Credit: Antonbe/Pixabay

Glasgow Clyde College (GCC) has launched what it claims is the world’s first TikTok prospectus aimed at appealing to school-leavers and other potential new students.

The ‘ProspectToks’ is intended to allow users on the social media platform to get an insight into college life. It includes a series of videos featuring current students undertaking courses in subjects including beauty and make-up, travel and tourism, healthcare, fashion and textiles, and business, who discuss typical classes, practical workshops, and other facilities available at the college. The videos will be rolled out across the next 10 days. 

GCC, which has campuses in Anniesland, Cardonald and Langside, has opened up enquires through the app too, allowing any prospective student interested in hearing more about a course to begin the sign-up process by sending a direct message to the college before being advised on the next steps.  

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Principal of GCC, Jon Vincent, said: “We’re very proud of our pioneering approach at Glasgow Clyde College and are always looking at new ways to engage with young people and school leavers. With so many people using TikTok on a regular basis, it felt like a great opportunity to showcase our college’s offering. College is about so much more than just the course you study. We’re lucky to have some really creative students in our midst, and they’ve perfectly captured what a day as a GCC student can look like, from going to classes, workshops and field trips, to even grabbing lunch at the canteen with your friends - all whilst having fun and experiencing life in a busy, bustling city.”

The institution’s embracing of the video platform comes just six weeks after the Scottish Government followed the lead of its Westminster counterpart by implementing a ban on the installation of TikTok on all government-owned devices.

Holyrood deputy first minister John Swinney said that government-owned devices “are configured in line with best practice from the National Cyber Security Centre”.

"Our decision to prohibit the use of TikTok follows engagement with the UK government on the potential tracking and privacy risks from certain social media apps,” he added. “Currently there is limited use of TikTok within government and limited need for staff to use the app on work devices. This ban will be implemented immediately. It does not extend to personal devices used by staff or the general public.”