mid cheshire college higher education prospectus

Opening doors to Higher Education at Mid Cheshire College

Higher Education Prospectus2011 Entry

“My tutorencouraged me to look atFoundationDegrees as a wayof making memore appealingto universitiesand employers.”

Welcome to Mid CheshireCollege’s Higher EducationProspectus.

Mid Cheshire College has a longstanding traditionof providing quality education to all sections ofthe community. Our Higher Education coursesare no exception and we now offer opportunitiesto study locally for Foundation Degrees insubjects as diverse as Music Technology,Engineering, Photography, Graphic Design, ICT and Sports Coaching & Physical Education.

Choosing a Higher Education course is never easy, with a range of courses and universities toconsider, as well as the practical considerationssuch as subject options, costs and convenience.Whether you choose to study with us because of our reputation for quality, or because we areyour local College, you can be assured of a warmwelcome and a quality learning experience.

John ReillyPrincipal

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http://www.midchesh.ac.uk

High universityfees makestudying at your local collegea cost-effectiveway of gaining a degree.

Mid Cheshire College positively encourages and promotes a culture of equal opportunities.

The information in this prospectus is, as far as possible, accurate at the date of publication. The College reserves the right to make modifications to reflect new developments.

Apply online at www.midchesh.ac.uk

Contents

Art & Design 12

Business & Management 14

Commercial Music Technology 16

Contemporary Photography 18

Engineering (Mechanical & Electrical) 20

Fashion Design 22

Graphic Design 24

Information & Communication Technology 26

Sports Coaching & Physical Education 28

Supporting Teaching & Learning 30

Travel & Tourism Management 32

New Foundation Degree for 2011 34

Course Page

HIGHEREDUCATION OPENEVENINGS Thursday18thNovember 2010

Thursday 3rdFebruary 2011

Thursday12th May 2011

6.00pm –8.00pm

A LEVELRESULTS DAYThursday18thAugust 2011

Special Advice &Guidance

1.00pm –7.00pm

Dates for yourDiary

All the above events willbe held at HartfordCampus in Northwich.

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Page10

Employers &FoundationDegrees

Page 34

New for 2011

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Access toHigherEducation

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StudentSupport

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The RightChoice

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How To Apply

Why choose Mid CheshireCollege?

Advice, guidance andsupport when you needit most.

A route to universitywithout formalqualifications.

Enhance your stafftraining anddevelopment.

Simple steps to enrolon the course youwant.

Foundation Degree(FdA) in Public &Community Services.

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The Right Choice

Mid Cheshire College is a leadingprovider of innovative and creativeHigher Education provision inCheshire. It has built up a wealthof outstanding facilities andindustry-standard equipment,which is continually updated andimproved. Through its valuedpartnership with ManchesterMetropolitan University and theUniversity of Chester, studentshave access to a rich, extensiveand diverse range of learning and support materials.

All our programmes undergorigorous quality assurance checks throughout the year and are continuously updated to reflect current industryapproaches and changes

to technology. In addition, all teaching and support staff have many years of commercialand educational experience, with most still working within the industry – so you can be sureyou will be receiving the bestlearning experience.

The Local AreaMid Cheshire College is located in Hartford, right in the heart of Cheshire, on a pleasant green-field campus. The localtown of Northwich is only 2.5 miles away, offering a varietyof shops, as well as pubs,restaurants and sports facilities.

For more variety, the Northwestoffers the stylish, modern and vibrant cities of Manchester

and Liverpool teeming withmuseums and boasting thrivingfashion and live music scenes.Chester, with its contrastingarchitectural heritage, is within easy travelling distance of Northwich.

The local area is rich in places of interest to visit, includingDelamere Forest, Blakemere CraftCentre, Marshall’s Arm NatureReserve, the Anderton Boat Lift,the Peckforton Hills, Tatton Parkand many others.

If you want to venture even further afield, then North Waleswith its historic castles andseaside resorts or the glorious Lake District are within easy reach.

Support for Students

One of the things the HigherEducation students say they likebest about the College is the factthat it is friendly and caring. The College treats you as anindividual, regardless of age, race,disability or gender, and can offeryou support when you need it. Allstudents have their own personaltutor, and are entitled to supportand advice on careers, grants,welfare, counselling and help infinding accommodation.

Student ServicesAccess to Student Services isavailable from 8.30am – 5.00pm(4.30pm Fridays) during term-time and is there to provideyou with the support you needwhen studying Higher Educationcourses.

Information can be provided on:

• Higher Education courses at the College

• Grants and loans• Childcare• Counselling• Careers• Studying and working abroad

FeesThe fee for full-time FoundationDegrees is £1,810 per annum(subject to confirmation), plus a£60 registration fee payable onenrolment. FdA in SupportingTeaching & Learning is £905 perannum (subject to confirmation).

All part-time fees are pro-rata. EU students are regarded ashome students and will pay theabove fees. A bursary up to £350is available, depending onhousehold income, for furtherdetails contact Student Services.

Financial SupportWhy spend your entire studentloan on accommodation andsurvival away from home whenMid Cheshire College can offeryou a more economical andflexible alternative!

If you already live in CheshireWest and Chester or thesurrounding area, then you will beaware that there are good roadand rail links to the College,making it easy and inexpensive to get here from home. If, on theother hand, you are consideringliving away from home, you willfind that accommodation andliving expenses in the area, whichis predominantly rural, are muchcheaper than the equivalent in acity. Details of local letting agentsare available from the StudentServices team.

