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heColeg GwentHigher EducationGuideSupporting & inspiring you tosucceed

2014/15

University Qualifications at Coleg Gwent

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Coleg Gwent is a collaborative partner of theUniversity of South Wales.

Open Evenings 2014

Open EveningWednesday 22 January 5-8pm, all Campuses

Open EveningWednesday 21 May 5-8pm, all Campuses

Open Days 2014

March Open DaysTuesday 4 March Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone & Usk Campuses, 2-8pm

Wednesday 5 MarchCrosskeys & Pontypool Campuses, 2-8pm

Thursday 6 March City of Newport Campus, 2-8pm

June Open DayTuesday 17 June all Campuses, 2-8pm

WelcomeIt’s great that you’re thinking of studying with us at Coleg Gwent.

You don’t have to go to a university to get a top quality university-level course – Coleg Gwent is right on your doorstep.

Whether you’ve just finished your A Levels or a vocational course,you want to return to education after a break, or you’re planning acareer change, we could have just the opportunity you are lookingfor.

So take a look through this guide, come along to one of our openevents or simply pick up the phone – we’re here to help you takethe next step.

Jim BennettPrincipal/Chief Executive

information

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Save time and money by studying locally – our HE courses are offered locally, so you don’t have far to travel and you could continue to work, meaning you can avoid building up a large debt.

Improved career prospects – a Higher Education (HE) qualification can lead to increased earning potential, a wider range of opportunities and a more rewarding career. On average, graduates tend to earn substantially more than people with A Levels or NVQs who did not go to university.

Plenty of support – you’ll benefit from a range of specialist support and you’ll have a Personal Tutor. 98% of our learners said the support they received helped them to progress.

Gain a degree in 2 years and an honours degree in 3 years – Foundation Degrees offer an opportunity to ‘top up’ your qualification to an honours degree. This usually involves an extra year studying full time (or the part time equivalent).

Flexibility on entry requirements – Foundation Degrees generally have more flexible entry requirements than full degrees which may provide an alternative route for you to fulfil your ambitions.

Smaller class sizes – you’ll usually find the class sizes are smaller than at university.

A university qualification – a Foundation Degree is a university qualification in its own right, equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree. Coleg Gwent’s Foundation Degrees are awarded by the University of South Wales.

Real work experiences for your CV – our full time HE courses usually involve learning in the workplace as well as at college. You’ll get the chance to work on real projects gaining experience for your CV and picking up the technical and practical skills needed for your chosen line of work.

Wide range of subjects and delivery modes– we offer a range of full time or part time HE courses in many different subject areas. This flexibility allows students to keep a job or work around family commitments.

Easy application process – applications are direct to Coleg Gwent rather than via UCAS which means we have a more flexible application & admission process.

reasons to study

Higher Education@

Coleg Gwent

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Once you’ve taken a look at this guide please visit our website –

www.coleggwent.ac.uk/he

Foundation DegreesThese combine academic study with practical training,including on-the-job training. You can gain a FoundationDegree within two years and have an option to complete anextra year to top up to a full honours degree.

Higher National Certificates / Higher National Diplomas(HNC/HND)These are work-related qualifications that combine theory andpractice to develop skills for a particular field of work. Theseare highly valued by employers and usually take two years tocomplete.

Access to Higher Education/Pathways to DegreeIf you can’t quite meet the entry requirements for the above,an Access course provides you with the perfect preparation forstudying at degree level. Access courses prepare you foruniversity study, developing the study skills you need to beprogress.

Professional QualificationsProfessional qualifications are generally awarded directly byprofessional bodies. Most professional qualifications involvepractical training which allows you to gain hands-onexperience in your chosen field. These show you haveachieved a recognised level of competence in a particulardiscipline.

Higher Education is for everyone!

Did you know that more than650 people are studying for aHigher Education (HE)qualification at Coleg Gwent andthis number is increasingrapidly?

