Destination courses are for more advanced ESOL students and consist of about 50% English and 50% vocational study. You will study English with Business and IT units at Level 1. There may be work placement opportunities.

Key course features

Qualification: Edexcel ESOL Skills for Life plus NOCN Level 1 qualification

Level: Level 1

Timetable: You will study 13 hours per week. You will receive your timetable when you enrol.

Start Date: September 2013

Fees:

Home fee for 2012-13 £1260 including tuition and exam fees. Students aged 19+ will pay college registration and materials fees.

The course may be free if you are:

• aged under 19
• aged 19+ and in receipt of an active benefit (eg JSA or ESA)
• aged 19+, unemployed and in receipt of a means-tested benefit (eg income support), and you are doing this course to improve your employment prospects
• aged 19-23, have not taken this course before, don't already have a Level 2 qualification and aim to progress to Level 2.

Please see our Fees and Concessions page or call 020 8326 2015 for further details.

Who is this course for?

Adults whose first language is not English, who want to improve their English and gain a range of skills and techniques to prepare for a business, administrative or IT related occupation. The course is also ideal if you want to further your studies and progress to a Level 2 qualification.

Entry requirements

You do not need to have any previous qualifications in IT or business, but you need to have some basic IT skills. You will need to be able to demonstrate language and literary skills at Entry Level 3. You will be interviewed before you enrol on the course, and you will have a written assessment to establish your level of language and maths skills. If you need advice before you apply, please call 020 8326 2020 or email ciag@west-thames.ac.uk.

About the course

Alongside Skills for Life and literacy, you will study Business and IT units such as: 

• Spreadsheets
• Word processing
• Databases
• Telephone work
• Message taking
• Filing systems
• Health and safety
• Customer care.

The IT element of the course is taught using up-to-date computers and software.

You will have a group tutorial every week. Your tutor will support you throughout the course and ensure that your learning needs are met.

Additional opportunities

If you develop your skills sufficiently you may have the opportunity for a two-week work experience placement. This will give you a chance to put the skills and knowledge you have learned on the course into practice.

How will I be assessed?

All units are internally assessed using a range of assessment methods such as case studies, written reports, presentations, exams and practical tasks.

Where next?

If you successfully complete all the parts of this qualification, and have a good record of attendance throughout the year, you will be able to progress to a Level 2 NOCN qualification or business course. You will be encouraged to develop your own learning plans for the future and you will have the opportunity to get advice from careers advisers and other agencies.

How to apply?

To apply, please click the "Apply Now" button and fill out the online application form. An advisor will be in touch regarding interview dates.