EDEXCEL BTEC HNC/HND in Art and DesignThis brand new programme has been designed principally to meet the needs of local industry and those local students who wish to gain higher qualifi cations in Art & Design.

In order to maintain this vital industrial link, the programme content refl ects the local industry needs including small/medium businesses. The programme develops the necessary skills for advancement in the Creative Arts industry across the diverse range of business needs. This enables learners to combine study for nationally recognised qualifi cations with the invaluable experience gained in the workplace. Many of the assessments are designed to recognise the importance of work-based learning and require students to examine workplace procedures in the light of their learning.

The programme will provide the opportunity to gain a recognised qualifi cation in one to three years with the option to continue study to Art & Design (Hons) level at the University of Central Lancashire in either full time or part time modes.

Visit www.furness.ac.uk for more details.

Brand new MSc in EngineeringThe college welcomed its fi rst cohort of students on the MSc in Engineering – a level seven qualifi cation which is validated by the University of Cumbria. The cohort includes fi ve Centrica Energy engineers and fi ve Sellafi eld Ltd engineers – the majority of whom studied on the Furness College BEng (Hons) in Engineering.

The qualifi cation will be delivered as a two year, part-time, work based programme and will be delivered jointly with Furness College and the University of Cumbria at the Furness College campus.

Visit www.furness.ac.uk for more details.

Brand new courses

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FURNESSCOLLEGE FURNESS

COLLEGE

Education. Skills. Employment. t. 01229 825017 • f. 01229 870964 • info@furness.ac.uk • www.furness.ac.uk

Furness College information can be provided in large print, braille or on audio tape. Please contact student services for more details on 01229 825017 Please note: Every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this prospectus is accurate at the time of printing. As much notice as possible will be given of any changes, but the College cannot accept liability in conjunction with any such alterations.

Art & Design

• HNC/HND in Art & Design

Business• Foundation Degree in Business with Project Management

Computing, IT & Multimedia • BSc (Hons) Degree in Computing Systems Development (Top-up)

• Foundation Degree in Computing with specialisms in Networking, Web Development and Programming

Modules which can be studied on their own include:

Project Management, Agile Project Development, Computer Programming, Database Development, Computer Maintenance and Administration, Networking (including CISCO CNNA), Website Development, Content Management Systems and Dynamic Web Design

• Foundation Degree in Web Design and Development

• Foundation Degree in Media Production

Construction • BSc (Hons) Degree in Construction Management (Top-up)

• Foundation Degree in Construction Management

Education and Teacher Training (Post - 16)• Foundation Degree in Children, Young People & their Services

(0 - 16 yrs)

• Certificate in Education and Training, Preparatory (1 module)

• Certificate in Education and Training, Introductory (2 modules)

• Certificate in Teaching, Learning and Assessment, Intermediate (3 modules)

• Certificate in Education (Education & Training)

• Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Education and Training)

• BA (Hons) in Education and Professional Studies (Top-up)

Engineering• MSc in Engineering

• BEng (Hons) Degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (IEng and CEng (part) IET accredited)

• HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering (IEng (part) accredited)

• HNC Mechanical & Computer Aided Engineering (IEng (part) accredited)

Health & Social Care• Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care

• Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care – Caring for Patients and Clients in Healthcare Settings Pathway*

* Students intending to study for this pathway, who might wish to have advanced standing access to Pre-registration Nursing Education, will need to have access to an approved and audited placement and a suitable mentor.

Sport• Foundation Degree in Sport Coaching and Development

Which courses are offered at Furness College?

Furness College is offering its suite of full-time degree programmes at £5,310 per year.

Affordable Higher Education Courses

It’s time to...

Always wanted to go to university but don’t have the qualifi cations? Would you like to train as a Teacher, Social Worker, Nurse, Midwife or study many related disciplines? Then this is the course for you. The Access to University course provides a preparation for university education for students who have few, if any, formal qualifi cations. They address the particular needs of those who may have left school early and/or been out of education for a number of years.

Our Access to University course (validated by ASCENTIS and recognised by universities) prepares students for particular university courses, such as those in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Nursing, Social Work and Teacher Training. Furness College’s Access to

University course is completed in one year. Assessment is usually by a combination of coursework and examination.

Access students gain places at top universitiesTwo mature students, Owen Lowrie and Beverley Dent, both from Ulverston who juggle academia with parenthood, are celebrating offers from top universities.

Owen Lowrie and Beverley Dent returned to study through the Furness College Access to University Diploma and they now have offers from Russell Group universities. Owen, 31, will head to Durham University to study primary education, while Beverley, 30, will read archeology at either Newcastle University or the University of York. The Ulverston students took English and human physiology as part of the full-time course at Furness College.

