GO HIGHER UNIVERSITY-LEVEL PROGRAMME GUIDE 2015 BANBURY AND BICESTER COLLEGE CITY OF OXFORD COLLEGE READING COLLEGE

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1 1 GO HIGHER UNIVERSITY-LEVEL PROGRAMME GUIDE 2015 BANBURY AND BICESTER COLLEGE CITY OF OXFORD COLLEGE READING COLLEGE

2 University-level programme guide Contents Hello and welcome 3 Go higher with university-level education 4 All about foundation degrees 6 Activate Learning colleges 8 Town and city life 10 Get going: how to apply 12 Checkpoints: a step-by-step guide to applying through UCAs 13 Money matters: fees, finances and other essentials 14 Go higher 16 Art, design and media 18 Business 24 Caring and health 26 Computing 28 Construction 30 Engineering 32 Furniture 36 Motorsports 38 Policing 40 Sport 42 Teaching 45

3 Hello and welcome 3 Hello and welcome Why study higher education with Activate Learning? Our business is learning and ensuring our graduates gain successful employment. We provide a more personalised learning experience. This is at the heart of what we do. At Activate Learning we recognise that one size does not fit all, which is why we engage with our higher education students and employers to co-create engaging, flexible and innovative programmes. By working with employers in the design of our higher education programmes, we have transformed the way we deliver our education. We want our students to be inspired by their learning experience, and empowered to be successful in the global marketplace. The higher education and employment market have changed dramatically in recent years which means that when you choose a higher education programme, you don t do it lightly. The programme must deliver a return on your investment so you gain the academic, personal and professional skills that will help you to achieve your career goals. Our philosophy is to go further than education, and we look forward to sharing it with you. Sally Dicketts CBE Group Chief Executive Activate Learning Activate Learning will give you this. Our foundation degree and honours degree programmes are delivered in partnership with and accredited by leading local universities including Oxford Brookes University and Bucks New University. Our HNC and HND programmes are awarded by edexcel. Studying locally at an Activate Learning college offers convenience and lower tuition fees, a supportive learning environment with smaller class sizes and specialist courses.

4 University-level programme guide Go higher with university-level education Activate Learning colleges in Oxford, Banbury, Bicester and Reading specialise in co-created learning. We work very closely with employers to deliver training that meets the real needs of the workplace. Our teaching and learning is career-focused and linked to real work opportunities. As a result of our expertise in co-created learning, we deliver university-level programmes in partnership with local universities. Students train at college for a qualification that is verified and awarded by a university or other higher education body. Entering university-level education through college instead of university is an increasingly popular choice but why? Here are the top 10 reasons why students choose to study with us: > Location the opportunity to study locally in a familiar area, keeping contact with friends and relatives > Lower cost save on costs such as travel and living away from home and benefit from lower tuition fees > Employability co-created programmes of learning with a focus on the right career pathway for you > Industry backing co-created courses with strong links to industry and tutors with professional experience > Vocational AND Academic not Academic OR Vocational less generic teaching > Environment benefit from smaller class sizes and industry standard facilities > More support smaller class sizes mean more individual attention and also more support for those with additional support needs > Student experience great local campuses facilities with access to Oxford Brookes or Bucks new University facilities in addition > Internal progression clear pathways to progress to higher level courses and additional study > Specialist courses not found anywhere else, such as furniture design

5 Go higher with university-level education 5 To help make everything clear, here is some information on terminology and qualification levels within higher education. If you have any questions, please call our HE Admissions Co-ordinator on or HE@activatelearning.ac.uk BA (Hons) a one-year full-time/two-year part-time programme that enables students who have already achieved a foundation degree to top-up to a full honours degree. Clearing a process for finding a university place if you do not have one. If you applied for university after 30 June, did not receive (and accept) an offer or your exam results did not meet the conditions of your offer, you need to go through clearing to try and find a university place. This service is run by UCAS from July to September. Fd foundation degree. Academic study with a work-based element, equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree. Students can do an additional (third) year of study and convert the qualification to an honours degree. HE higher education. Qualifications are accredited and awarded either by universities, e.g. the foundation degree, or by Edexcel, e.g. HND. HNC Higher National Certificate. A two-year Level 4 programme which teaches skills for specific jobs/careers, and can be put towards a full honours degree. HND Higher National Diploma. A two-year Level 5 programme which teaches skills for specific jobs/careers, and can be put towards a full honours degree. UCAS Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. QAA Quality Assurance Agency Qualification Level HNC (Higher National Certificate) Level 4 HND (Higher National Diploma) Level 5 FD (Foundation Degree) Level 5 BA (Hons) Degree Level 6 PGCE Level 6 (Professional Graduate Certificate in Education) PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) Level 7