If you are studying full-timeyou should apply to StudentFinance England on form PN1(for 1st year students) or PR1(for 2nd year students) forfinancial assistance.

They will decide whether youare eligible for support for amaintenance loan, tuition fee loan orany other grants. Apply online atwww.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance.If you are studying part-timeplease refer to student finance,at the above web address, forfurther guidance. Please note thatif you are claiming any benefits,receipt of HE funding has an impacton these. You should discuss thiswith your benefit provider.

Maintenance LoanIf you are under 60 and you meetthe residency requirements, youmay be eligible for a student loan.This is to help with living costssuch as accommodation, food,clothes, travel etc. This loan isrepayable at a very low interestrate once you are earning over£15,000 per year. Once you haveenrolled and started on yourcourse, you need to come toStudent Services to activate yourloan, which will then be paid intoyour bank account each term.

Tuition Fee LoanTuition fees can be covered by alow cost loan, which you will onlyrepay once you have left HigherEducation and started earningmore than £15,000 a year. Once granted, the Student LoansCompany will pay your fees to the College.

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We are able to offer the prospectus in other formats, including Braille, audio and large print.For further details, please contact Student Recruitment on 01606 74444.

Maintenance GrantThis is a non-repayable grant ofup to £2,906 per year. Theamount you receive depends onyour household income; thosewith a household income of lessthan £25,000 will receive the fullgrant, with a partial grantavailable to those with ahousehold income of up to£50,020. Grants are paid intoyour bank account each term.

Other GrantsVarious other grants are availablesuch as a Childcare Grant,Parents’ Learning Allowance, AdultDependants’ Grant and DisabledStudents’ Allowance. More detailscan be obtained from StudentServices.

Access to Learning FundThis is available through theCollege and provides help forstudents on low income who mayneed extra financial support fortheir course to stay in HigherEducation. The College will decidewhether you are able to get thishelp and if so, how much you canreceive; this will depend on yourown circumstances.

Impartial Advice,Information andGuidanceThe aim of the service is toprovide high quality and effectivepre-entry information, advice and guidance to all potentialstudents for part-time and full-time courses.

Careers and EducationalGuidance The careers and educationalguidance advisers help with yourchoice of employment and Higher Education opportunities.All students and potentialstudents are entitled to informed,impartial and supportive careerseducation and guidance, whichwill enable them to makeinformed careers decisions thatare consistent with their abilitiesand needs. If you would like an appointment to see a careersand educational guidance adviser or finance adviser beforeapplying for a course, pleasecontact reception.

Learning Difficulties and DisabilitiesThe College welcomes studentswith learning difficulties anddisabilities. Buildings on mostsites have ramped access, toilets designed for people withdisabilities and floors with non-slip surfaces. The Hartfordsite is equipped with a lift to theupper floors making it suitable forwheelchair users. There areautomatic doors on all entrancesand exits, semi-automaticinternal doors and a deaf alertfire alarm system. Additionallearning support is available forstudents claiming DisabledStudent Allowances (DSA).Contact Pam Ramduny on 01606 720647 for furtherinformation.

The StudentDevelopment CentreAdditional Learning Support isavailable through the Centre forstudents who are in receipt of theDisabled Student Allowance. Well-qualified and enthusiastictutors are available to providetutorial support in assignment,essay and dissertation writing,proofreading, time managementand organisation. Practicalassistance can be arranged forstudents with physical disabilitiesand communicators andinterpreters are available forstudents whose first language is BSL.

We can also help students toprocess their application for theDSA if they qualify but have notyet applied. If you would like todiscuss your support needs,please contact our AdditionalSupport Manager, Pam Ramduny,on 01606 720647 or 0160674444, fax 01606 720700 oremail:[email protected]

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Library ServicesThere are libraries at all threeCollege sites and students arewelcome to visit any libraryregardless of their course or placeof study. A wide range of books,CDs, DVDs, journals, magazines,newspapers etc, are available, aswell as space and individualcomputer access for privatestudy. The library catalogue canbe searched from the Internethttp://library.midchesh.ac.uk. TheCollege also has a virtual learningenvironment, which can beaccessed from any Collegecomputer or at home via theInternet. It contains a range oflearning materials and access tothe intranet with many valuablesites highlighted.

Sport, Recreation &Enrichment ActivitiesCollege campuses have ‘Rec Zones’ where students can relax.

Lunchtime access to the fitnesssuite is available at both theHartford and Winsford sites.

Students also have access to theUniversity Student Union clubsand facilities of ManchesterMetropolitan University and theUniversity of Chester.

Student InvolvementThe College encourages studentinvolvement at all levels. Thisranges from commenting on howwell your lessons help you learnand your experiences at College,to involvement with therecruitment of staff and beingrepresented on Collegecommittees and the GoverningBody.

Students have an active StudentUnion, which all students areautomatically members of, andwhich is affiliated to the NationalUnion of Students. They organisesocial activities, charity events,clubs and societies, and so on,and have a Student Council whichmeets once a term and advisesCollege Managers. The NationalUnion of Students also organisesnational discounts on behalf ofstudents, which can be accessedby buying one of their NUS ExtraCards for £10.

CounsellingA confidential counselling service is provided by a qualifiedcounsellor.

