WELCOME. Who we are. How can we help you to go higher?

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1 BANBURY AND BICESTER COLLEGE CITY OF OXFORD COLLEGE READING COLLEGE GO HIGHER IN YOUR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL CAREER» Access to Higher Education Diplomas» University level qualifications» Professional courses 2018/19

2 welcome 1 WELCOME Who we are Activate Learning is a pioneering education group which combines secondary, further and higher education, with apprenticeship and workforce training. We have three colleges, Banbury and Bicester College, City of Oxford College and Reading College. How can we help you to go higher? Do you want to go to university but don t have the grades or have you been out of education for a while and need to refresh your skills? Try an Access course, Pre-Access or GCSE English and Maths (page 5). Do you want to study at university level but are keen to stay close to home? See our university level programmes (page 13). Are you looking for a career change? You might be interested in Access (page 5) or a professional course (page 31). Are you already in work but want to be better qualified and move up the career ladder? Have a look at our higher apprenticeships (page 29), university level (page 13) or professional courses (page 31).

3 welcome Going higher with Activate Learning 3 GOING HIGHER WITH ACTIVATE LEARNING Level of study Academic Apprenticeships Professional Level 7 Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) In this guide: Level 6 Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Degree Apprenticeships Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) This guide includes courses for adults, higher level study and professionally accredited courses at our colleges in Banbury, Oxford and Reading. BA (Hons) degrees Honours degree Top-ups Access to Higher Education Diploma 4 Level 5 Foundation Degrees Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) Higher Apprenticeships Level 5 Diplomas Art and Design Foundation Diploma 11 University level courses: Foundation degrees 13 Honours degrees, HND/HNCs, PGCE Level 4 Higher National Certificates (HNCs) Art and Design Foundation Diploma Higher Apprenticeships Higher National Certificates (HNCs) Higher apprenticeships 29 Professional courses (AAT, CIPD) 31 All information in this guide is correct at the time of going to print in October 2017 but may be subject to change. Level 3 Access to HE Level 3 Apprenticeships Level 2 GCSEs Pre-Access Level 2 Apprenticeships CIPD/AAT Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Access to Health (PT) AAT

4 4 Access to Higher Education Diploma 5 ACCESS TO HE CASE STUDY Hayley Fellingham I am now a midwife at the Royal Berkshire Hospital after completing my midwifery degree. I studied part-time in the evening as it worked best for me balancing study and family life. The Access to HE course prepares you really well for university study. The assignments and study skills, like referencing and time management, all helped me when I started my degree. We also had mock interviews, which were really good as midwifery interviews are pretty nervewracking! ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION DIPLOMA Your fast track route to university. What is an access course? The Access to Higher Education Diploma prepares adults without traditional qualifications for study at university. Our Access Diplomas are timetabled for three days a week, within the school day. This means that courses are flexible for those who have childcare or other commitments. We also offer a part-time evening option for Healthcare Professions at Reading College. Access to HE attracts a diverse range of students, and there s no upper-age limit. Pre-Access Health and Social Care Extended Certificate This part-time course is designed for students who want to develop their English, maths and study skills to progress to the Access to Higher Education Diploma. Successful students will be guaranteed an interview for the Access to Higher Education Diploma. Did you know you can study GCSE English and maths with us for FREE if you don t already have a grade C?

5 6 Access to Higher Education Diploma Access to Higher Education Diploma 7 Our access programmes: Access Pathway Location UCAS TAKEOVER WEEK Accounting and Finance Allied Health Professions Art and Design Business Banbury Oxford Reading University level study route? Our Access students take part in our annual UCAS Takeover week. Classes are replaced with workshops run by universities and careers specialists on topics such as how to write your personal statement, applying through UCAS and student loans. There is also an annual higher education fair where students can gain access to many universities for information about their courses. Education Professions Engineering Health Professions (part-time) Legal Professions Humanities Humanities and Social Sciences Mental Health Nursing Midwifery Nursing Nursing and Healthcare Professions Pre-Access Health and Social Care Psychology Science Social Work Find out more and how to apply

6 8 Access to Higher Education Diploma Access to Higher Education Diploma 9 ADVANCED LEARNER LOANS A new qualification can give you that extra push to change careers or get the job that you really want. You may be eligible for financial support to cover the costs of studying if you: are over 19 and have lived in the UK, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for three years immediately before the start of your course, and study an eligible course at Level 3 and above at an approved college or provider. Approved courses include Access to HE Diplomas. If you are studying on a full-time Level 3 programme (including Access to HE), you are eligible to apply for a loan to cover your tuition fees. ACCESS TO HE CASE STUDY Andrew Haydon I took the Nursing Pathway as I wanted to go on to study adult nursing and needed to study locally as I have a young family. Access to HE has given me the opportunity to enter a career and a degree that I never thought I would be able to achieve. It s made me also realise that I have academic skills and that you can re-train at any point in your life. I would urge anyone who is thinking of taking on the challenge of any Access to HE course to jump in feet first. It s an opportunity to gain a qualification, move on to university and make some great friends. The loans are not means-tested or subject to credit checks and you start repayments when you earn over 21,000 per year. 19+ loans for Access to Higher Education courses are automatically cleared if you go on to complete a higher education course with support of a higher education student loan. For more information about bursaries and other support, please visit our college websites