6 University-level programme guide All about Foundation Degrees Background Introduced in 2001, the foundation degree is an innovative higher education qualification which is designed jointly with employers to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for working life. Foundation degrees focus on a particular job or profession. They are intended to increase the professional and technical skills of current or potential staff within a profession, or intending to go into that profession. There are currently in excess of 100,000 students studying for a foundation degree in the UK. Foundation degrees combine work based learning with academic study whilst providing the flexibility to enable you to continue working whilst you learn. The vast majority of foundation degrees are delivered by further education colleges who work in partnership with a university, who award the qualification. The foundation degree is a Level 5 qualification, which is equivalent to the second year of a three year honours degree see table below Framework for higher education qualifications Level Typical Qualifications Credit Value 8 doctoral Degrees ( e.g. PhD, DPhil, EdD) Typically, not credit rated 7 Masters Degrees (e.g. MA,MSc,MBA) 180 Postgraduate Diplomas Postgraduate Certificate of Education Postgraduate Certificates 6 Bachelor Degrees with Honours (e.g. BA (Hons), BSc (Hons)) 360 Bachelor Degrees (e.g. BA, BSc) Professional Graduate Certificate in Education G graduate Diplomas Graduate Certificates 5 Foundation Degrees (e.g. FdA, FdSc) 240 Higher National Diplomas D diplomas of Higher Education 4 Higher National Certificates 120 Certificates of Higher Education Typically, foundation degrees are offered full-time over two years and part-time over three years. Attendance at college can vary from one to four days a week depending upon the mode of study and the requirements of the programme. Besides awarding foundation degrees, universities are also required to provide a progression route to enable students to complete an honours degree through one (full-time) or two (part-time) more years of study. Increasingly, these honours degree programmes are being delivered by the same institution that delivers the foundation degree.

7 All about Foundation Degrees 7 All about Foundation Degrees Why do a Foundation Degree? It may be that you already have a great deal of knowledge of your profession and are looking to formalise that knowledge into a qualification, or it may be that on leaving school you are not sure that a full honours degree is for you. Whatever your personal situation, there are several reasons why you might opt for a foundation degree. These are highlighted below: Accessibility sometimes the idea of a full honours degree can seem daunting; a foundation degree may offer a more accessible stepping stone. You will be able to study at your own pace, fit it around any paid work that you might want to do and, in many cases, institutions will allow you to continue studying on completion of your foundation degree in order to achieve a full honours degree. In addition, formal qualifications are not always necessary for entry onto a foundation degree. An individual s relevant experience, achievements and motivation to undertake the programme will all be taken into account as well. Earn while you learn for many people taking a break from earning is a decision they are simply not in a position to take, and some would rather maintain financial independence than give up work in order to study for a degree. A foundation degree offers you the opportunity to do both, and in fact, continuing working whilst you study is actively encouraged and sometimes a requirement of entry. Better career prospects employers lead in the design and development of foundation degrees. This ensures that they meet current employment needs. Therefore, on completion of a foundation degree you have a qualification and a range of skills which are attractive to employers. It s a great place to start once you ve started a foundation degree you may find yourself wondering why you hadn t thought about taking a higher level qualification before; you may decide to take an extra year and achieve a full honours degree or you may want to explore other types or levels of qualification. HOW TO APPLY FOR A FOUNDATION DEGREE FULL TIME If you wish to apply to study a foundation degree on a full-time basis, you will need to do this via UCAS. PART-TIME Applications for part-time study are made directly to the college delivering the programme.

8 University-level programme guide Activate Learning colleges Train connections between campuses Banbury to Oxford mins* Bicester North to Oxford 35 mins Reading to Oxford mins* Reading to Banbury 42 1hr 22 mins* *Depending on network and travel times Banbury Oxford Swindon Bicester M40 M1 A1(M) M25 M11 Chelmsford Reading M4 M3 LONDON M25 Guildford M23 M2 M20 Southampton Bournemouth M27 Portsmouth Brighton

