International Students Guide 2011

InternationalStudents Guide

CARNEGIECOLLEGE.AC.UK

welcome

2 | For more information visit www.carnegiecollege.ac.uk

“Aim for the highest...A whole clear glorious life lies before you”

Andrew Carnegie

Welcome to our International Guide which will give you an introduction to Carnegie College, our courses and living and studying in the UK.

The information in this guide will give you a feeling of what life is like as a Carnegie College student and how to make the most of your time studying in the UK. If you need to know more, our staff will be delighted to give you whatever additional information you require. You can also check our website at www.carnegiecollege.ac.uk/international for further information.

contentsCarnegie College profile Location and History

3

Degrees at Carnegie A more affordable way to achieve a degree

University links The college route to a degree

4

Why Carnegie? 5

Facilities 6

Support for International Students 7

Student Life 8

Student Profile 8

How to Apply 9

Living in Dunfermline 10

For more information visit www.carnegiecollege.ac.uk | 3

Location and History

Carnegie College’s main campus is located in the city of Dunfermline. Surrounded by the beautiful Fife countryside, we are only 20 minutes away from Edinburgh, Scotland’s cosmopolitan capital city and only 15 minutes from Edinburgh International Airport. We are well connected to other major cities and places of interest such as London, Glasgow or St Andrews through our rail and road networks, making Dunfermline the ideal location for your time overseas.

Dunfermline has a growing population of over 50,000 and has a rich heritage as the ancient capital of Scotland. It offers a safe, friendly and vibrant community and is also the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie; entrepreneur, father of philanthropy and our namesake.

At Carnegie College, we have always sought to take forward Andrew Carnegie’s inspiring vision and legacy and his enthusiastic campaign for the progress of education. Today, we stand at the forefront of tertiary education in Scotland and are highly regarded as a major educational player, actively encouraging learning for all but always with an eye to our heritage and the quality this brings. We are equally committed to the cultural and economic development of our local community and promote learning and knowledge transfer between key industry specialists, employers and customers. We provide a link between education, employability and economic development and support the development of the future skills and knowledge that will be required in order to secure long-term employment.

We are in a fortunate geographic position given the current and impending investments in the renewable energy sector in Fife. Our vision to ‘engineer a sustainable energy future’ and provide sector leading learning, training, skills development and associated educational services, with a particular focus on sustainability puts us at the hub of employment opportunities in the area. From large-scale projects such as the Forth Crossing and Babcock Marine’s Super-Carriers Contract, there’s never been a better time to come to Fife. On completion of your studies you could join the 85,000 other international graduates who have taken advantage of the Post Study Work Scheme* and start your journey towards a rewarding career in this exciting sector.

So what are you waiting for? WE BELIEVE YOU CAN!

* International graduates have the opportunity to work in Scotland for two years after successful completion of their studies in the UK. For more information go to www.scotlandistheplace.com


DeGReeS AT cARNeGIeA more Affordable way to Achieve a DegreeAt Carnegie College we provide our international students an alternative, more affordable way to achieve a degree.

On average, our course fees are one third less expensive than similar programmes at other UK universities. Our courses are also strongly linked to the practical skills that employers will expect you to have when you progress to employment which make them excellent value for money.

You will also find that the cost of living in Dunfermline is less than in a major city and given the excellent transport links, you will have the best of both worlds.

University linksWith a wide variety of programmes on offer, you can choose to undertake all of your degree pathway at Carnegie in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University.

If we do not offer the full degree programme you are looking for through this partnership, you can study your first two years at Carnegie then progress to one of our partner universities.*

Edinburgh Napier University

University of Abertay

Queen Margaret University

University of Dundee

Heriot-Watt University

University of Edinburgh

*Successful completion of an HNC/D at Carnegie plus current, valid visa can guarantee a place onto a relevant, agreed degree programme with Edinburgh Napier University (for other institutions, please contact institution direct).

The college Route to a DegreeBy starting your study route at Carnegie, you can bridge the gap between School and University education, achieving a degree in the same amount of time as you would if you had gone directly to university.

You would start your degree pathway by studying an HNC or HND.

An HNC is normally offered through the equivalent of 1 years’ full-time study and is generally recognised as the equivalent of 1st year at university. On successful completion of the HNC, you would have the option of progressing to HND, degeree or employment.

