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Courses at Orkney College
Orkney College is committed to quality and opportunity and is a partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands..
Our courses are geared towards providing students of all ages with a full range of qualifications from Scottish Vocational Qualifications, Scottish Group Awards through Higher National Certificate and Diploma to Degree and postgraduate Degree Level. Individuals can also undertake Short Courses and Evening Classes as well as benefiting from a very varied selection of modules available through our Open Learning Centre Network with its Mainland and Outer Isles Centres.
Agriculture
Agricultural teaching was first established in 1969 and was was the forerunner to Further education in Orkney. Now the College boasts a very finely equipped Agricultural Department located at the main college site with a wide selection of machinery and workshops. The course is very practical in nature and students will make use of facilities on Weyland beef and sheep farm.
Archaeology
Archaeology is one of the major attractions to Orkney, and in recognition of the quality of the archaeological monuments, Orkney has been granted World Heritage Site status. Jane Downes, Orkney College, chairs the Committee which has formulated a Research Agenda for the Orkney World Heritage Site. The Research Agenda can be downloaded from the Historic Scotland's website.
Art and Design
The extension to the Orkney College campus houses the design department and can boast excellent spacious studio accommodation overlooking Kirkwall Bay and the North Isles of Orkney. We are very fortunate in that the facility offers an array of up to date textile, printing, ceramic, sculpture and drawing and painting equipment.
Business Studies
The Business Studies Department offers a selection of courses ranging in level from National Certificate in Business to the BA (Hons) in Business and Management. We aim to provide quality education and training for both individuals and businesses.
Health, Social and Childcare
This department offers a wide variety of courses to suit anyone interested in working in the field of care. Most courses include a work placement which adds greatly to the overall student experience.
Construction
The Construction department offers a variety of courses in carpentry, joinery and brickwork. Students get to work around Orkney with local building firms to gain experience in the building trades. The students also work at the workshops near to the main College building. Here they get to learn about the more technical side of construction.
Scottish Cultural Studies
The Scottish Cultural Studies department offers the BA (Hons) Scottish Cultural Studies of the Highlands and Islands.
Hospitality
The department has a full training restaurant and offers courses at NC and HNC level along with a variety of SVQs.
Information technology
It is the aim of the Information Technology department to prepare students for the technological and digital world by assisting them in gaining the theory and practice required to maintain, operate and manipulate modern hardware and software.
Maritime
Orkney College's Maritime Studies department is ideally situated on a waterfront site in busy Stromness Harbour. It has a long and distinguished history of providing education and training for generations of the seafarers from Orkney and beyond.
The Centre for Nordic Studies is a unique interdisciplinary regional academy of international significance which studies the culture and heritage of the communities of Orkney and Shetland in the communities themselves. It combines research, postgraduate teaching, summer schools, and community engagement to place the Northern Isles firmly in their global context while empowering and strengthening their communities.
Progression courses include Preparation for Progression, Get Ready for Work and Training for Work.
Learning Centres
The open learning centre is located on the lower floor of the main College building. It is at the hub of a network of Learndirect Scotland branded learning centres which includes Westray, Stronsay, Sanday and Hoy.
Short Courses
The college also offers a selection of short courses. See Here for further details
