The Bedford College Group Access to Higher Education Guide 2020-21

Courses available in Bedford, Biggleswade, Corby, Kettering & Wellingborough

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION 2020-2021

Don’t have the qualifications you need to study for a degree?

Then an Access to Higher Education course could be for you.

DID YOU KNOW? Last year 94% of our Access students went on to study degree-level courses at colleges and universities such as The University of York, University of Brighton and University of Greenwich.

DON’T HAVE THE QUALIFICATIONS YOU NEED TO STUDY FOR A DEGREE? THEN AN ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION COURSE COULD BE FOR YOU. Access courses offer a route to higher education if you have been out of education for some time or left school with too few qualifications to be able to go straight to university. They provide a good foundation in the knowledge and skills required for studying at degree-level, so that you are confident and well prepared for higher education.

Access courses are widely recognised by UK universities for entry on to degree-level courses. Last year, over 20,000 Access students achieved their Diploma and progressed to university courses across the UK.1 1

Source: www.accesstohe.ac.uk

Study Access for Free

If you study one of our Access courses using an Advanced Learner Loan and then progress on to a higher education course, your loan will be written off when you complete your higher education qualification.

See page 12 for more details.

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ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES WITH THE BEDFORD COLLEGE GROUP With The Bedford College Group, you can choose from a wide range of pathways, which can be studied from as little as 12 hours per week for one year and lead to progression on to a higher education course to enable you to obtain a full degree.

PERSONAL TOUCH With small class sizes compared to universities and all the individual support you need to get back into education, we will help you succeed and reach your goal.

STAFF EXPERTISE Our experienced staff have been teaching Access and developing the programme over a number of years. Many of our tutors are industry professionals, helping to inspire your learning.

UNIVERSITY LINKS We have close links with local universities, including the University of Bedfordshire and the University of Northampton, and we liaise with them directly about the entry criteria for applicants and the interview process.

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES We offer undergraduate qualifications in partnership with local universities. Once you complete your Access to Higher Education course, you can go on to study a higher education course with us, right through to degree-level in many subjects.

STAY LOCAL RIGHT UP TO DEGREE-LEVEL Staying local while studying will help you reduce your student debt and will also allow you to study alongside other commitments such as family and work life.

EASY PAYMENT OPTIONS We have payment options to help make your study affordable.

See page 12 for more information.

DID YOU KNOW?

Last year 94%1 of our students progressed on to higher education.

Source: Bedford College Destination data 2018

1

2

Source: www.

Visit: www.bedford.ac.uk | www.shuttleworth.ac.uk Call: 01234 291000 Visit:| www.tresham.ac.uk www.bedford.ac.uk | 3

OUR PATHWAYS AND YOUR FUTURE OPTIONS ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Based at Shuttleworth College Cost: £5,197 Typical units covered: • Animal Behaviour • Animal Health & Welfare • Animal Management • Animal Nutrition • Animal Science • Conservation • Inheritance, Evolution & Ecology • Principles of Biology You could progress on to our Animal Management Foundation Degree (FdSc) or study a range of degrees such as Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Science or Zoology at other universities.

BUSINESS STUDIES

Based at Bedford College Cost: £3,022 Typical units covered: • Business Financial Accounting • Business Management Accounting • Business Recruitment and Retention • Developing a Business Plan • Financial Planning in Business • Introduction to Microeconomics • Managing Human Resources for Business

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• Marketing Principles and Implications for Business • Setting up a New Small Business • The Nature and Context of Business You could progress on to our Business BTEC HNC/HND. Past students have gone on to study Events Management at Bournemouth University and International Fashion Management at University of the Arts London.

COMBINED SCIENCE

Based at Bedford College Cost: £3,384 Typical units covered: • Biomolecules (biochemistry) • Blood, Circulation and Breathing • Cells, Tissues and Organs • Chemistry Foundations • Drugs and Food Additives • Energy • Evolution and Ecology • Digestion & the liver • Homeostasis • Mendelian and Applied Genetics • Microbiology • Periodic Table • Structure & bonding You could progress on to study Pharmacy at the University of Hertfordshire, Biomedical Science at Aston University, Pharmacy at Kings College London, Biomedical Science at Anglia Ruskin University and Sport Conditioning, Rehabilitation & Massage at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

COMPUTING

Based at Bedford College Cost: £3,928 Typical units covered: • Computer Architecture • Computer Networks and Data Communications • Data Representation for IT • Designing and Building an IT Software Solution • Designing and Building a Multi-Page Website • Impact of IT Systems on Society • IT Business Solutions • IT Systems Security • Operating Systems and Systems Tools You could progress on to our Computing HNC/HND or study a range of degrees such as Computer Sciences, Computer Networking, Computer Graphics & Visualisations, Software Engineering, Programming Language Theory and much more at other universities.