7 Art and Design 11 ART AND DESIGN UAL (University of Arts London) Level 3/4 Foundation Diploma (Pre-degree) Prepare for a specialist art and design course in higher education with this intensive one-year course. The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design follows a stepping-stone structure. It helps you to find a pathway that reflects your interests and then gain relevant experience of professional arts practice. Topics covered include: visual studies, 2D and 3D design studies, print/ textiles, fashion, graphics, fine art, jewellery, product design, lens-based media, information technology, art history and contextual studies. Find out more and how to apply visit our websites Available at: Banbury Reading Oxford

8 UNIVERSITY LEVEL 13 UNIVERSITY LEVEL Activate Learning is committed to providing higher education students with opportunities to develop and enhance their employability skills. These range from programmes where students learning is directly linked to their voluntary or paid employment, through to programmes incorporating work placements and industry-set projects. The outcome of our industry-focused approach is that over 90% of our graduates go on to employment or further study within six months of graduating. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) highlighted student employability as a key strength in its review of the group s programmes in 2015 saying: Students are positive about how their studies are preparing them for employment and/or further study. Activate Learning has many modules that are designed to develop employability skills, for example through engagement in live project briefs set in collaboration with external companies and organisations. Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that Activate Learning delivers high quality teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It consistently exceeds rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education.

9 14 UNIVERSITY LEVEL UNIVERSITY LEVEL 15 HIGHER EDUCATION CASE STUDY Simon Bulley, Furniture: Design and Make Foundation Degree After eight years as a site carpenter I decided to change my career path. The foundation degree is helping me understand the processes and knowledge needed to be able to confidently design and make my own furniture. I thoroughly enjoy the making side of the course, as I am skilled in this area. The design side of the course has been a challenge and has taken me out of my comfort zone, I relish the problem solving process needed to achieve a well-designed piece of furniture. I plan to finish the two-year foundation degree and then find employment in industry for a few years before coming back to complete my BA Honours degree. WHAT IS A FOUNDATION DEGREE? A Foundation Degree is an innovative higher education career-focused qualification. Designed with employers, it helps equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for a particular career. Foundation Degrees combine work-based learning with academic study. Attendance at college can vary from one to four days a week, depending on the mode of study and the requirements of the programme. This means a Foundation Degree allows you to combine work and study, so you can earn while you learn. Foundation Degrees are delivered by further education colleges in partnership with a university. A Foundation Degree is a Level 5 qualification, equivalent to the second year of a three-year Honours Degree. Typically, Foundation Degrees are offered full-time over two years and part-time over three years. In many cases, institutions will allow you to continue studying on completion of your foundation degree to achieve a full honours degree. Formal qualifications are not always necessary for entry. An individual s relevant experience, achievements and motivation will be taken into account, too. University partners Activate Learning works with university partners such as Oxford Brookes University and the University of Northampton. Students on accredited programmes are enrolled at the universities too and can use their facilities, including the halls of residence, library and sport facilities for Oxford Brookes students.

10 16 UNIVERSITY LEVEL UNIVERSITY LEVEL 17 TOP REASONS TO STUDY WITH US UNIVERSITY LEVEL COURSES EMPLOYABILITY Develop the technical and soft skills required for your future career INDUSTRY BACKING Programmes co-created with industry develop professional practice SPECIALIST COURSES Some not found anywhere else, such as furniture design Programme Mode* Duration UCAS code Location(s) Fees (per year) Business and Enterprise Foundation Degree FT 2 years N102 Oxford 7,200 Business and Enterprise Foundation Degree PT 3 years N/A Oxford 4,900 Business and Enterprise BA (Hons) Top-up FT 1 year W260 Oxford 7,200 These programmes have been developed in partnership with the Faculty of Business at Oxford Brookes University and in consultation with local employers and entrepreneurs. The modules are focused on the role of entrepreneurs within the business community. Students are equipped to be entrepreneurs within an existing business organisation or with the skills to develop their own business. The flexible timetable enables students to remain in employment while undertaking the programme. SATISFACTION MORE SUPPORT STUDENT EXPERIENCE Benefit from smaller class sizes and industry standard facilities Smaller class sizes mean more individual attention and support Access to facilities at our colleges and partner universities INTERNAL PROGRESSION Clear pathways to progress to higher level courses LOCATION Study locally and maintain work or family commitments LOWER COST Save on living and travel costs and benefit from lower tuition fees *FT - Full time, PT - Part time

