College Students’ Guide
2016 entry
Contents
GCU G42 Glasgow Caledonian University
Welcome
College Connect Academy
Make the next step
Choose GCU
How to apply
Fees and funding
Your studies
Student support
Map and travel
Get in touch
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Visit us
Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA,
Scotland, United Kingdom
2016
Undergraduate Prospectus 2016 Entry
Undergraduate Open Days
Wednesday 2 September 2015
Saturday 3 October 2015
Undergraduate
prospectus
College Student Event
Wednesday 21 October 2015
T: +44(0) 141 331 3000
E: studentenquiries@gcu.ac.uk
www.gcu.ac.uk
© Glasgow Caledonian University 2015. Published February 2015
Glasgow Caledonian University is a registered Scottish charity, number SC021474
Check www.gcu.ac.uk/opendays for the schedule a few weeks before.
This guide is a supplement to the 2016 Undergraduate
prospectus and it is intended to be used alongside it. You
can request a printed prospectus or view online at
www.gcu.ac.uk. For full details about: programme content,
detailed entry requirements, programme and module
content, information about programme specific
accreditation, assessment, placements, exchanges and
study abroad and much more please visit
www.gcu.ac.uk/study.
www.gcu.ac.uk/study for the most up-to-date information
before applying.
Whilst the information presented in the following pages is
correct at the time of publication, prospective applicants
should access our website www.gcu.ac.uk and in particular
E: collegeconnect@gcu.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)141 273 1954
www.gcu.ac.uk/collegeconnect
The Student Terms and Conditions can be found on the
University website at: www.gcu.ac.uk/student/regulations.
If you require further information, or you can’t find what
you’re looking for online, please contact College Connect
for help.
Welcome to GCU
Welcome to GCU and
College Connect Academy
Glasgow Caledonian University is a vibrant multi-cultural modern
university in the centre of Glasgow. Our welcoming community of
over 17,000 students from more than 100 countries and our awardwinning support services help to ensure that students really enjoy
their time here. We’re delighted that you’re considering making the
next step from college to university, and you’ll find that our College
Connect Academy is here to encourage and support you all the way.
We know the move from college to university,
or coming back to study after a gap, can
sometimes feel a little overwhelming, so our
College Connect Academy offers a range of
support and services tailored to you. This
guide will give you an overview of College
Connect, the exciting experience awaiting you
at GCU and a Programme Directory of all of
our degree programmes offering direct entry
to college students.
This guide is for you if you’re currently
studying or have studied at college level: HNC,
HND or if you’re undertaking an Access
course. You can find more information about
College Connect on our website:
www.gcu.ac.uk/collegeconnect.
Many of our programmes offer direct entry,
sometimes called advanced entry, to Year 2
(HNC or equivalent) and Year 3 (HND or
equivalent). You can find details of our entry
requirements at www.gcu.ac.uk, as well as
information about GCU, and to use Pathfinder,
which will match your current college course
with suitable undergraduate programmes
www.gcu.ac.uk/pathfinder. These provide an
indication of typical academic requirements,
however each application is considered on an
individual basis.
You may also find further details about our
programmes and GCU in our Undergraduate
Prospectus – you can view or download
it at www.gcu.ac.uk, you can request a
hard copy to be sent by post by emailing
studentenquiries@gcu.ac.uk or you can call
0141 331 8681.
We’re here to help, so if you need more
information, or you can’t find what you’re
looking for online, please contact College
Connect.
E: collegeconnect@gcu.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)141 273 1954
www.gcu.ac.uk/collegeconnect
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College Connect Academy
Our College Connect Academy is here to connect you to GCU
and support you in taking the next step from college to university.
GCU is committed to supporting you to
continue your studies to degree-level and the
College Connect Academy is here to help
support your decision-making and transition
to GCU.
College Connect will provide you with
information about which degree courses you
can access from your current course of study
and life at GCU, as well as the opportunity to
meet with current GCU students. In addition,
by participating in the College Connect
Academy you will take part in a varied and
exciting programme of activities designed to
help you connect with GCU including:
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•UCAS and transition support workshops
•Get Connected days
•Academic and industry masterclasses
•Online learning resources
•Student social activities
•College and HN induction events
•Mentoring support
•And much more
College Connect Academy
Upon receiving an offer of a place at GCU you
can become a member of College Connect
and receive a GCU Student ID Card which will
allow you to:
•Visit and borrow materials from our library
•Access our Virtual Learning Environment, GCU Learn
•Access all our support services
•Join the ARC Gym and our Students’
Association
community as you take the next step on your
path to a brighter future.