Access to university courses

All our courses are approved by: University of Central

Lancashire (UCLan) University of Cumbria

Lancaster University EDEXCEL BTEC

Detailed course information for all our courses listed above is found on the University Education section of our website.

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GO FOR I T!

Interested? Visit the university section of our website at: www.furness.ac.uk for information on:• Courses • Costs• Entry requirements • How to apply

Art & Design (Hons) level at the University of Central Lancashire in either

“ When I started the course I had just qualified as a Solicitor and I anticipated that the next logical step in my career was to become a partner in a firm. As I hadn’t any experience in running or operating a business I thought that gaining an extra qualification in this area would be beneficial. As I already had higher education qualifications I wanted to take a course that was challenging and of a similar level to my degree but as I was working full-time I also needed a local course that I could study on a part-time basis. The Furness College Foundation Degree in Business Management ticked all of those boxes and so it was the logical choice.

There were many benefits associated with studying at Furness College. Class sizes are small so you have more opportunity to engage one-to-one with the tutor, the modern facilities and library resources facilitate research and make learning enjoyable and the location of the College made the course accessible too.

Studying locally reduced both the time and financial costs associated with learning. It was easy to nip in and out of the college if you needed to go to the library or if you needed to speak to your tutor. It also meant that my studying didn’t impact too much on my work and family life.

Since I started the course my career path has changed dramatically. The knowledge and confidence I gained during the course inspired me to set up my own legal services company in 2011. Since then I have used the theory I learned on the course to establish and grow my business.

A foundation degree is a great way to access higher education, build confidence and develop knowledge in your desired field. To study at this level, whether part-time or full time, you need to be self disciplined, committed and determined. You also have to read a lot!”

Carlie won an IMeche Whitworth Scholarship in 2013, only 1 of 14 to be successful out of 42 who applied.

“ Furness College offers new and prospective engineering students a brand new facility which has a floor dedicated to the university centre. Here, students can study in a quiet area in a library which has a good range of resources in the engineering section and library staff who are very helpful at pointing you in the right direction if you can’t find what you are looking for.

I found the quality of teaching to be exceptional within the engineering department with a range of tutors who have experience in the engineering and construction fields. The classes at Furness College are smaller than those of a larger university, therefore the benefits this brings to a student is invaluable. The quality of teaching is very high and tutors

are generous with their time to offer academic support, mentoring and extra tuition especially around exam times.

Furness College has given me the opportunity to continue my studies towards a university degree whilst balancing work and family commitments. The benefits of studying locally meant I could spend more time with my family, less time travelling and the tutors could be contacted more easily. Meeting new people on the course with similar interests also helped to make the course more enjoyable as we helped each other out.

Completing this course has also enabled me to move into the Engineering department from the Design Office. I am now in the process of being trained as an Engineer, with the opportunity to continue to study to Honours Degree Level and beyond with the possibility of reaching Chartership status in the future.”

“ I chose to do the course as it gave me the qualification and skills to allow me to become a lecturer. The Cert Ed. has 150 teaching hours attached to the course, so it gives a great insight to teaching itself and the type of students who would be being taught in the classes. This was a huge advantage for me, as it showed me how to engage students and how to interact with them.

I was unsure about teaching, I had been asked in the past to teach but the time wasn’t right for me. However now my family are much more self-sufficient I felt the time was right. I had previously served my time in the shipyard so had the correct level of qualifications to teach in the Craft Engineering Department. However I didn’t have a teaching qualification. This course has allowed me to progress into a job I thoroughly enjoy. This course has definitely opened doors for me and it could for others. Teaching is not an easy job but it is one of the most rewarding jobs you could ever have.

Studying at Furness College was a huge advantage as the teaching was superb and the class size was just the right size- not too big or too small. The access to facilities was excellent with a great range of materials available through the library. The classrooms were great, they are in the higher education learning area which all in all, is a fantastic facility.

Being able to study locally made my life so much easier as it’s never easy juggling, work, home life and study. Living near to the college and being able to use the facilities until 9pm made studying a great deal easier.

There are so many university courses available at Furness College don’t make excuses, pick up the baton - you won’t regret it. The support and facilities at Furness College are brilliant – just go for it.”

“ In the first two years the supportive and attentive tutors, in-depth technical lectures and comprehensive range of modules laid a solid foundation for the latter years of my BSc.

I was able to build on this top class platform in my final year with some excellent support from my new course leader.

