Affordablefull-time degree courses for£5,950per

year

with up to £2,000 Furness College Bursary available or a full fees DONG Energy Scholarship

Art & Design HNC/HND in Art & Design

Business BA (Hons) Business Management with Project Management Studies

Foundation Degree in Business with Project Management

Computing BSc (Hons) Degree in Computing Systems Development (Top-up)

Foundation Degree in Computing

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

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)

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

Engineering BEng (Ord) in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (IEng and CEng (part) IET accredited)

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

HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering

HNC in Mechanical and Computer Aided Engineering

HNC in Mechanical and Computer Aided Engineering

HNC Engineering (General) (to be approved)

Health & Social Care BSc (Hons) Social Care with Health Studies

Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care

Higher and Degree ApprenticeshipsA higher apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme at a high skill level. You can gain nationally recognised higher education qualifications, such as a HNC or foundation degree, while being employed and learning job specific skills.  It also provides you with a clear pathway to achieving your career ambitions.  You will need to be employed and working in a job role related to your higher apprenticeship programme. Higher and degree apprenticeships are high-quality alternatives to a more traditional degree route.

They are designed to deliver the exact skills needed by your employer, giving you the technical and professional expertise to develop and enhance your career.  They combine skilled on-the-job training with higher level study.  Higher apprenticeships are delivered at levels 4 and 5 and include technical and professional and academic qualifications. Some higher apprenticeships include a foundation degree, which can be ‘topped up’ to a full honours award with a further year of study. Degree apprenticeships include a full bachelor’s and/or master’s degree.

How will you benefit?• Earn a living while learning

• Achieve higher level qualifications without getting into debt

• Gain valuable industry experience while studying

• Put theory into practice

• Gain professional membership and accreditation

• Advance your career with your employer

How do they work?On a higher or degree apprenticeship you will develop job-specific and employer-based skills, knowledge and expertise while studying for a nationally-recognised and professionally-accredited academic qualification. You will spend part of your time studying at Furness College, and the rest working for your employer. We will decide with your employer how best to structure this, for instance via a day or block release.  You will be supported throughout your studies and have access to all the help you need to succeed. As with other apprenticeships, the cost is funded by your employer or shared with the

employer and government funding.  This means you can achieve a full higher technical and professional qualification without paying any fees or having to take out a loan.

What Higher Apprenticeships are currently on offer or being developed• Management and Leadership

• Project Management

• Engineering

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Professional Computing, IT

• Accounting

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.

Which courses are offered at Furness College?

For friendly advice, call Student Services on 01229 825017.

The Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre

Key Findings:

Furness College achieves quality mark for its higher education provision after successful QAA review

What it means for our students:

The facility has classroom space for up to 450 higher education students and 1,150 apprentices on science, technology and engineering apprenticeships and HNC and degree programmes in engineering manufacturing and electrical and electronic engineering.

The aim is to help more local people gain the qualifications they needed to access new jobs being created in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, nuclear and biopharmaceuticals, as well as providing technology-led businesses with a supply of skilled staff.

New equipment ranges from a rapid prototyping machine and latest five-axis CAD/CAM machines to a high-tech Faro scanarm that uses laser

technology to inspect and reverse engineer complex parts and surfaces into a 3D model, suite of new 3D printers and virtual welding machine. Upstairs, there is a learning hub, classrooms and IT suites.

The centre will help meet the growing demand locally for highly-skilled workers by enabling students to develop skills on real-life projects for companies ranging from major employers to SMEs. Students have access to the latest high-tech equipment and machinery, a metrology lab for the study of materials, learning hub, CAD classrooms and industrial-size workshop.

Quality Assured...It’s official!3

Students feel overwhelmingly that the teaching they receive is highly relevant, and that the experience of the tutors is used effectively to broaden and make relevant the subject areas.

Student feedback demonstrates that they feel strongly that their Furness College learning experience has increased their employability and employment opportunities.

The students consider that there is a strong listening culture within the College, with quick responses to issues raised.

Students speak passionately about the effective management of work experience and formal work placements offered and supported by the College.

QAA highlighted four areas of good practice at Furness College.

The drawing together of data from a range of sources to inform comprehensive action plans, which are aligned to internal and external benchmarks

The effective relationship between the college and stakeholders that enables the College to make timely adjustments to the curriculum to maintain relevance and currency

The strategic approach that enables all stakeholders to work together to identify and seamlessly develop enhancement opportunities of mutual benefit

The culture of enhancement that pervades all aspects of the College provision

The College was COMMENDED for the enhancement of student learning opportunities.

