Open Learning

OPEN LEARNING COURSES
Qualification Shown in individual entries

SCQF level : n/a

Availability

• Online
• Open learning
• Home study, Flexible learning, Blended learning

Start Shown in individual entry

Duration Shown in individual entry

Career Shown in individual entry

Curriculum areas
Business

Care

Engineering / electrical

History

Information technology

Equestrian

Golf

Sciences

Sport

Course summary A diverse range of courses are available by open learning.

Course description WHAT IS OPEN LEARNING?

We try to make the availability of our courses as flexible as possible. The phrase "open learning" is used to describe the different ways that study is possible.

Blended Learning
Is a combination of a number of different methods of study. This may involve the use of online and open learning material, independent study, tutor-led classroom based activities and study through a virtual learning environment.

This method of study is becoming more available: you will find quite a range of courses in this brochure which are available by this method. Professional Development Awards (PDAs) and a number of the Degree courses are excellent examples. Many are studied through a virtual learning environment, enabling our students to study via ICT facilities available at our College campuses.

Flexible Study
Courses contain Home Study as a major element but may require some short spells of attendance at a College, or other designated centre, for instance for the practical elements of the coursework. The Equestrian flexible study courses are studied in this way, with attendance required at stables throughout the Highlands and East of Scotland.

OnLine
Courses are studied over the internet. The courses themselves therefore are mainly home study, but some may require short periods of attendance at a College campus for induction and assessment purposes, or for the practical elements of the course. It is possible to attend one of the College campuses to study through a virtual learning environment by using the ICT facilities available.

Home Study
Courses require no attendance at College, the course work is done in your own time but you have the advantage of receiving tutorial support while you carry out the required course work. It may be necessary occasionally to attend a college centre to sit the assessments which are an integral part of the course, but this is not always a requirement.

Admissions, based at the main campus of the College in Thurso, arranges all open learning.

Should you require

WHAT IS AVAILABLE?

Accounting, HNC

Business, HNC/D/BA

Business, HN Cluster Award

Care Services Managememnt, PDA

Child and Youth Studies, BA Honours

CISCO Certified Networking Associate

Communication 3 and 4

Computer Aided Draughting and Design, PDA

Core Maths 2, 3 and 4, NQ Units

Digital Imaging, PDA

Engineering Systems, HN Units

Equestrian Skills Flexible Learning Programme

Equine Skills, HN Units by Flexible Learning

European Computer Driving Licence

European Computer Driving Licence (Advanced)

Golf Facility Management, Continuous Personal Development

Golf Management, BA Honours (third and fourth years)

IC3

IT Core Skills, NQ Unit

IT in Business, HN Cluster Award

Institute of Leadership and Management course: First Line Management, Award and Certificate

Microsoft Office Specialist certification

Radiation Safety Practice, Stages 1 and 2 Theory, City and Guilds 7410

Using a Keyboard, NQ Unit

Word Processing 1, 2 and 3, NQ Units

Working in Partnership with Adults with a Disability, HN Unit

COURSE FEES

Although these courses may vary considerably in terms of time and cost, there is help available. You may qualify for a fee waiver if you meet the criteria of the fee waiver policy of the college or you may be able to use an ILA Scotland account to pay the fees. The fee waiver policy is available to download from the Resources area of this website.

Individual Learning Accounts

ILA are a new way to get help paying for the cost of your learning. If you are over 16 and earn up to £22,000 a year ILA Scotland will provide you with up to £200 a year . Although standard full-time courses in universities and colleges are not eligible for ILA funding, you-ll find that there is a wide range of part-time courses to choose from. Your ILA must be in place before you enrol on a course.

New support for Higher Education (HE) part time and distance learning students has been introduced, known as ILA500. A part time HE fee grant of up to £500 will be available to all new and existing students on HNC, HND, Degree and part time postgraduate taught courses at SCQF Level 11 if they study 40 SCQF credits in a year.