An HND is normally offered through the equivalent of 2 years’ full time study (or 1 year if progressing from HNC) and is generally recognised as the equivalent of 2nd year at university. On successful completion of the HND, you would have the option of progressing to degree or employment.

The diagram above outlines the progression route from HNC to Honours Degree.

These defined progression and exit routes make it easy for you to either build on your HNC or HND qualifications and gain a university degree or progress directly to employment.

Our range of programmes cover the following subject areas:

Business, Management and Administration

IT and Creative Industries

Engineering and Technology

Health and Social Care

Education and Childcare

Science

Social Sciences

So, if you have not met the academic requirements for direct entry to university or you are looking for a more affordable way to get a degree with smaller class sizes and more robust support systems, then apply to Carnegie.

For a full list of courses on offer, visit our website www.carnegiecollege.ac.uk

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

HNC/YEAR 1 AT UNIVERSITY

HND/YEAR 2AT UNIVERSITY

ORDINARYDEGREE

YEAR 3 HONOURS

DEGREE

YEAR 4


why cARNeGIe?Carnegie College is so much more than an educational institution; we have adopted a culture that instils, encourages and supports skills for learning, skills for employment and skills for life. We are an innovative, forward-thinking college and our focus on learning and skills development will equip you with the knowledge, information and confidence that will give you the competitive advantage when progressing to university or onto your future career.

We also offer a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, dynamic and enthusiastic staff and a vibrant student community.

So, if you are thinking about studying in the UK, make Carnegie your first choice.

Each year more than 10,000 students choose to study with us and here’s why:

We offer:

the opportunity to study at an institution with highly trusted sponsor status

innovative, vocational programmes tailored towards your future career

resources and facilities to complement and enhance your learning

a flexible and affordable way to achieve qualifications

defined progression and exit routes

smaller class sizes

a dynamic, friendly environment

robust support systems

a strategic partnership with Edinburgh Napier University - the top graduate employment rate in Scotland

links with key stakeholders, industry specialists and professional institutes to provide you with a purposeful and meaningful education which meets the needs of employers

the opportunity to study to postgraduate level at Carnegie.

“I came to Carnegie after school. I had originally planned to go to university but hadn’t met my conditions. I had assumed that university was my only option and hadn’t appreciated that college could offer me the same opportunities. The benefits of coming to Carnegie is that I won’t get myself into as much debt as I would have had I gone to university and I can still achieve a degree in the same amount of time as if I’d gone directly to university.”

Lorna Mackie, HNC Business


FAcIlITIeSWith fantastic course choices on offer, we think you deserve fantastic learning spaces to match. So, whether you prefer to work in the hustle and bustle of the refectory or the peace and quiet of the library, we have something to suit your learning needs.

The vast range of facilities on offer include:

Latest technology provided across all campuses

Wifi; allowing you to bring your own laptop

Access to ICT across the entire campus A virtual learning environment (VLE)

and access to web2 resources A well resourced library with

dedicated study areas Accessibility for learners with

disabilities Classrooms designed to learn in

realistic work-based settings High quality, modern learning

facilities, such as:

A buzzing, vibrant centre dedicated to the study of computing and creative arts; including a drama workshop, an Apple Mac suite, photography studio with darkrooms, sound studio and multimedia suite

Approximately 10,000 square metres of dedicated space for the engineering and renewable energy sector; believed to be among the largest of its kind in Scotland

A fabulous beauty and complementary therapies suite.


SUPPoRT FoR INTeRNATIoNAl STUDeNTS

Living and studying abroad can be daunting and bring with it certain challenges but don’t let that put you off what could be one of the best experiences you may ever have. Our dedicated Guidance and Transitions Support Team co-ordinates all the information and help you will need throughout your studies at Carnegie, incorporating:

Guidance and study planning Advice on other issues that may affect

your studies e.g. housing, childcare and other general concerns

Advice on working while studying Employment advice and job seeker

support Access links with Careers Advisors to

provide additional advice and support if required.

How to access the advice

You’ll have access to these services no matter what campus you are based at, course level, duration or mode of attendance. The support can be offered in a variety of ways:

from within your academic school in the Learner Advice Centre by accessing materials on our internal

online facility in the Study Zone.

