College launches exciting new courses in Animal Care, Floristry and Horticulture

Students applying to study at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) from September 2012 can now choose from three brand new subject areas.

The College is launching new courses in Small Animal Care, Floristry and Horticulture to help meet local demand.

Alex Ellis, Director for Curriculum Innovation at NULC said: “We’re delighted to be able to launch this new range of courses to further enhance the range of education and training opportunities available to both young people and adults in North Staffordshire.”

Alex added: “We continually review our curriculum to ensure we’re providing courses that meet local needs and we felt that there was a gap in the market for this type of provision.

“We’re expecting the courses to prove popular and we’d encourage people to apply as soon as possible to secure their place on a course.”

NULC is the only college in North Staffordshire to provide Small Animal Care as a full-time course at Level 1 and Level 2. During the course, students will have the chance to visit a variety of organisations that specialise in caring for small animals, as well as undertaking work placements in animal care environments, such as vets’ practices and rescue centres.

Floristry has been introduced as a full-time course at Level 2 and Level 3 to meet the demand from people wishing to enter the floristry business. It will have a commercial-focus, and run alongside the College’s successful Transform Hair, Beauty and Holistic Therapy Salon and Spa. Part-time courses in Floristry will also be on offer from September 2012.

Picture of NULC Greenhouse

Other new courses include Horticulture (Landscaping and Gardening) at Level 1, which is available both full-time and part-time.

Alex added: “Horticulture complements our existing construction provision and provides a route for students wishing to move into landscape construction and maintenance.”

The College’s Horticulture students will be able to make use of the new gardening facilities at its Skills and Technology Centre, which include greenhouses and space to develop hard-landscaping skills. Tutors also hope to engage with high profile local gardens and visitor attractions to offer work experience opportunities and placements for students.

NULC is currently home to 3,500 full-time students and 1,600 adult learners. The College offers a wide range of courses including A/AS Levels, vocational courses and Apprenticeships as well as a range of courses for adults delivered within workplaces, at community venues and at the College.

It also offers an expanding range of degree-level courses including Foundation degrees and HNC/Ds from its bespoke University Centre, in partnership with Staffordshire University.

To find out more about the new courses available at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk/newcourses2012 or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.