Advice & FAQs
If you are thinking of coming to college you’ll probably have lots of questions
needing answered – here are some of the most frequently asked:
Q: I’m thinking of coming to college, what help is available to me?
For many people, coming to college is a big step that can have a considerable effect
on their own and their family’s lives. Our staff are available to offer information
and advice to help you make important decisions on your future career plans.
Q: I’m unsure what course to choose – who can help?
The Student Advisers can help you in choosing a 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 different courses, allowing
you to you make an informed choice before accepting a place with us.
Q: What should I ask at the interview?
You can apply for as many courses as you wish and will be invited to attend an interview
for each one. Use the interview as part of your decision-making process and take
the opportunity to ask as many questions as possible to help you make the right
choice.
These are some questions you might ask:
- What are the employment options at the end of this course?
- Where did last year's graduates go?
- Which level of course seems appropriate for me, given my qualifications and experience
to date?
- Can I go to university after this course?
- Are there any particular academic subjects which would be helpful for entry to this
course?
- Am I eligible for any financial support?
Q: What help is available to me on funding issues?
The Student Information Centre offers advice and assistance on a variety of financial
and funding related matters - from support in completing application forms to advice
on claiming hardship allowances. It is important to receive individual advice, please
contact one of Centres to arrange to discuss the financial help that may be available
to you.
Q: What other support will I receive during my time at college?
As a student at James Watt College, you are entitled to guidance and support throughout
your time with us. You will have a guidance tutor assigned to you, who will regularly
discuss your progress and any matters of concern you may have, personal or course
related. And of course, the Student Advisers are on hand to give guidance and support
when needed. You will also have access to the college’s Student Intranet Site, which
is available on all college PCs and offers information and advice on a wide range
of topics.
Q: What else can the Student Information Centre help me with?
- Pre-entry advice and guidance plus scheduled Information Sessions
- Careers advice
- Funding information and advice
- On Course guidance
- UCAS support and assistance
- Pre-exit advice and guidance – CV’s, mock interviews etc
- Welfare support and guidance
- Mentoring
- Halls of Residence information and welfare support
- Support for Learning information and advice
- SAAS attendance confirmation
- Child Protection advice and guidance
Q: Will I receive any help and guidance when I am due to finish my course?
Yes. You will receive pre-exit guidance before you finish your course, giving you
information and advice either on further study or looking for work. Help with job
seeking skills, interview techniques and CV writing, as well as advice on applying
to universities, will also be available to you through the Student Information Centres.
Q: What help is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities?
A well established, cross college extended learning support system endeavours to
ensure that any student with a learning difficulty/disability is given advice and
support in relation to their specific needs. This may take the form of scribing,
escort support, counselling, interpretation, specific technology etc. Copies of
our literature can also be made available in different formats such as Braille and
audio. Please contact the Student Information Centre for more details.
We strongly advise any applicant who has a learning difficulty or disability to
make this known at initial stages to ensure that any additional support is available
as soon as possible.
Contacting the Learner Services Centre
The Learner Services Centre is open between 8.50am and 4.50pm, Monday to Friday
and, at the North Ayrshire Campus only, until 8.00pm Tuesday & Thursday during
term time. To find out more about the centres contact:
Learner Services Centre:
Tel: 0800 587 2277 (Greenock)
Tel: 0800 085 8200 (North Ayrshire)
Email: enquiries@jameswatt.ac.uk