Information, advice & Guidance

IAG Introduction.

We offer our Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) services on an impartial and free basis to support and help everyone develop as lifelong learners and achieve their potential in their career of choice.
When approached for IAG on other areas including, for example: finance, health and relationships we may choose to signpost learners to other local or national organisations who provide specialist services on those issues.
To implement the policy we will:
• Provide accurate and impartial information, advice and guidance to existing and potential learners, employers and stakeholders about the courses, qualifications and support services we offer.

• Provide accurate and impartial information, advice and guidance to our own staff about their rights, entitlements and responsibilities as employees, about staff development procedures and opportunities, about performance management and grievance procedures, and about opportunities to contribute to the organisations strategic planning.

• Provide a service which is free and confidential to the individual, and which meets the highest standards of equality of opportunity.

Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)

Definitions:

Information – refers to the provision of factual information relating to learning and careers, but without exploring the relative merits of different options. Information can be imparted verbally by an advisor or by printed material and the internet.
Advice – requires more in-depth interaction with the learner. It includes the explanation of information and how to access and use the information.
Guidance – involves an in-depth session or series of sessions between the learner and advisor, in which the advisor helps the learner through the process of making decisions about learning and careers. We can offer information on potential careers in various occupational sectors as well as signposts to other IAG service providers.
Referrals are made when an advisor recognizes that the services of another organisation or agency would more effectively meet the needs of the learner.  A referral can be made either internally within the organisation or externally to outside organisations. These can be within consortia or non-consortia partners. All referrals are in line with the Data Protection Act and other relevant policies.
IAG Service

Who can use our services?

This statement sets out the details of our IAG service as it applies to learners and employers. The purpose of this statement is to clarify what is on offer, and what someone can expect when using our service.
• Current learners who are enrolled on a programme at UK Graduate College and are interested in doing another programme as a progression.
• Enquirers and prospective learners who are not yet registered with us but are considering us as an option.
• Employers who want information about our programmes, courses, or about any bespoke training we may offer.
What can you expect from us?
• Accurate and impartial information, advice and guidance on the full range of services we offer.
• A service that conforms to national standards.
• Equality of treatment.

IAG services we offer

Help with choosing the right programme and/or qualification
Help with starting your programme
Learning Support
Initial Assessments
Support during your Programme
Help with moving on to higher education or a career
What next?

Progression

It doesn’t matter where you are in your learning journey – we can make sure you start exactly where you need to. Our Information, Advice and Guidance staff will work with you to find out what your hopes are and prepare a pathway that can be from Introductory courses right the way to University level.

What qualifications do you have?

No formal qualifications

We recommend:
Short introductory courses and Essential Skills in English and maths.
Ready-made course package in a chosen subject area.

How many courses should I apply for?

Select 4 courses that are of interest to you and / or relate to your future plans.
After completing the 4 courses, you may want to do another 4 to continue building confidence or you could move onto some short accredited courses.

Once you have completed this course, you will have:

A basic knowledge and introduction to a subject / topic

Career Opportunity:
Depending on the course you have completed, you may be able to go straight into work in your relevant industry using your qualification.

Completed Introductory / Exploring courses

We recommend:
Short accredited courses at Level 1 and Level 2, Functional Skills in English and maths, Essential Digital Skills Qualifications.
Ready-made course package in a chosen subject area.

How many courses should I apply for?
Select 1 or 2 accredited courses that relate to your future plans. This will provide you with an opportunity to gain qualifications and prepare you for moving onto longer more substantial qualifications or to look for employment and / or volunteering opportunities.

After completing 1 or 2 Accredited courses, you may want to do 1 or 2 more to continue building confidence or you could move onto our long course accredited Diploma courses.

Once you have completed this course, you will have:
Level 1 qualifications that are the equivalent to GCSEs Grades 3 to 1 / D to G
Level 2 qualifications that are the equivalent to GCSE’s Grades 9 to 4 / A* to C

Career Opportunity:
Depending on the course you have completed, you may be able to go straight into work in your relevant industry using your qualification.