ChildcareInformation on the extensiverange of local childcare services isavailable from Student Services.This currently includes theCollege Nursery and After-SchoolClub, which will be closing in July 2011.

Snacks and MealsA variety of value-for-moneymeals and snacks catering for alltastes is available from the foodzones on each campus.

Compliments, Complaints andSuggestions

If you think the College doessomething well, or could improveupon something, your commentswould be of great value. Please contact Student Servicesfor further details.

How toApply

All applications should be directed to Central Admissions, Mid Cheshire College,Hartford Campus, Chester Road, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 1LJ.

Call 01606 74444 for further information.

Or, you can apply throughthe University and CollegesAdmission Service (UCAS)Rosehill, New Barn Lane,Cheltenham,Gloucestershire GL53 3LZ.

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Employers & Foundation Degrees

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What is a Foundation Degree? Foundation Degrees are Higher Educationqualifications that are designed in collaborationwith employers as an alternative to a traditionaldegree programme.

Subject to demand, courses are available part-time and are often delivered with concisetimetables, i.e. one day per week, to allowstudents to study whilst in full employment.

We work with employers to develop FoundationDegrees, tailored specifically to the needs of theirorganisation and sector.

Alternatively, organisations can utilise one of ourexisting Foundation Degree programmes to meettheir needs.

How can the employer benefit?

Employer-driven – designed with employers tomeet their needs and to plug regional skills gaps

Flexible – can be delivered in a variety of ways to suit your business and to minimise disruptionto the workplace, for example, twilight andevening sessions, assessments in the workplace

Positive and immediate impact – your staff canwork on projects that will benefit your businessas part of the course

Customised to suit your business – employerscan be involved in the design of FoundationDegrees to suit their own requirements

High quality – Foundation Degrees areaccredited by universities and require equivalentfinal standards of academic attainment as thesecond year of an honours degree

Cost – excellent value for money

Accreditation – it may be possible to accreditexisting company training schemes as part of the degree

An opportunity to enhance staff training and development.

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Access to Higher Education

If you feel you missed out by not going to university but don’t have the formalqualifications, then the Access to Higher Education course will be perfect for you.

• The Access course is a Level 3course for adults withexperience of life

• Entry criteria: Applicants shouldbe able to provide evidence of academic achievement at Level 2, which is theequivalent of GCSEs.

• Our Access students havesuccessfully progressed on tocourses in teaching, nursing,social work, business and manyother university courses

• You study full-time during theday for one year on thisprogramme, which includes coreskills plus a selection of relevantLevel 3 subjects, such as Biology,Psychology and Sociology

• You would attend College for aminimum of three days per week

• The course fee is £250 but if youhave no formal qualifications orare in receipt of an income-based benefit, you may qualifyfor a reduced payment of £25(fees at 2010/2011)

Adult Learning Grant The Adult Learning Grant isintended to help adults studyingfull-time with the costs of learning. The grant pays up to £30 per week (subject to financial assessment and thecourse studied) for students aged19 and over who are studying for afirst Full Level 2 or a first Full Level3 qualification. Contact StudentServices for more details and anapplication form.

Art & Design

BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies

BTEC Diploma inFoundation Studies inArt & Design

Attendance1 year – Post A level /Pre-Degree

Entry Requirements • 5 GCSEs at grade A* – C or equivalent• You will also need to present a satisfactory portfolio

ContentThis course will give you a broadbased experience in art and design,including drawing, painting,printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, 3D design, textile design and graphic design, with supportingstudies of art history and lifedrawing. Through tutorial guidanceand practical experience studentseventually elect to work in oneparticular area of study.

Learning and AssessmentLearning is through tutorials,consultation, and practicalstudies/workshop lectures and a personal written reflective diary.Formal assessment during the firsttwo terms will allow you toevaluate your strengths andweaknesses and assist you to makethe appropriate applications toHigher Education. There is a finalmajor project assessed by exhibition.

ProspectsStudents can progress on to do aDegree, Foundation Degree or HND in a range of specialist studies,such as graphic design, 3D design,fashion/textile design, fine art. A number of students each year areguaranteed places at ManchesterMetropolitan or Salford Universities to which the course is affiliated.

Art and Design student, MaggieStewart, landed a much covetedplace at Goldsmiths University inLondon, where she is studying ajoint Honours Degree in Fine Artand Art History. Goldsmiths is oneof the most prestigious universitiesin the UK for arts and design andhas been home to many famousartists such as Damien Hirst.

Maggie joined Mid Cheshire Collegeafter completing her A levels, andenrolled on the Diploma inFoundation Studies in Art andDesign. The pre-degree courseallowed her to build up animpressive portfolio of artwork,which helped her gain the universityplace.

She also attributes her success tothe help she received from theCollege’s Ofsted Grade One studentdevelopment centre. The collegeteam very quickly diagnoseddyslexia for the first time, despiteher having had the problem sinceprimary school. There is a writtenelement to all courses and thesupport tutors guided her in essaywriting, spelling, organisation ofideas and dyslexia strategies toenable her to be more independentduring her time at university.