I firmly believe that you only get out of life what you put into it and the college has afforded me a wonderful environment to realise this age old maxim in achieving a first.”

“ I.T and computers are a long held passion for me. I chose this course as it offered the opportunity to develop my knowledge in existing technologies, along with learning brand new ones within the media environment. It has given me the knowledge necessary to use multiple software programs, which can be used in countless scenarios and gives me more of an edge in the employment market than if I’d relied on what I knew alone.

There are so many benefits to studying at Furness College. I’ve been here during the development phase of the college. It’s been great to watch everything come together, as it has been upgraded to become a leading institution within the area. The benefits I have found helpful to me are the small group sizes, making it possible for the tutors to give great 1 to 1 teaching. The facilities within the college have improved from what was a great standard to a fantastic standard, with many areas in which a student can grow and develop their skills.

The local access was the biggest benefit for me. As I work full time and have a family, studying outside of Barrow was just not an option. Without Furness College I would not be able to study at this level. I am incredibly grateful.

I am currently working for Natwest in Barrow as a consultant, assisting customers in the local community. Studying for this degree, though not directly associated with my job role, was a factor in securing my job. The fact that I was studying, whilst also working in my previous full time job, served to prove that I am an ambitious person always wanting to develop my skill set.

Studying at this level is hard and challenging, but the rewards far outweigh all of that. The support of tutors and other professionals is there every step of the way, should you need them. I would say GO FOR IT!!”

“ I enjoyed working in the community and wanted to do more to help people in need to have a better quality of life, ensuring they had access to the support services available.

I found when I was studying at Furness College the support from the course tutors and fellow students was fantastic. Everyone was very friendly and helpful and this continued into the library where the staff there would always go the extra mile to try and help.

Being able to go to work and attend college was the greatest benefit to studying locally. Also knowing I was near my children gave me some peace of mind should I ever need to get them from school etc.

The course enabled me to get the current position I’m in now. It gave me a good knowledge of the health and social care environment and especially how to work in a person centred way in order to achieve the best outcomes for an individual.

Starting a university course can be daunting and the hardest step is probably the first one through the door. I would encourage anyone to study at this level, it can be challenging at times but with the support available at Furness College you will always receive help.”

“ I originally wanted to do the course as a starting point to get involved in building surveying as a professional career and wanted to be able to study locally.

I found Furness College to be a fantastic place to study. I was in a fairly small group led by well experienced lecturers who came with a wide variety of knowledge and relevant experience. Their use of different teaching styles made our learning interesting and enjoyable and their skills and knowledge gave us a packed course.

By the time I had finished the course I had become more interested in all aspects of the construction industry and wanted to do something where I could use more of the knowledge I’d learnt. I therefore decided to start my own small construction firm and with a professional approach, it has helped me to develop and grow the business in the years since.

For anyone wanting to do a course at this level I’d say Do it! It enhances your own skills and career prospects.”

“ After completing a CACHE Teaching assistant L2/3 course I went on to do the Foundation Degree in Early Years. This had been encouraged/introduced by tutors that taught the teaching assistant course and it had not been my original intention to consider Higher Education when I returned to education.

I found that I enjoyed learning about education as it is important to me and I then continued onto the Foundation Degree to improve my career opportunities.

The tutors had high expectations of me and were fully supportive of my personal circumstances. Staff in the library were second to none - they remembered everyone’s name and would go out of their way to help me track down the resources/books that we required, even calling me to let me know when one book had been returned!

Studying at Furness College meant that I didn’t have to move away to attend university. With a young family at home and working alongside

studying, moving away to a university would not have been possible.

The Foundation Degree in Early Years ensured I got a new job as a room leader for 2-3 year olds at Pennington Nursery where I worked for six years whilst continuing my education.

I completed my final year BA (Hons) Education at the University of Central Lancashire - but would have studied the BA at Furness College had it been there when I was studying. I then completed a PGCE at the University of Cumbria which led to a maternity cover post in a reception class, which led to this post at Burlington CE Primary.

I never imagined that I would get a degree, I never planned to, but my experiences at Furness College naturally led me to the Foundation Degree. I would seriously urge anyone with a passion in a particular area to attempt higher education because the support and encouragement worked for me.”

“ I was in a position where I wanted to further my learning and felt the time was right for a new challenge at work. Combining the two gave me a great opportunity for further development and career progression.

Furness College provided the correct course content that I could apply to my role at work and working together with local people from different companies allowed me to get a different perspective on the items we were learning. The facilities, resources and quality of teaching provided the support I needed to return to a learning environment.