College Connect
www.gcu.ac.uk/collegeconnect
T: +44 (0) 141 273 1954
E: collegeconnect@gcu.ac.uk
We have a large number of students who have
made the move to GCU from college and we
look forward to connecting you to the GCU
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Student and graduate profiles
College Connect students and graduates
Laura Monaghan BSc (Hons) Graduate, Biomedical Science
I chose GCU following my two years at college, with a key factor being the
accreditation that my course held - with the Institute of Biomedical Scientists, giving
me the opportunity to follow a range of career paths following graduation.
Prior to starting GCU I attended a week long transition course, run by the School of
Health and Life Sciences. It included an overview of the department, insight into all
the required skills and a practical lab class with feedback. As well as meeting
lecturers and staff, it allowed me to interact with other new students and familiarise
myself with university life.
I enjoyed the whole experience of being a GCU student - the vibrant atmosphere of
the campus, along with all of the resources I needed and all aspects of my course.
I graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Biomedical Science and currently
work as a Research Technician at the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre. I aim to
complete a PhD in the future.
Katie Stewart BA (Hons) Graduate, Management
Coming to GCU was one of the best decisions I ever made. My HND led straight into
a specially designed two year degree, and the fit was perfect. The support from both
academic and learning development staff was first rate and I graduated with a First
Class Honours to prove it! The friendships I made at GCU will last me a lifetime and
the relationships I built up with staff have opened doors for me I never imagined. I
now work in the university, supporting college students as they make the choice to
progress to university. It feels great to be working alongside the staff that made my
GCU journey such an enjoyable experience, as well as helping the next generation of
GCU students to feel at home. My transition was made easy by the support I
received at the time, but seeing what’s offered to college students now, I can’t help
but feel jealous! If I could do it all over again, I’d choose GCU every time.
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Yasmin Ali BA (Hons) Student, Management
Being a college student entering university directly into third year, I found the College
Connect days as well as the initial induction week incredibly helpful and would highly
recommend them. There is a lot of help available at GCU and I actually find myself
better supported than I was at college. GCU has an incredibly positive, happy vibe
and I am very pleased I chose to come here.
Jasmine Chiswell BA (Hons) Student, Media & Communication
When applying to go to GCU I was very anxious that the change between college and
university would be huge especially becoming a direct entry into 3rd year of the
course. I was also anxious that no one else from my college course would be there
and the thought of not knowing anyone really worried me. But now looking back there
was no need to be anxious as I quickly made friends and found that there was no
need to be scared or worried at all, as everyone was lovely and university life actually
is great, believe it or not!
David Clarke BSc (Hons) Student, Social Work
When I applied to GCU I was semi-retired, having sold my business, and working as a
foster carer. GCU became my first choice as it was clear that they offered a dynamic,
modern and rounded learning experience, with all the support needed to meet my
personal goals. Articulating into Year 2 of my course was very straightforward, with
guidance from my admissions tutor and an induction event where I met others who
were also articulating – they are now firm friends and a great support. My programme
is comprehensive and well planned and my learning experience at GCU has
revitalised me – I hope to enter a PhD programme here. If anyone is choosing a
university, I’d advise them to look at all the available establishments and then go
home and pick GCU!
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Make the next step
Make the next step
The following pages list all of our undergraduate degree programmes
offering direct entry to college students and typical entry
requirements. You’ll find full up-to-date details about our programmes
and information about GCU on our website:
www.gcu.ac.uk/undergraduate.
You can use our online Pathfinder tool to
match your current course of study with
suitable GCU undergraduate programmes:
www.gcu.ac.uk/pathfinder.
Once you’ve identified which programmes
accept your qualifications, you can make your
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application via UCAS (UCAS Apply) – see
page 6 for more information about applying.
There’s also more information from page 12
onwards about life at GCU, student support,
studying, fees and funding, accommodation,
our campus and visiting us.
Your route from college to GCU
College Connect Academy
Online – www.gcu.ac.uk
Pathfinder
Studying HN qualifications, BTEC or A levels
Information, support and advice.
