James Watt College of
Further and Higher Education
Scotland, UK

JWC is regarded as one of the most innovative and developmental institutions in Scotland. It offers a very wide range of advanced courses in Scotland and is also known for its widest choice of courses available through open learning. JWC was awarded the Prestigious Investors in People (IIP) Standard. This national standard is based on the principle that the skills, knowledge and experience of staff are a vital factor in the success or failure of an organisation. Its student membersip consists of people who have been away from education for many years, people who have been working and are looking to change the direction of their careers, school leavers. adult returners, unemployed people wanting to develop new interests or enhance their employment opportunities, people with disabilities or learning difficulties, indeed students from all over the world. This diversity demonstrates JWC's commitment to Equal Opportunities for all. JWC believes in equality of provision, access and benefit in the delivery of education and training, irrespective of race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins, religion, sex, sexuality, marital status, disability or age. As JWC's Equal Opportunities Policy Statement says: "The College commits itself to promote equal opportunities and will keep under review its policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all users and providers of its services are treated according to their needs."

JWC helps you learn for life.

History
At James Watt College of Further and Higher Education we're proud to carry the name of one of Scotland's most famous sons. James Watt was a pioneer, an innovator whose inventions helped change the economic structure of the modern world. Born in Greenock in 1736, Watt invented powerful new versions of the steam engine, which played an important role in the Industrial Revolution.

The College originally opened as James Watt Memorial College in 1907; a living testament to the life and works of its namesake. The original College was built with funds provided by another famous Scot, Andrew Carnegie, and still stands in Greenock on the north west corner of William Street and Dalrymple Street.

Over the years, the increasing and changing demands of industry highlighted the need for a new purpose built college. Our existing Finnart Campus, which stands on the site of the old Greenock Academy, was opened in 1973 and named James Watt College of Further Education.

The 1980s saw the demise of Inverclyde's traditional industries and as a result the College was faced with the erosion of its historic student base. We rose to the challenge, developing courses for the new and emerging industries and expanding our catchment area beyond Inverclyde.

In April 1993, the College was created a corporate body by the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act. As a result we were free of regional authority and could offer any courses which we felt met local needs. Our strong partnerships with local industry, local enterprise companies, local authorities, schools and employers allowed us to thrive in this environment.

By the end of 1993, over 50% of our provision was at higher education level and we became James Watt College of Further and Higher Education.

The past decade has seen a number of changes and developments within the College, playing an important role in our rise in the Scottish further education ratings, from mid-level in the 1980s to the largest further education establishment in Scotland today. Transformations have included: the opening of the £8 million Waterfront Campus for Business and Management studies; development of a network of Community Learning Centres throughout Inverclyde, Argyll & Bute and North Ayrshire; excellent facilities for students of the School of Sport as they moved to the sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde in Largs; and most recently the opening of the £10 million North Ayrshire Campus in Kilwinning, launched in November 2000 by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh.

James Watt has become a name synonymous with innovation, progression and advancement. At James Watt College of Further and Higher Education we are proud to be carrying on this tradition.

Where in the world will you study?
Studying in the UK has become increasingly attractive to foreign student and Great Britain has a worldwide reputation as an excellent provider of education, offering internationally recognised qualifications. Scotland boasts the distinction of being able to offer world-class training within cosmopolitan cities close to breathtakingly beautiful countryside. It is no wonder that thousands of overseas students choose to study in Scottish colleges every year.

Scotland is one of the world’s stop tourist destinations. When you come here, you will understand why visitors come back again and again. Although a relatively small country – population around 6 million – it is rich in culture and heritage with a high standard o living. From wonderful, scenic countryside to dramatic castles, monuments and architecture, from International Arts Festivals to vibrant and energetic towns and cities, Scotland offers so much to our international students.

Greenock, home to James Watt College, is located on the waterfront at the mouth of the River Clyde. Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, is only 25 minutes from the College, and Edinburgh, the country’s capital city, is within easy travelling distance. There is an abundance of things to see and do in Inverclyde, including sports facilities, cinemas, nightclubs and restaurant, and Greenock offers an ideal base to start discovering wonderful scenery and splendour for which Scotland is famous.

A lively multi-cultural mix of students
James Watt College attracts more international students than any other college in the country. This fusion of cultures provides a lively and culturally diverse living and learning environment. Students come to us from around the globe to take advantage of the superb quality of teaching staff and College facilities, and to make the most of living student life to the full.

Unrivalled student accommodation
We believe that our residential student accommodation is the best in the country. Our modern, purpose-built facilities are outstanding – overlooking the River Clyde – and offer a comfortable and secure living environment.


