Two new degree courses created by Forth Valley College and the University of Stirling are already attracting interest from enthusiastic students across Central Scotland.
The bodies are jointly offering a BA (Hons) in Heritage and Conservation and a BSc (Hons) in Applied Biological Sciences from August this year. Both courses are linked to key growth areas for Scotland, offering increased employment opportunities in the future.
Applications are still being sought for both courses, but offers have already been accepted by eager students excited by the new degrees. For more information, click here.
Abbie Grainger (17) from Falkirk has been offered a place on the applied biological science course which will initially be based at the College’s Falkirk Campus. She said: “I think that studying for two years at college, followed by two years at university is a great idea.
"I personally don’t feel that I’m ready to go straight from school to university and think that this course will give me opportunities to become familiar with the University of Stirling, making me better prepared when I eventually make the transition. It’s an ideal stepping stone!
“The new HN/Degree course jumped out at me, particularly with the progression to the University of Stirling – what an opportunity! I am really looking forward to it and am very excited to be going to study at Forth Valley College.
“I enjoyed both science and computing at school so it made sense to look at courses in the Applied Science and Computing Department. The application process was straight forward. I completed an online application, which took just a few minutes and then received a letter asking me to attend a selection day. This selection day involved a lab test, a maths test and a ten minute interview. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming so I really enjoyed it.
“Everything about the course sounds interesting. In particular, I am looking forward to studying genetics and microbiology. I am very excited about starting in August and it sounds like a great course. I can’t wait to get started. It’s such a great opportunity. At the moment I am unsure of the exact career path I will eventually take – perhaps a Research Scientist or Microbiologist?”
Philippe Maron has secured a place on the BA (Hons) in Heritage and Conservation. Philippe is from Paris and studied Archaeology and History at la Sorbonne, but now lives in Stirling. He said: “I'm very eager to start and discover this new course at the FVC Stirling Campus and to see the different interactions between the technical business of tourism and the reality of heritage management.
“I studied Archaeology and History at la Sorbonne in Paris which gave me a solid background for making brass fittings and ornament replicas for museum model boats for 17 years.
“When my wife and I decided to move to Scotland, a career move seemed necessary. Discovering this new course on FVC's website offered an opportunity to go back to my roots. I applied the same day!
“The process was extremely straightforward and quick and a few days after applying I received a letter for an interview. The day after the interview at the Stirling Campus I got a phone call telling me I'd been offered an unconditional offer for the course. It couldn't have gone better or quicker.
"It’s a great opportunity, both for new students out of school and for ‘adult returner students’ like me, as the first part of the course allows us to get into gear and build our momentum to be prepared for university studies. I have been a student before but I also have been out of education for a long time therefore this way of studying can only be beneficial.
“The first two years will be a new experience as I've never studied the business of history through tourism and heritage management. I am quite curious to start learning about this as I’m more familiar with the content of the second part of the course. This makes the whole course very exciting for me!
“In the future it would be good to work with Historic Scotland and dealing with local heritage is something I'd love to do. Stirling Castle would be a great place to go to work every day. I want to start the course now!”
There will be a drop in information event for both degree programmes on Tuesday 11 June 2013 between 6pm and 8pm at Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus.
Potential applicants are encouraged to come along to find out more about the programmes, funding and student life.
There will also be an opportunity to find out about the two innovative degree programmes already being run successfully in partnership with Stirling University -a BA Media and Communication or BA Art and Design at the new Forth Valley College Stirling campus.