Somerset College

Somerset College have announced their first Masters Degree as well as another ground-breaking new course at the launch of their part-time prospectus this week.

A Masters in Business Administration (MBA) has been developed that will allow students to achieve the degree at their own pace.

The Masters Degree has been developed in partnership with the University of Plymouth who validate all of the College's degrees. It is anticipated that the degree will take approximately three years, depending on the pace at which the student work.

To give maximum flexibility, the course is delivered using both traditional part-time and blended learning. This allows students to decide whether to attend college or undertake the qualification on a distance learning basis.

Keith Rees, HE Curriculum Director (College Partnership) at Somerset College, said: ‘This is a breakthrough for Somerset College. It is the first Masters Degree that the college will deliver, and is a great addition to the degree level courses already on offer.

‘Students will be able to achieve a Masters Degree whilst working at their own pace, something that will appeal to people who work full time and want to enhance their qualifications. We anticipate that it will take three years to complete, but that is flexible as it will depend on the student.'

Somerset College have also announced an innovative AAT Certificate in Accounting Fast Track course. The course will allow students to complete the course within 16 weeks compared to one year on the non fast track course.

This special programme has been designed for those who are considering a career in accounting or to improve their book-keeping skills. It will enable students to become qualified in a far shorter time.

Simon Cook, Head of Service Industries at Somerset College, said: ‘This course allows us to offer a much quicker course to students that will mean they are able to become qualified much sooner than before. Students will learn everything that is in the AAT Certificate in Accounting course, but in a far more concentrated period. It is a great way to top up your skills quickly.'

To enable greater flexibility the AAT Fast Track course is being delivered around school hours. Classes are taught between 9:30am and 2:20pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

The MBA and AAT Fast Track courses are both featured in Somerset College's new part-time prospectus which has been launched this week. Students can request a prospectus at www.somerset.ac.uk, by phone on (01823) 366 331, or email enquiries@somerset.ac.uk.

As well as the MBA and AAT courses, Somerset College also offer part time and bespoke management courses, including Level 7 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Management and HNC Business with Management. Bespoke courses are offered through the Somerset Centre for Enterprise, contact the centre on (01823) 366 555 for further information.

Somerset College offer more than 100 part-time courses including education courses, sailing qualifications and sustainable construction courses. For further information on part time courses at Somerset College click here, or contact (01823) 366 331.

The MBA has been developed by The College Partnership, a joint venture company between Somerset College and Wiltshire College. The Colleges' Partnership delivers vocational, on-the-job training management solutions to organisations of all sizes throughout the UK and Europe.