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contents contents welcome to reid kerr reid kerr college campus qualifications application student information students with a disability or specific learning difficulties including dyslexia graduations general information courses business school institute of construction engineering academy of creative arts centre for leisure industries school of life sciences support for learning highers student support courses open university degree partnership part-time distance learning community conference research facilities training for business training services european community in reid kerr college international dimension course summaries college calendar application form 17 37 44 51 61 69 71 72 73 74 75 77 78 79 81 82 83 86 87 2 3 4 6 9 10 11 call for further information on ­ 0800 052 7343 contents 1

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welcome to reid kerr college welcome to reid kerr college at reid kerr college we develop people and improve their life opportunities we are here to help our students reach further and achieve more as well as encouraging ambition we help people to achieve their ambition this prospectus is our guide to a wide range of advanced and non-advanced vocational courses at the college we welcome students of all ages and all backgrounds our courses are open to young people and mature adults who wish to train for or return to a variety of careers the 18,000 students who choose to study here each year can do so on a full-time parttime distance or flexible learning basis no matter which method you choose our commitment remains the same quality learning programmes and dedicated enthusiastic staff ensure that the best education is available to all our students whatever your age learning needs or personal circumstances the college will provide you with vocational training and lifelong learning within a supportive environment we will help you select the course that is right for your abilities and interests i hope this prospectus gives you a flavour of life at the college and what the college can do for you no booklet will tell you all you need to know so please take the opportunity to visit us and find out more i am confident you will be impressed and i wish you good luck with your studies joe mooney principal reid kerr college 2 principal s welcome call for further information on ­ 0800 052 7343

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reid kerr college campus reid kerr college campus reid kerr is dedicated to providing a first class learning environment for all its students staff and communities the college campus has changed significantly in recent years with the latest development the opening of the new renfrew north building the building is fully equipped with state of the art teaching and student facilities and is a significant addition to the reid kerr campus providing a variety of services to enhance the reid kerr student experience other additions and renovations to the college campus have included the refurbishment of the abercorn building providing conference facilities and library services the centre for performing arts currently resides in paisley town centre and houses a theatre dance and recording studios as well as a variety of specialist teaching facilities renfrew sports centre is a shared sports centre and has seminar rooms dedicated to the sports section in addition to a fully operational gym and sports facility reid kerr is committed to delivering facilities fit for the 21st century and will continue to work on further developing the college campus www.reidkerr.ac.uk reid kerr college campus 3

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qualifications qualifications reid kerr college is approved by the scottish qualifications authority sqa to deliver a range of academic and vocational qualifications including higher national diplomas hnds higher national certificates hncs national certificates ncs professional development awards pdas scottish vocational qualifications svqs national qualifications at access intermediate 1 intermediate 2 higher advanced higher skills for work and national progression award programmes the college also offers a further range of programmes certificated by city guilds nebosh chartered management institute chartered institute of marketing and a range of other professional bodies which qualification is right for you national qualifications national qualifications provide a broad range of options for progression beyond standard grade and are available at five levels access higher intermediate 1 advanced higher intermediate 2 these qualifications normally consist of three units plus an external assessment each unit counts as a qualification in its own right a national unit so even if you don t sit or pass the external assessment you still get credit for the units you have successfully achieved national certificate nc these courses are appropriate for those with little or no prior knowledge of a specialist subject it is particularly suitable for learners with few or no formal qualifications or for those returning to education after a break of some years it is a full-time course of either six months january fast track or 1 year duration it may also be possible to study on a part-time basis higher national certificate hnc this is an advanced course with subjects studied in greater depth than at nq/nc level generally younger students would be expected to possess one or two highers or appropriate nc for entry mature students without these qualifications may gain direct entry with appropriate work or life experience check course details for entry requirements hnc s are offered on a full-time part-time or distance learning basis full-time courses are of a year s duration or six months fast track successful completion of an hnc can lead to progression to the 2nd year of a relevant hnd or direct entry into many degree courses at either 1st or 2nd year level higher national diploma hnd this is a two year advanced course normally undertaken on a full-time basis although some are available by part-time study this course allows students to study a wider variety of subjects than an hnc entry requirements for an hnd are similar to that for an hnc successful completion provides wider access to the jobs market and can lead to direct entry into 2nd and sometimes 3rd year of particular degree courses there are direct articulation routes from hnc to hnd scottish vocational qualifications svq svqs are work based qualifications designed to equip students with skills directly related to their job they are designed by industry for industry and are available at a variety of levels to encourage continual learning progression entry qualifications are for general guidance only if you are interested but unsure of which course of study may be best for you please apply and we will provide expert advice and guidance please do not hesitate to contact our admissions unit on 0800 052 7343 4 qualifications call for further information on ­ 0800 052 7343

