South West College - Further Education College. Cookstown, Dungannon, Enniskillen & Omagh

Tel: 0845 603 1881

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Qualifications Explained

South West College curriculum provides a framework that allows students to choose a variety of qualifications suited to their individual needs. The National Qualifications Framework for Post-16 education includes the following:

Further Education

BTEC First Diplomas (Level 2 – Equivalent to 4 GCSE ’s Grades A-C)

A BTEC First Diploma provides good preparation both for employment and more advanced courses such as a BTEC National Award, Certificate or Diploma. First Diplomas are practical, work-related courses where you learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. They are one-year full-time programmes of study.

BTEC National Diplomas (Level 3 – Equivalent to 3 GCE A Levels)

This is a route to both Higher Education and Employment and provides both a broad foundation and a firm basis for specialism in a selected route. They are normally offered in specific vocational areas. BTEC National Diploma are twoyear full-time programmes of study. They are accredited through the National Award/Certificate which are 6 and 12 unit qualifications respectively, and the National Diploma which is an 18 unit qualification.

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s) (Level 2 and 3 available)

These qualifications are industry and employment based and involve trainees undertaking a programme of study that will have a work placement component.

Essential Skills (Entry Level 1,2,3 and Level 1 and 2 available)

Essential skills are intended to provide people with a set of core skills desired by employers, the three Essential Skills areas are:

Numeracy
Literacy
Information Communication Technology
Essential Skills therefore assist personal and social development and improve opportunities for employment. All students who enrol in the College who do not have GCSE English and/or Maths at Grade A-C or equivalent must complete Essential Skills qualifications.

Higher Education

Higher National Diploma (HND)

HND’s are Level 5 qualifications designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in current or future employment or for progression to an undergraduate degree. They are highly valued by employers and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations. They are used to progress students into the second or final year of an honours degree programme at university, including work experience opportunities, and normally take 2 years to complete.

Foundation Degrees

Foundation Degrees are two-year, full-time work-related degrees, which can also be studied part-time over a longer period and which are one level below an honours degree. These focus on the practical knowledge and skills that employers look for, and include practical work experience. If you want to continue studying once you have completed the Foundation Degree, there may be an opportunity to progress (for another year or two) to an Honours Degree qualification.

Honours Degrees

South West College offers Full-Honour Degree programmes in areas such as Child Care and Engineering.

Entry Requirements

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Standard Requirements
0-5 points

Standard Requirements
6 points

Standard Requirements
Minimum 4 GCSEs Grade A*-C
OR
First Diploma or equivalent
(The points system may be
used for enhancement)

Duration
1 Year Full-Time

Duration
1 Year Full-Time
(Check individual courses for
any specific entry requirements)

Duration
2 Year Full-Time (Check individual courses for any specific entry requirements)

Points System for Entry to Level 1 & Level 2 Courses

GCSE GRade

Points

E-G

Enhanced Criteria

Where courses are oversubscribed, the College reserves the right to enhance the criteria for entry.

Mature Students

South West College particularly welcomes applications from mature students. Standard admission requirements may not be applicable to applicants with alternative qualifications or experience. Further information is available from the Careers and Information Officers at each campus.

English Language Requirements

The language of instruction for College courses is English and it is strongly advisable that students who wish to benefit fully from a College course should be suitably proficient in English (ESOL Level 1). South West College aims to fully support students who require additional help with their English and courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) are provided by the College. For further information about ESOL courses, Contact Student Services/Admissions.

South West College has made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate.However, the College cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. South West College reserves the right to review, change or cancel any of the courses outlined subject to applications.

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