You will also be invited to attend our Welcome and Orientation Days at the start of the semester. During these days, various events will be organised to help you find your way around the College, meet new friends and make all your course arrangements.

And it doesn’t end there! The support you receive will be ongoing throughout your time at Carnegie to ensure that you have the help and information that you need in order for you to make the most of your time here.

So don’t delay, coming to Carnegie could be the best decision you ever make!

“I came to Carnegie from Nepal to study HND Computing Technical Support. I applied online and found the process easy to follow as all the information I needed was available on the website. The tutors have been very helpful and encouraging and the environment and facilities are good. I decided to come to study at Carnegie as UK education is highly regarded in Nepal which means I will have better job prospects on my return”

Ramesh Napeet, HND Computing

Technical Support


“I came to Carnegie College as a friend had told me about the progression route I could take to

a degree qualification. Moving to Dunfermline, the benefits of studying locally meant financial savings in travel costs. It also meant that over the time I was here, staff got to know my capabilities and were able to provide help and guidance where I most needed it and I was also able to keep the contacts and friends I had made. I eventually hope to go on to study for a Masters, so when I return to Nepal, I will have the knowledge and skills to play a big part in the multimedia industry that is evolving there.”

Serene RajkarnikarBSc Multimedia Technology

Once you have enrolled at the college you automatically become a member of the Carnegie College Student Association. This is the place where students get together to shape college life and if you get involved you’ll get a real sense of belonging. The Student Representative Council (SRC) represents the entire student body of Carnegie College.

The SRC plays an important role in making your time at Carnegie both productive and enjoyable. Not only does it represent you on all matters affecting your interests, it will liaise with the College Management to express your views and suggestions for improvements. SRC social activities include football tournaments, nights out, charity events and lots, lots more.

For those who plan to progress to Edinburgh Napier University there is the opportunity to join the students at Edinburgh Napier International Club (SENIC). SENIC offers you the chance to enjoy social events and tours during your time at Carnegie College and Edinburgh Napier. For just £2 per year, students are given the chance to explore parts of Scotland on guided tours and enjoy some of the beautiful scenery and sights. You will be able to join the club at the start of your college course. Our trips are extremely popular and you can choose from trips to the Highlands, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Edinburgh Castle or go bowling, on Ghosts and Ghouls trips and much more.

STUDeNT lIFeStudent profile

Studying abroad can be a life-changing and rewarding experience. One student who took the college route to achieving a degree is Serene Rajkarnikar. Serene came to study at Carnegie from Nepal. He started on the HNC Interactive Multimedia Creation course in 2007, graduated with a BSc in Multimedia Technology in 2010 and is now studying BSc (Hons) Digital Media in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University.

“There is little success, where there is little laughter.”

Andrew Carnegie


how To APPly - checklIST

Complete an on-line application form (available at www.carnegiecollege.ac.uk or by contacting your agent)

Ensure you have all your supporting documentation: proof of identity, valid passport and existing visa (if applicable), full details of all qualifications you have gained to date and the Awarding Body for these qualifications, together with the British equivalent where possible.

Visit United Kingdom National Recognition Centre (UK NARIC – www.naric.org.uk) for information and advice on the comparability of international qualifications with those in the UK

You will need a clear statement around your English language competence – we would normally expect a score of 5.5 or 6.00 with the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Cambridge ESOL examination or alternatively around 500 with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) system*

If you are applying for a course that includes a work placement or experience element, for example something to do with care of children or adults, we will require you to provide a disclosure or clearance certificate from your country showing that you have no criminal record. Please make sure you organise this criminal background check before you leave your country as we will be unable to offer you a place if the certificate is not available.

Send all this information to Carnegie College by post or e-mail

Receive confirmation of receipt of application and supporting documents

Successful applicants will be invited to an interview (either in the UK or via telephone if you live outwith the UK)

Receive an offer

Accept offer and pay deposit

Receive pre-departure information from Carnegie College

Pay the remainder of your fees

Start your course!

*We do not need to confirm this for students from majority English-speaking countries: Antigua, Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, USA, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.


lIVING IN DUNFeRmlINeAccommodation

Finding a safe and suitable place to live is very important. The college can offer you assistance in order to help you find the right accommodation and settle in. You can chose between living in private halls, in rented accommodation or staying with host families. Visit our website for more information.

