QUALITY ASSURED AT SOUTH TYNESIDE COLLEGE

A review by the Quality Assurance Authority for Higher Education (QAA) at South Tyneside College covering engineering and computing during the last academic year has reported back - and the results were worth waiting for.

Reviewers either had confidence in" or commended" all areas of the review, the highest ratings available. The report was based on five key areas: academic standards, teaching and learning, student progression, learning resources and maintenance and enhancement of quality and standards.

The courses reviewed are based in the School of Maritime Studies and Engineering, in the Faculties of Nautical Science, Marine and Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering. All these departments provide courses leading towards Higher National level qualifications, with the exception of the two undergraduate degrees in Marine Engineering and Marine Operations, delivered by the College and validated by Northumbria University.
South Tyneside College, which is an internationally renowned centre for marine training, has an array of facilities, some of which are unique in the UK. Particular attention in the review was paid to these impressive state-of-the-art facilities, including the Marine Safety Training Centre, Fire Training Centre and Marine Simulation Centre, home to a new Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) centre, and full mission bridge, engine room and liquid cargo handling simulators.

Special mention was also made of South Tyneside Colleges links with employers, especially those in the marine sector. With many students at the College on these courses sponsored by employers, or already Cadets with shipping companies, relationships with associated industries are strong. Student progression reflects these links and the reputation of the Colleges training.

Ian Gardner, Director of School, said: The review confirms the position of South Tyneside College as a leading centre of Further Education, and its high standing in the fields of Maritime Studies and Engineering. We are especially pleased that the reviewers commended the standards of resources, teaching and student achievement.

These results are a credit to dedicated staff, varied teaching methods, and, of course, to the students themselves who work hard to achieve their qualifications to progress their careers."

ENDS

Editors notes
South Tyneside College
School of Maritime Studies & Engineering

South Tyneside College is among the worlds premier institutions for the provision of marine and offshore training. The College, based at South Shields in the UK, offers tailored courses for deck, engineering and electrical personnel, including full safety training facilities. Around 5,000 students each year attend the School of Maritime Studies and Engineering for full-time courses, with around 50% coming from overseas, representing 74 countries around the world. Staff are recruited from specialist sectors within the marine industry, bringing with them the knowledge and experience needed to ensure the highest standards of teaching. Companies who use the College for training include BP, Shell, P&O/Princess Cruises, P&O Nedlloyd, Maersk, Clyde Marine and a large number of companies from the Arabian Gulf and the Far East.