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“I have just completed my first year atGoldsmiths University and my work has been graded 2:1. I have particularly enjoyed the art history element, which I thought would be difficult due to having dyslexia.”Maggie Stewart

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Business & Management

Foundation Degree (FdA)

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“The Foundation Degree hasgiven me the freedom to workas well as study and has also provided me with the confidence to hopefully enter into a HR job after completing my degree at Manchester Metropolitan University.”Yasmin Atkinson

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This programme is designed forthose who wish to further theircareer opportunities in the fieldof business and management.This vocational course will allowyou to develop your skills withina wide variety of businessdisciplines. Its project basedapproach provides opportunitiesfor you and your employer tobenefit both immediately and inthe long-term from yourparticipation in the programme.You are able to shape theprogramme to suit your needsand future aspirations.

The focus is on knowledge of thepractical aspects of business andmanagement, with teaching and assessment focused on yourown work role and the workplace. A career in business can meanchoosing from a wide range ofemployment opportunities, frombeing involved in finance,administration, supply, retail,human resources or marketing,as well as supervisory andmanagement positions and self-employment. A FoundationDegree provides evidence of yourability to think analytically,communicate well, solveproblems and successfullycomplete numerous and varied tasks.

Business & Management

UCAS Code N100(Validated by ManchesterMetropolitan University)

Attendance2 years full-time or 3-4 years part-time

Entry GuidelinesStudents need to have 3 GCSEs atgrade C or above, including Mathsand English, plus a minimum of 120 UCAS points from any of thefollowing programmes:

• BTEC ExtendedDiploma/Certificate/Award

• A/S – A Levels• AVCE

Alternatively, an NVQ Level 3 orequivalent or a Pass in anappropriate kite-marked Access to Higher Education course.

Where possible an academic orvocational reference will berequired to ensure suitability forthis level of programme.

Students who do not meet theabove admissions requirements willbe considered for entry if they candemonstrate that they have therelevant vocational experience,motivation and personal qualitiesappropriate for Foundation Degreelevel work.

Content

Level 4 Units:

• Understanding People

• Information Discovery Analysisand Interpretation (IDAI)

• Financial Analysis

• Professional Achievement andEmployment Skills (PAcE)

• Global Context of Modern Business

• Negotiated Work-Based Unit

Level 5 Units:

• Management Accounting

• Marketing Concepts and Planning

• Operations ManagementTechniques

• Managing People

• Negotiated Work-Based Units x 2

The teaching takes placepredominantly at the College’sHartford site, though there will bethe occasional visits to ManchesterMetropolitan University. Studentsnot sponsored by their employersshould apply to their LocalEducation Authority for assistancewith Higher Education course fees.

AssessmentThis programme will be assessed bya combination of methods, e.g.work-based assessment,assignments, case studies,presentations, research, team classdebates and examinations.

ProspectsStudents will have the opportunity to apply to progress on to the second orfinal year of an Honours Degree in a related area at any university. However,students may also progress directly on to an agreed Level 6 Honours Degreeprogramme at Manchester Metropolitan University studying on a part-timebasis, i.e. BA (Hons). You can also progress on to Professional Qualifications e.g.Association of Accounting Technicians, Institute of Marketing, Institute ofPersonnel Development or Diploma in Management.

Commercial Music Technology

Foundation Degree (FdSc)

The programme is for those who would like to develop aprofessional career in the musicindustry. During the course you will use the College’s state-of-the-art facilities includingsound recording studios and theknowledge of professional staff todevelop, realise and market acommercially viable musicproduct.

On this programme you willdevelop core knowledge and skillsin recording, sequencing andproduction to a professionalstandard. Success in thiscompetitive industry requiresmore than straightforwardtechnical ability however, and thisis why you will learn to evaluate

your work in both artistic andcommercial terms. Knowledge ofthe music industry as it currentlyexists is also essential if you are tosuccessfully promote yourself andyour music, and this forms a key element of the course.

The music department is staffedby tutors with a wealth ofindustry experience and who arealso professional musicians andproducers. The College has 3 professional recording studios,including a dedicated FoundationDegree Studio, which is equippedwith ProTools HD2, “high-end”plug-ins and processing, a MackieX-buss Digital console and 2 liveareas. There are also a number of “project” studios, a teaching

laboratory with 22 workstations, a range of high quality mics andstudents can book studios out for their own projects. Studentshave access to all computers,which are Apple Macs runningLogic Pro, and we also have anumber of ProTools systems. The College has its own in-houserecord label, Inclusive Records(www.inclusiverecords.com),providing students with an outletfor their work, and an opportunityto gain hands-on experience inorganising and promoting arelease. This course will equip you with skills relevant to themusic industry, live sound,recording, broadcast and creativemedia industries.

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Commercial MusicTechnology

UCAS Code J930(Validated by Universityof Chester)


Entry GuidelinesStudents need to have 3 GCSEs atgrade C or above, plus a minimumof 120 UCAS points from any of thefollowing programmes:


• A/S – A Levels

• AVCE

ProspectsStudents will have the opportunity to progress on to the final year of anHonours Degree in a related area or move straight into the music industry.

Recent students have progressed on to complete top up years in BA (Hons)Commercial Music Production at Chester University (our establishedprogression route) and BA (Hons) Music Production at Futureworks (UCLAN) in Manchester.


Students will be expected to havepreviously studied MusicTechnology/Music with use oftechnology, or have sufficientexperience in the area.You may berequired to present a portfolio ofwork (range of recordings) thatdemonstrates your musical andtechnical ability.



