Study and learn in great college surroundings

Newbattle Abbey College offers opportunity for all – from school leavers to retirees

The college is hosting an Open Day on Monday 27th June. Visitors will be able to find out about the courses and opportunities on offer, meet lecturers and experience the beautiful estate that helps makes the college on the edge of Edinburgh a great place to study.

One of the new courses starting this September is a national certificate (NC) in Social Sciences. The course is designed for people who wish to progress to higher education, at university or college, or employment.

College principal Roddy Henry says: “This course is an introduction to the world of social sciences, including politics, sociology, history and psychology. It develops awareness and increased understanding of issues in society as well as critical thinking skills, sought after by employers. The course also enables access to higher education, including the higher national certificate (HNC) in social sciences.”

"We specialise in supporting people, helping them to unlock their potential."

Successful completion of the NC Social Sciences enables progression to the Associate Degree programme (HNC in Social Sciences) the college offers in partnership with Queen Margaret University – just one example of how the courses at Newbattle provide access to university. Completion of the Associate Degree programme secures direct access to the second year of a number of degree programmes at Queen Margaret University.

Another brand new course being planned is the HNC in Horticulture. This innovative course is being developed in partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands and will use the beautiful college grounds as a base for practical work. Taught by specialist and experienced lecturers, this project-based and practical course will provide an industry-relevant qualification in commercial horticulture. Once approved, applications will be invited from people with a range of backgrounds. The course also provides a potential progression route for the college’s well-established NC in Rural Skills.

The NC Rural Skills is a practical course providing an introduction to gardening and estate maintenance in the college’s 125 acre estate, which includes a Community Garden, Italian Garden and mixed woodland. The course develops skills for employment in the land-based sector as well as progression to further study. Applications are accepted from people of all ages and backgrounds, many with few or no formal qualifications.

The college also offers courses as part of the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) enabling access to university for adults who have been away from formal education for at least three years and who may have left school with few or no qualifications. Pathways include Celtic Studies and Primary Education.

One of the new courses starting this September is a national certificate (NC) in Social Sciences

Mr Henry adds: “Newbattle Abbey College is a life-changing and very special place. Our focus is to provide access to further and higher education, or to help people into employment, no matter what their circumstances or background. We specialise in supporting people, helping them to unlock their potential, and what makes studying here extra special is the stunning location. I am really looking forward to welcoming people to our Open Day.”

To find out more about Newbattle Abbey College, the courses it offers and the Open Day, click here, call 0131 663 1921 or email [email protected].