undergraduate and postgraduate
Prospectus 2012 entry
counting Beauty Therapy Busin puting Construction Criminal Ju ldhood Studies Engineering Fin ainting Game Art Graphic Desig ealth and Social Care Manageme sic Personnel Photography Purc cience Social Policy Sport Teach eatre and Performance Youth W Full Tim e Tuition Fees for 2012 /13
ÂŁ5,850
1
According to our students we are the number 1 Higher Education provider in the North West
91% student satisfaction rate, the highest by score by any college or university in the North West of England 98% of students agreed that the tutors at the college are good at explaining things 97% of students stated that tutors are enthusiastic about the subject that they were teaching 95% of students praised the amount of contact time they have with course tutors
CONTENTS FACILITIES AND RESOURCES AT ST HELENS COLLEGE 00 SOMEWHERE SPECIAL 00 LIFESTYLE 00 THE PLACE TO BE 00 LIVING 00 TEACHING THAT INSPIRES 00 STUDENT SUPPORT 00 STUDENT SERVICES 00 STUDENT FINANCE 00 OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL 00 WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP 00 PREPARING FOR A UNIVERSITY LEVEL COURSE 00 THE RIGHT QUALIFICATION FOR YOU 00 COURSE SUBJECT BROCHURES
Life Changing… Higher Education at St Helens College “I had a fantastic experience and would recommend those with a creative mind and passion for gaming to come and study at St Helens College.” - Charlotte Kujawiak, BA (Hons) Game Art “The tutors were fantastic; they were very supportive and allowed you to develop your own ideas. There are plenty of opportunities to work on live projects with clients.” - Matt Frodsham, Foundation Degree in Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Graphic Design (third year programme) “The tutors on the programme are fantastic, they have a wealth industry experience and were great at motivating me, especially in the second year as the modules became more challenging.” - Phil Dennett, Foundation Degree in Music Production and Sound Design “The Foundation Degree in Social policy, Health and Housing is a fantastic programme and I have gained so much from the course.” - Sharron Roberts, Foundation Degree in Social Policy, Health and Housing “I felt that the feedback that we received from tutors, especially after observation lessons, was really insightful and helped me to develop my teaching skills.” - Alison Carroll, Diploma in Teaching and Learning in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS)
FACILITIES AND RESOURCES A Brand New Town Centre Campus for 2012 The new £60m St Helens College redevelopment project was completed in 2011 and students studying higher education at the Town Centre Campus will benefit from these exciting changes. The Campus features a wide range of outstanding facilities, with the latest resources, to provide a fantastic learning experience. The facilities include:• A Music and Performing Arts department that includes dance studios, music studios and a purpose built theatre. • A Science department with modern science laboratories with the latest resources. • Modern and spacious photography studios and dark room. • Large classroom space for creative students including graphic design and game art suites and spacious fine art painting studios with large individual creative working spaces.
• The Gym is available for all students to use and is staffed by a team of qualified fitness trainers. St Helens College has invested heavily to produce excellent facilities for both leisure and sport activities. The Gym is located at the Town Centre Campus and houses a brand new fitness suite and sports therapy suites. St Helens College also has The Beacon leisure facility that houses a new sports hall.
• The Town Centre campus has a number of eateries including The Atrium and Colours restaurant, serving exciting food in modern surroundings. • The new crèche/nursery provides a secure environment for children with fully qualified, supportive and caring members of staff. • The Lounge at the Town Centre Campus offers an extensive range of hairdressing, beauty therapy and spa therapy treatments. Students can enjoy and experience the very latest in salon treatments carried out by our specialist therapist, in a professional but relaxed atmosphere. • The Flower Studio can design a wide range of floral arrangements and bouquets perfect for all occasions.
