Dumfries & Galloway College

Our College is located in the beautiful south of Scotland, the gateway to three countries – Scotland, England and Ireland; the perfect location to learn, live and explore.

The main campus is situated in Dumfries (the capital of the Region), the College has another campus in the town of Stranraer, 75 miles to the west of Dumfries with a further College Learning Centre in Newton Stewart located between the two campuses.

• 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).

Commercial Opportunities

We also have a specialist commercial training unit - Company Training Solutions, to provide the answers to employee and company development – Tel: 01387 243804/801.

Many College resources are also available for community and commercial bookings – Tel: 01387 243880.

So take a closer look and see what we can offer you.

Learning Opportunities at Dumfries & Galloway College

Our academic programmes and subject areas include:

• Art, Media & Performing Arts
• Art & Design
• Performing Arts
• Photography
• Construction
• Crafts
• Technical
• Engineering
• Motor Vehicle
• Mechanical / Fabrication / Welding
• Electrical
• Business Management
• Administration
• Accounting
• Management
• Business Information Technology
• Business
• I.T.
• Computing & Core Skills
• Computing
• Communication & Media
• Core Skills
• Education Studies
• Childcare
• Psychology
• Life Studies
• Health & Social Studies
• Care
• Leisure Studies
• Hairdressing
• Hospitality
• Travel & Tourism
• Beauty

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:

• Winner - Worshipful Company of Plaisterers - Regency Vase 2005
• Learning Centre of the Year 2005 - Learndirect
• Holywood Trust Awards 2004 – Outstanding Achievements
• Runner Up - Worshipful Company of Plaisterers - Regency Vase 2004
• Skills Challenge 2004 – Computing Software & Hardware
• SECTT Apprentice of the Year 2004
• Widening Participation 2004 - FE Marketing Network Award
• National Hairdressing Federation Student Competitions 2004
• CLAW Awards  2004 – Community Learning
• Border TV Adult Learner Award 2003
• Holywood Trust Awards 2003 – Outstanding Achievements
• Skillbuild Competition (Institute of Carpenters) 2003
• Care Modern Apprenticeship Award 2003
• National Hairdressing Federation Student Competition Awards 2003
• Gold Award – SQA Partnership of the Year 2003
• Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2003
• National Enterprise and Learning Awards 2003