|
|
|
UK FE colleges
|
|
|
The UK further education sector offers flexible course provision including A-levels, AS-levels and vocationally-led courses, says Nicola Hancox.
|
|
|
Traditionally, further education (FE) colleges, which target students aged 16 and above, have provided students with a vocationally-led route after their mainstream education. Offering similar electives to those that can be studied at a UK secondary school (A-levels and AS-levels), they can also, in some instances, offer sub degree courses akin to those offered at a higher education institute.
Such broad appeal is an attractive trait for prospective students and according to those surveyed for this article an increasing number of international students are plumping for FE provision. “Our numbers have definitely increased in the last five years,” observes Joanne Deverell, Overseas Recruitment Manager at Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College in London. With an extensive programmes list, including postgraduate diplomas that carry a work experience component, MBA programmes in hotel management and an assortment of English language provision, Deverell notes that their postgraduate diploma and MBA courses are by far the most popular. She adds that the fact that graduates are eligible for Post Study Work (PSW) – a sub category of Tier 1 of the points based system – upon completion of the MBA, provides an added incentive. “[This] allows students to stay in the UK for an extra two years and work full time,” she says.
As well as degree programmes, international students may also appreciate preparatory options like those offered at City and Islington College in London. Their foundation programme guarantees successful students a place on an undergraduate degree course at London’s prestigious City University. It also offers introductory courses in Business, Medicine & Medical Biosciences and Media Studies to name but a few. “We also offer vocational courses as well as strictly academic qualifications; a range of English language provision, including bespoke English language summer school courses,” relates Kirsty Webb-Wood, Director of Learner Engagement, Marketing and Admissions at the college.
Michelle Millar, International Projects Manager at Bradford College’s International Study Centre, relates that their mass appeal goes beyond an extensive array of programmes. “We also have smaller class sizes which promotes a supportive learning environment,” she says, adding, “Our strength is that we support all our students with high levels of contact with tutors which is not always possible in most higher education institutions.”
Keeping up with the latest business trends is imperative if the FE sector is to rival the appeal of higher education institutions. Julian Fox, International Manager at Hartpury College in Hartpury explains. “International recruitment is constantly changing even though at times it seems to stand still so our academic staff adapt/update/monitor programmes to ensure the skills and knowledge offered to students stay competitive and relevant to the industry.” And he observes that the college is currently in the process of developing an agricultural degree “directly relevant” to overseas students.
However, if FE providers are to attract the lucrative overseas student, a concerted effort to offer additional or relevant English language provision in conjunction with other programmes is a shrewd move. Deverell notes that the college was made an Ielts testing centre in 2008 and that this association has certainly helped add value to their English curriculum. Flexible language provision is also at the forefront of City Islington College’s new summer scheduling. According to Webb-Wood, they are “responding to unique, bespoke requirements such as an English and football coaching summer school”, to appeal to newer audiences. |
|
|
Education Travel Magazine
11-15 Emerald Street
WC1N 3QL
London, England
T: +44 (0)20 7440 4020
F: +44 (0)20 7440 4033
Pacific Office
T/F: +61 (0)8 9341 1820 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