Completed short courses at Level 1 and Level 2, Functional Skills in English and Maths

We recommend:
Long accredited courses at Diploma Level 2 and Level 3, GCSE English and Maths.

How many courses should I apply for?
Select 1 long course that will help you to move onto university or employment.
You may also want to study GCSE or Functional Skills qualifications alongside your course that will help you to progress.

Once you have completed this course, you will have:
Level 2 qualifications that are the equivalent to GCSE’s Grades 9 to 4 / A* to C
Level 3 qualifications that are the equivalent to A Levels or BTECs

Career Opportunity:
Depending on the course you have completed, you may be able to go straight into work in your relevant industry using your qualification.

Completed long courses at Diploma Level 2 and Level 3, GCSE English and Maths

We recommend:
University courses at Level 4 and Level 5

How many courses should I apply for?
Select 1 long course that will help you to achieve your chosen career goal.

Once you have completed this course, you will have:
Level 4 qualifications are the equivalent to Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Level 5 qualifications are the equivalent to a Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND)

Career Opportunity:
Depending on the course you have completed, you may be able to go straight into work in your relevant industry using your qualification.

Student Support

We are always here to help.

Career Advice
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Today careers are more diverse and flexible than ever before. There is not always one set pathway that leads to a particular job, but quite often a network of opportunities. These present their own challenges and benefits that can lead you into numerous roles across a vast array of industries. Trying to determine exactly what you want to do or develop a career progression plan can be difficult, especially when your options aren’t obvious or your skills and experiences don’t directly translate into a specific role.

Whether you are considering a career change, have recently graduated or are simply looking for guidance on the next step to take, we can provide invaluable insight into the job market, sector and particular organisation you hope to excel within.

Our career advice page offers a comprehensive library of tips and information on all aspects of the career lifecycle; finding the right position, tips on how to write a winning CV and cover letter, how to impress interviewers, career progression, graduate advice and improving your work-life wellbeing. Our extensive experience working with people at different stages within their careers gives us a deep understanding of the challenges candidates face and the questions that typically arise during a job search. Our specialist consultants can provide more detailed advice for your career by assessing your unique skills, qualifications and experiences, then matching them with relevant job vacancies to determine your position in the market.

Progression
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More than 30,000 undergraduate courses are offered in the UK, so you need to be sure that what you pick will suit you. When choosing a course, there are lots of things to think about, including:

Where do you wish to progress to after completing a course at UK Graduate College?
What subject do you want to study at University?
What Career are you planning to pursue?

If you’re finding it difficult to make the right choice, UK Graduate is here to help. We match you with courses that are suited to your interests and goals, helping you streamline your research along the way.

Application Process
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Applying to study at UK Graduate College
Complete the online application form
Free Consultation by our expert counsellors
Assess your English level
Review of your documents
Receive your offer

Counseling Services
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At UK Graduate College, we know that if you’re happy and safe, you’ll have the best chance of academic success, so we encourage all of our students to take care of their well-being while they’re here and ask for support when that could be beneficial. We are here to support your health and well-being during your student journey.

Our team can advise on a range of emotional and well-being issues, and make referrals to specialist services. Our advisers and counsellors will listen, understand and support you while you explore whatever issues are important to you.

Come in to see us

If you’re experiencing emotional or mental health issues, or anticipate that they may affect your studies, we encourage you to come and talk to us at the earliest opportunity so we can work with you to find the right solutions. We are here for you throughout your student journey.
You can contact us on +44(0)2036090260 or email us at  admin@ukgraduate.org.uk .

Accommodation - Finding somewhere to live
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There’s a wide variety of safe and modern accommodation on offer for students in the UK. Our team of consultants will help you find the right type of living environment to suit your needs and budget. You can also visit student accommodation websites such as LondonNest, Student.com and many other providers. The best thing to do is choose the course you want to study, the date you plan to start and once you have received an offer letter, reach out to our team for accommodation support or begin searching online for the best student accommodation available for your visit dates.

Useful Links

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