9 Activate Learning colleges 9 Banbury and Bicester College Banbury programmes Fd (Arts) in Creative Arts and Design Practice BA (Hons) in Creative Arts and Design Practice HND in Creative Media Production Fd (Arts) Early Years HND in Graphic Design PGCE Banbury and Bicester College Bicester programmes Fd (Science) in Motorsports: Performance and Automotive Technology City of Oxford College Oxford programmes Fd (Arts) in Business and Enterprise Fd (Arts) in Furniture: Design and Make BA (Hons) Degree in Furniture: Design and Make Fd (Science) in Health and Social Care Fd (Arts) in Policing Fd (Science) in Sports Coaching, Fitness and Rehabilitation HNC in Music: Songwriting and Performance PGCE Reading College programmes HNC in Computing and Systems Development HND in Computing and Systems Development HNC in Construction Fd (Arts) in Business and Enterprise Fd (Arts) in Creative Arts and Design Practice BA (Hons) in Creative Arts and Design Practice HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering HNC in Mechanical Engineering Fd (Arts) in Policing PGCE

10 University-level programme guide town and city life OXFORD Known as the city of dreaming spires, Oxford is a global attraction and a brilliant place to live and study. It has the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and the city centre is packed with history and cultural attractions such as the Bodleian Library, the Ashmolean Museum, Christ Church College, the Bridge of Sighs and the River Thames. Lewis Carroll and JRR Tolkien lived and wrote here, while Christ Church and New College featured in three of the Harry Potter films. Away from the historic attractions, Oxford s centre has a huge range of shops, restaurants and entertainment. Just outside the centre, Cowley Road is renowned for its multicultural mix of bars, cafes and music venues. It s easy to reach other cities and places of interest too London, for example, is only an hour away by train. To find out more about Oxford, see Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires READING With a population of over 230,000, Reading is Britain s largest town. It has a major shopping centre in the middle of the town and a huge range of cafes, bars and restaurants alongside the River Kennet. The Reading Festival is a well-known three-day music festival which happens every year at the end of August. Reading and the surrounding area are popular with the IT industry global names such as Microsoft, Cisco and Symantec are all based in the region. The town is one of the main rail network hubs in the UK, and is only half an hour from London by train. For more information about this busy town, see The Maiwand Lion at Forbury Gardens in Reading

11 town and city life 11 town and city life BANBURY AND BICESTER Banbury is in north Oxfordshire, on the edge of the beautiful Cotswolds countryside. It is a small, historic market town with easy access to nearby attractions, and the quiet college campus is within walking distance of the town centre. From Banbury, Stratford upon Avon the home of William Shakespeare is only an hour by train, and the university city of Oxford is just 20 minutes by train. Bicester is renowned for its new eco-town development and for Bicester Village, the designer outlet shopping centre that has become one of Oxfordshire s top visitor attractions. For more information on the area, visit and St Mary s Church, Banbury

12 University-level programme guide Get going: how to apply The application method for a university-level programme depends on whether you want to study full time or part time. Full-time study For full-time higher education you need to apply through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). UCAS manages all full-time applications to higher education institutions in the UK. UCAS codes Each institution has a code. The institution is the awarding body for the qualification for example, Oxford Brookes University (code O66). Each programme has a code. This denotes the programme itself and the location where the programme is taught. You will need these codes when you apply through UCAS. These codes are listed with each programme in this guide. UCAS application fees There is a fee for applications to university places. If you apply for one programme, the fee is 12. If you apply for 2 5 programmes, the fee is 23. Part-time study Please note: to apply for part-time higher education programmes including the HNC (Higher National Certificate), you apply directly to the college not UCAS. Step-by-step guide to applying through UCAS (full-time study) Let s say you want to apply for the Foundation Degree in Creative Arts and Design Practice delivered in Banbury in September This is what you do: 1. Go to the UCAS homepage 2. Select search for courses on the UCAS homepage 3. Enter the title of the programme under subject 4. Select I normally live in 5. Select 2016, then search 6. Select Oxford Brookes University (they are the awarding body) 7. You will see that there are 2 relevant programmes listed click to view 8. Select the one you want for example, Activate Learning (Banbury and Bicester) 9. Select How to apply 10. Select UCAS 11. Complete the application form Step-by-step guide to applying through College (part-time study) You can apply online for a HNC, a PGCE or a part-time foundation degree. Just go to: Then complete the form and submit. For further information about applying to any of our higher education programmes, please contact the HE Admissions Coordinator on or HE@activatelearning.ac.uk

