Lecturer Gordon Murray with Students Mark Hendry and Craig Stewart
Delivering units that cover a wide range of subjects, the course is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for further study with successful students being guaranteed a place in Higher Education.
The course is returning to Greenock after a break of 7 years and will form a vital pathway to University for local residents.
Greenock student Dominic came to West College Scotland with his sights set on University. At 25, he’d had been out of education for a number of years, but thanks to the College’s Access to Humanities course he’s well on his way to achieving his goal.
Dominic travels from Greenock to the College’s Paisley campus to study, but soon Inverclyde students can study much closer to home, with classes starting at the College’s Greenock campus in August 2016.
The course has been a great success for Dominic, who felt really supported in his journey.
“The Access to Humanities course really appealed to me because of the progression routes into University. The career paths I’ve chosen all involve helping and caring for people and the Humanities course was perfect for providing the knowledge I need to really develop this.”
“Going back into full-time education can be daunting for a mature student but my lecturers were so welcoming, helpful, and supportive. I found the whole college experience excellent in re-familiarising myself to an education environment, in preparation for university.”
“It can be difficult at times, if you fall behind due to absence or anything else, but it needs to be to prepare you for University. Help is always at hand though; the lecturers go above and beyond for their students - I can’t emphasise enough how amazing they’ve all been.”
“Studying alongside other mature students, all aiming to follow a career in helping others, there's such a feeling of community and kinship”.
“I've applied to universities and have heard back from a few already. My dream would be to get through university and become a lecturer - to develop my skills and pass them onto others would be fantastic.”
Julie Greer is Curriculum Quality Leader for Humanities at the College’s Greenock campus and is looking forward to welcoming students onto the course.
“We are delighted that this course is back in Greenock, widening the opportunities in our community for those who have been out of formal education for some time. It is a great, local pathway for those considering re-entering education to study Social Science subjects. Successful completion of the course guarantees a place on one of our affiliated HNC programmes and offers essential preparation for entry to University. I would encourage anyone who is considering returning to education to visit the website, check out the course and remember the value of their life skills and experience.”
Mark Hendry, 22 and from Ayr, travels to West College Scotland’s Paisley campus to study on the College’s Access to Humanities course – with offers from 5 universities it’s clearly paid off.
“I was actually told about the course at WCS by the University of Glasgow. I’d contacted them early last year but I didn’t have the grades I needed. They recommended the Access to Humanities course so I looked into it. It was clear the College really help those going back into education – it sounded perfect and I applied straight away.”
Returning to education after a break can be difficult, but with support from his lecturers Mark gained the confidence he needed.
“I’d studied at College the year before but dropped out after 4 weeks, I’d felt that course just wasn’t for me, but there was something about this course, with the support available and its pathway to University, that made me feel better about going back to class – it just felt right.”
“I’m now entering the last few weeks of the course and it has been a wonderful experience. At times the course has been challenging, but it never felt too much and I was supported all the way by my lecturers. They’ve been amazing and I truly couldn't ask for more, I always felt comfortable enough to approach them and get extra assistance.”
Mark is now looking to the future, and is hoping to start studying Philosophy at the University of Glasgow in September.
“Studying at University has always been my aim during my time on the Access program, and having that goal has really helped motivate me during the year.”
“The course has definitely prepared me well for future studies. Essay writing and structuring, public speaking, studying, engaging and participating during class discussions - the course has helped improve all the skills I’ll need for Higher Education and beyond.”
“I don’t have a definite career plan, but I would love to have a career in writing or teaching. Anything that allows me to share my work and knowledge with others for a good cause would definitely fulfil me.”
Gordon Murray, Curriculum Quality Leader for Science & Humanities at the College’s Paisley campus, is lecturer on the course. Mark and Dominic’s experiences are typical of Gordon’s students; as part of the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP), many progress on to University.
“The Access to Humanities Course aims to build confidence and skills that students may not have used since leaving education several years ago. On successful completion of the course, students are given a guaranteed place in higher education which can include the opportunity to study a range of courses at University.”
Students with the drive to succeed in Higher Education are encouraged to apply for courses starting this August.
In order to ensure our courses continue to meet student demand and local needs courses are changing. In Paisley, students will have the opportunity to study Access to Humanities: Law & Business, which opens up additional pathways to study Law, Business, and Accounting at University. In Greenock, students will be able to study Humanities: Social Science & Social Work, opening up a range of University courses including History, Politics, and Social Work.
Applications are open now and more information is available at www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk