Part-Time Study
What Courses/Subjects Are Available?
There are certificated courses specifically designed for part-time study in the day and as evening classes. You will find details of these on the college website within each ‘Faculty'.
We also offer a wide range of non-certificated short courses, workshops and a summer school in college through the year. Some of these classes are in the local community through our South West Taster Programme You will find details on the website under ‘Short Course Programme' and in our short courses brochure due out in July 2011.
‘Cardonald Training Solutions' section of our website offers courses and workshops designed to continue professional development for employment.
Some subjects can be studied through Distance or Flexible Learning throughout the year, where you study at your own pace and only attend when you wish to see a tutor for support or assessment eg Computing and IT, Administration, Training, Communications (English), Care, Physics and Maths are available at the moment. Contact the Information and Advice Centre for further information.
The college offers some part-time programmes in conjunction with other partners such as Local Regeneration Agencies, Community Learning and Skills Development Scotland. Some are in a job related subjects eg administration or care with a work placement for those who are unemployed.
Will I Have To Pay My Fees?
Students enrolling on many certificated courses will not have to pay any tuition or exam fees if they meet the conditions of fee waivers, as these are paid by the Scottish Funding Council. However, fee waivers are not usually available for short or uncertificated courses .
Fee waivers are available to students (or student's spouse/family) who receive: Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Income-based JSA/ESA or Housing Benefit and students who receive Carer's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance or Attendance Allowance. Asylum Seekers and others who are on a low income but not in receipt of benefits may also be eligible.
To apply for fee waivers complete a fee waiver application form. Return the form with evidence of eligibility when you enroll. If you need advice or further information about fee waiver contact the Information and Advice Centre.
ILA's (Individual Learning Accounts) of up to £200 may be available for some courses to people who have an income of less than £22,000. You must have had your ILA approved before the course starts. Contact ILA Scotland on 0808 100 1090, http://www.ilascotland.org.uk/
Students who are studying on advanced courses but not receiving any other funding for study and who have an income of less than £22,000, can apply for a part-time fee grant of up to £500 from SAAS (Student Awards Agency for Scotland). The course must be a HNC/HND, PDA's or CPD at SCQF level 7 and above and be at least 40 SCQF credit points per year. Forms can be downloaded from http://www.student-support-saas.gov.uk/ and you must complete your application and return it within a month of the start of your course
Career Development Loans are bank loans of £300 - £10,000 towards the costs of training or education. You must be over 18, not being funded in any other way and able to demonstrate that you will be able to repay the loan to the bank. For further information see www.direct.gov.uk/cdl 0800 585 505.
The college Finance Office will notify you, at the time of registration at the latest, of the date by which all your fees must be paid. You or your employer may of course pay fees in advance. Contact the Registration Office for further information on fees and payments -- 0141 272 3367.
Will I Be Able To Get Any Financial Help While Studying?
Students on a low income who are studying on certificated course who have had their fees waived may apply for help with travel expenses if they live more than 2 miles from college.
Students on part-time certificated courses may apply for help towards the cost of childcare in or outwith the college.
All funds are limited and means tested. Application forms are available from the Information and Advice Centre and must be returned with evidence required.
Students studying on advanced courses (HNC/D) with a disability may also be eligible for a non-means tested Disabled Students Allowance - contact Student Support (0141) 272 3214.
Part-time students who experience hardship may apply to the College Discretionary Fund for support. Funds are limited and each case is decided individually by interview.
Asylum Seekers may receive limited help with travel, materials and child care costs.
Students on ESF courses normally receive a travel and childcare allowance.
Will My Benefits Be Affected By Studying Part-Time?
You may be allowed to study part-time while remaining on benefits if:
- you continue to be available for and actively seeking a job
- you are willing to give up your course or re-arrange the hours to take up a job
- the course you are studying is part-time and you are studying for less than 16 hours per week (12 hours if you are under 20).
If you are in receipt of Employment and Support or Job Seekers Allowance and wish to study part-time you should contact your local Job Centre. You will be asked to complete a student questionnaire and bring along a Learning Agreement from the college and have it authorised by the Job Centre. It is important that you seek advice before completing the student questionnaire by contacting the Information & Advice Centre.
What should I do if I have any questions or worries?
Contact one of the Student Advisers in the Information & Advice Centre if you have any questions about studying part-time while on benefit. It is important that you understand the procedures and that you are not disadvantaged by studying part-time while receiving benefits. We also have contact with a Welfare Rights Adviser who can offer advice and support to individuals experiencing difficulties.
See also website produced by CPAG (Child Poverty Action Group) Benefits for Students in Scotland. http://scottishhandbooks.cpag.org.uk/
How Do I Apply For A Part-Time Course?
The application procedure for all courses is given on the college website. For evening classes there are enrolment evenings during the last 2 weeks of August. For certificated day and evening classes fill in an application form online. For short courses you can enrol by calling (0141) 272 3331 or download an enrolment form from the college website and return it with payment or your ILA number to book your place.
What Should I Do If I Am Unsure Which Course To Take?
If you are unsure about your choice of course - either the subject or the level - arrange an interview with a Student Adviser in the Information & Advice Centre. They will discuss your career plans, choice of course and learning support needs with you to help find a suitable programme
Will I Cope With College Study?
If you have been away from education for a long time, are unsure of the right level to start or have concerns about your literacy or numeracy come in to the Information and Advice Centre to discuss your plans with a Student Adviser.
If you have additional needs because of a physical or learning disability you can arrange to discuss your support needs before you apply or start a course.
All students can get additional support during their studies through Student Support. Contact them on 0141 272 3214, if you want to discuss your learning needs.