13 Checkpoints: a step-by-step guide to applying through UCAS 13 Checkpoints: a step-by-step guide to applying through UCAS Remember that it is important to do your research before applying for higher education programmes. Take time to visit the institution(s) to make sure you feel comfortable before accepting an offer. When Research February to July Applying September to January Deadline 1 mid October Application reminder mid December Loans mid January Offers/acceptances January to May Results July to August Clearing August to September What you need to do Make sure you research your options carefully. Try and visit university and college open days which will help you decide what and where you would really like to study. Applications are made to UCAS during this period and are submitted online. The college careers and student services team will help you with your application and with writing your personal statement, which is the most important part. This is the deadline for applications to Oxford, Cambridge and all medicine, dentistry and veterinary choices (but not nursing). By this time you should have paid your fee to UCAS and submitted your finished application. The sooner you can get your application in the better! You should apply for your student loan as soon as the process opens in January. Don t wait until you have received any offers as this could delay your loans. There are two available: one to pay your tuition fee and one to help with living expenses. This is when universities and colleges will make decisions on applications and send out offers to applicants. When you have received all of your offers, you will need to make one of them your firm offer (the one you most want) and make one an insurance offer (a back-up choice in case you don t meet the requirements for your first choice). Don t miss the date to respond otherwise your choices will be cancelled. BTEC results are sent out from mid-july and A-level results are released in mid-august. If you receive your results and they meet the conditions of your firm offer, then you don t need to do anything else, your place is secured. If you aren t going to meet the conditions of your firm or insurance offers it s still worth contacting the institution if you were close to the offer grade and asking if they will still accept you. If you weren t holding any offers, you have the option of entering clearing. This is the process where students are matched with institutions who still have places remaining, see for more information.

14 University-level programme guide Money matters: fees, finances and other essentials As a higher education student, you will need to pay tuition fees. However, you do NOT need to pay everything upfront. You may be able to pay in instalments. Or you can apply for a loan to help spread the costs. Student loans If you re studying full time, you can take out two student loans per academic year: a tuition fee loan to cover your annual tuition fees in full a maintenance loan to help with accommodation and other living costs (how much you get will depend on your household income) When you are assessed for your fees, you are automatically assessed for a student loan. Tuition fee loans The tuition fee loan is available to cover the tuition fees for HNDs, foundation degrees or BA (Hons) degrees. You only start to pay the loan back when you earn over 21,000 per year. You repay 9% of your income above 21,000 only. So if your salary was 25,000, you repayment for the year is 9% of 4,000 around 30 per month. If your salary falls below 21,000 for example if you take a career break or are unemployed your repayments stop. Repayments only start again when you are earning over 21,000 again. If you have not repaid your loan after 30 years, it is written off. Payment without loans You might get financial help from your university or college with a bursary. Bursaries do not have to be paid back. If you are paying your own tuition fees, an instalment plan can be arranged. Just contact our HE Admissions Coordinator on or HE@activatelearning.ac.uk Financial information If you are a new student, or you need any further advice, visit the government s student finance web site: It is the best source of information for all student finance enquiries. If you have any other questions, contact us for our up-to-date tuition fee information. Call or HE@activatelearning.ac.uk Part-time students can apply for a tuition fee loan too.

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18 University-level programme guide Art, design and media HND in Creative Media Production Level: 5 Duration: UCAS code: 2 years (full time) Banbury and Bicester College, Banbury campus 013P Institution code: o25 (Activate Learning) This programme will provide you with the opportunity to combine the process of media production with the professional working environment. Skills will focus predominantly on you as a creator and producer, as well as ensuring you have the opportunity to experience an experimental approach to your work. Through various encounters, a broad perspective of the industry in the community will be achieved. We will provide an educational foundation for a range of creative, technical and management careers in media, and ensure our delivery is geared towards current practice using industry-standard equipment. We will include a broad range of activities that encourage synergy with different media products. We will also provide excellent academic underpinning skills for creative thinking and enable students to be employment-ready by working on key projects that seek to make an immediate contribution to employment. Learning activities include lectures, workshops and practical sessions, located in the TV studio and Creative Arts Centre. It is envisaged that you will work on location and with industry professionals in order to fully appreciate work related experience. A strong emphasis is placed on working and learning with others and you are regularly set tasks to complete in partnership with other students. There is also a significant emphasis on you being able to work independently and take responsibility for your own learning during your time on the HND. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees are online at To apply, please go through UCAS using the codes at the top of this page.