We offer a wide range of subjects for you to choose from. Youcan study Foundation Degrees, HNC/HNDs and professionalqualifications, providing you with opportunities to studyuniversity qualifications right on your doorstep.

We also offer a range of Access to HE courses so if you arereturning to study and you’re not quite ready to join our HEprogrammes, our Access programmes may provide you with apathway onto your chosen HE course.

Q

Types of HE Courses

THEONA ARISTIDOU“Small friendly classes and one to onesupport – it’s great.”

“I started the course at Coleg Gwent after dropping out of anotheruniversity – the big lecture theatres and large classes meant I didn’tget the personal support I wanted – which is why Coleg Gwent is ideal.The class groups are much smaller which makes it easier to askquestions, you get more personal support and you feel part of theclass. Getting one to one support is easy; I just book a tutorial so I canaddress any issues with assignments, ask questions if I missedsomething in a lecture or discuss anything else I need to concentrateon my studies.

“I don’t feel like I’m just a number, the tutors really want each studentto pass.”

REBECCA STOPGATE

“The Foundation Degree is the perfectqualification for me.”

“I was unsure of the level of knowledge I’d need to do a full honours degreeand I didn’t have the confidence to throw myself in at the deep end, so theFoundation Degree, which eases you into higher level learning, has beenideal. I’ll spend two years at Coleg Gwent then a year at the University ofSouth Wales topping up my course to a full honours degree. I’ll haveachieved the same as all my friends who did full honours degrees, in thesame time, but in an environment where I was supported to develop myconfidence.”

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Learning support – specialist support for those with hearingimpairment, learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Learning resources – a massive collection of books,journals, online resources and the latest learningtechnologies.

University applications – to make sure you apply on timeand for the right course if you want to progress.

Careers and employability – help with your CV, jobapplications and careers advice.

Money matters – advice on grants and loans to lighten theload so you can concentrate on your studies – see page 8for more information.

Welfare and wellbeing – counselling, chaplaincy and health& wellbeing support services.

Supportin and out of the

classroom

We’re working to provide a wider service to our Welsh speakers.

Welsh - Your language. Your choice. Your way. We give you ownership ofthe way you use it.

All HE learners have the option to write assignments and undertakeassessments and exams in Welsh*.

Discuss your individual needs during the application process

* If you are studying on a course taught and assessed in English and wish to beassessed in Welsh you must notify the College at the start of a module or, at thelatest, within four weeks of the start of a module. You must complete therelevant form so that appropriate arrangements can be put in place. In the caseof some assessments, such as group assessments, presentations or practicals,it may not be possible to make the necessary arrangements.

Working together to respect your

Welsh languagechoices

For more information visit:

www.coleggwent.ac.uk/cymrycg

For more information visit:

www.coleggwent.ac.uk/support

COLE BAYNTON“My Foundation Degree is soaffordable.”

“Cost was an important factor when deciding whether to do thecourse as the media have been reporting about the rise intuition fees but the financial support I’ve received have made itso much more affordable than I first thought. The grant from theWelsh Governments means I’m not paying more than £3000 ayear which is great, especially compared to what all of myfriends at uni in England are paying.

“Staying at home has other advantages too; I’m still close to myfriends, I still play for my local rugby team and ultimately, it’s justreally handy.”

SAM BULL

“The College makes it easy tojuggle studying with familycommitments.”

“Fitting studying in around three children puts real demandson your time but the flexibility and support at College helpsyou manage your schedule and fit everything in. I’ve hadbrilliant support from lecturers as well as in the learningcentre with study skills such as referencing and note taking.

“The Welsh Government grant also means I don’t have toworry about the financial implications of studying, I can justfocus on my assignments and ultimately, creating a betterfuture for me and my family.”

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Think a university-level qualification is going tocost the earth?Wrong. It will only cost you £3,685*

Undertaking a Higher Education course is an investment in your future. As well as beingfun and rewarding, learning can help you secure a job or move up the ladder in yourchosen career. There are costs associated with learning, whether it’s the time you invest orthe tuition fees, but you may be eligible for financial support which means it could costless than you think!

