Exciting new study programme broadens choice

29th June 2009 3:16pm - Return to press releases

Paul Coates 250x167.jpgEast Riding College is preparing to launch an exciting new scheme which will allow students to combine work-related and academic study.
The Advanced Level Studies Programme aims to give learners a head start on their way to university and improve their job prospects through extra qualifications.
The programme is open to students on level three courses such as BTEC National Diplomas, BTEC National Certificates and NVQ level threes.
These are available in Art, Design and Media; Business and Administration; Construction; Early Years, Health and Social Care; Hair and Beauty; Hospitality and Catering; Information Technology; Motor Vehicle and Engineering; Music; Public Services; Sport and Recreation; and Travel and Tourism.
The key to the new programme is that, in addition to their principal vocational course, students will be able to choose from a range of A-levels, GCSEs and other courses to beef up their university credits and boost their CV.

Principal Derek Branton said: "Coming to College improves your chances of getting a job by giving you real skills and insight into life at work.
"It also prepares you for university, allowing you to specialise in a subject area you love."
Mr Branton added: "Our Advanced Level Studies Programme aims to give learners an even greater range of choices by enabling them to study for academic qualifications alongside their main course.
"It is currently more challenging than ever to get a job and this programme will arm students with the qualifications they need to stand out in a very competitive job market."

Student Paul Coates (pictured), from Beverley, will take advantage of the programme from September.
Having just completed the First Diploma in Media, Paul will next year take the BTEC National Diploma in Interactive Media as his principal vocational course, with A-level Film Studies as his additional course.
Paul, who hopes to go to the United States for a film studies degree and then become a film director, said: "I think this is a really good idea because it means you can study extra courses and improve your CV.
"It will help me to get into university and I also really like films so I'm interested in the subject."

The Advanced Level Studies Programme features A-levels in English Literature and Language, Psychology, Sociology, Print Making, Art Textiles, Human Biology and Film Studies. Further courses include GCSEs in Maths, English, French, Spanish, Science and Biology, as well as courses in Key Skills, Enterprise Skills and IT Practitioners System Support.
The main benefits are the opportunity for students to:

  • Earn extra UCAS points to help them get into their first choice university
  • Improve their chances of getting a job by learning the skills employers look for
  • Expand their area of expertise to give themselves more options in the future
  • Earn essential GCSEs to give them an excellent foundation for further study

Anyone who would like to find out more about the Advanced Level Studies Programme should call the College on 0845 120 0037 or visit www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk/courses/more

Ends

Notes to editors:

A photograph of Paul Coates is available.

For more information on this press release, call Matthew Croshaw, marketing and communications manager, on 01482 306612 or email [email protected]