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20 University-level programme guide HND in Graphic Design Level: 5 Duration: UCAS code: 2 years (full time) Banbury and Bicester College, Banbury campus W210 Institution code: 025 (Activate Learning) This programme is for individuals who are ready to challenge themselves and become an employment-ready independent creative practitioner. It will provide an opportunity to develop the skills to compete in the workplace in the graphic design industry. It has a multidisciplinary approach to ensure you have the appropriate expertise to thrive in the competitive world of work. The programme includes the study of illustration, typography, advertising, studio photography, web design, packaging, editorial design and printmaking, with an emphasis on digital media and industry standard software. We will encourage imagination, innovation and experimentation through a wide range of assignments that have been developed using our established relationships with graphic design companies. We believe that students need as much real working experience as possible to survive and be successful in this competitive market. Our programme has been specifically designed to enable our students to develop their creativity in a number of key projects. Students work involves submissions both for national competitions and live client projects on an ongoing basis. This is supported by visits to acclaimed exhibitions, and visits from practising designers who actively assist students with their work in our state of the art graphic design studios. The programme will also include input from a number of guest speakers, industry professionals and dedicated higher education staff, working collaboratively to ensure that talent is recognised, utilised and developed appropriately. A key part of the programme will be to ensure you have a work-based experience within the second year of the programme. Successful completion will enable students to work professionally in the design industry from initial concept to final presentation, leading to possible careers in graphic design, illustration, advertising, print, web design and new media, publishing, marketing and editorial design. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees are online at To apply, please go through UCAS using the codes at the top of this page. The course team on the HND work closely with employers, which has given me an understanding of the whole process, from working with clients to take a brief, to developing concepts and working up a design ready for print and distribution. Ali Reed, HND Graphic Design STUDENT VIEW

21 Art, design and media 21 We feel Ali has the potential to do very well in her career. We d be very keen to have her back on our team whenever she becomes available! Ruth Chaloner, Marketing Manager at Hunts Paper & Pixels EMPLOYER VIEW

22 University-level programme guide Foundation Degree (Arts) in Creative Arts and Design Practice Level: 5 Duration: UCAS code: UCAS code: 2 years (full time) 3 years (part time) Banbury and Bicester College, Banbury campus WW12 reading College WW1F Institution code: o66 (Oxford Brookes University) The foundation degree is a direct response to the recognition that creativity is an increasingly valued skill actively sought by employers in the modern workplace. The programme in Creative Arts and Design Practice is flexible, allowing students to explore a broad range of creative disciplines whilst supporting individual creative pathways. The aim is to create a professional working environment to boost student confidence in their abilities and ensure our graduates are industry ready and prepared for the real world. Typically, the full-time programme will be delivered over three days a week and the part-time programme over one and a half days a week. Upon successful completion you will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Creative Arts and Design Practice from Oxford Brookes University. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will have a number of opportunities for progression into employment within the creative industry. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees are online at and To apply for full-time study, please go through UCAS using the codes at the top of this page. For part-time study, please apply online. If you are unsure of what route to take, for example, fine art or graphic design then this course is a great way to explore different mediums and find your speciality. Leanna Wheeler, FdA Creative Arts and Design Practice STUDENT VIEW

23 Art, design and media 23 BA (Hons) Creative Arts and Design Practice Level: 6 Duration: UCAS code: UCAS code: 1 year (full time) 2 years (part time) Banbury and Bicester College, Banbury campus W901 reading College W900 Institution code: o66 (Oxford Brookes University) This programme provides a progression route for students who have successfully completed the Foundation Degree in Creative Arts and Design Practice awarded by Oxford Brookes University. It is equally suitable for students that have completed specialist HNDs such as Graphic Design, Photography, Textiles, Fine Art and Media. The programme allows students to develop their own practice whilst working collaboratively with other disciplines in college. Students will develop skills that will equip them to respond to changing economic conditions, to develop an ability to work in different environments and to seek out diverse opportunities within the creative industries. Learning is supported through close contact with a range of creative specialists with access to specialist workshops and studios. This allows us to promote individuality and tailor the programme to suit individual needs. Expected career destinations for graduates includes being employed/self employed as graphic designers, textile designers, makers, illustrators or photographers, gallery and museum-related employment, and community-based project work. In addition, it is expected that some graduates will wish to pursue further study at postgraduate level either in a specific discipline or to pursue a career in teaching. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees are online at and To apply for full-time study, please go through UCAS using the codes at the top of this page. For part-time study, please apply online.