ENGINEERING

Based at Bedford College Cost: £3,928 Typical units covered: • Operations and Applications of Industrial Robotics • Design and Manufacture of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) • Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) for Engineers • Applications and Operation of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) • Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems • Introduction to Mathematical Modelling Software • Microprocessor Systems and Applications in Engineering • Introductory Mathematics for HE Engineering • Applied Further Mathematics • Engineering Project • Electrical Science for Engineers • Professional Engineering • Manufacturing Processes in Engineering You could progress on to our Electrical & Electronic or Mechanical Engineering BTEC HNC/ HND. You could go on to study a degree in Construction, Estimating & Planning, Construction Equipment, Civil Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Systems at other universities.

Visit: www.bedford.ac.uk | www.shuttleworth.ac.uk | www.tresham.ac.uk | 5

HEALTHCARE, NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

Based at: Bedford College and Tresham College Cost: £3,384 Typical units covered: Biology • Cells • Homeostasis • Reproductive biology • Nutrition • Microbiology Health • Health promotion • Health and disease • Health and well-being You could progress on to study Biomedical Science at De Montfort University, Midwifery at the University of Bedfordshire, Mental Health Nursing at the University of West of England, Nursing at the University of Northampton and Psychology at the University of Leicester.

HEALTH & PSYCHOLOGY

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Based at Tresham College Cost: £3,384 Typical units covered: Biology • Cells • Homeostasis • Reproductive biology • Nutrition • Microbiology Psychology • Psychology and Mental Health • Effects of Stress • Social Psychology You could progress on to our Psychology & Crime Foundation Degree (FdA) or study a degree in a range of psychological fields such as Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Legal Psychology or Social Psychology at other universities.

HUMANITIES WITH ENGLISH LITERATURE & HISTORY Based at Tresham College Cost: £3,022 Typical units covered: • Short Fiction • Poetry • Historical Controversey • The Individual in History • Social Psychology • Effects of Stress • Introduction to Psychology • Sociology of Family

PSYCHOLOGY

Based at Bedford College and Tresham College Cost: £3,022 Typical units covered: • Bio Psychology • Child Development • Cognitive Psychology • Criminal Psychology • Cyber Psychology • Forensic Psychology • Introduction to Psychology • Introduction to Sociology • Psychology of Education • Sociology of Crime and Deviance • Social Psychology • Understanding Mental Health You could progress on to our Psychology & Crime Foundation Degree (FdA) or study a degree in a range of psychological fields such as Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Legal Psychology or Social Psychology at other universities.

Visit: www.bedford.ac.uk | www.shuttleworth.ac.uk | www.tresham.ac.uk | 7

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Based at: Bedford College and Tresham College Cost: £3,022 Typical units covered: • Crime & Deviance • Cognitive Psychology • Introduction to Psychology • Introduction to Sociology • Mental Illness & Society • Psychology • Sociology & the Mass Media • Social Psychology • Social Work Practice • Social Welfare in Britain You could progress on to study Psychology at London South Bank University, Government & Politics at the University of Hertfordshire, Economics at Plymouth University, Social Work at the University of Hertfordshire and Criminology with Psychology at the University of the West England.

Don’t worry if you don’t meet our entry requirements for Level 3, there may be options to study at Level 2.

For example, we offer Level 2 in Healthcare and a general Access course to get you started.

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TEACHER EDUCATION

DISTANCE LEARNING OPTIONS

Based at: Bedford College and Tresham College Cost: £3,384 Typical units covered: • Chemistry • English • English Literature • Biology • Mathematics • Research Skills • School Based Experience; Education, Curriculum and Early Learning • Introduction to Sociology and Pyschology.

You could progress on to our Educational Practice Foundation Degree (FdSc).

Past students have gone on to study Education Studies & English at the University of Bedfordshire, Primary Teacher Education at Oxford Brookes University, English Studies at the University of Bedfordshire and Childhood & Youth Studies at the University of Bedfordshire.