Within each apartment, students have their own private bedroom many of which are en-suite. Each apartment has a communal lounge are and kitchen, which are fully equipped with a range of appliances including a fridge, cooker and television. If students prefer not to cook, the dining rooms at the Finnart and Waterfront Campuses provide breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day.

You will be close to the local nightlife, form stylish brassieres, cafes and restaurant to pubs, clubs and much more. Almost next door is the Waterfront Leisure Complex, comprising ice and water based sporting activities plus a state-of-the-art gymnasium and aerobics studio. There is a local cinema, mountain-bike trails, golf courses and sailing clubs. You will never be lost for something to do.

Or that added reassurance, our Halls of Residence are exceptionally safe, with closed-circuit manned TV cameras and a security warden on-campus 24 hours every day.



Study for life
At James Watt College we know that gaining your qualifications is a serious business, but we also want to ensure that you enjoy your studies. Our teams of experienced teaching staff have spent years developing our international students to their full potential, helping them achieve their qualifications and absorb as much experience of life in another country as possible. We understand that students from abroad may need a little extra help and therefore we offer dedicated English as a Foreign Language support and EFL courses leading to UCLES and IELTS Certificates as well as a one year university foundation programme.

We offer a huge range of courses that are designed specifically for the needs of business in the 21^st century. Senior professionals from many aspects of commerce and industry, regularly review our course content to ensure maximum employability of our graduates. Many of these courses offer successful students direct access into 2nd or 3rd year of university Degree programmes, should you wish to further your studies at Higher Education level. Our close links with many respected universities means that we can support you in the transition form college to university.

The Waterfront Campus
As an international student you are likely to spend most of your time at our Waterfront Campus, which enjoys a glorious position of the banks of the River Clyde. This purpose-built state-of-the-art student education centre offers some of the best facilities in Scotland and gives you a high quality ‘home-base’ to study and to live.

Welcome Programme
International students are personally welcomed at Glasgow Airport or Railway Station and escorted to the College. Once settled in the Halls of Residence, they are given a programme of events and activities. This includes a tour of Greenock and Glasgow, a welcome reception to meet staff and colleagues as a familiarisation programme to introduce you to local customs and cultures.

Staff will also help you to register with the local Police, Doctor and Dentist.

Ongoing support is available to students throughout their time of study, and a wide range of social events including visits to Scottish monuments and castles ands trips to the countryside are offered all year round.

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Finnart Campus

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The FINNART CAMPUS in Greenock, is the main Campus and home to eight of the College's eleven faculties. At this Campus, you'll find our Student Information Centre which is a one stop shop for information and guidance on courses, funding and careers.The Finnart Campus is an impressive, seven storey teaching block with extensive, well-equipped workshops.

The College ensures that students enjoy a pleasant environment suitable for the wide range of subjects offered. We have up-to-date hair and beauty salons, computer suites, a state-of-the-art sound studio, an electronic debug centre, electrical installation centres, automobile engineering and electronics workshops, science laboratories, kitchens, restaurants and many more work-related environments. At James Watt College you'll get an education that works. Our excellent equipment and resources allow students to become familiar with current equipment and technology used in industry and commerce.

The Finnart Campus also has a nursery, refectory and Community Learning Centre for students' use.

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Waterfront Campus

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As a result of an £8m investment by the College, students from the Faculty of Business and Management are located in the purpose built WATERFRONT CAMPUS.

This three storey, 40 room Business and Management Centre, has its own dining area, student common room and library. Recent additions to resources include a virtual language lab and a state-of-the-art call centre training facility.

The Waterfront Campus is also home to the College's Halls of Residence. This 164 room facility provides students with an independent, yet safe and secure domestic environment.

The Waterfront Campus Business Unit, the College's commercial unit in Greenock, is also based at this Campus. Tailored training packages are devised and delivered specifically for commercial clients.The Waterfront Campus is available for companies to hold seminars and conferences on either a day or residential basis. The excellent facilities include lecture theatres, seminar rooms, audio visual equipment and suites of computers.

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Largs Campus

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An extensive part of the outdoor courses are delivered at the sportscotland National Centre, Cumbrae, providing a quality sailing area.Along with five fully equipped classrooms, additional resources include an internet connected computer room and sports related library. The main lecture theatre which seats 200 is accessed for larger presentations. Students can relax in the evenings in the Kintyre Lounge on site. The idyllic setting of the west coast tourist town of Largs, offers an unbeatable natural environment boasting many high class amenities, making it an ideal location for the prospective student to study and live.

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North Ayshire

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