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25 Business 25 Business Foundation Degree (Arts) in Business and Enterprise Level: 5 Duration: UCAS code: UCAS code: 2 years (full time) 3 years (part time) City of Oxford College N102 reading College N190 Institution code: o66 (Oxford Brookes University) This work-based programme will develop the knowledge and skills you need for a career in business or enterprise development. With input from regional and local employers and expert staff, and drawing on your previous and current work experience, the programme has been designed to develop your understanding of business and innovation principles. Taught at Oxford and Reading campuses, this foundation degree has been designed to prepare you to operate in the world of business, while developing an understanding of the nature of enterprise and its fit within a range of business environments. The business strand of the programme seeks to equip you with an understanding of the scope and functions of business, as well as an appreciation of the internal and external environments in which businesses operate. The enterprise strand explores the concepts and theories of enterprise and entrepreneurship, while examining organisational behaviour, the nature of creativity and the concepts of management and decision making. Alongside these practice-based strands, the programme also develops your professional, academic and research skills. In your first year, you will be introduced to areas such as critical thinking and academic writing. In the second year, you will focus on research skills and developing skills of enquiry in preparation for your business project (which will be focused on your workplace). This will also help prepare you for your honours component (e.g. dissertation) should you decide to progress on to the final year of the BA (Hons) Business and Management programme, delivered at Oxford Brookes University. Upon successful completion you will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Business and Enterprise from Oxford Brookes University. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees are online at and To apply for full-time study, please go through UCAS using the codes at the top of this page. For part-time study, please apply online. I wasn t aware of the progression options from my Level 3 Apprenticeship and was really pleased to find that I could get onto the Fda at City of Oxford College. I am now moving on to Oxford Brookes to do the BA (Hons) top-up year. Iszy Foote STUDENT VIEW

26 University-level programme guide Caring and health Foundation Degree (Arts) in Early Years Level: 5 Duration: UCAS code: 2 years (full time) Banbury and Bicester College, Banbury campus X320 Institution code: o66 (Oxford Brookes University) The programme has been designed in conjunction with employers and will therefore build on your current experience in an Early Years setting. It reflects a growing interest in the importance of education of very young children, bringing together clear links between theory and practice through underpinning knowledge and practical skills, in a broader environmental context. The programme is designed for practitioners who are working in early years settings, for example in pre-schools, nurseries, children s centres, with families or in schools, who would like to build on their practical experience in the workplace. It will examine theories of child development, play and learning, psychology, sociology and health care with a cultural, national and international perspective. You will be provided with a suitably equipped place to work when attending college, which will include access to specialist staff, IT facilities and other learning resources which will be appropriate for the nature of work you will be required to undertake. Additionally, the college offers a wide range of other resources and facilities including additional learning support, which will be available to you, further details of which can found in the higher education student handbook. As well as being enrolled at Banbury and Bicester College you will also be registered and enrolled with Oxford Brookes University and so will benefit from the same facilities and services as the on campus students. These include: use of Brookes libraries, Centre for Sport and Students Union, study support and mentoring and professional advice and information from Brookes Career and Employment Centre. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees are online at To apply for full-time study, please go through UCAS using the codes at the top of this page. For part-time study, please apply online. Our Health and Social Care Foundation Degree students have a positive experience from a team at Activate Learning who are flexible, professional and responsive to their needs and also the needs of the employer The Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust EMPLOYER VIEW

27 Caring and health 27 Foundation Degree (Science) in Health and Social Care Level: 5 Duration: UCAS code: 2 years (full time) City of Oxford College L512 FdSc/HESC Institution code: o66 (Oxford Brookes University) This highly flexible foundation degree is ideal for all employees or volunteers in a health and social care setting, including the NHS. The programme combines both classroom study and work-based learning (in your current place of work), and is delivered in partnership with local health and social care employers. Our aim is to develop your knowledge and skills, which will enhance your role within care and enable you to document the evidence of the learning experience for your own career development. The programme is primarily aimed at care workers who are taking on new roles such as assistant practitioners, associate practitioners or team leaders who have already achieved a level of responsibility, but who want to consolidate that with evidence of new knowledge and skills to enhance their practice. It is, however, open to all who are interested in exploring new aspects of health and social care and who are in employment in a relevant place of work. Upon successful completion you will be awarded a Foundation Degree (Science) in Health and Social Care from Oxford Brookes University. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees are online at To apply for full-time study, please go through UCAS using the codes at the top of this page. For part-time study, please apply online. Now I have a broader knowledge and am able to communicate with other professionals more confidently. With this training, I can be an assistant practitioner and I hope to undertake more modules to enable me to achieve a degree. Rachael Kingston Fd (Sc) in Health and Social Care STUDENT VIEW