BUSINESS Cost: £3022 Typical units include: Marketing, Management, Finance, Business Organisations, Team work and Macro Economics.

HEALTH Cost: £3384 Typical units include: Biology units, Social Care units, Psychology units, Health units

HUMANITIES Cost: £3022 Typical units include: Psychology, Sociology, Politics and English Literature units

All of our Distance Learning Access courses start throughout the year with flexible monthly tutorials.

Visit: www.bedford.ac.uk | www.shuttleworth.ac.uk | www.tresham.ac.uk | 9

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY SAMUEL’S STORY ACCESS TO BUSINESS

“I joined the Army straight from school and worked in the Bomb Disposal Unit, completing three tours of Afghanistan. After five and a half years, I found I wasn’t enjoying it any more. I bought a house and decided it was a good time to change careers.

I researched my options and was ideally looking for a course that could get me on to a law degree. This Access to Business course provided a good stepping stone to university and also offered elements of law.

I had been promoted to Corporal before leaving the Army so I was worried about coming to College from such an authoritative role. Would I be treated like an adult or would it be like going back to school? I needn’t have worried. It’s an independent learning environment but you have the support of your tutors who are very friendly.

I’ve really enjoyed the course and it’s certainly not been a case of just turning up and getting it done; it’s worked really well for me and been good preparation for university.

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I’ve always been interested in law, particularly criminal law and I have managed to stress these aspects of the Access course in most of the assignments that we do. Once I finish here at College I am going on to the University of Birmingham to study Law and hope to eventually qualify as a barrister.”

REBECCA’S STORY ACCESS TO TEACHING

“When I left school I started an admin role with the Police, working my way up to research work after four years where I stayed for another eight years. The idea of teaching had always been at the back of my mind and it was working with children as a Beaver Scout Leader that made me decide now was the time to get started.

I contacted the University of Bedfordshire about teaching courses and they directed me to this Access course at Bedford College.

The course will enable me to move on to the University’s Primary Education course, which will lead to Qualified Teacher Status at the end of the three years.

I really enjoy the psychology and sociology elements of the course and the different theories we learn. We also study child development, and everyone on the course has undertaken a work placement at a local school. We’re a really supportive group and enjoy working together on joint projects.

I want to make a difference through teaching and my passion is with primary education – most people remember their primary teachers more than their secondary teachers! I’m really glad I started this course at College. I’ve found learning easier this time around, thanks to the support of my tutors, and I now feel fully prepared for university.”

Visit: www.bedford.ac.uk | www.shuttleworth.ac.uk | www.tresham.ac.uk | 11

COURSE FEES / FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR 2020-21

Access to Animal Management £5,197 Access to Business Studies £3,022 Access to Combined Science £3,384 Access to Computing £3,928 Access to Engineering £3,928 Access to Healthcare, Nursing & Midwifery £3,384 Access to Health & Psychology £3,384 Access to Humanities with English Literature & History £3,022 Access to Psychology £3,022 Access to Social Sciences

£3,022 Access to Teacher Education £3,384 However, if you do not already hold a Level 3 qualification (such as two A-Levels or a Level 3 BTEC Diploma) and are aged between 19-23, your course will be FREE. If you do need to pay, you may be entitled to an Advanced Learner Loan or you can also take advantage of our Direct Debit option.

ADVANCED LEARNER LOAN If you are aged 19 or over at the start of your course you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your tuition fee through Student Finance England via www.gov.uk/student-finance The loan is designed to pay for part of, or the full cost of, tuition. You’ll only have to start making repayments after you complete your course and only if you’re earning over £494 per week, £2,143 per month or £25,725 per year. Payments are automatically taken from your earnings through the tax system.* 12 | Access to Higher Education

If you then go on to complete a higher education qualification after your Access course any remaining loan amount will be written off. So if you go on to achieve your goal of university study, your Access course will effectively be free!

If you decide not to go straight to university, you’ll only have to start making repayments in the April after you complete your course and only if you’re earning at least £25,725 per year.*

DIRECT DEBIT PAYMENT If you choose to pay for your course yourself, we offer an affordable Direct Debit instalments option to spread the cost of tuition fees. Please note an additional £20 charge applies if you choose to pay by instalments.

ADULT SUPPORT FUND Our Adult Support Fund is subject to a household income of less than £30,000 and provides help with the costs of tuition and professional membership fees, travel, course materials and trips.* This bursary includes support with: • Additional learning support • Childcare • Course costs • Meals • Residential • Travel *Subject to change. Figures correct for academic year 2019/20.

Visit: www.bedford.ac.uk | www.shuttleworth.ac.uk | www.tresham.ac.uk | 13

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HOW LONG ARE THE ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES AND WHEN DO THEY START?

Our Access to Higher Education courses start in September each year and take 33 weeks to complete. Take a look at our term dates for the academic year ahead on our website.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND/OR EXPERIENCE DO I NEED TO START?

GCSE English and maths are desirable (except in Engineering where this is essential); however we may consider candidates without these qualifications depending on an English and maths entry test where you will need to demonstrate English and maths skills at Level 2, in addition to interviewing successfully. You will need Level 2 English and maths for entry to most university courses. For more information see ‘How to apply’ on the next page.

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I ALLOW FOR STUDYING IN AND OUTSIDE OF COLLEGE EACH WEEK?

Typically you will need to attend College for 13 hours per week over three days. You will also need to commit to undertaking independent study outside of College for at least 12-15 hours per week. Visit our website www.bedford.ac.uk/access or www.tresham.ac.uk/access to see what a typical study week will look like for the pathway you are interested in.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? ARE THERE EXAMS?

We use a range of methods to help you achieve the targets needed to pass the course, including in-class assessments, assignments, individual presentations and an independent research project.

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HOW TO APPLY Apply now on our website for one of our courses: • Animal Management • Business Studies • Combined Science • Computing • Engineering • Healthcare, Nursing & Midwifery • Health & Psychology • Humanities with English Literature & History • Psychology • Social Sciences • Teacher Education You will need to complete an application form online by visiting www.tresham.ac.uk/access or www.bedford.ac.uk/access Once you have applied, if you have Level 2 English and maths, we will be in touch to invite you to an information session with one of our tutors. If you do not currently have Level 2 English and maths you will be invited to attend an English and maths assessment to determine the level you are currently working at before discussing your application with you.

You’ll be notified of the outcome of your application by a letter and email from the College, which will detail what you need to do next if you have been offered a place.

DID YOU KNOW?

Studying an Access to Higher Education course with us will get you on your way to obtaining a full degree at university.

DON’T FORGET!

If you take out an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your tuition fee and then go on to complete a higher education qualification after your Access course, any remaining loan amount will be written off!

Have a question? Visit us at an Open Day. BEDFORD COLLEGE • Tuesday 21 January 2020 • Tuesday 17 March 2020 • Wednesday 10 June 2020

SHUTTLEWORTH COLLEGE • Saturday 25 January 2020 • Saturday 14 March 2020 • Tuesday 16 June 2020

TRESHAM COLLEGE KETTERING • Wednesday 29 January 2020 • Wednesday 25 March 2020 • Wednesday 17 June 2020

TRESHAM COLLEGE CORBY • Tuesday 28 January 2020 • Tuesday 24 March 2020 • Tuesday 16 June 2020

TRESHAM COLLEGE WELLINGBOROUGH • Tuesday 4 February 2020 • Tuesday 31 March 2020 • Tuesday 23 June 2020

Pre-register at: www.bedford.ac.uk/opendays or www.tresham.ac.uk/events

Visit: www.bedford.ac.uk | www.shuttleworth.ac.uk | www.tresham.ac.uk | 15

CONTACT US Bedford College

Shuttleworth College

Tresham College

Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AH Tel: 01234 291000 Email: info@bedford.ac.uk www.bedford.ac.uk

Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG19 9DX Tel: 01234 291000 Email: info@bedford.ac.uk www.shuttleworth.ac.uk

Corby Campus Oakley Road, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 1NE

bedfordcollege

ShuttleworthCollege

@bedfordcollege

@ShuttleworthColl

@bedfordcollege

@shuttleworthcollege

Kettering Campus Windmill Avenue, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN15 6ER Wellingborough Campus Church Street, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 4PD Tel: 01536 413123 Email: info@tresham.ac.uk www.tresham.ac.uk treshamcollege @treshamcollege @treshamcollege

Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure that the information within this guide is correct at the time of printing, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if student numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course, we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.