Dumfries & Galloway College

Dumfries Campus

Stranraer Campus

• Dumfries & Galloway has a population of approximately 148, 000.
• The largest town in the region is Dumfries with a population of 31, 600. Followed by Stranraer (10, 800 pop.) and Annan (8, 300 pop.). All other settlement areas have populations of 4, 500 or less.
• The population density is approx 60 people per square mile compared with the Scottish average of 168.
• The local economy is primarily based on agriculture and forestry with a range of light industries and tourism making significant contributions. There are numerous small art and craft enterprises that thrive across the Region.
• The two major roads in the region are the M74 and the A75 (a euro route to Northern Ireland).
• The coastline of Dumfries and Galloway stretches for over 200 miles. Scotland's most southerly point is The Mull of Galloway. On a clear day, Ireland, The Isle of Man and Cumbria in England are all visible!

Our campus sites reflect the commitment of the College in serving the needs of the whole of the Region. The College has an average of 9, 000 students per year - 15% full-time and 85% part-time/other attendance. Approximately 20% are west of the Region based.

Various staff are members of committees /forums /groups and associations that are the catalysts of regional economical and social development. This membership provides the College with essential information that together with local and national research statistics ensures our continuous developing curriculum.

College without Walls

The College's approach to learning is a reflection of the rural locality, the local economy and the changing patterns of lifestyles. As a major employer and a dynamic rural learning institution, the 'digital' revolution has been strongly embraced by us and its many forms are fast becoming the basis of our organisations operations and academic delivery.

Although the College has two campuses and many learning centre partnerships across the Region, we are a College without walls - creating flexible learning approaches to suit everyone. This means learning opportunities are varied and abundant - from full-time courses to flexible part-time courses, from learning in College to learning at home, work or the top of The Merrick (local fell walking landmark) or beyond.

The range of learning includes basic skill development to degree level (articulation links with Crichton University Campus in Dumfries) and everything in between. You are never too young (the College has a nursery and after school provision, where learning is part of the care - and also links with schools in support of vocational skills) and you are never too old - many 'retired' students are creating new lives for themselves by: obtaining qualifications that escaped them when they were younger, enjoying new hobbies and interests or creating entrepreneurial ventures. Mature students have often joined the College to help them develop or change their career paths. Others have joined us to help them develop confidence to seek employment after a period away from the working environment (eg raising a family).

The College and students are proud to have been the recipients of many awards that reflect the learning and opportunities on offer, some of which include:

• Microsoft IT Techician (1^st and 2^nd Place)
• West Coast Regional Champion in Electrical Installation Engineering (SECCT) (1^st Place)
• SkillBuild 2010 (Joinery) (1^st and 2^nd Place)
• Association for Public Service (APSE) Scottish Building and Housing Apprentice Award
• Apprentice of the Year Award (Bronze Award)
• SchoolBuild 2010 Competition (Brickwork Section)
• VQ Learner of the Year (Runner Up)
• Scottish Colleges Sports Volunteer of the Year
• Business to College Award - partnership working DGHP and College
• Frank Buttle Trust Quality Mark in recognition of their support for Looked After Young People (LAYP) and Care Leavers (CL)

College Academic Provision and Services

The College covers the following subject areas:

Department of Arts & Technology

• Art & Design
• Photography
• Construction Crafts
• Construction Technical
• Motor Vehicle
• Mechanical /Fabrication /Welding
• Electrical Engineering

Department of Business, Management & Computing

• Business Administration
• Business Accounting
• Business Management
• Information Technology
• Computing
• Communication & Media
• Core Skills

Department of Life & Leisure Studies

• Childcare
• Psychology
• Life Studies
• Care
• Hairdressing
• Hospitality
• Beauty

Many of the above subjects are available at our Stranraer Campus.

The College has a drop in IT Centre and a fully stocked library to support the curriculum and leisure aspects of student life. Further support is offered through our Independent Learning Centre where there is tutor support (if required) for help with core skills and studying techniques. We also offer additional support to students with disabilities where required, including a wide range of assistive technologies.

Leisure Facilities

Leisure facilities include:

• Canteen
• Shop
• Restaurant
• Hairdressing Salon
• Beauty Salon  
• Fitness Room
• Sports Hall
• Library
• Flexible Access Centre (IT Room)

Dumfries & Galloway College Bankend Road, Crichton, Dumfries, DG1 4FD Dumfries & Galloway Scotland, UK. Tel: 01387 734000 Fax: 01387 34040 Email: info@dumgal.ac.uk www.dumgal.ac.uk International Officer : Magdalena Parker Tel : 01387 734 289 e-mail: parkerm@dumgal.ac.uk