For the full report visit www.furness.ac.uk/course-index/university-education

– the first of its kind in Cumbria – is a £4million state-of-the-art training facility on the Channelside campus.

Access Profile Stephanie Smith

COURSE: Access for Higher EducationAfter leaving college back in 2002, I attended university to study for my performing arts degree but due to an accident had to quit. Then life got in the way of me pursuing my goal of gaining a degree, and I went onto have children. Once they were in full-time education I decided the time was right for me to look into going back into education and gaining the qualifications needed to become a primary teacher.The access course is a fantastic stepping stone to going onto a degree, refreshing all the skills you gained at school and teaching you new ones, making sure you’re fully equipped for the next step. The course provided me with a chance to gain enough credits to progress

on to university whilst allowing me time to choose which degree I felt was best, with the support of my tutors.The course is a great for any age group. For younger students straight out of school it’s a great way for them to achieve the credits they need for university, and for mature students it’s a great way of refreshing all the skills we learned at school but haven’t used for years. It teaches you time management and organisational skills with meeting deadlines. You learn how to set out and write strong essays and assignments, how to correctly reference and are fully supported the whole time by fantastic, friendly supportive teachers. You have regular tutorials to make sure you’re on target and are given support in any areas you’re struggling in. The tutors also help with university applications making sure you have a strong personal statement and you’re all ready for those all-important interviews. I was initially worried that I would be surrounded by teenagers and would be the oldest on my course and then left out but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Throughout the college there are people from all walks of life and all ages, particularly on the access course. From day one I felt accepted and never judged.If you want the chance to further yourself, achieve your dreams and learn new skills all whilst making new friends and having fun then Furness College is the place for you. I have attended other institutions and can honestly say that Furness College excels in providing student with a fantastic learning experience. I have been offered a place at my chosen university and thanks to Furness College I’m ready to take that next step.

Access Profile Tom Neighbour

COURSE: Access for Higher EducationMy goal is to go to university to study for a career in podiatry but I fell 10 points short of my first-choice university so instead of completing another hard year at sixth form I felt that the access course was a better choice. On the course you can choose to do morning or afternoon sessions for the subjects, which can fit around your lifestyle and preferences. Another benefit is that the library closes late and is open during half-term, which is good especially when if you have assignments to complete as it relieves the pressure. Plus people on the course are willing to help you out and are extremely friendly which makes the course go quicker and makes the lessons more enjoyable.I’ve found the tutors are really helpful and reply to comments and email quickly so you can get good responses and comments for work. There are also a good number of activities you can go to after college – for example badminton.

I’d encourage others who want to go to university to apply for an access course. The work is not difficult just as long as you attend the lessons and you are paying attention and assignments are set early so you have the ability to complete them to decrease the pressure later on. In addition, the assignment content is covered by the teacher so you can complete them without any problem.

Always wanted to go to university but don’t have the qualifications?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 formal qualifications. 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 by a combination of coursework and examination.

Access to university courses

t. 01229 825017 • 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.

Follow us on:

‘I could study the degree I wanted in

my home town.’

Sean Nicholson COMPANY: Leck Construction Ltd

JOB TITLE: Project Estimator 

COURSE: Foundation Degree Construction Management With the University of Cumbria further education courses taking place at Furness College, it has meant I could study the degree I wanted in my home town. This course was the best match for me looking to further my knowledge and progress within in the construction industry. 

Evening lecturesThe main benefit for me is that I can still work in full-time employment, while attending lectures of an evening and completing my assignments over a duration of weekends - albeit slightly taking over my social life! I completed my bricklaying apprenticeship at Furness College the best part of eight years ago. As I had studied here in the past, my preconceptions were that it would be a similar to how it was then. This wasn’t to be the case as the college has advanced considerably over recent years.I have really enjoyed the modules that I have studied and developing my understanding of construction management. My advice to anyone thinking about higher education would be just be sure you are willing to put the time and effort in - if this is the case you won’t go far wrong. All the resources you’ll need can be found in the student library and the Foundation Degree has its own content to support further learning.I’ve adapted from working on site to an office environment rather well and I feel the course helped me with this transition. I think the next step after completing this course would be for me to do my top up degree in quantity surveying.

