Did you know that at College Academy there are several qualifications that you can study while you are at school? Schools and colleges are dedicated to working together to ensure young people are offered the opportunity to gain vocational experience and to study a subject that might not be available to them at school.
Planning for the future is essential in a world of new technologies and changing employment opportunities. College Academy is presenting our most ambitious and varied set of qualifications to date. Our offers are based on the growing skills, requirements and employment for Dumfries & Galloway’s regional economy.
Information about College Academy courses for 2025/26 will be available shortly – please note all courses below are subject to change until details are finalised.
Sustainable Construction
Construction Crafts @ SCQF Level 4 (Stranraer)
If you are interested in a career in the construction industry then this is the course for you, this is an exciting opportunity to take that first step to a career that is both satisfying and rewarding.
Thursday PM
Construction Crafts @ SCQF Level 4 (Dumfries)
If you are interested in a career in the construction industry then this is the course for you, this is an exciting opportunity to take that first step to a career that is both satisfying and rewarding.
Tuesday AM
Business and Computing
Legal Studies NPA @ SCQF Level 6
The National Progression Award in Legal Studies at SCQF level 6 has been designed to provide you with a fundamental knowledge of Scots Law, which will primarily facilitate progression into further academic qualifications but may be useful for entry-level employment in a range of sectors.
Tuesday AM
UWS Business Foundation Academy @ SCQF Level 6
Are you in S5 and considering a degree in Business?
Dumfries & Galloway College in partnership with the University of West of Scotland is offering you to start your degree programme whilst in school and get you on the pathway to your degree.
UWS Business Foundation Academy @ SCQF Level 7
Are you in S6 and considering a degree in Business?
Dumfries & Galloway College in partnership with the University of West of Scotland is offering you to start your degree programme whilst in school and get you on the pathway to your degree.
Introduction to E-Sports NPA @ SCQF Level 5
This course will give you an introduction to E-sports and advise you on how you can progress within the computing industry which extends far beyond games development and Esports.
Tuesday AM
UWS Computing Foundation Academy @ SCQF Level 6
Are you in S5 and considering a degree in Computing?
Dumfries & Galloway College in partnership with the University of West of Scotland is offering you the opportunity to start your degree programme whilst in school and get you on the pathway to your degree.
UWS Computing Foundation Academy @ SCQF Level 7
Are you in S6 and considering a degree in Computing?
Dumfries & Galloway College in partnership with the University of West of Scotland is offering you the opportunity to start your degree programme whilst in school and get you on the pathway to your degree.
Cyber Security NPA @ SCQF Level 5
This course provides you with the foundation knowledge and skills in Cyber Security. You will develop skills relevant to the use of Data Security, Digital Forensics and Ethical Hacking.
Creative Industries
Digital Media Animation NPA @ SCQF Level 5
This course gives you insight into the limitless world of animation. You will learn a range of animation skills and processes to develop your creativity and technical skills.
Tuesday AM
Photography NPA @ SCQF Level 5
You will learn a range of photography skills, techniques and digital editing processes to develop your creativity and technical skills. Enabling you to understand photographic work to a more in-depth level, to self-evaluate work and the work of others.
Tuesday AM
Early Education and Childcare
Early Learning and Childcare @ SCQF Level 5
If you are interested in pursuing a career in working with children, the Early Learning and Childcare National 5 course may be for you.
Tuesday AM
Early Learning and Childcare @ SCQF Level 5
If you are interested in pursuing a career in working with children, the Early Learning and Childcare National 5 course may be for you.
Thursday PM
Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services Children and Young People @ SCQF Level 6
This is a 1-year programme if you are interested in pursuing a career in working with children and young people.
Tuesday AM / Thursday PM
Engineering and Motor Vehicle
Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering @ SCQF Level 6
This course will give you skills and understanding of the Engineering industry allowing you to gain practical experience while studying towards a qualification.
Automotive Skills SFW @ SCQF Level 4
This qualification is designed to engage and motivate pupils who are interested in learning about the motor vehicle industry. It is aimed at learners who prefer and respond to ‘hands-on’ learning.
Tuesday AM
Automotive Skills SFW @ SCQF Level 4
This qualification is designed to engage and motivate pupils who are interested in learning about the motor vehicle industry. It is aimed at learners who prefer and respond to ‘hands-on’ learning.
Thursday PM
Renewable Energy Practical Skills @ SCQF Level 5
This course is designed to incorporate alternative energy systems installed in the College’s new Green Energy Centre and allows candidates to learn the theory behind alternative energy production while learning new skills required to design, build and evaluate these systems.
Thursday PM
Hair and Beauty
Make-Up, Hair and Beauty Skills @ SCQF Level 5
This course aims to give you the experience of a salon environment and the opportunity to learn about the different roles and responsibilities in beauty therapy and Hairdressing.
Tuesday AM
Health and Social Studies
Criminology NPA @ SCQF Level 5
It will interest you if you want to develop your knowledge of understanding criminal behaviour and crime. You may be interested in a career in police, law, social work, probation service, legal services or community work.
Tuesday AM
UWS Healthcare Foundation Academy @ SCQF Level 5
This is a schools 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.
Completing this programme alongside other specific subjects at your school will mean you may go on to the level 6 Foundation Academy course whilst still at school next year.
UWS Healthcare Foundation Academy @ SCQF Level 6
This is a schools 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.
Completing this programme alongside other specific subjects at your school will mean you may meet the entry criteria for nursing.
Hospitality
Professional Cookery @ SCQF Level 4
Professional Cookery introduces learners to techniques that are important in professional cookery. It develops practical, technical, and transferable skills in food preparation and cooking, and provides bite-sized chunks of learning that are straightforward for learners to study.
Monday AM
Professional Cookery @ SCQF Level 5
Professional Cookery introduces learners to techniques that are important in professional cookery. It develops practical, technical, and transferable skills in food preparation and cooking, and provides bite-sized chunks of learning that are straightforward for learners to study.
Monday PM
Professional Cookery @ SCQF Level 4
Professional Cookery introduces learners to techniques that are important in professional cookery. It develops practical, technical, and transferable skills in food preparation and cooking, and provides bite-sized chunks of learning that are straightforward for learners to study.
Tuesday AM
Hospitality Barista
This course will help you to gain employment in restaurants, hotels, and conference centres. If you are interested in a career in hospitality, then this course is the one for you.
Tuesday AM
Sport and Fitness
Sport and Recreation SFW @ SCQF Level 5
Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation is an introductory qualification. It develops the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for work in the industry.
Tuesday AM
Sport and Recreation SFW @ SCQF Level 5
Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation is an introductory qualification. It develops the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for work in the industry.
Thursday PM