Choose suitable programme(s)
College
Offer of a place
Apply to GCU via UCAS for Year 2 or Year 3 Direct Entry
Become a College Connect member
Transition programme
Induction events and New2GCU
GCU
Progression to Honours
Start your programme at GCU
Student Support
Graduation
Support continues throughout your time at GCU
Employment
Completion of programme
Postgraduate study
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Choose GCU
Choose GCU
Glasgow Caledonian University: a unique combination of academic
excellence, state-of-the-art learning facilities and one of the world’s
most cosmopolitan cities. We are the first choice for students from
over 100 countries, and rank highly in national and international
student surveys for the quality of our teaching, facilities and support.
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95% employment rate*
The best modern university in Scotland for
research power
Joint 2nd in Scotland for graduate employment
A leading institution for recruitment and retention
of Scottish entrants from widening access
backgrounds
1st Scottish university to open campuses in London
and New York
1st in Scotland for international student support
1st in Scotland for accommodation costs
1st in Scotland for transport links
World class facilities
Glasgow is the world’s friendliest city
Sources: Rough Guides 2014, REF 2014, ISB Summer 2014, DLHE 2014
*95% of graduates in employment or further study within six months (DLHE 2014)
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Why take the next step?
Increase your employability
By building on your existing qualifications and gaining a university
degree you are more attractive to employers. Graduates also enjoy
increased earning potential and better career prospects.
Develop yourself
University gives you the time and opportunity to develop new
interests, learn new skills and meet new people. If it’s your first time
away from home you’ll become more independent and self-reliant.
A world of opportunity
Many students will be able to undertake a work placement in their
chosen subject area, gain industry experience and meet future
employers. At GCU many programmes also offer opportunities to
study and work abroad.
The following pages provide an overview about applying to GCU, fees,
finance, accommodation, support and more. You can find more details
in our Undergraduate Prospectus and on our website
www.gcu.ac.uk
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How to apply
How to apply
Our College Connect Academy offers tailored advice and support
for college students applying to GCU. Find out more online at
www.gcu.ac.uk/collegeconnect.
Most applications to undergraduate
programmes are made via UCAS
www.ucas.com.
The UCAS application deadline is 15th January
of the year in which you intend to join, e.g.
15th January 2016 for entry in September
2016. Late applications may be accepted, but
we strongly advise that you submit your
application on time.
GCU’s UCAS code is G42 and you’ll also need
the programme course code, listed in the
Programme Directory in this guide, in our
undergraduate prospectus and on our website.
Full details about applying can be found on
our website:
www.gcu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/
howtoapply.
How to apply for direct (Year 2 and Year 3)
entry
If your qualifications are accepted for Year 2 or
Year 3 entry of your chosen programme, you
can apply for direct entry on your UCAS
application. In the ‘choices’ section there is an
option to indicate ‘point of entry’. If you’re
applying to join Year 2 of a programme, put 2
in the box, for Year 3, put 3 in the box (when
applying to Year 1 this box should be left
blank).
Once you’ve made your application it will be
assessed by our Admissions staff and you’ll
receive a decision via UCAS Track. The result
will be one of the following three decisions:
unconditional offer, conditional offer or
unsuccessful. You’ll find full details about the
application process on our website
www.gcu.ac.uk/applicationprocess
and the UCAS website www.ucas.com.
How to apply to study part-time
If we offer a part-time study option for your
preferred programme, you should apply to
GCU directly. For more information visit
www.gcu.ac.uk/study/part-timestudy.
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Fees and Funding
Fees and Funding
For more information about Finance and Funding, including tuition
fees and more, please visit www.gcu.ac.uk/student/money.
Applications for funding usually open around
March/April. Your application will cover your
tuition fees, student loan and any other grants,
bursaries or supplementary allowances. The
funding available depends firstly on where you
lived before coming to university.
Tuition fees
Scottish and EU students living in Scotland
normally have all tuition fees paid directly to
GCU by the Student Awards Agency for
Scotland (SAAS). Contact SAAS or visit
www.saas.gov.uk for more information. If
you’re from England, Wales, Northern Ireland
or outside the EU, you can find out more from
the funding body in the area you live.