‘Courses are run at times that suit people with children.’

Jayne O’Neill COMPANY: Church Walk Primary School

JOB TITLE: Higher Level Teaching Assistant

COURSE: BA (Hons) Education and Professional StudiesI chose Furness College as I had previously completed my Foundation Degree there, the support I received from tutors was beneficial and the location easily accessible, also the course times and days were compatible with my employment. I have a family and worked part time as a teaching assistant, senior teaching assistant, then higher level teaching assistant, I wanted to further my career and education. The next step was to complete a foundation degree before embarking on the BA Hons course.

Achieving goalsThe college is easily accessible, courses are run at times that suit people with children and it has a good HE library. The college is linked with other universities therefore students are able to access a wider range of resources as required. I have been encouraged to achieve my goals and have made new friends during my time at Furness College. I was concerned that attending Furness College was regarded as lower status than a university, however the courses and qualifications gained are the same and the smaller class sizes have proved beneficial for personal progression.The college is conveniently located, friendly and there is always support available when needed. The links with partner universities are excellent while the university floor at the college offers a separate study area for university students.I am hoping to continue studying with Furness College and have applied for a PGCE course.Without the BA Hons degree I would not have been able to begin a PGCE and progress in my chosen field of employment.

‘Soon I will be able to say “I have

a degree!” That feels good.’

Heidi McKenzie COMPANY: Defence industry (Morson)

JOB TITLE: Secretarial Administrator

COURSE: Foundation Degree in Business with Project Management I have an interest in project management and, as there is not much room for promotion in admin, I felt this was the qualification that would help me move up the career ladder after more than 30 years.At first I thought I was too old to do a course at the age of 52 and worried that I would be the only older student there. The majority are younger but I don’t feel out of place. We have a good group and they are all very friendly and funny.I have also learnt things at college that I have been able to use in my role, especially in Excel. Recently I had an interview for a job I really wanted and there were questions on Excel and self-development. I was able to talk about these subjects with confidence and I got the job!

Gaining confidenceI like the fact Furness College is local, you are studying with local people and can relate to local businesses. I was able to get student finance. The college’s virtual learning environment has also been a great help. The tutor is excellent and makes the lessons interesting and fun, especially when we use Kahoot which is a fun way to revise in the group. Studying has, and is still, given me confidence in my ability. I am learning from my tutor and from the other students. I have almost finished my first year it has gone so quickly. Soon I will be able to say “I have a degree!” That feels good.

‘The course has given me new

skills.’

Scott Reynolds COURSE: HND Art and DesignIn this course, you need to broaden your creative skills if you want get the most out of it and Furness College helps you with that kind of mindset. From the tutors who help and push you in a direction that makes full use of your skill and creative mind to the equipment on hand to help you put it into practice.I’ve really enjoyed meeting new people on the course and to get a foot in the door with contacts in this field of work.Your work is only bound by the limits of your creative thinking. I took up this course to further my skills as a creative person and to get me a career in the creative art sector.

Pushing creative boundariesI knew there would be a lot of work involved. From coming up with an idea, to the drafts and sketches and to the final pieces of work, with all the research and experimental work thrown in as well, this course did not disappoint. Yes there was a lot of work, but that’s what helps to generate new ideas and really push your work forward.The course has given me new skills that help me think outside the box and strive to create work that I love. If I can have a career in a hobby that I love doing then that is a bonus for me.

‘The tutors are amazing they

support you every step of the way.’

Claire Huddleston COMPANY: Vision Centre

JOB TITLE: Volunteer

COURSE: Foundation Degree in Health and Social CareBefore I started on the course I was a full-time mum and housewife. When I left school I studied health and social care but didn’t have the opportunity to go to university and after having various careers I realised that I still wanted to work in social care. The course content has been really interesting, highlighting the different aspects within the social care sector in our local area. I was slightly nervous about what the tutors/assessments would be like especially going back to education after such a long time but there was no need to be nervous the tutors are amazing they support you every step of the way.

Honours top-upI would absolutely encourage others to study Higher Education at Furness College the benefits are fantastic. One of the main factors for myself was the course cost and the class sizes. By studying at Furness College, I don’t have to spend hours travelling to a university which saves money. Furthermore the courses are cheaper than many other universities plus the tutors have the time to support you throughout the course. I would now like to work with children in the local area supporting mental wellbeing while raising awareness of the issues children face. Furthermore I would like to top up my course to an Honours degree. I have learnt various aspects of social care that will allow myself to be able to begin working with children and different organisations to gain more experience hopefully leading to my ideal career.