11 18 UNIVERSITY LEVEL UNIVERSITY LEVEL 19 Programme Mode * Duration UCAS code Location(s) Fees (per year) Computing HND FT 2 years 113II Reading 6,165 Computing HNC PT 2 years N/A Reading 3,200 The Higher National Diploma and Certificate qualifications will prepare you for employment in the IT and computing industry. They offer a progression route into a number of roles - generalists can enter system management, while ICT system support specialists can install or manage IT networks. Modules include networking, database design and development and security. Programme Mode * Duration UCAS code Location(s) Fees (per year) Construction and the Built Environment HNC PT 2 years N/A Reading 3,200 Programme Mode * Duration UCAS code Location(s) Fees (per year) Electrical and Electronic Engineering HND FT 2 years 006H Reading 6,165 Electrical and Electronic Engineering HNC PT 2 years N/A Reading 3,200 Mechanical Engineering HNC PT 2 years N/A Reading 3,200 Our engineering Higher National courses are designed for those who want to build up their engineering skills and work towards becoming a professional engineer. The programmes are specialist vocational programmes with a strong work-related emphasis. Students will build both academic and practical skills with a range of practical building projects throughout the two years including ladder logic systems and monitoring systems using mobile phones. This Higher National Certificate (HNC) is for those who want to build up their technical construction skills and gain an industry recognised qualification. It will prepare students for a range of technical, professional and management careers such as building surveying, build control and construction management. Units include construction information (drawing, detailing, specification), construction practice and management, surveying, measuring and setting out, science and materials, legal and statutory responsibilities as well as undertaking an individual project. The assignments are practical and draw on our own experiences in the industry, whilst developing our knowledge. The course has given me a much better understanding of how all the various trades work together. The course has guided my interests and focused my learning on relevant topics. - Philip Nash, HNC Construction *FT - Full time, PT - Part time *FT - Full time, PT - Part time

12 20 UNIVERSITY LEVEL UNIVERSITY LEVEL 21 Programme Mode * Duration UCAS code Location(s) Fees (per year) Furniture: Design and Make Foundation Degree FT 2 years W261 Oxford 7,200 Furniture: Design and Make Foundation Degree PT 3 years N/A Oxford 3,600 Furniture: Design and Make BA (Hons) Top-up FT 1 year W260 Oxford 7,200 Furniture: Design and Make BA (Hons) Top-up PT 2 years N/A Oxford 3,600 The Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) in Furniture Design and Make, accredited by Oxford Brookes University are linked closely with the furniture industry and aim to inspire creativity in design and excellence in craftsmanship through work-related study. Situated in the Rycotewood Furniture Centre, our students develop skills as creative thinkers and makers who innovate furniture craft through the exploration of materials and skills. The programmes balance design, craft and theory to nurture furniture designers and makers who can progress to employment or further study with a broad understanding of the processes involved in the design and craft of furniture. Programme Mode * Duration UCAS code Location(s) Fees (per year) Graphic Communication BA (Hons)* FT 3 years TBC Oxford 7,200 Graphic Communication is all about creatively sharing ideas. From typography to advertising, digital design to illustration, you will learn a range of techniques on this course to help you do just that. You will will given design briefs by your tutors and from real industry professionals and have the chance to work on competition briefs. This programme is accredited by The University of Northampton. *Subject to validation Programme Mode * Duration UCAS code PGCE (Professional/Postgraduate Certificate in Education) This is a two year part-time programme, accredited by Oxford Brookes University. It is for people who teach or want to teach in the postcompulsory sector (further education, higher education, the health service, adult and community education, the prison service, the armed forces or private training providers). It enables students to apply for Professional Formation (following graduation), leading to Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status via the Institute for Learning (IfL). Location(s) PT 2 years N/A Reading Oxford Fees (per year) 3,080 *FT - Full time, PT - Part time *FT - Full time, PT - Part time