Full time students*Welsh students and EU students are eligible for a Tuition Fee Grant and the maximumyou will pay is £3,685. You are not automatically assessed for this grant so you do need tomake an application for it through Student Finance Wales. When applying for your grantyou can also apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. This loan can be for all or some of your fee, it isup to you to decide how much of the loan you need to take. This has to be repaid once yourstudies are complete and you are earning a minimum salary of £21,000. Other financialsupport is also available to help you with your living costs. This includes the MaintenanceGrant and the Maintenance Loan. Welsh students should apply for all their studentsupport via an online application with Student Finance Wales(www.studentfinancewales.co.uk).

Part time studentsPart time course fees vary between courses and our website provides full details on therelevant course page.

If you are a part time student studying at least 50% of an equivalent full time course, youmay be entitled to receive a Fee Grant to help with your tuition fees, depending on yourhousehold income. You could also be eligible for a Course Grant to help towards the cost ofstudying. These grants are means-tested but you don’t have to pay them back.

Additional Financial SupportWhether you’re studying part time or full time, you may also be able to get extra help if youhave adults or children who depend on you financially. This does not have to be repaid andincludes Adult Dependants’ Grant, Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance.If you have any additional course-related costs due to a disability, you might be entitled toadditional help through the Disabled Students Allowance.

*Figures subject to Welsh Government approval and could change. Fees correct at time of going to print.

How much will it

cost

For more information on financial support, or to make an application, visit

www.studentfinancewales.co.ukor you can speak to your local authority

How to

ApplyOnce you’ve taken a look at this guide please visit ourwebsite –

www.coleggwent.ac.uk/he– where you’ll find lots more information on ourcourses and career options. You might also want tocome along to one of our Open Events – you’ll finddetails of these on the inside front cover of this guide.

If you want to discuss your options further call our Admissions team:

01495 333777 info@coleggwent.ac.uk

Advice & GuidanceSession

You will be invited to meet a subject tutor who will provide youwith more details about your course and answer any questions

you may have.

Enrolment & InductionYou will be able to familiarise yourself with the college and havethe opportunity to meet other students on your course and thestaff that will be teaching you. These sessions are usually heldin early September and you should expect to be in college fortwo days. The invitation letter that we send you will explain

everything that you need to bring along with you.

Apply Once you’ve decided which course you’d like to study, applying

is easy.• ONLINE: visit www.coleggwent.ac.uk/apply• PHONE: call 01495 333777 for an application form• IN PERSON: at any of our five campuses

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Applied ScienceForensic scientists provide impartial scientific evidence for use in courts of law in criminal and civil investigations. Theyare primarily concerned with examining contact trace material associated with crimes. This follows the principle that'every contact leaves a trace' that will offer potential evidence to link a suspect with the scene of the crime, the victim orthe weapon. You need an enquiring mind with a keen eye for detail, as well as the ability to see the bigger picture.

Forensic Science Foundation Degree ●

Business & ManagementA qualification in business opens up a vast array of career pathways, as business activities cover every sector in bothprivate industry and public services. There are employment opportunities in companies of all sizes or you may bethinking about setting up your own business.

AAT Accounting Diploma Level 4 ● ●

Business Studies HNC ● ●

CMI/ILM Management Level 5 ● ●

Law & Practice Professional Higher Diploma Level 6 ●

Tourism & Destination Management Foundation Degree ●

Computing & ITICT – information communication technology – plays a huge part in our daily lives. With so many leisure, personal andbusiness applications for computers, it's impossible to imagine a world without them. This brings a variety of careeropportunities across many different sectors.