The Flower Studio is located at the Town Centre Campus and staff can create floral designs for any occasion. • The Print Room is located at the Town Centre Campus and offers students a wide range of printing services including printing assignments, binding dissertations, high quality colour printing and printing for gift ideas. • The Library at the Town Centre Campus includes a wide range of resources including the latest journals, magazines and internet access for students. • St Helens Business School located in the SmithKilne Beecham (SKB) building at the Town Centre Campus, with modern and professional facilities and spacious classrooms.
The Student Union…Be part of it The students’ Union is run by students for students and we provide everything you’ll need to make your day packed full of sport, fun and new experiences. Students are encouraged to get involved with the Students’ Union, either as an elected representative or a member.
SOMEWHERE SPECIAL St Helens has a heritage shaped by the industrial revolution, but it has come a long way since its days as a thriving Lancashire mining town. St Helens is located at the heart of the North West
By Rail St Helens central station is located within a short 5 minute walk from the Town Centre campus making it easy to travel to St Helens College by rail.
between the colourful and vibrant cities of Liverpool and Manchester. Excellent transport links to the town by road, rail and air, mean that St Helens is
The excellent transport network links St Helens to a wide range of areas of interest from the outdoor activities afforded by the Lancashire coastline, to the Lake District and North Wales.
easily reached from anywhere in the UK. By Road St Helens is located close to the M6 and M62 motorway networks, ensuring that travelling by car to and from the area is quick and easy.
St Helens is a welcoming town with character and friendly people. This thriving borough has excellent shopping areas, great nightlife and entertainment and is the perfect base from which to explore the region.
LIFESTYLE Campus Life The Town Centre Campus is situated in the heart of St Helens, close to the high street shops and adjacent to a leisure complex that boasts a cinema, bars and restaurants. Students with a desire for fine foods can visit Colours Restaurant at the Town Centre Campus. Take a break from studying and treat yourself to a pampering at The Lounge at the Town Centre Campus. The Lounge has brand new salons and facilities and offer a wide range of hairdressing, beauty therapy and spa therapy treatments to enable you to relax, unwind or try a new look. The new spa facilities include sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, monsoon shower, ice fountain and flotation tank.
Students can stay active with a membership to The Gym at the Town Centre Campus. The Gym is brand new for 2012 and features a range of state of the art fitness equipment as well as fitness classes available to gym members. The Technology Campus is situated in Pocket Nook, a short 10 minute walk from the Town Centre campus and 5 minutes from St Helens Town Centre. The Technology campus includes facilities and resources to support higher education students studying engineering or construction programmes to achieve.
THE PLACE TO BE Study in the North West The North West has everything you would expect from a thriving region. Arts, sport, culture, heritage and history are in plentiful supply, and the region provides exciting nights out. Nightlife Liverpool and Manchester’s music scene and nightlife offer students fantastic entertainment and provide a great way to relax whilst studying at St Helens College. The cities have an abundance of world famous bars, clubs and music venues on the Colleges doorstop. Retail therapy St Helens town has many of the big name high street shops, as well as many local boutiques, markets and independent stores to keep you busy at the weekend. The Trafford Centre, Salford Quays and Liverpool One shopping centre are all within 30 minutes travelling from St Helens. Local cuisine If you have had a busy day studying and can’t be bothered to cook, the town centre has a verity of restaurants, bars and cafes to tantalise your taste-buds. You could try traditional Lancashire dishes or enjoy the tastes of the continent. Pubs and restaurants offer excellent food and drink at reasonable prices or choose from a choice of takeouts and supermarkets.
North West Sports Sports enthusiasts can experience a full calendar of sporting events throughout the year as the North West is a region passionate about sport. Rugby League fans can be entertained by St Helens RLFC, one of the biggest Super League teams in the UK or visit local rivals Warrington Wolves or Wigan Warriors. Football fans will be spoilt for choice, as the North West is home to over 15 professional football teams and Manchester has benefited from hosting the commonwealth games with its new cycling and swimming facilities. Arts and culture The region has a year round diary of events and places to visit. Liverpool and Manchester are home to a collection of art galleries and museums, providing stimulating experiences for those with a cultural mind. The Citadel in St Helens is situated next door to the Town Centre campus and is a live venue for music, comedy acts and drama productions. The biggest new attraction in St Helens is ‘Dream’ – the iconic 20 metre high internationally significant artwork situated on top of Sutton Manor overlooking the M62.