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qualifications scottish credit qualifications framework scqf the scottish credit and qualifications framework scqf has been designed to enable learners employers parents and those involved in providing education to understand how scottish qualifications relate to each other the framework was developed in partnership between the scottish executive scottish qualifications authority sqa universities scotland and the quality assurance agency for higher education it brings most mainstream qualifications from access 1 scqf level 1 to doctorate degree scqf level 12 into a single framework current qualifications in the framework every qualification currently in the framework has been assigned an scqf level and credit value the scqf level is a measure of how demanding a qualification is a notional 10 hours of learning is given 1 scqf credit point qualifications placed at the same level indicate that the level of learning gained in each qualification is comparable but not the same in content or purpose e.g level 8 contains hnd and svq level 4 awards scqf information is now included on all scottish qualifications authority certificates having completed the chartered management institute cmi executive diploma in management i recently secured a senior position within the transport control department in bermuda without this crucial management training i could not apply for this post and i am confident that this qualification has successfully carried me through to this stage of my career there are many benefits to studying by distance learning in particular the ongoing support from lecturers and the on-line resources made available by reid kerr college accessing course materials could not have been easier and the on-line community function provided me with all the means of support needed from the lecturers who communicated regularly and delivered a very efficient programme via e-mail and the college website randy rochester cmi management i had applied to a few colleges to study hospitality management but it was the 5-star international work placement that appealed to me at reid kerr college i travelled to boston usa in both my first and second year of the course where we worked in luxury hotels taking in all aspects of management related work the work experience was tailored to suit our preferred areas of work and gave us an all round experience of managing a large quality hotel in a busy city these overseas trips have had a big influence on my future career and i plan to complete my degree by next year and take off to even further destinations like new zealand or even australia where i hope to continue building up my international experience within the industry my two years at college have prepared me well for the future and provided invaluable experience and training which i am very proud to add to my cv eilidh mclaughlin hnd hospitality management qualifications 5 www.reidkerr.ac.uk

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application student information application student information opportunity centre the opportunity centre is located in the main reception area of the main college building the opportunity centre provides a convenient location where students can access a variety of support and services such as admissions and enrolment professional counselling careers guidance enterprise business start-up advice course information bursaries funding advice admissions enrolment at the admissions unit you can access information on any of the courses available at the college in addition the admissions team provides or facilitates a variety of student services to make your application process and time at reid kerr as easy and enjoyable as possible application process an application form is available at the back of this prospectus simply fill in the form and return it to the admissions unit or apply on-line at www.reidkerr.ac.uk or phone on 0800 052 7343 we advise that you return this form as quickly as possible as places may be limited you may be offered a place on a course subject to you passing your exams so please apply even if you are waiting on exam results an interview may be required for some courses and these normally take place at the college if you require an interview you will be contacted with a mutually convenient date time and place application forms can also be found in the individual course leaflets which are available in the opportunity centre the admissions team are there to help you and make the application process as easy as possible if you have any difficulties in completing the application form please do not hesitate to contact or visit the team in addition they are also available to assist you with any general queries about courses finance or any of the other student support functions call the admissions team on freephone 0800 052 7343 or visit them at the college the admissions unit is located in the main building renfrew building adjacent to the reception area student services admissions unit reid kerr college renfrew road paisley pa3 4dr tel 0800 052 7343 email sservices@reidkerr.ac.uk student finance if you are a full-time uk/european student taking an hnc/hnd course you can apply to the student awards agency for scotland saas for an award if you are taking highers on a full-time basis or an sqa national qualification programme you can apply for a college bursary/education maintenance allowance ema staff in the admissions unit can advise you on how to apply international tuition fees apply to all applicants who are not european nationals 6 application student information call for further information on ­ 0800 052 7343

