Associate Member:

Forth Valley College

Organisation Type:
Public College of Further and Higher Education

Contact details
Address: Grangemouth Road, Falkirk, FK2 9AD

Telephone: +44 (0)132 440 3000

ABOUT

Forth Valley College of Further and Higher Education is a leading institution located in Central Scotland, with campuses in Falkirk, Alloa, and Stirling. Established in 2005 through the merger of Falkirk College and Clackmannan College, it has grown into Scotland’s first regional college, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a dynamic learning environment. The college provides a broad spectrum of educational opportunities, ranging from access level to degree-level qualifications, and caters to approximately 14,500 students each academic year.

The college’s curriculum spans full-time, part-time, evening, flexible, and online learning options, making education accessible to a diverse student body. Courses cover areas such as applied sciences, engineering, business, health and social care, creative industries, and more. With over 94% of learners progressing to further study or employment upon completion of their course, Forth Valley College is committed to delivering high-quality education and vocational training that meets the needs of both students and employers across Scotland.

Forth Valley College is a prominent 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 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, 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, featuring high-spec laboratories, training rigs, salons, and restaurants operated by students. These environments support hands-on learning across disciplines such as applied sciences, engineering, business, creative industries, health and social care, and hospitality. The Falkirk campus, the largest of the three, includes a chemical engineering practice plant and has received architectural acclaim, including a Stirling Prize shortlist nomination. Forth Valley College maintains strong links with employers and industry partners, ensuring its curriculum remains responsive to workforce demands. Over 94% of students progress to further study or employment upon completing their course.

Internationally, Forth Valley College 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 memoranda of understanding 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 Forth Valley College’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, Forth Valley College offers global connectivity and a gateway to Scotland’s vibrant cities and scenic landscapes.

Globally recognised leader in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with over 60 years of expertise in delivering industry-aligned education.
Customised training programmes designed to meet the specific needs of international industries, governments, and educational institutions.
Strong track record of international collaboration, including partnerships in Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Namibia, and China through trade missions and memorandums of understanding.
Guest lectures and educational leadership training offered to international partners to support capacity building and strategic development.
Curriculum design and verification services, ensuring international programmes meet rigorous Scottish and global standards.
Qualification mapping and levelling aligned with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), supporting international recognition and transferability.
Vocational training in high-demand sectors, including engineering, construction, hospitality, health and social care, business, and digital technologies3.
Specialised industrial training facilities, including a purpose-built chemical engineering practice plant, used by over 150 UK companies and available to international clients.
CompEx-certified training for working in explosive atmospheres, including Gas & Vapours, Dust, Mechanical, and Water Utilities modules, ideal for energy and utilities sectors.
Flexible delivery formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid models to accommodate international time zones and learning preferences

Support for international student pathways, including progression routes to Scottish universities and degree-level qualifications.
Internship opportunities in the USA through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), enhancing global employability.
Expertise in educational quality management, including college management systems and training needs analysis for institutional partners.
Cultural exchange programmes for staff and students, fostering global understanding and professional development.
Modern campuses with cutting-edge facilities, located in Falkirk, Alloa, and Stirling—just 30 minutes from Edinburgh and Glasgow, offering global connectivity.
Training in digital and creative industries, including computing, cybersecurity, digital media, and art and design, with degree options in partnership with the University of Stirling.
Hospitality and culinary arts training, delivered through The Gallery Training Restaurant, open to the public and ideal for international hospitality partnerships.
Business and leadership courses, including simulated office environments and management qualifications, tailored for corporate clients.
STEM-focused programmes in science, technology, engineering, and maths, with integrated degree options and strong industry links to the Grangemouth petrochemical hub.