The Higher Education Support Officer can also provide students with information relating to a range of property and accommodation issues, including support with locating accommodation, signing contracts, paying bills and dealing with landlords/ladies.
The College has a selection of 3 bedroom houses, each including 3 study bedrooms and shared use of fitted bathroom and kitchen, to provide the perfect home from home whilst you study. Provisional bookings can be made through Student Services. Accommodation space is limited, so we are unable to guarantee a place for every applicant.
Once you accept a place at the College and require accommodation, please notify the Higher Education Officer on 01744 623238 as soon as possible.
Inspires
TEACHING THAT
Living St Helens College provides fully furnished shared accommodation located within a five minute walk from the Town Centre Campus. Our friendly and secure accommodation is an excellent stepping stone towards independent living.
98% of students agreed that the tutors at the college are good at explaining things* 97% of students stated that tutors are enthusiastic about the subject that they were teaching* 95% of students praised the amount of contact time they have with course tutors* St Helens College prides itself on quality teaching by lecturers with a wealth of industry experience. One of the advantages of studying higher education at St Helens College is that teaching staff
can spend more time working with smaller groups and can get to know you as an individual, helping you to learn, develop and achieve for a brighter future. Lecturers have developed strong links with key individuals and organisations within industry and are well placed to pass on the latest industry knowledge and developments to enhance your learning experience.
* Statistics provided by the National Student Survey 2011
STUDENT SUPPORTBE Taking care of your Children St Helens College has crèche facilities (OFSTED Registered) based at the Town Centre Campus. The service allows many students to attend College by providing a safe, supportive and caring environment for their children whilst they study. The crèche caters for new born children to five year olds and provides you with peace of mind whilst you study. A full day-care service is provided which includes all meals, healthy snacks and beverages. The nursery also has a large all weather play area which is easily accessible from all of the rooms. For further information about the nursery, contact 01744 623132.
Counselling Our trained and experienced Counsellor has years of experience in helping people just like you, and there aren’t many problems they haven’t heard before! They are here to advice you on everything, from illness to home sickness, to accommodation and money worries. In addition to counselling sessions, students can access Emotional Freedom Technique and relaxation to support stress and anger management. Students can book an appointment for the free and confidential service through Students Services at the Town Centre Campus. Religion We welcome students from all faiths and the Chaplain works alongside students, providing a visible presence to the spiritual dimension of college life. Support can be offered to students from a variety of faiths and cultures.
STUDENT SERVICES
u o y p l e h o t e r e H
Professional Information, Advice and Guidance Our Student Services Team is fully qualified to provide information on all higher education programmes, including admissions procedures and programme requirements. Travel Travelling to and from College can be a necessary expense. St Helens College may be able to assist higher education students with travel costs. Contact Student Services for further information.
Home from Home St Helens College understands how important it is to support students and we pride ourselves on our personal touch, care and support for you as an individual. We want you to get the most out of your time at College and we will support you every step of the way, helping you to achieve your goals. We have a professional Higher Education Support Officer, based in Student Services at the Town Centre Campus, who can provide advice and guidance on student fees, loads, grants and other matters relating to Higher Education at St Helens College.
International Students The Higher Education Support Officer has a wealth of experience in dealing with issues that affect international students, including advice regarding fees, immigration and visa, and can also provide support for students that require accommodation whilst studying at college. For further information about studying higher education at St Helens College, download the International Student Handbook from www.sthelens.ac.uk Careers Advice We have a dedicated careers team, situated in Student Services, to provide you with the impartial advice and guidance necessary to progress into further study or into employment. We also have an extensive careers library, featuring a variety of resources, including employer literature and computer facilities.