Content

Level 4 Units:

• Music Industry• Sound Recording and Sequencing

• Live Industry• Production – Concept andRealisation

Level 5 Units:

• Strategic ProfessionalDevelopment

• Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Artistic Promotion

• Creative Sound Design andMultimedia Production

• Professional Product Realisation• Commercial Music in Context

AssessmentThis programme will be assessed bya combination of methods, e.g.music production portfolios,practical tests, viva examinations,industry presentations and self,peer and tutor assessedassignments. Assessment is at theend of each module withprogressional assessment at theend of each year.

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Contemporary Photography


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ContemporaryPhotography

UCAS Code E641(Validated by Universityof Chester)





• AVCE




Content

Level 4 Units:

• Introduction to Photography• Exploring Creative Methods • Presentation/Portfolio• Industry and Practice• Digital Foundation• Historical/Contemporary Studies

Level 5 Units:

• Context and Design (optional)• Communication (optional)• Digital Imaging• Critical Reflection and Research• Specialist Practice• Photography as a Profession

AssessmentThis programme will be assessed bya combination of methods, e.g.portfolio including visual artwork,research projects, reports andpresentations.

The course philosophy promotesphotography as a dynamiccontemporary artistic practicethat reflects a broad range ofapplications. Students experiencean experimental and creativeenvironment in which to producetheir work. A wide spectrum of approaches is encouraged –through various forms of subjectmatter including documentary,conceptual, portraiture andstudio-based work. Students areencouraged to develop their ownpersonal style and are helped by a team dedicated to thehighest standards of practice.

The underlying principle of thecourse is that all images areproduced with thought as to their context and capacity to communicate to an audience.

Students have the opportunity to work in the specialistaccommodation at the LondonRoad Studios in Northwich, whichprovides the highest levels ofeducation and training, tailored tothe needs of industry. This courseincorporates educational visits togalleries, exhibitions and eventsand foreign trips, the most recentof which have included Paris,Berlin and New York.

“My tutor encouragedme to choose theFoundation Degreeoption as this routewould allow me tobuild up my portfolioto appeal to the topuniversities. This routehas definately paidoff for me as I havenow progressed tothe London Collegeof Fashion to study infashion photography.”Chloe Orefice

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ProspectsSince the start of the Foundation Degree in September 2006, the course has flourished, producing its first cohort ofstudents in 2008. Eleven graduates progressed to a third year at Stockport College (Validated by JMU).

Two graduates are working nationally and internationally as full-time assistants for major North West photographers.Graduate, Seba Kurtis progressed to London College of Communication on an MA programme. Seba’s work, completedon programme, has been selected to feature at the International Photography Expo in New York during 2009.

The department also has a successful programme of visiting practitioners and mentors including internationally knownphotographers John Davies, Dinu Li and Chris Cokin, as well as D&AD winners Shaw and Shaw. These professionals alsocontribute to the overall design of the programme modules.

Students also have the opportunity to exhibit their work each year at the prestigious Cube Gallery in Manchester City Centre. www.northerneye.org

Engineering with Mechanical and Electrical PathwaysFoundation Degree (FdEng)

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These degrees contain a common core of engineering, maths andscience units, along with more specialist units directly applicable toyour chosen route. The course brings together learning in College andthe workplace, to deliver the knowledge and skills needed in localengineering employment markets. It provides both the basictheoretical knowledge in science and engineering and theopportunity to apply this knowledge in the work environment.

The College has excellent resource-based learning areas,including a brand new suite ofclassrooms and laboratoriesequipped with industry-standardequipment.

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Engineering withMechanical andElectrical pathways

UCAS Code 001H(Validated by ManchesterMetropolitan University)

Attendance2 years full-time (one day and one evening per week)

Entry GuidelinesStudents need to have 4 GCSEs atgrade C or above, including Mathsand English, and studied one of thefollowing programmes:• BTEC Extended Diploma or otherequivalent qualification

• 2 GCE A Levels

• Engineering AVCE (1 x 12 units or2 x 6 units)

• 1 GCE A Level plus 1 x 6 unitsEngineering ACE



ProspectsStudents will have the opportunity to apply to progress on to the second or final year of an Honours Degree in a related area at any university.However, students may also progress directly on to an agreed Level 6Honours Degree programme at Manchester Metropolitan Universitystudying on a part-time basis, i.e. BEng (Hons).

ContentAs a day release student, you will normally be in anengineering-related job, and will be expected to attend College each week during term for oneday/evening session. A significantamount of learning on this coursewill take place in the workplaceusing study guides and theexperience of colleagues. Everystudent will have a personal tutor to assist them and further tutorsupport is available through e-mailand telephone contact. All students,whatever their mode of attendance,will have the opportunity to attendsessions at ManchesterMetropolitan University in order to take advantage of the specialistfacilities in the Department ofEngineering & Technology. The course is designed to equip youwith the knowledge and skills tosucceed in a wide variety ofengineering manufacturing jobs. Itprovides both the basic theoreticalknowledge in science andengineering, and the opportunity to apply this knowledge in the workenvironment. In this way you willdevelop the skills and problemsolving capacity which is widely indemand in the current job market. Itshould improve your productivityand job satisfaction, as well asproviding a secure basis for careerdevelopment. As the teaching andassessment of the course is focusedon your own work role, youremployer should see an immediateand continuing benefit too.