Information Communication Technology Foundation Degree ●

Information Communication Technology HND ●

IT Security Foundation Degree ●

Engineering & ConstructionIf you like solving technical problems and are good at science and maths, you might consider becoming an engineer.Construction & engineering is a vast career area and the variety of jobs available reflects this. Some experts claim thatUK industry is facing a shortage of skilled and qualified employees and there is a need to double the number of recruitswith Higher National Certificates and Diplomas and Foundation Degrees.

Engineering HND ●

Electrical Pathway HNC Engineering ●

Mechanical Pathway HNC Engineering ●

Sustainable Construction & Surveying Foundation Degree ●

Crosskeys BGLZ Newport Pontypool Usk

Animal StudiesThe UK animal industry is diverse covering a large array of businesses. It offers a wealth of career opportunities forpeople passionate about animals, whether large or small; domestic, exotic or wild. Jobs can be found in pet shops,boarding kennels, catteries, pet breeders, training, grooming and animal welfare charities. You could also consider acareer working in a veterinary practice, with horses, farm animals or even with a zoo or wildlife park.

Animal Health & Welfare Foundation Degree ●

Higher Education Courses at Coleg Gwent

For course information and advice or to enrol: Call 01495 333777 or email info@coleggwent.ac.uk

All HE courses are awarded by the University of South Wales, exceptfor the following: Accounting (AAT), Professional Higher Dip in Law &Practice (CILEX) & Institute of Leadership & Management Dip (ILM)

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Full Time coursesPart Time coursesBlaenau Gwent Learning Zone at Ebbw ValeBGLZ

Crosskeys BGLZ Newport Pontypool Usk

Health & CareThe health & care sector covers numerous services across a range of organisations within the public, private andvoluntary sectors. Whether you are looking for a career change, thinking of returning to the social care sector, orstarting your working life from school, college or university, there are a huge range of job opportunities.

Care Studies Foundation Degree Subject to validation ●

Childhood Studies Foundation Degree ● ●

Community Health & Well Being Foundation Degree ● ●

Media & Creative IndustriesIf you are a talented artist, designer, writer, musician, photographer or multimedia designer, then you are likely to wantto work in a creative industry. You can work as a freelancer or work for a larger company that employs you for yourcreative talent and skill. You could be working in a high tech role in computer games production, interactive media,social network and web development, digital post production in films or a star on the silver screen. Or you could beworking in more traditional creative roles in the performing arts, writing or art and design.

Creative Enterprise Fashion Styling Foundation Degree ●

Creative Enterprise Graphic Communication Foundation Degree ●

Creative Industries Drama Foundation Degree ●

Creative Industries Photography Foundation Degree ●

Creative Industries Popular Music Technology Foundation Degree ●

Sport & Public ServicesYou don’t need to be an outstanding athlete to enjoy a career in the sport and leisure industry. There are a variety ofdifferent jobs such as teaching, coaching or instructor, as well as jobs away from the action – in health, sports scienceor management. You may also find employment in sports and leisure facilities as healthy lifestyles and fitness arebecoming increasingly big business.

Community Sports Development Foundation Degree ●

Outdoor & Adventure Activities Foundation Degree Subject to validation ●

Public & Emergency Services HND ●

Teacher TrainingIf you want to enter the teaching profession, you’ll need to initially decide which age group you wish to teach. ColegGwent offers courses for the Post Compulsory Education and Training (PcET) sector. This will allow you to teach onacademic and vocational courses at all levels, in sixth-forms and colleges, as well as in adult and community education,work based learning providers and offender learning settings.

Learning Support Foundation Degree ●

PcET ●

Preparing to Teach ●

Higher Education Courses at Coleg Gwent

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Pathway to Degrees/Access to Higher EducationDesigned to prepare you for a degree or Higher Education programme, our Access programmes cover a range ofdisciplines.

Science Access to HE ●

Humanities Access to HE ●

Combined Studies Access to HE ●

Nursing & Healthcare Professions Access to HE ● ●

Once you’ve taken a look at this guide please visit our website – www.coleggwent.ac.uk/he