Culture and Heritage

If you’re interested in local culture and history Dunfermline is definitely the place for you!

Dunfermline has one of the best surviving medieval townscapes in Scotland and, in its early days, was a favourite residence of royalty. There are lots of local landmarks that have great historical significance to the town, such as Dunfermline Abbey, Abbot House and the remains of Dunfermline Palace.

The Abbey and Royal Palace were founded in the 11th century and hold a key place in Scotland’s history. Twenty two kings and queens of Scotland are buried in the Abbey including the body of Robert the Bruce; one of Scotland’s greatest kings, as well as one of the most famous warriors of his generation. The Abbey is still a fully functioning church with regular services and concerts on the schedule but you can still tour the impressive building and there is no admission charge.

There are many other local attractions and museums for you to visit as well – including the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, located in the Heritage Quarter of the city. Admission is free and there’s a great café and gift shop.

After a coffee and a cake, you can take a pleasant stroll through the picturesque Pittencrieff Park (or ‘the Glen’ as it is more commonly known by the locals). It was a gift to the people of Dunfermline from Carnegie himself and offers 76 acres of green space, including landscaped gardens, statues, ponds, rockeries, nature walks and historic areas. An ideal way to spend the day.

Sport

The Kingdom of Fife is proud to be the home of golf, with some of the world’s best links courses right here on our doorstep. There are also a variety of sports clubs and societies in the area for you to get involved in. From basketball to ballroom dancing, squash to salsa, you’ll find a multitude of activities on offer at the many leisure centres in the area. Or if you prefer to spectate, you can join the supporters of Dunfermline’s professional football team who play just minutes down the road from our Halbeath campus. For the more adventurous, Knockhill racing circuit provides great days out for karting and driving and it regularly plays host to some of the top racing events in the UK.

If the great outdoors is more for you, then take a short drive to the Cleish Hills; a great destination for walkers. Whether you want to have a go at climbing one of the hills or you just want to go walking in the woodland, there is something suitable for every level. Loch Glow sits in the Cleish Hills and is one of the best routes in the Forestry Park with some beautiful scenery around the Loch. You can also go fishing on the Loch, both from the shore and by boat and catch both rainbow and wild brown trout.

Or why not take your bike and try one of the many cycling routes and paths available. There are even some mountain biking opportunities available on the many hills in the area.


Entertainment

Just five minutes away from the College is the Fife Leisure Park, with a wealth of attractions to keep you occupied all day and into the night including a gym, bowling alley, multi-screen cinema and adventure golf area. Once you have worked up an appetite, pay a visit to one of the many restaurants offering foods from around the world.

Shopping

Dunfermline’s town centre continues to grow and prosper, and is now one of the most popular shopping destinations in Fife. The newly expanded Kingsgate Centre, with its flagship Debenhams store, complements the range of shops on the bustling High Street. You’ll find all the top names in fashion, beauty, electricals, homeware and gifts - with plenty of coffee shops and food outlets should you need a break from all that retail therapy.

Night Life

Dunfermline is a busy, vibrant town with plenty to keep you occupied on an evening out. From bars and pubs to cafés and restaurants, nightclubs and theatres to live music venues, you’ll find something to suit every taste. Be sure to check out the Alhambra Theatre, a magnificent 1,000 seat venue which regularly hosts comedy nights, musicals and live music gigs from big name stars. Carnegie Hall, a beautiful 1930s theatre offering a diverse programme of entertainment, is also worth a visit with its own licensed bar and restaurant.

To stay up-to-date with everything that’s going on in and around Dunfermline, be sure to check out www.visitdunfermline.com

coNTAcT USPlease contact our International Team on +44 (0)844 248 0115 or email [email protected]

Carnegie CollegePittsburgh RoadDunfermlineFife KY11 8DYUK

www.carnegiecollege.ac.uk/international

We aim to ensure accuracy in all our published information. However circumstances out-with our control can lead to future change. If this has been your experience, please accept our apologies. Carnegie College cannot accept liability for any loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained in this information. This information does not form part of a formal contract and we reserve the right to refuse admission.

2011 Carnegie College, All Rights Reserved

Published March 2011

International Students Guide 2011

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Transcript of International Students Guide 2011