutes to complete, asks a range of questions relating to our prospectus. The information we gain from this is invaluable and will ensure we re producing a publication that meets the needs of our prospective students. IT S EASY TO ENTER! Complete the online survey for your chance to win! Visit pages/surveys.aspx Complete the online survey for your chance to win! Good luck! The survey closes on Friday 28 August 2015 with the winner being notified by Friday 4 September Terms and conditions apply. See website for details. 56 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

57 COURSE DIRECTORY The directory highlights Fife College s full-time courses starting in August Courses are available in: Creative Industries Hair and Beauty Care and Social Sciences Tourism, Events, Retail, Hospitality & Culinary Arts Sport and Fitness Languages and ESOL Business and Management Computing Engineering and Renewables Built Environment Science Skills for Life and Work Apply online today! Looking to study part-time? From introductory level through to professional qualifications, there are a variety of options available and many ways to study with us. Evenings Distance Learning Work-based Flexible Learning Visit for more information and a list of courses. We aim to ensure accuracy in all our published information. However, circumstances outwith our control can lead to future change. If this has been your experience, you have our sincere apologies. Fife College cannot accept liability for any loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained in this information. This information does not form part of a formal contract and we reserve the right to refuse admission. 57

58 Skills for Life and Work If you re unsure which direction you re heading or interested in gaining extra skills to prepare you for the challenges of life, we can show you the way. We offer a range of courses to help you fulfil your potential in a college setting by providing a wide variety of learning experiences which helps develop confidence and independence. With a range of practical subjects including arts and crafts, woodwork, catering, computing and team oriented activities, you will discover more about yourself and working with others. College Based Learning College based courses offered at Fife College are designed to give opportunities to school leavers and those in the senior phase of school who require additional support to help develop personal and life skills, gaining qualifications along the way. Our courses all offer progression routes leading to employability, vocational education or meaningful community engagement. We ve built links with schools and agencies across Fife, to offer a wide variety of options to help you on your journey towards reaching your full potential in life. To speak to someone about any of our college courses or learning opportunities contact: Craig Martin, Curriculum Manager: Supported Programmes, Halbeath and Cupar Lynne Ralph, Curriculum Manager: Supported Programmes, Stenton and St Brycedale 188 Fife College Prospectus 2015/16

59 Community Learning Many courses are offered in our main college campuses and local community-based venues throughout Fife delivered in partnership with Fife Council and other partners. This provides you with the opportunity to study close to home and in some circumstances assistance with travel costs and childcare. Within the Learning Centres there is the opportunity to start with introductory level qualifications to either gain experience to progress further to mainstream vocational courses or to get support with employability skills. At this level you will get support with basic keyboarding, internet and and job seeking skills, enabling independent job search. If you are looking to brush up your computing skills to assist with employability there is the opportunity to undertake qualifications at a higher level. The classes are delivered in a relaxed and supportive environment, where staff are experienced in helping you reach your potential. You will be provided with extra guidance and additional support to help you achieve your goals. To find out more about options and courses offered in the community in Fife please contact Jane Barclay, Curriculum Manager: Supported Programmes Full-time courses include: Access to Further Education ASDAN Future Skills Future Pathways Lifeskills: Towards Independence NPA Enterprise and Employability NQ Employability and Work Skills Looking for a part-time course or flexible study? We also offer a wide range of courses from numeracy, literacy and computing through to Windows courses as well as Princes Trust, Step In/Step Up, ECCDL and our extremely popular pre-employment courses. Many course are available to apply for at any point in the academic year. For more information, just give us a call, pop into one of our local learning centres or visit Fife College Prospectus 2015/16 189

60 Apply online today! We re here to help. Our Customer Services Team are on hand to answer any questions you have. Call or ac.uk or visit Follow us: We aim to ensure accuracy in all our published information. However, circumstances outwith our control can lead to future change. If this has been your experience, you have our sincere apologies. Fife College cannot accept liability for any loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained in this information. This information does not form part of a formal contract and we reserve the right to refuse admission.