STUDENT FINANCE
3 1 / 2 1 0 2 r o f s e e F n Tuitio If you plan to study higher education at St Helens College in 2012/13, tuition fees for full time degrees and foundation degrees will be £5,850 per year. All eligible students can get a Tuition Fee Loan and it doesn’t depend on your household income. No student will have to pay for tuition fees up front. Every new student is entitled to a Tuition Fee Loan that will cover your fees and this won’t be paid back until you start earning over £21,000 a year. And even then, you will only repay 9% of your earnings over this amount. Full and part time students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. For further information about Tuition Fee Loans, visit www.direct.gov.uk Support with Living and Study Costs As a full-time student you can apply for a range of financial help with living and study costs, loads (which have to be paid back), and grants which don’t have to be paid back. Maintenance Loan to help with living costs. Eligible students can get up to £4,375 depending on your household income. Maintenance Grant to help with living costs. This can be up to £3,250, depending on your household income.
Household income How much? £25,000 or less
Maximum £3,250 grant
Between £25,001 and £42,600
Partial grant, depending on household income
More than £42,600 No grant For further information about Maintenance Loans and Grants, visit www.direct.gov.uk Repaying your Loan If you start your course in 2012/13, you will not start repaying your student loan until 2016, even if you leave your course and earn above £21,000 before then. The amount that you will repay will depend on how much you earn and not how much you owe. When you are earning over £21,000 you will pay 9% of your earnings over this amount. The table below shows some examples of what the expected monthly repayment amount would be:Income each year before tax
Amount repaid per month
£21,000 £24,000 £27,000 £30,000 £33,000 £36,000 £40,000
£0 £22 £45 £67 £90 £112 £142
If at any time you aren’t working, or your earnings are below £21,000 a year, repayments will automatically stop. Any loan that you have remaining after 30 years will be written off. For further information about repaying your loan, visit www.direct.gov.uk When Should I Apply for Financial Support? If you apply for a place at St Helens College through UCAS, Student Finance England will email you when the student finance application system is open (the new system is due to open in early 2012). You can apply for student finance even if you don’t have a guaranteed place at St Helens College. It’s important that you apply as early as possible to make sure that your funding is in place before you start you course. The application deadline for new students starting their course in 2012/13 is 31st May 2012. Student Finance England normally take 6 weeks to process your application. For further information about applying for financial support, visit www.direct.gov.uk Myths and Facts about student Finance Myth – I can’t afford to go to study higher education at college/university, it’s too expensive Fact – You will have no up-front tuition fee costs to study at College or university and there’s a lot of financial help available. All eligible students, no matter what their household income is, can apply for: • A Tuition Fee Loan to cover the full costs of fees and • A Maintenance Loan to help with your living costs.
Myth – All colleges and universities are charging £9,000 Fact – Not all colleges and universities will; be charging £9,000 and St Helens College will be charging less than £6,000. No student will have to pay for tuition fees up front and every new student is entitled to a Tuition Fee Loan that will cover your fees and you won’t have to pay this back until you are earning over £21,000 a year. Myth – The loan repayments will be a huge burden and hold be back Fact – Repayments start when you are earning more than £21,000 a year. You will repay only 9% of any earnings over this figure, i.e. if you earn £25,000 that works out at £30 a month (9% of £4,000, divided by 12 months). Repayments stop if you stop working or earn below £21,000 a year. Repayments are based on how much you earn after you’ve finished at College, not how much you borrow while you’re there. Myth – Student debt will stop me from getting a mortgage or other loans Fact – Student Loans are unsecured lending from the government and are very different to credit cards or commercial loans. They don’t go on credit files and don’t show up on credit checks. According to The Council for Mortgage Lenders, “a student loan is unlikely to impact materially on an individual’s ability to get a mortgage”. For further information about student finance for 2012/13 study, visit www.direct.gov.uk
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL St Helens College strives to ensure that no learner receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of social background, age, disability, gender, sexuality, marital status, race, religion, colour, Nationality, ethnic or national origin. No learner should be disadvantaged by unjustifiable conditions or requirements. St Helens College is committed to ensuring that disabled people, including those with learning needs, are treated fairly. All reasonable adjustments to provision will be made to ensure that disabled students and other disabled people are not substantially disadvantaged. Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity St Helens College respects diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity for all. At St Helens College, you can expect: •
A positive approach which welcomes your contribution to College. • A continued drive to increase levels of under-represented groups. • Upon request, learners can obtain copies of both the College Equal Opportunities Policy and Race Equality Policy in various formats including large print and Braille.