Units/Subjects studied

Mechanical Engineering Level 4• Electrical & MechanicalEngineering• Engineering Mathematics• Project Management• Mechanical Science • Industrial Case Study• Engineering DesignMechanical Engineering Level 5• Engineering Techniques and Tools• Control and InstrumentationSystems• Engineering Project• Mechanical Science II• Computer Modelling andSystems• Industrial Case Study IIElectrical Engineering Level 4• Electrical & MechanicalEngineering• Engineering Mathematics• Project Management• Analogue Electronics• Digital Electronics• Industrial Case StudyElectrical Engineering Level 5• Engineering Techniques and Tools• Control and InstrumentationSystems• Engineering Project• ECAD and Software Engineering• Power and MicroprocessorSystems• Industrial Case Study IIAssessmentThis programme will be assessedby a combination of methods, e.g.assignments, presentations,project work and phase tests.

Fashion Design


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The Fashion course has a strongvocational element, whilstmaintaining high academicstandards, with the emphasis onwomenswear and menswear.Competition projects areassimilated into the course andwork placements are encouraged.Visits to galleries, museums andshopping research trips areorganised, both locally andinternationally. Industry visitsmay take place in support ofprojects and guest speakers fromthe local and national fashionindustry visit to lecture and leadworkshops.

Students have final projectspresented at a fashion show,providing valuable vocationalexperience. Students will beprepared for employment in therelevant industry throughvocationally specific curricula,development of employmentskills, professional developmentand the use of specialist industry equipment includingGerber, whilst also having theopportunity to progress on toHonours Degree level.

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Fashion Design






• AVCE



Students who do not meet theabove admissions requirements will

ProspectsStudents will have the opportunity to progress on to the final year of an Honours Degree in arelated area. The College has strong links with Manchester Metropolitan University, NottinghamTrent University, Staffordshire University and the University of the West of England.

Alternatively, students can pursue careers in many fields of design including fashion design, styling,illustration, buying, garment manufacture, pattern cutting and computer aided design for fashion.

Previous students have gained work placements with the following national companies: Philip Treacy, Tatty Devine, Erdem, Saint-Hill Couture and the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, which provide a strong base when developing employer links.

be considered for entry if they candemonstrate that they have therelevant vocational experience,motivation and personal qualitiesappropriate for Foundation Degreelevel work.

Content

Level 4Specialist staff will work withstudents on projects that willencourage open ended visualresearch and translation of designideas, enhanced with skill-basedworkshops. Students will encountera wide variety of projects that willinvolve live assignments,competitions and exhibitions,which will enhance theirunderstanding of the developmentof garment collections for a rangeof market levels.

Units include:• Introduction to Fashion Design• Pattern/Garment Production• Design Directives• Professional & ContextualStudies• Producing a Capsule Collection• Introduction to PortfolioPresentation

Level 5Level 2 aims to promote thefulfilment of the student’s designability and personal expression by way of an agreed individual finalmajor project. Students willdemonstrate a thoroughunderstanding of customer andmarket level, and present a collection of garments and aprofessional portfolio to beexhibited at the end of year DegreeShow. It is anticipated that a sophisticated and informedapproach is made to the work at this level.

Units include:

• Final Major Project (i) The Final Collection

• Professional & Contextual Studies

• Final Major Project (ii)Professional Portfolio

AssessmentThis programme will be assessed bya combination of methods, e.g.portfolios, essays, reports, visualartwork and projects. Assessment isat the end of each module withprogressional assessment at theend of each year.

“The facilities and rooms available to us on the Fashioncourse are brilliant and the tutors are the best I’ve ever had.They’ve given me the confidence to know I can do it myselfso I have started working freelance before hopefully gettinga job in London when I finish my Foundation Degree.”Claire Playford

Graphic Design


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The approach to the programme takes the view that Graphic Design is fundamentally a creative problem solving activity, underpinned by in-depth research, critical analysis andreflection upon the needs of others and the demands of the brief. The course enablesstudents to develop their specialist areas or to retain a broader perspective.

In every case we aim to develop the student’s creative imagination and realise their full potential. Students have the opportunity to work in the specialist accommodation at the Ofsted Grade 1 ‘Outstanding’ Arts & Creative Media building, providing the highest levels of education and training, tailored to the needs of industry.

“The practical aspects of the course have givenme an insight into industry. I’d like to work as aCreative or maybe in Design Illustration.” Gareth Majors

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Graphic Design






• AVCE




ProspectsStudents will have the opportunity to apply to progress on to the second orfinal year of an Honours Degree in a related area at any university. However,students may also progress directly on to an agreed Level 6 Honours Degreeprogramme at the University of Chester, i.e. BA (Hons). You can also pursuecareers in many fields of design including graphic design, advertising, webdesign, editorial design and many other design related occupations.

Content

Level 4

The emphasis will be on theapplication of knowledge, skills andunderstanding, use of conventionsin the field of study, use ofanalytical skills and selection andorganisation of information. How touse idea generation techniques,basic and creative typographicskills, presentation of work toindustry accepted standards, theuse of industry-standard computersoftware, web page design,contextual studies and workexperience through placement.

Six modules are taken at Level 4:

• Idea Generation

• Typography Theory and Design

• Computer Applications

• Historical and ContextualReferencing

• Work Placement/ProfessionalStudies

• Visual Communication

Students need to successfullycomplete all modules beforeprogressing to Level 2.

