Higher Education Courses at Oatridge College near Edinburgh
Oatridge College is Scotland’s largest college specialising in Agriculture, Animal Care, Environment and Conservation, Equine Studies, Farriery, Green keeping, Horticulture, Land based Engineering and Landscaping and is a centre of excellence for land based education, training and enterprise.
Situated 15 miles West of Edinburgh, Oatridge College stands in its own 283 hectare estate, 20 minutes from Edinburgh airport and 40 minutes from the city centre. The campus has its own golf course, a commercial working farm with beef cattle and sheep units as well as 100 hectares under cereal. It is also the home of the Scottish National Equestrian Centre. Since 2007, the new state-of-the-art Learning Centre has been completed as has an upgrade of all student en suite accommodation.
Direct Progression to Degree Courses
Most courses at Oatridge College last between one and two years and on successful completion can lead to third year entry on to related degree programmes. As soon as you settle into your course, discussions will begin as to the progression route you wish to undertake to obtain entry onto your chosen degree course at University. Please note that Oatridge College courses are accredited by the
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), not the British Council.
Student Accommodation and Welfare
The College offers a choice of standard or en-suite accommodation which is of a very high standard. The campus offers good sporting facilities, and an active Student Association. The college has excellent welfare support through both Student Services and the Student Association, and they can assist in solving practical problems, academic concerns and personal issues. They both offer advice and a confidential friendly place to drop into if required.
English Language Requirements
All courses are in English therefore students have to have an IELTS score of 5.0 to commence the majority of courses and 6.0 for Farriery courses. If you need to improve your English skills prior to or during your course, you can do so at EAC's language school in Edinburgh.
Many members of Oatridge College’s 120 staff are recognised nationally and internationally as experts in their own fields. The following courses will prepare you for further degree programmes or for entry into industry. EAC has detailed information on all courses and our registration team will support you through the whole application process, which involves completing an application form and supplying a TOEFL or IELTS English test result or completing an English test.
A Choice of Specialist Courses:
Equine Studies
Oatridge College is recognised as Scotland’s premier centre for equestrian education and training offering courses to supplement the rapidly expanding equestrian industry both in the United Kingdom and across the World. The course is based around The Scottish National Equestrian Centre (SNEC) – the International Standard Equestrian Centre built on campus in 2007. Many horses are kept at the College. If you are interested in this course, you should have a good locally recognised leaving school certificate and proven interest in equine studies. Successful completion of these courses can lead to progression into Year 3 of a relevant degree course.
• HNC in Equine Studies (one year)
• HND in Equine Studies (two year)
Farriery
Oatridge College is a centre of excellence in this field. Farriers across the world covet the reputation of those in the UK who have gained the Worshipful Company of Farriers Diploma Status. This qualification is renowned internationally because of the rigorously high standard required in both shoe making, fitting and underpinning equine anatomical and theory knowledge required to pass.
Courses include a Farriery Adaptation Course which allows overseas farriers with at least 2 years regular experience with an EEAC qualification in Farriery to undertake an adaptation programme. The course is a 7 week course and on completion you will be entered for the Worshipful Company of Farrier Diploma examination.
Greenkeeping
The United Kingdom leads the world in education and training in relation to amenity horticulture, garden design, landscape gardening and greenkeeping. Beautiful and exciting golf courses are the result of development and management under the guardianship of a green keeper. Oatridge College is an approved teaching centre from the Greenkeeping Training Committee and The Institute of
Groundsmanship
• National Certificate in Greenkeeping (one year)
Environment & Conservation
Management of the environment and conservation has grown in importance as understanding of the pressures that human activity place on the world is recognised. Tackling these problems and finding sustainable solutions require high levels of technical knowledge and practical skills. Successful completion of this course will provide access to Year 3 of a relevant degree course.
• HND in Countryside Management (two year)
Agriculture
Oatridge College has built a formidable reputation for producing students with a balance of knowledge, practical skills and technical ability within agricultural industries. Successful completion of this course will provide access to Year 3 of a relevant degree course.
• HND in Agriculture (two year)
Post Study Work Scheme
The Scottish Government’s Post Study Work Scheme (formerly called ‘Fresh Talent Working in Scotland’) welcomes people from around the world who want to live and work in Scotland. If you have been living in Scotland and studying at Oatridge College to HND level or above, you should be eligible to work in the UK for up to two years without a work permit.
Please note that these courses are run by Oatridge College, not by EAC.