• A range of provision and arrangements to be made to meet your individual needs if you have learning needs and/or disabilities. • Study support for students who need to improve their basic skills. • 95% accessibility for wheelchair users over our two campuses.
We have a team of fully qualified Additional Support Co-ordinators available to help you achieve whilst at College. For further information contact 0800 99 66 99.
WORKING IN PARTNERSHP
St Helens College has developed strong links with a variety of universities to ensure that you graduate with a prestigious qualification. When you choose to study a Foundation Degree or Honours Degree at St Helens College, you will receive the benefits of smaller learning groups and increased contact time with our experienced lecturers, whilst graduating with nationally recognised qualification, validated by a major university.
University of Central Lancashire The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is proud to be working in partnership with St Helens College to provide individuals with a range of learning opportunities in Higher Education. As a student studying at a partner institution, you are still very much part of the UCLan community. You have the same status as on-campus students and can enjoy the benefits of facilities and services, including: • • • • •
Library Online resources Sports centres Student services Student’s Union
The courses based at partner institutions are also governed by the same entry
requirements and course regulations as students at the main University campus, which means that you can progress onto the University to complete your programme or to study for a higher qualification: for example you can progress from a Foundation degree to an Honours Degree. Edge Hill University St Helens College has worked in partnership with Edge Hill University for several years to create better futures for people. Edge Hill University has been shortlisted for the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2011 and is in the top 4 in England for graduate employment. Students studying at St Helens College on a programme validated by Edge Hill University can enjoy the benefits of the universities facilities and services including the library and a selection of online services.
Liverpool John Moores University St Helens College is proud to be a partner institution of Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), delivering a strong portfolio of degree programmes. LJMU is a contemporary university with the aim to give people the opportunity to maximise their potential through degree programmes that are stimulating, challenging and exciting. As a student studying on a programme validated by LJMU, you will be entitled to use the universities library and resources at any of their three learning resource centres, as well as the Students Union. University of Salford St Helens College is a partner institution of University of Salford to deliver foundation degrees validated by the university. As a student studying at St Helens College on a programme validated by Edge Hill University, you will have access to a range of library resources at the university. Students have access to a wide range of books, journals and magazines as well as a selection of electronic resources and photocopying facilities. Students that successfully complete a foundation degree validated by the University of Salford can apply to progress directly onto the third year of a specified honours degree programme delivered by the university.
Sheffield Hallam University St Helens College have worked in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University and IT employers to design a foundation degree IT that is delivered at the College and validated by the University. Sheffield Hallam University prides itself on making a difference to the students it works with. Students that successfully complete the foundation degree will have the opportunity to progress onto the final year of the honours degree programme delivered at Sheffield Hallam University. York St John University St Helens College has recently formed a new and exciting partnership with York St John University to deliver the BA (Hons) Business Administration and Management (Top up) programme. York St John University is outstanding and is known for its high quality and academic excellence. The University is committed to the provision of excellent, open and progressive higher education that embraces difference, challenges prejudice and promotes justice.
PREPARING FOR A UNIVERSITY LEVEL COURSE Studying at a local college can reduce the high costs often associated with studying at university and our programmes are validated by prestigious universities.
programmes are ideal for people that have work or family commitments and want to pursue a higher education qualification.