Studying locally benefited me greatly because I had a young family and worked full-time. I had to try and fit my learning into this lifestyle – easier said than done! Studying locally allowed me to do this as the modules were taught both during the day and through evening classes.

The flexible study helped me to get back into a learning environment and expand my knowledge and confidence as it covered approximately 12 modules in a variety of subject areas. From undertaking these modules I found I had a passion for Project Management and went on to undertake an MSc in Project Management. This learning gave me the foundations to support my career progression and I would not be doing the job I am doing now without this learning.

For someone who is thinking of studying at this level I’d say Go for it! It is always daunting doing something new, but if you want a challenge and you feel the time is right, put the necessary actions in place that will help you and sign up. You cannot carry on doing the same thing each day and expect different results!”

“ I completed the foundation degree course because I had a massive interest in sport and coaching. The Foundation Degree was a fantastic opportunity for me to improve my knowledge around all different aspects of coaching and sport development whilst gaining valuable experiences working as a sports coach. A huge advantage for me was that I knew the tutors from when I was at college which helped me because I worked well and got on well with all the tutors.

The benefits of studying at Furness College were the small group sizes which meant the tutors could work more with people individually and as a part of a group. Students got the time to make sure they understood everything and if they didn’t, they could easily arrange tutorials to work things out. The resources were fantastic as well, although they are even better now.

There were huge benefits of staying and studying at Furness College. Cost is massive -

I lived at home with my parents meaning I did not have to pay for accommodation which I would have had to if I went away to study. Whilst studying I was able to work around my foundation degree as well as earning money and gaining experience in the coaching field. I worked on a part time basis for InsideOut Activities which was really useful because I got to know people and coaches who got me into the position I am in now.

On top of the great qualifications I received, the course taught me a lot about the theory side of coaching and sport development. This was crucial, as the job I am in now requires me to understand these aspects to be able to write funding applications and project plans and make a success of all the projects that I deliver. I have currently just successfully completed a funding application for £10,000 which without the foundation degree I would not have done.”

“ I’m currently studying on the new MSc in Engineering after wanting to push myself having finished the honours degree and having a very supportive employer. I decided that the masters would work hand in hand with pushing that knowledge further and working towards professional chartered status. I really liked the look of the course, as it gives you a knowledge of different engineering disciplines. It’s really good that work has invested in me again following the degree, as it shows they are committed to our future.

Being able to study at Furness College is better than having to take a year out, travel or do distance learning, as the other options are more time consuming. The college has improved dramatically - it’s good for Barrow and the area that there are the facilities for such a high level of learning. I’m also pleased with the quality of teaching I’ve received and the supportive small groups you are a part of. The course is flexible and a later learning block has been scheduled to avoid intense periods for the companies.

For anybody wanting to study at degree level I would say it is well worth it and if you’re working and studying at the same time it’s all about good time management.”

What are the benefi ts of studying at Furness College?

Business profi le

Hannah BellCompany: Lakes Legal Limited Job title: DirectorCourse: Foundation Degree

in Business Management

Engineering profi le

Carlie ThompsonCompany: BAE Systems PLC Job title: EngineerCourse: BEng Mechanical

Engineering

Teacher Training profi le

Gaynor PearsonCompany: Furness College Job title: Lecturer in Craft

EngineeringCourse: Certifi cate in Education

Computing profi le

Adam SmithCompany: Sellafi eld Ltd

Job title: Control Systems EngineerCourse: BSc (Hons) in Computer

Systems Development

Computing profi le

Rob SpeirsCompany: Natwest Bank Ltd Job title: SpecialistCourse: Foundation Degree in Web

Design and Development

Health & Social Care profi le

Nicola WooldridgeCompany: Furness CarersJob title: GP Carer Support WorkerCourse: Foundation Degree

in Health and Social Care

Construction profi le

Dan WilsonCompany: Compass Construction

Services LtdJob title: OwnerCourse: Foundation Degree in

Construction Management

Education profi le

Laura HoldenCompany: Burlington CE Primary School Job title: Class teacher in reception

/ year 1 mixed ageCourse: Foundation Degree in Children,

Young People & their Services

Computing profi le

Helen BircherCompany: BAE Systems Ltd Job title: Business Governance and

BM&A Capability ManagerCourse: Foundation Degree

in Computing

Sports profi le

Marc McAlooneCompany: Barrow AFC Community InitiativeJob title: Barrow AFC Community

Development Offi cer Course: Foundation Degree in Sport

Coaching & Development

Engineering profi le

Daniel BainesCompany: Centrica EnergyJob title: Maintenance Scheduler

EngineerCourse: BEng (Hons) in Electrical

Engineering