Gloucestershire College International Guide 2018/19 A handy travel-sized guide to learning at GC and living in Gloucestershire. Learning That Works. So you’re thinking about studying at GC? About this Guide Contents including Cheltenham, by the British Council for the Gloucester and The Forest teaching of English (EFL) 3. So you’re thinking about studying at GC? of Dean. With a history and is a member of English 4. Why GC? dating back to 1838, GC UK. Gloucestershire College 6. Cheltenham Campus is a provider of BTEC and is also a UKVI Sponsor of 7. Explore Cheltenham other Further and Higher international students. 8. Gloucester Campus Education courses to 9. Explore Gloucester Studying at GC is about approximately 4,000 full- 10. Forest of Dean Campus so much more than a time students and 15,000 11. Out and About qualification. You will be part-time students. The first 12. National and Higher Diplomas joining a diverse, supportive choice for those who think 13. International Foundation Programme and close-knit community of differently, GC prepares 14. University Progression staff and students who will students for life, helps them 16. English Language encourage your passions, become more employable 17. Teacher Training help you to develop your and supports students 18. Short Courses, Mini Stays and Bespoke Courses confidence and skills and with their next steps to 20. Summer School create life-long memories. University. 21. Trips and Excursions Come and write your story, be 22. Accommodation 23. Student Support 24. Visas This guide is designed to “Students are highly motivated, 26. Travel Checklist give you information about applying to and studying with good behaviour, a clear at Gloucestershire College (GC) as an International sense of purpose and a student. Please also courteous attitude to peers, refer to our main college prospectus and website staff and visitors.” Ofsted, 2016 for further information: www.gloscol.ac.uk/ international. GC has been welcoming inspired and see for yourself! Gloucestershire College is international students from one of the largest FE colleges over 35 different countries in England, with three for over 45 years. With modern campuses spanning experienced and qualified across the Cotswolds, teachers, GC is accredited 2 Gloucestershire College International Guide 2018 | Learning That Works. www.gloscol.ac.uk/international-students | Tel: +44 (0) 1242 532144 3 Why GC? Fun-filled activities and sports Over 45 years experience welcoming international Memorable excursions to top students and groups Location UK cities and attractions We have excellent transport links to other major places of interest. Beautiful, safe and historic We are one hour location in the heart of from Oxford, England Safe, comfortable and Birmingham, welcoming accommodation Bristol and Bath and two hours from Edinburgh London Large, modern campuses by car or train with excellent facilities Multinational student community with over 35 Cheltenham different nationalities – Campus make new friends from around Gloucester High quality and inspirational Birmingham the world Campus teaching for all levels Forest of Dean Cardiff by experienced and Oxford Campus qualified teachers Bristol London Personalised group courses to suit your needs Facilities include salons, theatres, recording studios, affordable restaurants and British Council accredited iMac suites and a member of English UK, English UK Central and Young Learners English UK 4 Gloucestershire College International Guide 2018 | Learning That Works. www.gloscol.ac.uk/international-students | Tel: +44 (0) 1242 532144 5 Cheltenham Campus Our vibrant Cheltenham Campus Facilities boasts big, bright open spaces Modern library, with iMacs and floor-to- across three floors, with plenty ceiling windows of areas for independent study, Computing labs a lively hair and beauty salon, Multi-sports court student-run restaurant ‘Number Purpose-built construction workshops ONE’ and the Cheltenham Tinies Nursery Subsidised dining including; Food Central Fashion Academy. canteen serving hot and cold lunches and Explore The campus is situated on Princess restaurant ‘Number ONE’ ‘The Brewery Quarter’ Leisure Area Afternoon Tea Elizabeth Way, just ten minutes from Bus stop at the front door of the campus Cheltenham town centre and is easily Cheltenham Racecourse Imperial Gardens Courses available at Cheltenham: accessible by car, bike and regular bus Pittville Pump Room Music, Literature and Science Festivals services. Art and Design Fashion At Cheltenham, you will find Student Computing Services, the International team and the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Accommodation Office for all the advice and International Foundation Programme support you’ll need, as well as a gorgeous Junior/Adult Summer School green ‘Meadow Bank’ open outdoor space, Short Courses ideal for soaking up the sun on warmer days. Teacher Training and CELTA 6 Gloucestershire College International Guide 2018 | Learning That Works. 