At St Helens College we recognise that every student has their own individual needs and it is important to provide higher education programmes that suite you and your requirements. We provide full and part time study routes for many of our higher education programmes and support is available for mature students returning to education.
Mature Students St Helens College welcomes applications from adult students of all ages to join our rewarding and supportive higher education community. A lack of formal qualifications should not prevent you from entering higher education, as we take many other factors into account when you apply. Mature students will therefore receive sympathetic consideration on application, and programme lecturers are happy to advise potential applicants.
Full Time Study The majority of Honours Degrees and Foundation Degree programmes delivered by St Helens College are available to study on a full time basis. The student accommodation provided by the College is within walking distance from the Town Centre Campus. We have experienced and highly qualified lecturers and reduced class sizes, providing a learning experience to rival many universities. Part Time Study Many of the higher education and professional programmes available at St Helens College are available to study on a part time basis. Part time study
All mature students can apply directly to the College in the first instance, although full time applicants will eventually have to apply through UCAS.
THE RIGHT QUALIFICATION FOR YOU St Helens College offers an extensive range of Higher Education qualifications, including Honours Degrees, Foundation Degrees, HND/C’s and Professional Programmes. A complete list of higher education and professional subject areas can be found on the next page and all subject areas have a unique subject brochure, listing complete course information, profiles and other additional information. Postgraduate / Professional Programmes The College boasts a rapidly expanding portfolio of postgraduate and professional programmes delivered by qualified and industry experienced lecturers. St Helens College has developed close links with industry and professional bodies to ensure that the postgraduate and professional programmes are delivered to the highest standard. Honours Degrees Degrees are studied either on a full time or part time basis. The degree programmes are studied at St Helens College and students graduate at a ceremony held at the university validating the programme. Foundation Degrees A Foundation Degree programme is a twoyear qualification designed, developed and supported by employers to ensure
that graduating students have the required skills for industry. St Helens College delivers a wide range of Foundation Degrees in a variety of subjects that can be studied on a full time or part time basis. Students who successfully complete a Foundation Degree can choose either to enter employment with their university qualification, or take advantage of a guaranteed progression route to an Honours Degree at the validating university. HND/C Programmes St Helens College has developed an excellent reputation for providing a wide range of Higher National Certificates / Diplomas (HNC/HND’s) programmes. HNC / HND’s are vocationally orientated qualifications and are validated by EDEXCEL. They may offer the opportunity to transfer to an appropriate degree course and provide an excellent qualification toward a career in your chosen field. HND/C’s are available on a part time basis to allow individuals in employment or with commitments, to study towards a higher qualification. HND and HNC programmes are highly regarded by employers and provide students with a thorough grounding in practical subjects.
Cour s to st e subjec ts av udy i n 2012 ailable Acco untin g
Beau ty Th erap Busi y ness Heal th an Com d So putin M anag cial g Cons eme Care truc n M t u sic tion Crim inal Pers Just onne Cult ice l ural Phot o Stud grap hy ies Purc hasi Child /Human ng ities hood Scie nce Stud Engi ies neer Soci ing al Po Fine licy Art P Spor t ainti Gam n e Ar g Teac t her T Grap raini hic D Thea ng esign tre a nd P Yout e rform h Wo Cont rk ance act o ur fr 080 i en 0 99 66 9 dly Stud educ ent S 9 to ation requ ervic cour them est i es te se su from ndiv am o b ject idua our w n l hig leafl ebsit h e er t s or e ww down w.sth load elen s
.ac.u k
JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY Got any questions? Want to keep up to date with what’s going on at St Helens College? Want to chat to new and current students? Our online Community is just one of the ways you can get in touch with us.
Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sthelenscollege Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/StHelensCollege
LIFE CHANGING... HIGHER EDUCATION AT ST HELENS COLLEGE If you like the sound of St Helens College, then find out more by visiting www.sthelens.ac.uk or alternatively contact the programme leader and request a tour of the department and find out more about the programme you want to study.