Level 5

The emphasis will be on theapplication and evaluation ofcontrasting ideas, principles,theories and practices, greaterspecialisation in the field by study,

an increasing independence insystematic enquiry and analysis,live competition and industry setproject briefs, self initiated majorproject, business studies to helpunderstand the workplace, higherlevel computing skills, portfoliocreation and presentation, jobseeking skills and contextual studyoption for those wishing to progressto Level 6.

Units include:

• Advertising Campaigns

• Critical Study/Business Practice

• Idea Origination andCommunication

• Corporate Identity and Branding

• Exploring and Applying Creativity

• Self-Initiated Final Project

The programme is deliveredthrough a series of tutorials,lectures and practical workshops.Assignments are individuallytargeted to reflect students’particular interests and career paths.

AssessmentThis programme will be assessed bya combination of methods, e.g.projects, presentations, visualartwork, work-based assessmentsand peer assessment. Assessment isduring and at the end of eachsemester with progressionalassessment at the end of each year.

The programme introduces thestudent to a range ofcomputing and informationsystems concepts, theories andassociated applications.

The programme will help you to develop practical andnetworking skills, gainconfidence in the use anddesign of software and enhanceyour analytical, teamworkingand communications skills. You will have full use ofcomputer suites with top of the range equipment.

ContentThe programme introduces thestudent to a range of computingand information systems concepts,theories and associatedapplications. Students will berequired to participate in workplacements each year.

The programme will help you to:

• Develop practical skills• Develop networking skills• Gain confidence in the use anddesign of software• Enhance your analytical,teamworking andcommunications skills

Core Modules at Level 4:

• Emerging Technologies• Introduction to ComputerSystems• Continuing ProfessionalDevelopment• Programming• Information Systems• Web Design

Core Modules at Level 5:

• Systems Analysis and Design• Relational Databases• Further Computer Systems• Continuing ProfessionalDevelopment • Further Programming • Advanced Web Design

AssessmentThis programme will be assessed bya combination of methods e.g.portfolio, projects, reports, research,case studies, poster displays,presentations, work-basedassessments and examinations.


Entry GuidelinesStudents need to have 3 GCSEs atgrade C or above including Mathsand English, plus a minimum of 120 UCAS points from any of the following programmes:



• AVCE




Information & CommunicationTechnology Foundation Degree (FdSc)

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Information &CommunicationTechnology

UCAS Code GG45(Validated by Universityof Chester)

ProspectsStudents will have the opportunity to progress on to the final year of an Honours Degree in a related area.Students can also progress intoemployment in Computing or IT careers.

“Studying a Foundation Degreeis less expensive than going touniversity, plus I can stayclose to my friends and keepmy job.”James Moores

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Sports Coaching & Physical Education


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This full-time qualification is designed for people who are, or would like to be involved withcoaching, physical education orfitness.The course develops a sound understanding of the majorareas of knowledge needed to workin these industries and includesskills required for effectivecommunication, self-developmentand career progression. Learningtakes place in the workplace and at College, with access to specialistcoaching and laboratory facilities.

The sports, recreation, educationand leisure industry has showncontinued and rapid growth overrecent years and as such is an idealcareer destination for students.Within the private sector there hasbeen an increase in the number offitness centres and within the publicsector a host of governmentinitiatives emphasising theimportance of physical education.The College has excellent facilitiesfor sport and recreation including a gym, fitness centre, access to golfcourses, football pitches and many other sporting-related facilities. Thesports department has close linkswith several sports clubs andorganisations including WittonAlbion Football Club.

“The Foundation Degree is great because itcombines lots of practical work with theopportunity to coach at different levelsand the teachers offer lots of helpfuladvice. I plan to complete my degree thentake a teaching qualification in order tobecome a PE teacher or a sports coach.”Josh Perry

ContentThe majority of the programme willbe delivered at the College’sHartford site, with some elementsdelivered at ManchesterMetropolitan University.

Level 4 Units (120 credits):

• Coaching Environment• Coaching Practice and Delivery

• Human Interaction andPerformance

• Physical Education in theNational Curriculum

• Foundations of Physical Activityand Health

• Introduction to Training Theory

Level 5 Units (120 credits):

• Coaching for Performance• Coaching Pedagogy• Delivery Methods in PhysicalEducation

• Sports Placement • Sports Project • Strength and Conditioning for Sport

You will have full use of the SportsScience laboratory at the Hartfordsite and some lab sessions will beheld at Manchester MetropolitanUniversity.

AssessmentThis programme will be assessed bya combination of methods e.g.essays, poster displays, reflectiveactivities, projects, presentations,laboratory reports, groupassessments and case studies.


Entry GuidelinesStudents need to have 3 GCSEs atgrade C or above, including Mathsand English, plus a minimum of 120 UCAS points from any of the following programmes:



• AVCE


Where possible an academic or vocational reference will berequired to ensure suitability for this level of programme.

Students who do not meet theabove admissions requirements willbe considered for entry if they candemonstrate that they have therelevant vocational experience,motivation and personal qualitiesappropriate for Foundation Degree level work.

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Sports Coaching &Physical Education

UCAS Code XC16(Validated by ManchesterMetropolitan University)

ProspectsStudents will have the opportunity to apply to progress on to the second or final year of an Honours Degree in a related area at any university.However, students may also progressdirectly on to an agreed Level 6Honours Degree programme atManchester Metropolitan Universitystudying on a part-time basis, i.e. BA (Hons).