7 Gloucester Campus Making a big, bold statement in blue, our buzzing Gloucester Campus commands an enviable location in the heart of the city, at the historic Gloucester Docks, set in the stunning grounds of Llanthony Secunda Priory. Easy to access by foot, bike or car, the Courses available at Gloucester campus is just a hop and a skip away Art and Design from the popular Gloucester Quays outlet Business shopping destination, where there are plenty Computing of trendy shops, bars, restaurants and a Explore Engineering cinema for you to enjoy. Film Harry Potter Tours ‘The Quays’ Leisure Area Facilities Graphic Design Kingsholm Rugby Stadium Beatrix Potter Museum Construction centre with industry-standard Junior Summer School for Groups Historic Docks Climbing and Caving Centre tools and machinery Media Aircraft simulation room Music TV, film and music recording studios Performing Arts/Theatre Motor vehicle garages Photography Student gym Spatial Design On-site salon Sport Dance studio and theatre Travel and Tourism 8 Gloucestershire College International Guide 2018 | Learning That Works. 9 Forest of Dean Campus Situated in a beautiful, rural location in Cinderford, beside a lake, our Forest of Dean campus is accessible by car and regular bus services. The brand-new campus for 2018 is Courses available at the Forest of Dean designed to be environmentally-friendly and Art and Design is packed with modern facilities. Thanks to Business its enviable countryside location, the Forest Junior Summer School for Groups of Dean Campus is home to our outdoor Outdoor Education education courses – ideal for those that Explore crave adventure! Over 45 Annual Festivals Facilities Artist Outdoor Adventure and Watersports Industry standard training kitchens visualisations. Subject to change Shopping Food Central canteen and student while building is run restaurant completed Infinity Photography Studio ICT suites Large theatre Specialist art studios Construction and motor vehicle workshops On-site hair and beauty therapy salons 10 Gloucestershire College International Guide 2018 | Learning That Works. 11 National and Higher International 100% Diplomas Foundation pass rate! Looking to apply to a UK university? Programme Take a look at our Diplomas or International Foundation Programme. GC offers BTEC National Diplomas in a huge range of subjects. Equivalent to 3 A Are you looking to study at a Levels, Level 3 Diplomas allow you to focus on a specific college with excellent facilities, area of interest, alongside English language classes. that will equip you with the They are 2 year courses which allow you to apply to qualifications and skills you need a UK university. to progress to a UK University? Our IFP with a Business pathway specialises in blending English language, business studies and university preparation to ensure that you Art and Design, Photography, Engineering are fully prepared for a UK university. Media, Music and Performing Arts Mechanical Engineering Extended Diploma (L3) Art and Design Extended Diploma (L3) Electrical and Electronic Engineering Extended The qualification will even guarantee you Art and Design (Photography) (L5) Diploma (L3) progression to our two partner universities for a Creative Media Production (L3) HNC/HND Fashion Academy range of degree courses. Film and Moving Image HNC/HND (L4/5) Art and Design (Fashion) HNC/HND (L4/L5) Entry Requirements: Graphic Design Extended Diploma (L3) Fashion Design Diploma (L3) Graphic Design HNC/HND (L4/L5) Minimum 16 years old IT and Computing Media Extended Diploma (L3) (L3) IELTS 5.0 or higher if English is not your Music Extended Diploma (L3) Computing Extended Diploma Pathways: Software Engineering and Development, Forensic Computing first language, or a secondary English Music HNC/HND (L4/L5) and Cyber Security, Web and App Development pass grade* Music Technology Extended Diploma (L3) Computer Games Development Extended Performing Arts Extended Diploma (L3 Diploma (L3) A good secondary school leaving Photography (Digital and Traditional) Extended certificate from your country Sports, Public Services and “I chose to study the International Diploma (L3) Outdoor Adventure *If you do not have this level of English, we Foundation Programme at GC because Spacial Design and Interior Design HNC/HND Sport Extended Diploma (L3) can offer you an English language course to the course equipped me with the right Theatre Production HNC (L4) Sport (Outdoor Education) improve your English before you go on to the knowledge to apply to university and