28 University-level programme guide Computing HNC in Computing and Systems Development Level: 4 Duration: 2 years (part time) reading College The BTEC HNC in Computing and Systems Development will give you the opportunity to study topics which are relevant to you and which will provide opportunities for you to develop a range of skills and techniques to enhance your professional acumen and develop attributes essential for successful performance in the workplace. It is a suitable qualification for those wishing to change career, develop programming and new technologies skills or move into a particular area of employment following a career break. There is the opportunity to gain a Cisco qualification in addition to the HNC. You will be provided with a suitably equipped place to work when attending college, which will include access to specialist staff, IT facilities and other learning resources which will be appropriate for the nature of work you will be required to undertake. Additionally, the college offers a wide range of other resources and facilities including additional learning support, which will be available to you, further details of which can found in the higher education student handbook. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees are online at I came to college with hardly any GCSEs and now I am on an HE course. A few years ago, I wouldn t have believed I would be here today. Working alongside studying as an IT Support Technician has really helped me to apply what I have learnt. Danial Sajjad HND Computing and Systems Development STUDENT VIEW

29 Computing 29 HND in Computing and Systems Development Level: 5 Duration: UCAS code: 2 years (full time) reading College 13II Institution code: o25 (Activate Learning) This qualification prepares you for employment in the IT and computing industry. It offers a progression route into a number of roles, generalists can enter system management, while ICT system support specialists can install or manage IT networks. If you decide to focus on software development you will be prepared for entry into employment in that area. You can also progress on to a Professional Development Qualification or vendor qualifications offered by Cisco, Microsoft, IBM, CompTIA, Oracle and VM Ware. The units are delivered through a variety of techniques to suit different learning styles. The class work includes group work, pair activities, investigations, discussions, experiments and note taking. You will be provided with a suitably equipped place to work when attending college, which will include access to specialist staff, IT facilities and other learning resources which will be appropriate for the nature of work you will be required to undertake. Additionally, the college offers a wide range of other resources and facilities including additional learning support, which will be available to you, further details of which can found in the higher education student handbook. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. How to apply Tuition fees are online at To apply for full-time study, please go through UCAS using the codes at the top of this page. For part-time study, please apply online.

30 University-level programme guide Construction HNC in Construction Level: 4 Duration: 2 years (part time) reading College This part-time programme will help you to build your technical construction skills and gain an industry-recognised qualification. On successful completion you will have the transferrable skills you need to progress into employment in construction and the built environment. The programme will include modules such as: Design principles and application the planning, design and production phases of the construction process, and the coordination and management of each stage. Science and materials understanding the scientific principles, properties and use of material needed to successfully complete the core and specialist content. Health, safety and welfare gaining knowledge on the main legislation and approved codes of practice applicable to the construction and built environment sector. Group project evaluating and resolving realistic, practical problems by working as part of a team for a major piece of work that reflects the performance expected of technologists in a construction discipline. Please note that as programmes are reviewed regularly, the module list may vary. HNC in Construction prepares you for employment in careers such as surveying, architecture, civil engineering and structural engineering. You can also progress onto other higher education programmes or professional qualifications offered by membership bodies. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees and the application form are online at I had no idea that you could take this route when I left school, being sponsored by my employer is a great way to study at HE level. I can apply what I am learning at work and this is a good grounding to progress on to university to study quantity surveying. Channelle Anderson, HNC Construction STUDENT VIEW

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32 University level programme guide

33 Engineering 33 Engineering HNC in Mechanical Engineering Level: 4 Duration: 2 years (part time) reading College The programme is for those who want to build up their engineering skills and work towards becoming a professional engineer. The programme will develop skills and knowledge that will allow you to bring together engineering elements in project based assignments related to the needs of the engineering sector. The engineering department focuses heavily on using e-learning tools to support teaching and learning. You will also be provided with a suitably equipped place to work when attending college, which will include access to specialist staff, IT facilities and other learning resources which will be appropriate for the nature of work you will be required to undertake. The college offers a wide range of other resources and facilities including additional learning support, which will be available to you. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees and the application form are online at

34 University-level programme guide HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Level: 4 Duration: 2 years (part time) reading College This programme is for those who want to build up their engineering skills and work towards becoming a professional engineer. The programme will develop skills and knowledge that will allow you to bring together engineering elements in project based assignments related to the needs of the engineering sector. The engineering department focuses heavily on using e-learning tools to support teaching and learning. You will be provided with a suitably equipped place to work when attending college, which will also include access to specialist staff, IT facilities and other learning resources which will be appropriate for the nature of work you will be required to undertake. The college offers a wide range of other resources and facilities, including additional learning support, which will be available to you. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees and the application form are at