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“The course hasallowed me tojuggle my family,work and studies. I am now studyingfor my PGCE aswell as teachingBusiness part-time at the college.”Lucy Critchley

This qualification, whichincorporates the TTA standardsfor Higher Level TeachingAssistants, is designed for peoplewho are currently, or who wouldlike to be, involved withsupporting teaching and learningin a classroom environment inPrimary, Secondary or FurtherEducation.

The course develops knowledgeon working in education,including legislation and policiesaffecting children, behaviouralmanagement, how children andadults learn, supporting literacyand numeracy and special needs. Classrooms are fullyequipped with interactivewhiteboards. There is excellentlibrary support both for textbooks and online journals. Tutorsoffer a wealth of experience ofsupporting teaching and learningat all levels.

ContentThe programme covers thefollowing units:

Level 4

• Improving Practice (ManagingPersonal Learning)

• Education Today• Managing Behaviour and Raising Self-Esteem

• Developing Learning andTeaching

• Information and CommunicationTechnology

Level 5

• Professional Learning Portfolio• Improving Practice II• Supporting Language andLiteracy (including 14-19 option)

• Supporting Numeracy (including14-19 option)

• Cross Curriculum Support• Supporting Learners with DiverseNeeds

AssessmentThis programme will be assessed bya combination of methods, e.g.presentations, work-basedinterventions, reflective practice,professional development logs,skills audit, research project, plusmore traditional methods such asacademic essays. There are noexaminations.

Attendance2 years full-time (one evening per week)

Entry GuidelinesStudents need to have 3 GCSEs atgrade C or above, including Mathsand English, plus a Level 3qualification from any of thefollowing programmes:






Supporting Teaching & Learning


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Supporting Teaching &Learning

UCAS Code X190(Validated by ManchesterMetropolitan University)

ProspectsStudents will have the opportunity to apply to progress on to the second or final year of an Honours Degree in a related area at any university. However,students may also progress directly on to an agreed Level 6 Honours Degreeprogramme at Manchester Metropolitan University studying on a part-timebasis, i.e. BA (Hons).

The booming travel and tourismindustry accounts for over 10% ofthe UK’s total employment and isnow considered to be the world’sbiggest employer. The programmewill cover a variety of elementsincluding the travel and tourismenvironment, finance, the cruisesector, marketing and aviationoperation to meet the needs of the industry.

This programme is aimed atstudents who are motivated toobtain a higher level positionwithin the travel and tourismindustry, whether this is in sales,marketing management, touroperator management, publicrelations or customer service.

Travel & Tourism Management


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ContentThe programme covers thefollowing units:

Level 4 Units (120 credits)• Airline and Airport Operations• Investigating Tourist Destinations• Marketing• Personal and AcademicDevelopment• Introduction to the TourismIndustry• The Cruise Sector• Business Accounting

Level 5 Units (120 credits)• Work-Based Unit• Human Resource Management• Tour Operations Management• Tourism and Global Sustainability• Business Planning

AssessmentThis programme will be assessedby a combination of methods, e.g.continuous work-based assessment,presentations, assignments andexaminations.


Entry GuidelinesStudents need to have 3 GCSEs atgrade C or above, including Mathsand English, plus a minimum of 120 UCAS points from any of the following programmes:






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Travel & TourismManagement

UCAS Code N832(Validated by ManchesterMetropolitan University)

ProspectsStudents will have the opportunity to apply to progress on to the second or final year of an Honours Degree in a related area at any university.However, students may also progressdirectly on to an agreed Level 6Honours Degree programme atManchester Metropolitan Universitystudying on a part-time basis, i.e. BA (Hons).

New Foundation Degree for 2011

Mid Cheshire College is continually reviewing its very successful HigherEducation provision through the development of Foundation Degrees inresponse to employer demand; providing students with higher-level skillsthat are required for local industry, whilst also offering progressionopportunities on to the final year of an Honours programme.

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This course is designed for peoplewho are, or would like to be, involved in the publicservice sector. The course willdevelop the students’understanding of practical andtheoretical disciplines requiredwithin public service industries.There will also be significantfocus on the skills required for effective communication, self-development and careerprogression.

The Foundation Degree willinclude modules focusing on:

• The Criminal Mind • Disaster Response • Physical Preparation for thePublic Services

• Justice and the Penal System • Outdoor and Expedition Skills • Public Service Work Placement

On successful completion of the course you will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Public & Community Services, validatedby Manchester MetropolitanUniversity. Students will have theopportunity to apply to progresson to the second or final year ofan Honours Degree in a relatedarea at any university. However,students may also progressdirectly on to an agreed Level 6Honours Degree programme at Manchester MetropolitanUniversity studying on a part-time basis, i.e. BA (Hons).

For further information on theabove course, please contact the Admissions Team on 01606 720503, or make anenquiry at [email protected]

The following Foundation Degree may be available in 2011.

Foundation Degree (FdA) in Public & Community Services

Studying at Mid Cheshire will open up newdoors and new possibilities.

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For more information onHigher Education courses call

0160674444orvisit

www.midchesh.ac.uk

Mid Cheshire College,Hartford Campus,Chester Road, Northwich,Cheshire CW81LJ

Email: [email protected]

mid cheshire college higher education prospectus

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