We have partnered with the university of the West of Scotland to launch two brand new pathways to University.
You can now start your journey with us from S5 and move right up to degree level, all whilst studying in the same building at our Dumfries campus.
Our designated pathway courses will give you the experience and skills to move seamlessly through to a degree with UWS in either Computing Science/Cyber Security* (BSc Hons) or Business Studies (BA Hons).
These brand new pathways are also perfect for anyone who has previously studied up to HND level or who has significant experience in their chosen field and would like to continue their studies to degree level whilst studying locally in Dumfries.
Senior School Phase Pathways
If you’re in S5 or S6 and interested in Business or Computing but you’re not sure you have the right qualifications to go to university, our senior phase pathways may be the perfect solution for you.
With our Foundation Academy courses, you can build your future your way and access the latest routes to gain a degree.
On successful completion of the Foundation Academy courses, you will gain automatic entry into the HNC course and start working towards the first year of your degree, delivered at DGC in partnership with UWS.
Pathways available
Business Studies
Begin your pathway to a degree with DGC and on successful completion of the relevant Business Studies courses, you will gain automatic entry onto a degree programme with UWS, all from one campus.
If you already have an HND and relevant industry experience, you may also be eligible to move straight to degree level.
In partnership with UWS, we want to help you gain your degree in a way that works around your lifestyle. Study full or part-time and enjoy the benefits of studying on one campus right the way through your studies.
Computing Science
In partnership with the University of the West of Scotland, we can offer you automatic entry to start your Computing Science/Cyber Security* degree programme upon successful completion of the designated HND college pathways.
Applications for the degree programme will also be welcomed from mature learners who can demonstrate relevant working experience and the ability to move straight to degree level.
There are opportunities to study full or part-time and make your degree fit around your lifestyle.
Foundation Courses
Business Foundation Academy @ SCQF Level 6
If you didn’t think university was for you, think again.
We have partnered with University of the West of Scotland to offer you the chance to start a degree programme whilst in school and get you on the pathway to your degree, without the traditional grades needed for university.
This access course provides the foundations of knowledge in business to prepare you for starting a degree – with guidance from your lecturers, you’ll be ready to take on the next level of your studies.
Business Foundation Academy @ SCQF Level 7
If you’re looking at your senior phase options and aiming to gain a degree in Business Studies, this foundation course will help you start your degree whilst still in school.
This course allows you to start gaining credits that count towards your degree and effectively means you could finish your degree only two years after leaving school.
Computing Foundation Academy @ SCQF Level 6
Didn’t think university was for you? Think again.
This course will help you prepare for university and give you a good grounding knowledge to take you on to the next level of your studies.
SCQF Level 6 provides the foundations of knowledge in computing to prepare you for starting a degree – with guidance from your lecturers, you’ll be ready to take on the next level of your studies.
Computing Foundation Academy @ SCQF Level 7
This course allows you to take your existing skills and qualifications and begin working towards your degree.
Gain credits that will count as part your degree, whilst receiving guidance from your lecturers at both DGC and UWS.
This programme prepares you for moving up to degree level to ensure you’re ready to transition smoothly onto a degree with UWS.
UWS Healthcare Foundation Academy SFW @ SCQF Level 5
By studying a school’s Foundation Academy course delivered in partnership with UWS and the NHS, you will be a UWS Associate Student on the pathway towards a degree in nursing.
The course will help you develop an understanding of the skills, principles and qualities needed to work in the sector.
In partnership with UWS, we want to help you gain your qualifications in a way that works around your lifestyle. Towards the end of your time with college, you will move to begin a short First Steps to Nursing Course with our UWS partners. This is at SCQF level 7 and will count as one Higher.
UWS Healthcare Foundation Academy SFW @ SCQF Level 6
By studying a school’s Foundation Academy course delivered in partnership with UWS and the NHS, you will be a UWS Associate Student on the pathway towards a degree in nursing.
The course will help you develop an understanding of the skills, principles and qualities needed to work in the sector.
In partnership with UWS, we want to help you gain your qualifications in a way that works around your lifestyle. Towards the end of your time with college, you will move to begin a short First Steps to Nursing Course with our UWS partners. This is at SCQF level 7 and will count as one Higher.
*From 2024 BSc (Hons) Computer Science will be replaced by BSc (Hons) Cyber Security, subject to University approval.
Why study our UWS Pathways
There are so many benefits to studying our UWS pathways courses and they will suit many different learners at all stages of life. Here’s our top reasons why you should choose one of our UWS pathways courses.
- Flexible learning – study full time or part time depending on your needs
- Start from S5 and providing you pass each year, you will get automatic acceptance on the degree programme linked to your studies
- Or you can also return as a mature learner if you can demonstrate relevant experience in the right industries
- Complete your studies all the way up to your degree in the same building at our Dumfries campus
- Stay local and save money whilst you learn