35 Engineering 35 HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Level: 5 Duration: UCAS code: 2 years (full time) reading College 006H Institution code: o25 (Activate Learning) This programme is designed for those who want to build up their engineering skills and work towards becoming a professional engineer. The programme will develop skills and knowledge that will allow you to bring together engineering elements in project based assignments related to the needs of the engineering sector. The engineering department focuses heavily on using e-learning tools to support teaching and learning. You will also be provided with a suitably equipped place to work when attending college, which will include access to specialist staff, IT facilities and other learning resources which will be appropriate for the nature of work you will be required to undertake. The college offers a wide range of other resources and facilities, including additional learning support, which will be available to you. Further details are in the higher education student handbook. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees are online at To apply, please go through UCAS using the codes at the top of this page.

36 University-level programme guide Furniture Foundation Degree (Arts) in Furniture: Design and Make Level: 5 Duration: UCAS code: 2 years (full time) 3 years (part time) City of Oxford College W261 Institution code: B94/O (Bucks New University) The Foundation Degree in Furniture: Design and Make concentrates on the craft aspect of the subject, helping students to develop their making skills and realise their own designs. This is a direct response to the needs of the craft furniture industry and employers looking for furniture designer makers of excellent ability. You will also be encouraged to engage in college life and to become a mentor/ ambassador in our marketing and other functions. The programme will culminate in a professional public exhibition for the industry and networking opportunities. Upon successful completion you will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Furniture: Design and Make from Bucks New University. Most students will aspire to become independent designer-makers, but many find it useful first to gain experience working in established workshops. Other graduates are employed as designers for firms in furniture and associated industries, or become freelance designers. Graduates normally progress into either the craft furniture industry working for top designer makers, or start their own workshop. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Furniture: Design and Make, graduates will also be able to upgrade their qualification to an honours degree through one more year of study on the BA (Hons) Furniture: Design and Make which is also delivered at City of Oxford College. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees are online at To apply for full-time study, please go through UCAS using the codes at the top of this page. For part-time study, please apply online. The practical side was the major thing for me. If I m not going to learn the skills then I can t be a furniture maker, so that s why I came here. It s a good balance of design and make. I feel like since I ve been here, my options have opened. It s such a great place and everyone is really helpful Freya Whamond, Foundation Degree in Furniture: Design and Make STUDENT VIEW

37 Furniture 37 BA (Hons) Furniture: Design and Make Level: 6 Duration: UCAS code: 1 year (full time) 2 years (part time) City of Oxford College W26A Institution code: B94/O (Bucks New University) The programme provides a work-related Honours top-up progression route from the current Foundation Degree in Furniture: Design and Make. It develops highly competent, proficient graduates for a career in furniture designing and making. The programme consists of two key elements, which focus on independent and industrylinked projects. Independent (personal) Establishing a self-initiated brief through a significant written research project, and directly linking this with a major design and make project. Modules include a personal project: written, and personal project: design and make. Industry Linked (professional) Developing links with industry and supporting them to build business and enterprise skills relevant to furniture designer makers. Modules will include professional development and professional design and make (an industrylinked live project). Upon successful completion you will be awarded a BA (Hons) Furniture: Design and Make from Buckinghamshire New University. Following successful completion there are opportunities for progression to postgraduate study within the National School of Furniture at Bucks New University. Several students have progressed to the MA Art and Design Practice (leading to an award in MA Furniture). There is also the possibility of progression to other postgraduate programmes, such as the MA RCA. Entry requirements See online for full entry criteria. Tuition fees and how to apply Tuition fees are online at To apply for full-time study, please go through UCAS using the codes at the top of this page. For part-time study, please apply online. Over the last 30 years my best assistants have been Rycotewood graduates. The teaching staff make every effort to forge long-term relationships with designer-makers like myself and the broader furniture industry. Dr Philip Koomen FRSA EMPLOYER VIEW

38 University-level programme guide We at Williams F1 enjoy a close relationship with Activate Learning and the students gaining work experience in the composite department. Students are able to work on car parts, giving them opportunity to appreciate the real life situations and disciplines of working in a composite department making motorsport parts Jon How, Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited EMPLOYER VIEW