‘I am extremely happy I took the

chance when I did.’

Emma Jones COURSE: Foundation Degree in Children, Young People and Their ServicesAfter leaving school I completed my Diploma in Childcare and Education at Furness College. After taking some time out to raise my daughter I decided teaching and especially early years was where I wanted to be - it was the best and right thing to do for myself and, more importantly, my daughter’s future. There are a number of benefits from studying at Furness College, one being the campus is local and makes studying much more accessible. The university resource centre is fantastic and is always a quiet welcoming place for that bit of extra studying! It has a well-stocked library and has the facilities to order books into if there is something unavailable. The tutors are also available to contact whenever necessary and offer some great support. 

Friendships formedI have formed friendships with fellow students who have become wonderful friends. Small group sizes allow us to support each other throughout the whole time. I knew studying here at university would be hard - nothing worth having is ever easy, however from studying here previously I knew that Furness College provides the best resources and support for their students. To anyone thinking about higher education, I would say, do it! Even if you are apprehensive like I was, once you are there you soon realise there is nothing that isn’t possible. It will be hard work and tough at times but it will be worth it. The help and guidance from other students and tutors is fantastic, if there’s one thing that’s helped me through my tough weeks its knowing I can turn to either of these for support. Returning to study has allowed me to complete the next step towards my goal and for that I am extremely happy I took the chance when I did. 

‘Furness College offers highly sought-after

qualifications on your doorstep.’

Dominic Miller COMPANY: GlaxoSmithKline

JOB TITLE: Plant Engineer

COURSE: BEng Mechanical EngineeringThe choice of studying at Furness College was one of the easiest I’ve had to make throughout my career to date because the course offered me the chance to study part-time for a prestigious Lancaster University Engineering Degree, without the need to travel further than a mile from home.Furness College offers highly sought-after qualifications on your doorstep. The Engineering courses offer you the chance to design, manufacture and test an infinite number of products thanks to the advanced technologies in the new Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre. This includes laser cutting, CNC machining and even 3D printing.

Real-world researchI have mainly enjoyed the chance to apply real-world examples to my technical studies and support it through the design and manufacture of various projects. This has greatly improved my competence back at GSK in a working environment.I had assumed studying at Furness College would be similar to that of previous education; uninteresting and not applicable to the real world. But, after studying there for a total of six years so far, I can safely say that this is not the case.My career goal is to be a Chartered Engineer and a Senior Engineering Director. Studying my BEng Degree has helped me to start ticking the boxes for chartership status and, upon completion, will allow me to start a Master’s Degree. My studies have also so far helped me to gain an Engineering Scholarship through the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

‘I’ve learnt valuable skills that I use in my career

every day.’

Aaron Huddleston COMPANY: Defence industry

JOB TITLE: Information Systems Technician

COURSE: FdSc ComputingI chose this course at Furness College because the course content offered the criteria required to progress in my IT career. Prior to starting this course, I had completed a diploma in IT at Furness College and had worked in Kendal as an IT Assistant. The benefits of studying at Furness College are that it is situated close to my home and can offer university level courses.

Practical LearningWhat I’ve enjoyed the most about my time at Furness College has been the practical learning sessions. Having studied here previously, I knew the teaching quality was excellent. I would encourage others to apply to study HE courses at Furness College because I’ve learnt valuable skills that I use in my career every day, the teachers are friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. My career goal is to gain an executive level IT role and I think that studying has helped me to get closer to this goal by improving my levels of professionalism, presentation skills, confidence and knowledge.

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.

DID YOU KNOW?

investment in Advanced manufacturing and Technology Centre

£4M Achievement Rate

95%

Retention Rate

95%

96%success rates for HIGHER EDUCATION Students going into employment or further study(DLHE 2015 – Destination of Leavers of Higher Education)

93%overall student satisfaction rating for the quality of its HIGHER EDUCATION courses(Module Evaluation Questionnaires 2016)

What are the benefits ofstudying at Furness College?

SEE MORE ABOUT OUR STUDENTS AND THEIR COURSES ONLINE at

www.furness.ac.uk/course-index/university-education