Apply for a course
Thinking about Applying to College?
Checklist
Before applying:
- Speak to a Support and Guidance Advisor to ensure that you have selected the appropriate course. You can email supportandguidance@forthvalley.ac.uk
- Ensure you have the relevant entry requirements and/or experience for the course
- Speak to a Support and Guidance Advisor or a member of the Student Finance Team to find out about the Student funding Support available to you. You can email funding@forthvalley.ac.uk
- Find out about Childcare support, if required
Find out more about the range of qualifications in Scotland via the SCQF website.
Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework
- Applications can be completed online or by filling out a paper application form
- Try to complete all sections of our application form
- Speak to a member of our Student records team if you would like help to complete your application form. You can email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk
- Please provide any requested documentation as soon as possible
- Advise the College if you have any additional support needs
SCQF Framework Video
Not sure which level to study?
National Qualification (NQ/NC)
National Qualifications include the national courses that school pupils now undertake in their senior phase, including Highers and Advanced Highers. They also include National Certificates which develop skills and knowledge relating to a specific subject or occupational area.
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
This is an advanced programme of study that can be studied over one year of full-time study or in some cases 2-3 years with part-time study. You may be able to move from an HNC SCQF Level 7 to the second year of an HND SCQF Level 8, provided you pass an additional three appropriate credits.
Higher National Diploma (HND)
This qualification offers a higher level or study than an HNC. It takes up to two years to complete on a full-time basis or in some cases up to five years with part-time study. With most HNDs you can leave at the end of first year with an HNC provided you have passed the necessary units.
National Progression Awards (NPA)
NPAs are aimed at assessing a defined set of skills and knowledge in specialist vocational areas. They also link to National Occupational Standards, which are the basis of SVQs. NPAs are at SCQF Levels 2 - 6 and are successfully delivered in partnership between schools, colleges and employers.
Advanced Diploma
This is a post HND qualification that is gained after successfully completing an additional one year of full-time study.
Degree
An ordinary/honours degree can be achieved after three or four years of successful full-time study.
Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ)
Nationally recognised qualifications gained in the workplace. The qualifications are designed by industry to meet their requirements and approved by National Sectors Skills Councils.
Modern Apprenticeship
Nationally recognised qualifications gained in the workplace. MAs vary in levels but a typical MA will consist of an SVQ, Core Skills and either an NC, HNC or HND or a combination of these.
Application submitted - what next?
Once you have clicked submit on your online application this is the process your application will then go through.
• Application submission confirmation email sent to your email address
• Application received by Student Applications team and screened against the entry criteria for the course
• You will receive an email with details for interview – as you are aware things are a bit different right now, so in this email you will be offered the options to carry out an interview with a member of the relevant department by either Skype or Zoom or telephone
• Please note, if any of your contact details change between application submission and interview, please provide your updated information as soon as possible to the Student Applications team via email to student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk, so the information can be updated prior to interview.
• You will be contacted, on your specified method of contact, for interview on the allocated date/time. Please make yourself available to take this - if you are unavailable for your interview slot, please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk and the Student Applications team will make arrangements for an alternative date and time.
• Following interview you will be emailed with the outcome of their interview. This may take longer depending on the volume of applicants being interviewed.
• Applicants should keep an eye on their email inbox as well as junk/spam mail folders for the outcome of their interview.
• Conditional and Unconditional offer applicants will receive a Keep Warm Welcome email around the beginning of July with key information relating to starting your course
• Unconditional offer applicants will receive an Induction/Enrolment email around the end July/Beginning August, with confirmation of induction/enrolment details
Information for Applicants
If successful:
- We will assume that you are accepting your place the course, however, if you decide to change your mind - please let us know, as soon as possible
- Complete all funding forms to ensure the relevant financial support is in place before the start of your course
- Ensure that you have the required equipment and resources for starting your course