13 22 UNIVERSITY LEVEL UNIVERSITY LEVEL 23 Programme Mode * Duration UCAS code Location(s) Fees (per year) Policing BA (Hons)* FT 3 years TBC Oxford 7,200 If you are interested in entering the police force, preparing for a non-operational role or even considering positions in the military or security services, then this may be the course for you. This degree, accredited by the University of Northampton, will give you an insight into legislation, conducting investigations and the criminal justice system in the United Kingdom. *Subject to validation Programme Mode * Duration UCAS code Sports Coaching, Fitness and Rehabilitation Foundation Degree Sports Coaching, Fitness and Rehabilitation BSc (Hons) Top up Location(s) Fees (per year) FT 2 years C613 Oxford 7,200 FT 1 year C360 Oxford 7,200 The Foundation Degree and BSc (Top-up) in Sports Coaching, Fitness and Rehabilitation are accredited by Oxford Brookes University and are designed to prepare students for a career in the sports industry. The programmes will help students identify their work interests and give an introduction to business skills for the sports practitioner. Students on these programmes are able to benefit from accommodation at Oxford Brookes and can be part of Brookes Sport. The Foundation Degree has allowed me to learn more about sport, including anatomy and the mechanics of it. I am now starting the BSc Top-up year. Being at college has given me a sense of achievement and a progression route that matches my interests. - Dan Rule, FdSc Sports Coaching, Fitness and Rehabilitation FUNDING YOUR LEARNING Higher education students on a university-level programme need to pay tuition fees.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 (dependent 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. Part-time students can apply for a tuition fee loan too. Study support Studying for a university-level programme at an Activate Learning college means that you can benefit from smaller class sizes and a high level of support, including: Support and guidance for students applying for Disabled Students Allowance funding One-to-one flexible support, specific to students needs. Our team will work with students on a one to one basis, to help them make the most of their studies *FT - Full time, PT - Part time

14 24 UNIVERSITY LEVEL UNIVERSITY LEVEL 25 HOW TO APPLY FOR A HIGHER EDUCATION COURSE 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 13. If you apply for 2 5 programmes, on or after 30 June, the fee is 24. 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 via UCAS. For more details and to apply, visit: APPLYING VIA UCAS 1Apply online 2Wait to hear back 3Reply to your offers 4Find out if you ve got your place Find courses in the UCAS search tool. The universities or colleges will decide whether to make you an offer. It ll be unconditional if you ve already met the requirements or conditional if the offer s based on your exam results If you re not accepted, or you decline the offers you receive, you can use Extra to apply for more choices, one at a time. You have to reply to your offers by a specific deadline. Select a firm choice this is your first choice If your firm choice is conditional, select an insurance choice too Decline any other offers You ll see in Track if your place is confirmed. If your firm choice is unconditional the place is yours! If your place is conditional the university or college will update your status when they have your exam results You may be unsuccessful if you don t meet the conditions you can use Clearing to apply for more courses. If you do better than expected, and meet and exceed the conditions of your firm choice, you can look for an alternative course using Adjustment.

15 UNIVERSITY LEVEL 27 HIGHER EDUCATION CASE STUDY Chris Nicholson: HNC Electrical/ Electronic Engineering The course has encouraged me to study independently and has helped me to understand aspects of engineering which I may not have learnt otherwise. I have enjoyed learning about programming micro controllers as well as general electrical and electronic theory. The course has certainly broadened my knowledge my work is quite specialised so it is good to be working alongside people from different sectors as I have learnt a lot from others in the group about how the theory is applied in their workplace too.

16 HIGHER level APPRENTICESHIPS 29 HIGHER LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS Higher apprenticeships are a great alternative to university, offering higher level qualifications, no tuition fees and the opportunity to earn while you learn. Higher apprentices typically split their time between college and the workplace. As with other apprenticeships they are employed throughout and the cost of the fees are shared between government and their employer. Achieve university level qualifications while learning and earning in a real business Opportunities for career progression, plus higher earning capacity, recognition and status The chance to gain professional accreditation and membership No debt via student loans Call: hello@activateapprenticeships.co.uk Higher apprenticeships with Activate Apprenticeships: Assistant Practitioner (Healthcare) Business Electronic/Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering

17 PROFESSIONAL COURSEs 31 PROFESSIONAL COURSES Programme Mode Location Banbury Oxford Reading AAT Foundation/Advanced Diploma in Accounting (Fast track) AAT Accounting Level 3 Advanced Diploma AAT Accounting Level 4 Professional Diploma Human Resource Practice Level 3 Certificate (CIPD) Human Resource Practice Level 5 Certificate (CIPD) Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Level 3 Assistant Practitioner (Healthcare) Level 5 Diploma Leadership for Children and Young People s Services CACHE Level 5 Diploma FT PT PT PT PT FT / PT PT PT Find out more, including how to apply, on our websites: *FT - Full time, PT - Part time

18 32 PROFESSIONAL COURSEs NOTES

19 Our programmes are delivered in partnership with the following organisations: BANBURY AND BICESTER COLLEGE Banbury campus Broughton Road, Banbury, OX16 9QA Bicester campus Telford House, Telford Road, Bicester, OX26 4LA CITY OF OXFORD COLLEGE Oxford City Centre campus Oxpens Road, Oxford, OX1 1SA READING COLLEGE Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4HJ