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application student information we realise the importance to students of being able to study free from financial worries and accordingly we do our very best to help students in relation to financial matters you can discuss your financial situation in confidence with our staff the admissions team will be happy to advise you on saas application and loan saas applications can now be made on-line at www.student-support-saas.gov.uk the bursaries and funding team will assist you with your bursary/ema application as well as any application you might make for our housing childcare and hardship funds should you experience financial difficulties once you have started your course we strongly recommend that you get your saas or bursary/ema application forms checked by our staff since this can avoid delays in payment students who currently receive benefits may also be able to study at college for up to 16 hours a week if you receive a job seekers allowance or any other benefit please seek our advice or visit your benefit agency before commencing your course international tuition fees are available on application bursaries manager reid kerr college renfrew road paisley pa3 4dr tel 0141 581 2222 careers guidance careers guidance is available to anyone considering a college course as well as to all full-time and part-time students confidential interviews can be arranged with the college careers advisers who can provide information and guidance on aspects such as course content entry levels financial help and potential progression and employment interviews are held in the opportunity centre where students will also find a wide range of careers information including useful web links to arrange an interview call into or phone the admissions unit on 0800 052 7343 counselling service the student counselling service time 4 u is available monday to friday 9.15am ­ 5pm and is located in the opportunity centre in the renfrew building time 4 u counselling service seeks to enable students to make informed decisions about their lives counsellors do not seek to advise students or to influence their values or beliefs they offer counselling in a non judgemental environment that is respectful and sensitive to the student s values beliefs and culture to arrange an appointment call the admissions unit on 0800 052 7343 or directly on 0141 587 3378 guidance in addition to the guidance and advice available before enrolling once you start your course you will be supported throughout its duration by a team of guidance staff at the start of your course you will be given a full introduction to the course programme the department and the college you will have a personal development planning pdp or guidance tutor who will meet you on a regular basis to help you set goals review your progress on an ongoing basis and help you plan for your future towards the end of your course at the pre-exit stage you will be supported and advised on the options available further study employment university you will have the opportunity to develop important skills for study employment and life in general we want you to achieve all you can while you are with us in addition to your pdp or guidance tutor your senior lecturer departmental guidance advisor or the college guidance co-ordinator are all here to help you achieve your goals if there are matters that affect your progress on the course please discuss them with your guidance staff who can if necessary put you in touch with a wider range of specialist staff www.reidkerr.ac.uk application student information 7

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application student information nursery reid kerr boasts the finest nursery provision of its kind highly trained and dedicated staff care for students children aged 2 to 5 years old in the college nursery provision children in their pre-school year are taught according to the approved curriculum our nursery facility allows students to study safe in the knowledge that their children are in a happy safe and secure environment naturally numbers are limited so we strongly advise students who wish childcare to contact the nursery manager international students reid kerr college welcomes all international students to the student services admissions unit there we can help you choose the correct course of study for your chosen career and arrange interviews with the international manager and appropriate department personnel for further information contact the international office on +44 0141 581 2277 or view the college website www.reidkerr.ac.uk equal opportunities the college operates a policy of equal opportunities to ensure that students staff customers and visitors are treated equally regardless of gender ethnic origin race religion disability age marital status or sexuality copies of current policies are available on both staff and student intranets during his studies gary was introduced to staff from the student support section in the college where he completed a number of tests and assessments and was later diagnosed with dyslexia he added before i began studying at reid kerr i knew that i had difficulties with written work and following the tests discussions and support from lecturers at the college i began to realise that i could achieve what i was aiming for i am really proud of what i have achieved at college and within my own career the training and most importantly the support that i have received while at reid kerr has been tremendous i have been recommending others to the hnc quality programme and strongly believe the college has been instrumental in my career development over the past few years gary mcisaac hnc engineering mechanical nebosh qualification i wanted to study full-time at college and the nc business at reid kerr was the perfect start for me i learned so much in my first year and i felt well prepared for returning to begin the first year of a two year hnd in the same subject danielle mclaughlin left hnd business coming to college for the first time can be daunting for anyone of any age but danielle and i have had a very positive experience and we would recommend reid kerr to anyone thinking about taking further qualifications through college this is a great place to study with terrific and very supportive staff sharon mclaughlin right hnd accounting 8 application student information call for further information on ­ 0800 052 7343

