Furness College showcases its university degree offer

Furness College has today launched its refreshed higher education offer with two of the new courses approved nationally as Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ).

The college is now open for applications for everything from HNCs to degrees, which are accredited by universities and studied at the Channelside campus.

Courses starting in September 2023 include engineering, health, business, computing, construction and teaching degrees as well as the popular access to university course.

Information will be available at the next Adult Education Open Evening at the Channelside campus on Wednesday 24 May 4pm to 6pm.

Furness College’s Director of Curriculum, Technical and Higher Education Kate Colebourn said courses now included health and computing HNCs, which are approved as HTQs a new, national quality mark.

“We have updated our offer to reflect the skills needed to be successful in this buoyant job market. HNCs enable our students to work towards their higher qualifications incrementally over time, studying flexibly around their other commitments.

“Two of our new HNCs are recognised as Higher Technical Qualifications that will help people stand out as they look to improve their career prospects.

“HTQs mean the course is approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and the content has been developed in collaboration with employers to offer the specific training, knowledge and skills required for certain careers.

“In addition, people can study in the confidence that not only are fees far more affordable than the full cost of studying a degree at a traditional university, we also have some excellent bursaries available towards study and a loans programme that has helped hundreds of students reach their goals.”

At the Adult Open Evening there will be sessions on student finance at 4pm and 5pm and a talk on apprenticeships at 4.15pm as well as information about access to university. Staff will also be on hand to outline the college’s wider offer for short courses, evening classes and online learning.

Kate added: “Studying as an adult at our Channelside campus, also means there is the option to learn part-time and combine it with work and raising a family.”

Jamie-Leigh Currie works as a business officer for Westmorland and Furness Council, based at The Forum theatre in Barrow, and combines employment with studying for an HNC in Business.

“I had always wanted to go back into education, but after five years of auditioning for drama schools – and being ultimately unsuccessful –  I decided it was time to pursue something different,” she said. “I was a bit apprehensive about working full time alongside studying, but I have found that it is a lot easier to manage than I initially thought.”

The Adult Education Open Evening takes place on Wednesday 24 May 4pm to 6pm at Furness College’s Channelside campus. For more information or to register, visit https://www.furness.ac.uk/adult-education-open-evening/