Find out more:
Scottish and EU students
0300 555 0505
www.saas.gov.uk
English students
0845 300 5090
www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
Northern Irish students
0845 600 0662
www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
Welsh students
0845 602 8845
www.studentfinancewales.co.uk
Students from outside the EU
Contact the British Council in your home
country
www.britishcouncil.org
You can also contact the GCU Student
Funding team on +44 (0) 141 273 1376,
funding@gcu.ac.uk
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Your studies
Your studies
Like many colleges, GCU has lots of support available to
help students to develop their skills and complete coursework and
assessments. Added to our award-winning facilities, you’ll find that
GCU has everything you need to succeed at university.
The Saltire Centre is our state-of-the-art home
of the GCU library, with superb resources and
over 1200 study spaces. Specialist subject
librarians can help you make the most of the
services and support available.
www.gcu.ac.uk/library
Each of GCU’s three Schools has a dedicated
Learning Development Centre (LDC) with
highly experienced Academic Development
Tutors and Learning Technologists. Students
can request help with any aspect of their
studies and get assistance with IT skills. LDC
teams also run workshops where all students
can get extra help with mathematics,
academic writing and study skills.
www.gcu.ac.uk/learningdevelopmentcentres
GCULearn is our virtual learning environment,
enabling you to access lecture notes,
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accompanying materials and more online
content to help with your studies. You can
access it 24/7 from any device with an
internet connection.
You’ll find excellent student IT facilities at
GCU. Our IT Helpdesk is available every day
for support. There are 350 computers in the
library, over 100 university notebooks
available to everyone and plenty of computer
labs across the campus. You can also use your
own laptop, smartphone or tablet on campus
via the Eduroam wireless network.
When you become a College Connect
member you will be able to access all the
above resources while you are still at college.
This will help your with you college course and
enable you to get a head start with your
degree programme.
Campus life
Campus life
You will find a friendly and diverse community of students enjoying
the superb range of student support services and learning
resources at GCU. GCU offers an accessible and approachable
place to learn, with everything in one city centre campus,
recognised with a Whatuni Student Choice Award 2014, rated Top
10 for university facilities.
The Students’ Association has its own
dedicated building with a student bistro, 24
hour social learning space, advice centre and
24 hour computer lab. There’s over 55
student-run societies and around 35 sports
clubs, as well as plenty of organised events
and social gatherings. Visit
www.gcustudents.co.uk to find out more.
The Arc is our Health and Wellbeing Centre,
with two sports halls, three gyms, a games
area, a huge range of organised classes and
very convenient opening hours. GCU student
rates start from £17/month; for opening hours,
current prices and further information please
visit www.gcu.ac.uk/arc.
The Faith and Belief Centre welcomes
students and staff from all backgrounds,
religions and beliefs. There’s space for prayers,
quiet reflection and events and washing and
kitchen facilities. GCU also has a team of
multi-faith Chaplains. Find out more:
www.gcu.ac.uk/student/faith.
You’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink in
our refectory and cafés as well as the
Students’ Association bistro. John Smith’s
Bookshop on campus stocks text books,
academic supplies, stationery and more.
Caledonian Court is GCU’s purpose-built
student accommodation, right alongside the
GCU campus. 100 self-contained flats in
modern spacious blocks provide comfortable
living for 660 students, along with social
spaces, 24 hour security and the
Accommodation Office. The Accommodation
Office can also offer assistance to students
looking for private accommodation to rent
during their time at GCU. Find out more:
www.gcu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/
accommodation.
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Student support
Starting a new course at a new institution may be daunting, but
don’t worry. There is plenty of information and support available
to help you settle in and start getting the most out of your time
here at GCU.
For many students, university provides much
more than just a degree. It is a place to meet
lifelong friends, travel, develop skills and find
interests that can remain with you (and on
your CV) throughout your life.
At GCU students can access a whole host of
student support services from one centrally
located helpdesk in the Saltire Centre.
At the Campus Life Desk you will find the
following services and facilities:
•Visa & Immigration Support & Advice
(V.I.S.A)
•Student Registry
•Careers Service
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•Consulting rooms for pre-booked one-toone appointments
•V.I.S.A. Drop-in Sessions
•Career Clinics
•Skype Facilities
•Careers and V.I.S.A. Events Spaces
•IT helpdesk contact information
•Finance office online payments and help
•Funding and Finance Support
New 2GCU
We’ll help you through those first weeks in
your new course. If you haven’t already visited
campus you will get the chance to tour our
buildings and facilities with a student guide.