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students with a disability or learning dificulties including dyslexia students with a disability or specific learning difficulties including dyslexia the college welcomes applications from students with disabilities we make every effort to meet your needs and strive to ensure that all disabled students can access every college facility many areas of the campus have been adapted with lifts ramps and special toilet facilities there is also extensive accessible car parking we have ongoing programmes to extend opportunities for those with a disability members of learning plus are available to give advice about existing facilities and equipment and to discuss any requirements that you may have to arrange an appointment or a tour of the college campus please contact george smith or mary jane bird in learning plus on 0141 581 2315 or by textphone on 0141 581 2361 dyslexia if you have or think you may have dyslexia and would like to discuss best support for you on your chosen course please contact mary jane bird on 0141 581 2315 centre for alternative technology the college has further developed resources for students with disabilities with the introduction of its centre for alternative technology this new facility is located in the opportunity centre in the main building the centre provides students with access to specialist hardware software and an extensive range of specialist equipment to assist those students with disabilities through their course of study the centre for alternative technology won the scottish further education unit sfeu leadership in learning award the sqa centre of the year award 2004 and it has also been highlighted by hmie as a model for best practice further information can be obtained by calling george smith on 0141 581 2315 or by textphone on 0141 581 2361 or by email to gsmith@reidkerr.ac.uk for further information on the wide range of student services available please contact the admissions team on freephone 0800 052 7343 discover it discover it is an innovative and exciting programme that enables disabled people to have access to computers to develop their skills and interests developed by leonard cheshire in partnership with microsoft uk the intention is to create a network of discover it facilities across the uk and develop a national programme that really makes a difference to the lives of disabled people situated within the first floor atrium of the renfrew north building of the main campus the discover it centre has the necessary adaptations to make computers fully accessible for all users regardless of ability for further information and to arrange access to a computer please contact george smith on 0141 581 2315 www.reidkerr.ac.uk students with a disability or learning difficulties including dyslexia 9

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graduations graduations reid kerr holds its annual graduations in the stunning location of paisley abbey the ceremonies take place in november of each year and are a highlight of the college calendar the graduations provide students with an ideal opportunity to celebrate their considerable achievements with family friends and staff 10 graduations call for further information on ­ 0800 052 7343

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general information general information college hours the college is open during term time 8.15am ­ 7.00pm monday 8.15am ­9.00pmtuesday and wednesday 8.15am ­ 5.05pm thursday and friday during vacation time the college is open on weekdays between 9.00am ­ 5.00pm however during peak student recruitment periods the admissions unit may be open longer please check press or contact the college for further details full-time classes will run from 9.00am until 5.05pm with allowance being made for lunch and morning/afternoon tea-breaks assessment examinations courses may be assessed solely by internal assessment external assessment or a combination of internal and external assessment college staff will give full details of assessment/examination requirements to students finance office this office is situated in the main foyer of the renfrew building and is open for the payment of registration course and examination fees from 8.45am until 4.45pm monday to friday bursary funding section ema housing childcare hardship this section is located adjacent to the main reception in the renfrew building and is open from 8.30am 2.00pm and in the college summer break www.reidkerr.ac.uk general information 11

