FVC is a renowned Scottish institution offering a comprehensive range of further and higher education programmes across its three campuses in Falkirk, Alloa and Stirling. Established in 2005 through the merger of Falkirk College of Technology and Clackmannan College, it became Scotland’s first regional college and now serves over 14,500 students annually. The college delivers more than 750 courses spanning access to degree level, from traditional trade skillsets to the latest innovative sectors, with flexible study options including full-time, part-time, evening, and online formats. Its mission, “Making Learning Work,” reflects a commitment to equipping students with practical skills and qualifications that align with industry needs and future employment opportunities.

The college’s facilities are state-of-the-art and industry-standard featuring, amongst other things: high-spec laboratories; engineering training plants and rigs; creative and digital industry studios; healthcare simulation suites; and training salons and restaurants operated by students which are open to the public. These environments support hands-on learning across specialist disciplines such as energy, STEM and construction; creative and digital industries; health and social care; and tourism and hospitality. The Falkirk campus, the largest of the three, includes a chemical engineering distillation plant and has received architectural acclaim, including a Stirling Prize runner up award. FVC maintains strong links with employers and industry partners, ensuring its curriculum remains responsive to workforce demands. Over 97% of students progress to further study or employment upon completing their course.

Internationally, FVC is recognised as a leader in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), actively engaging in global partnerships and initiatives. The college has participated in UK Government Skills Missions to Saudi Arabia and trade missions to Kenya and Namibia, and has signed MOUs with universities in China. These collaborations aim to share expertise, co-create research projects, and deliver tailored training programmes aligned with global industry needs. The college also offers guest lectures, curriculum design, educational leadership training, and qualification mapping to international partners, positioning itself as a hub for capacity building and innovation in education.

A standout initiative is FVC’s partnership with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), making it the first UK institution to offer paid internships in the USA through this programme. These internships, lasting between three and fourteen months, provide students with valuable international work experience and cultural enrichment, significantly enhancing their career prospects. The college also welcomes international students to study in Scotland, offering a supportive academic environment and access to the rich cultural heritage of the Forth Valley region. With its central location just 30 minutes from Edinburgh and Glasgow, FVC offers global connectivity and a gateway to Scotland’s vibrant cities and scenic landscapes.