Study Options
You don’t have to study full-time to access quality learning opportunities – but you can if you choose to! Every year, thousands of students choose to study at Borders College full-time or part-time, including Commercial and Community courses.
• Full-time • Part-time • Commercial and Community •
Full-time
Full-time study of National Qualification (NQ) and other non-advanced courses generally requires attending college approximately 20 hours/3.5 days per week for a year (August to June).
We sometimes offer full-time courses starting in January, which run for six months.
Full-time study of Higher National Certificate and Diploma (HNC/D) courses requires you to attend college approximately 15 hours/3 days a week. Full-time HNC courses run for one year; full-time HND courses run for two years, starting in August/September and finishing in June.
Full-time courses are offered at Galashiels, Newtown St Boswells, and Tweedbank campuses.
Studying full-time at a college in Scotland offers a unique and enriching experience. It combines high-quality education with a rich cultural heritage. Scotland's colleges provide a range of well-regarded courses, offering excellent career prospects in various fields.
Part-time
Part-time college-based courses allow you to be part of a class in college and have regular teaching time without committing to a full-time class schedule.
Course options include evening and afternoon or require 1 or 2 day teaching time per week. Every course will state the study modes available.
Part-time courses are offered at our Galashiels, Newtown St Boswells, Hawick, and Tweedbank campuses.
We also focus on assisting employers to maximise their business potential by developing their workforce. We deliver training to a wide range of organisations and have developed a broad portfolio to support employees wishing to improve their skills, with courses at all levels to ensure we are a one-stop shop for both the employer and the employee. Our team of industry specialists can assist employers in identifying the most appropriate learning route for employees and offer a full range of interventions, from short courses to certificated work-based learning, which can be delivered at a time and place to suit the employer's needs.
Studying part-time at a college in Scotland is an excellent choice for balancing education with other commitments like work or family. Scotland's colleges offer flexible learning options, allowing you to gain valuable qualifications at your own pace. The high quality of education and the opportunity to apply what you learn directly to your current job make it a practical and rewarding experience.
Apprenticeships are a great way to get valuable work experience that can lead to enhanced employment opportunities. They are a great way to get valuable hands-on experience within a workplace while receiving a college-based education.
Foundation Apprenticeships (SCQF Level 6) are specially designed for S5 & S6 school pupils and combine college learning, qualifications and work experience with top organisations while you are still at school.
Learn while you earn with work-based courses. Gain new skills and qualifications while working, to help you stand out from the crowd and reach your goals.
Work-based qualifications include Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), Professional Development Awards (PDAs), Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) and Professional accredited courses.
We partner to provide training to hundreds of employers, offering packages to build skills and knowledge across a broad range of industry sectors.
School partnership courses - for senior school pupils moving into S4, S5 and S6 in August - offer a wide range of vocational courses to study alongside school-based National and Higher qualifications. Our extensive range of courses is offered at various levels to study at our Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels and Newtown St Boswells Campus.
Make Fridays Fun and join us at college to level up your skills and grab those qualifications that'll be the stepping stones to your future career!
🚀📚 #FridayAtCollege #SkillsForSuccess #FutureCareerStart
Commercial and Community Classes
We have a range of learning opportunities for people in business or for those looking for some personal development and enjoyment. These are available at our Galashiels and Hawick Campuses, bringing learning to you.
The range of community courses will allow you to have regular contact and support from teaching staff, in your local area.