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general information library interactive centre the college library aims to provide an innovative responsive proactive learning resource service supporting the teaching learning research needs of its users in such a way as to meet its requirements and expectations and achieve the highest professional standards in a cost effective stimulating and friendly manner situated on the first floor on the abercorn building you will find a collection of print materials books newspapers magazines to support the reid kerr college curriculum the college s large collection of educational video dvd is available for students to view in the library the library offers a general study area there are 32 computer workstations which allow access to the internet and to microsoft office other software in addition to the main library two interactive centres in the renfrew north building also offer 20 computer workstations the college subscribes to a growing number of electronic datasets which allow users to retrieve information from 6000 periodicals newspapers thousands of electronic books as well as an online reference library other relevant electronic materials most of these resources are also available offcampus ask a member of library staff for details 0141 581 2391 there is a free printing photocopying facility further details of all library facilities and resources can be found on the library website at http students.reidkerr.ac.uk/library student association the students association is the representative organisation for students within reid kerr college it is run by the students for the students its aims are to maintain and improve student welfare finance and facilities both within the college and on a national level through affiliated membership of the national union of students nus membership of reid kerr college students association nus is free and automatic to individual students both fulltime and part-time the students association also issues nus democracy cards the students association produces a guide for all new students on life within the college and as a student in general the students association also provides a programme of entertainment that will appeal to students of all ages throughout the year and assists in the funding of several clubs and societies ranging from sport to cultural groups the student s common room is ideally situated across from the main refectory in the oakshaw building run by students it is a purpose built area which offers a place to chill out between classes catch up with friends challenge each other to a couple of games of pool or try out the latest computer games it is an area for you as a student at reid kerr college to share and experience the non academic support we can provide if you would like to find out more about the student association then give the students association a call on 0141 581 2132 12 general information call for further information on ­ 0800 052 7343

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general information accommodation since many of our students come from other parts of the country we know how important it is that they settle into their new environment as quickly as possible a key factor here is helping the student find somewhere suitable to live the college maintains an up-to-date register of local accommodation we recommend that students try to find suitable accommodation as soon as possible after being accepted on a course for further information contact admissions on 0800 052 7343 school links reid kerr college is proud of its links with secondary schools throughout renfrewshire and east renfrewshire and has developed a full and exciting programme that offers school students from s3 s6 the chance to experience college life these courses are designed to enhance the learning experience of school students course information is available for students parents and teachers which will help in choosing relevant educational and training opportunities visit to schools the school liaison team will be delighted to attend option evenings parents evenings and guidance sessions to talk about the opportunities available in further education for further information on any school links please contact cherry briggs schools liaison manager on 0141 581 2237 or email cbriggs@reidkerr.ac.uk health safety the college is committed to provide a safe and healthy environment for all our students staff and visitors who use the premises to this end the college has a full-time health safety officer to advise the college on all matters regarding legislation regulations and guidelines the college health safety documents are available on the intranet smoking is prohibited within 10 metres of entrances to all buildings litter is a general problem and everyone is asked to use the bins that are placed around the college campus a number of the staff are qualified in first aid and are there to deal with any accidents injuries and illness all staff and students are given an initial health safety induction session to ensure that they are aware of the procedures regarding emergency evacuation everyone is expected to comply with the general safety precautions with regard to workshops where procedures equipment and clothing are necessary traffic signs are displayed indicating no entry and one way on internal roads with a speed limit of 5 m.p.h please use designated parking areas only www.reidkerr.ac.uk general information 13

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general information places to eat the college has a main refectory and a training restaurant in the renfrew building and a shop and coffee pod in renfrew north for added convenience there are vending machines situated in the various college buildings services are available throughout the college the main refectory opens from 8.20am to 3.30pm the catering services provide breakfasts lunches and snacks and are open to the general public any students with special dietary requirements please contact stuart mullen refectory manager open to the public students members of the public and visitors to the college are made most welcome in `the renfrew room training restaurant where hospitality students learn their production cookery and food beverage service skills it is open daily for lunches and on numerous occasions throughout the year for gourmet dinners the renfrew room has a capacity of 60 people for meals and can be reserved in advance for private bookings such as wedding receptions anniversaries and other special occassions to reserve a table for lunch telephone 0141 581 2385 or call into the renfrew room on the ground floor of the renfrew building between 9.00am and 4.00pm a wide range of hairdressing and beauty treatments are available daily throughout the session to enable students to enhance their practical skills services include ladies and gents cutting hair colouring blow drying setting and long hair work beauty students offer facials manicures and various massage treatments and are always looking for willing volunteers to act as clients during commercial beauty salon days throughout the year to book treatments telephone 0141 581 2392 or call into the hairdressing beauty reception desk on the ground floor of the renfrew north building 14 general information call for further information on ­ 0800 052 7343

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