Explaining Modes of Study

Summary: An explanation of the different modes of study of courses at James Watt College including part-time, full-time, distance learning and others.

many courses are available at James Watt College including outdoor sports

Our flexibility allows you to study full-time, part-time, through distance learning, or at evening classes. Our study options now offer the widest choice of courses available through open learning in the West of Scotland.

All the course listings state the available modes of study and as many courses are offered in a variety of ways you can choose the mode that best suits your needs.

Full-Time:

Students who choose to study on a full-time basis will normally be expected to attend lectures and classes at one of the college campuses between three and five days a week. Students studying full-time will generally complete their course in the shortest period of time. Most full-time programmes generally start in August.

Part-Time:

The College offers a range of courses available on a part-time basis where students can study at their own pace, often alongside full-time students. The main difference between a full-time and part-time course is that students will attend fewer classes each week and will spread their study over a longer period of time.

The flexibility of part-time provision is such that it allows students to design a programme of study which suits their own individual requirements. You can decide the number of hours you want to give to your studies each term and can even choose to have a break in your studies if you wish (by prior arrangement with your lecturer) or decide to switch to full-time learning at a later date.

Distance Learning:

Distance learning is where your chosen course is studied at a distance to the College itself. A wide range of Open Learning packages is available for you to study in the comfort of your own home, supported by a College-based tutor through phone, e-mail, letter or face-to face (by appointment). Some courses may require very occasional visits to the College for access to specialised equipment or assessment.

Evening Classes:

People from all different backgrounds and of all different ages decide to study evening classes at James Watt College. The Finnart, Waterfront and North Ayrshire Campuses offer a range of evening class courses and qualifications, providing core abilities to aid career development, specialist courses providing professional training, in addition to courses simply for pleasure. Courses last from six weeks up to a year.

January Start Courses:

Our January Start courses are short, six month full-time programmes, which are often referred to as 'fast-track' qualifications, starting in January and finishing in June. Such courses allow you to complete your studies in a shorter time-scale and 'fast-track' your progression onto the next level of study in August.

Our student advisers can help you in choosing the course that's right for you. Pre-entry guidance is available to everyone who is thinking of coming to college, giving you up-to-date information and impartial advice on the different options, allowing you to make an informed choice before accepting a place with us.