Our welcome programme for all new students
is full of induction advice and support.
www.gcu.ac.uk/new2gcu
Student support
Student Mentors
Our student mentoring scheme can connect
you to existing GCU students, many of whom
also made the move from college to university.
They can share their knowledge and
experience and offer a friendly ear,
reassurance, practical information and advice.
Most importantly, they will be able to signpost
you to the staff and services who can deal
with any issue you might have.
www.gcu.ac.uk/new2gcu/support/mentors
Disability Team
The Disability Team provides advice,
information and services to students and
applicants. Each year around 1200 GCU
students disclose a disability, including long
term medical conditions, sensory impairment,
mental health difficulties, physical
impairment, specific learning disabilities (e.g.
dyslexia) and autism. Any personal
information you provide will be treated in the
strictest confidence.
www.gcu.ac.uk/student/disability
Positive Living Team
The Positive Living Team provides one-to-one
counselling and personal development groups
for students experiencing a wide range of
issues, including stress and anxiety, and
workshops and events for all students aimed
at promoting positive living and mental
wellbeing.
www.gcu.ac.uk/positiveliving
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Find us
Campus
Access to the university
A Vehicle entrance from Cowcaddens Road
B Pedestrian entrances from Cowcaddens Road
University buildings
01 Hamish Wood Building (Rooms W)
Partially under construction until Spring 2016
as part of an exciting £30m campus development project
02 The Saltire Centre
Contains the University Library
03 George Moore Building (Rooms M)
Contains the University Restaurant, ‘Study Club’ area and Campus Life desk
04 Govan Mbeki Building (Rooms A)
05 Students’ Association
06 Arc Health and Wellbeing Facility
07 Centre for Executive
Education (Rooms CEE)
Go here to register and get your student
card in September.
08 William Harley Building (Rooms H)
09 Britannia Building (Rooms B)
10 Charles Oakley Laboratories
(Rooms C)
11 Teaching Block
12 Milton Street Building
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13
(Rooms MS)
02
13 Nursery
14 Caledonian Court
Student Accommodation
Access (lifts, ramps and automatic doors)
Food and drink
01
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For an online campus tour, visit
www.gcu.ac.uk/theuniversity/gcu360tour
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Map and travel
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Glasgow (city centre)
University
A Glasgow Caledonian
University
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04
03
06
07
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National and regional travel
Train stations
B Central Station
C Queen Street Station
Bus station
D Buchanan Bus Station
Local and regional travel
Train stations
E Charing Cross
F Anderston
G Argyle Street
Subway stations
H Cowcaddens
I Buchanan Street
J St Enoch
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Visit us or get in touch
Visit us or get in touch
Go to www.gcu.ac.uk/openday for details of our upcoming open events or
enquire at studentenquiries@gcu.ac.uk or 0141 331 8630.
Facebook: facebook.com/GlasgowCaledonianUniversity
Twitter: twitter.com/CaledonianNews
YouTube: youtube.com/watchgcu
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/glasgow-caledonian-university
Instagram:Instagram.com/glasgow_caledonian_university
Useful contacts
Enquiries Team
www.gcu.ac.uk/enquire
E: studentenquiries@gcu.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)141 331 8630
College Connect Academy
www.gcu.ac.uk/collegeconnect
E: collegeconnect@gcu.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)141 273 1954
Student Funding Team
E: funding@gcu.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)141 273 1376
Disability Team
(Positive Living and
Disability Service)
E: disability@gcu.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)141 273 1371
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Glasgow Caledonian University Student
Association (GCUSA)
www.gcustudents.co.uk
T: 0141 331 3886
E: studentsassociation@gcu.ac.uk
UCAS
www.ucas.com
E: enquiries@ucas.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)871 468 0 468
SAAS
www.saas.gov.uk
T: +44 (0)300 555 0505
Student Loans Company
www.slc.co.uk
For more information and contact details,
explore:
www.gcu.ac.uk/study/part-timedegrees
Glasgow Caledonian University,
Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA
Scotland, United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)141 273 1954
F: +44 (0)141 331 3005
E: collegeconnect@gcu.ac.uk
www.gcu.ac.uk
Glasgow Caledonian University is a registered Scottish charity, number SC021474. © Glasgow Caledonian University 2015.
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