ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION 2019-2020
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? Bedford College is the largest provider of Access courses in Bedfordshire and 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 university 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 25,000 Access students achieved their Diploma and progressed to university courses across the UK.1 1
Source: www.accesstohe.ac.uk
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Study Access for Free
If you take 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.
ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES AT BEDFORD COLLEGE At Bedford College, 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. We are the largest provider of Access courses in Bedfordshire and last year 94% of our students progressed on to higher education.
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
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.
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 at Bedford College, and then a final year at university to top-up to a full degree.
STAFF EXPERTISE
STAY LOCAL RIGHT UP TO DEGREE-LEVEL
PERSONAL TOUCH
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.
EASY PAYMENT OPTIONS TO MAKE STUDY AFFORDABLE See page 12 to find out more. 2
Source: www.accesstohe.ac.uk
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.
DID YOU KNOW?
90.5% of higher education leavers with an Access to Higher Education Diploma were in employment or further study six months after completing the course.2 Call: 01234 291000
Visit: www.bedford.ac.uk | 3
OUR PATHWAYS AND FUTURE OPTIONS ANIMAL MANAGEMENT
(Based at our Shuttleworth College Campus) Course code: B1336 Days in college: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 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 or Zoology at other universities.
BUSINESS STUDIES
Course code: E2283 Days in college: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Cost: £3,022 Typical units covered: • Business Financial Accounting • Business Management Accounting • Business Recruitment and Retention • Developing a Business Plan • Financial Planning in Business 4 | Access to Higher Education
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Introduction to Microeconomics Managing Human Resources for Business 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
Course code: E2290 Days in college: Tuesday and Friday 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 • Separation and Analysis
Past students have gone 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
Course code: E2280 Days in college: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 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 System 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.
Call: 01234 291000
Visit: www.bedford.ac.uk | 5
ENGINEERING
Course code: D1539 Days in college: Monday, Thursday and Friday Cost: £3,928 Typical units covered: • Computer Aided Engineering for Engineers • Engineering Design • Engineering Materials • Engineering Project • Electronic Science for Engineers • Further Mathematics for Engineers • Manufacturing Processes in Engineering • Mathematics for Engineers • Mechanical Science for Engineers 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.
MUSIC & MEDIA PRODUCTION
Course code: L1657 Days in college: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Cost: £4835 Typical units covered: • Media Production Management Process • Media: Pre-production • Media: Production–Film • Media: Post-production • Electronic Composition • Theory of Music Production • Studio Recording Techniques • The Context and Value of Music Production
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You could progress on to one of the following Music and Media Undergraduate courses we offer; Creative Media Production HNC/HND, Music Performance HNC/HND, Media Production Foundation Degree (FdA) or Music Technology Foundation Degree (FdA).
NURSING & HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS (INCLUDING MIDWIFERY)
Course code: E2289 Days in college: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday / Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Cost: £3,384 Typical units covered: • Blood Circulation • Cells, Tissues and Organs • Digestion & the Liver • Disease and Body Defence • Drugs and Food Additives • Healthcare within the NHS • Homeostasis • Mendelian and applied genetics • Introduction to Psychology • Introduction to Sociology • Reproductive Biology • Sociology of Health • Understanding Mental Health Difficulties Past students have gone on to study Biomedical Science at De Montfort University, Midwifery at the University of Bedfordshire, Mental Health Nursing at the University of the West of England, Nursing at the University of Northampton and Psychology at the University of Leicester.
Call: 01234 291000
Visit: www.bedford.ac.uk | 7
PSYCHOLOGY
Course code: E2307 Days in college: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 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 (FdSc) 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.
SOCIAL SCIENCES
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Course code: E2288 Days in college: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Cost: £3,022 Typical units covered: • Crime & Deviance • Cognitive Psychology • Introduction to Psychology • Introduction to Sociology • Mental Illness & Society • Psychology • Social Work Practice
• Social Welfare in Britain • Social Psychology • Sociology & The Mass Media Past students have gone 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.
TEACHER EDUCATION
Course code: E2287 Days in college: Monday, Thursday and Friday Cost: £3,384 Typical units covered: • Chemistry • English • English Literature • Human Biology • Mathematics • Practical Science • Research Skills • School Based Experience; Education, Curriculum and Early Learning • Science for Teachers 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.
DID YOU KNOW?
We offer guaranteed progression on to our Foundation Degrees, HNCs and HNDs following your Access course*.
Visit www.bedford.ac.uk/he * T&Cs apply Call: 01234 291000
Visit: www.bedford.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.
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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 TEACHER EDUCATION 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.
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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. Call: 01234 291000
Visit: www.bedford.ac.uk | 11
COURSE FEES / FINANCIAL SUPPORT For 2018, our Access to Business Studies, Access to Social Sciences and Access to Psychology courses are £3,022, Access to Computing and Access to Engineering are £3,928, Access to Animal Management will be £5,197, access to Music and media publication wil be £4,835 and all other Access courses are £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.
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 £21,000 per year.
DIRECT DEBIT PAYMENT
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.
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.
ADVANCED LEARNER LOAN
ADULT SUPPORT FUND
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 £404 per week, £1,750 per month or £21,000 per year. Payments are automatically taken from your earnings through the tax system.
If you then go on to complete a higher education qualification after your Access course any remaining loan amount will be written off.
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Our Adult Support Fund is subject to a household income of less than £26,000 and provides help with the costs of tuition and professional membership fees, travel, course materials and trips.* *Subject to change. Figures correct for academic year 2017/18.
Travel Bursary
This is a bursary of £350 for students who live within the Bedford Bus Zone and £450 for those who live beyond. This bursary is not available to students who less than 3 miles from the College campus.
Course Costs Bursary
You could get up to 50% of essential course costs such as safety equipment, books or trips.
Call: 01234 291000
Visit: www.bedford.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 at www.bedford.ac.uk/termdates
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 to see what a typical study week will look like for the pathway you are interested in. 14 | Access to Higher Education
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.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply now at www.bedford.ac.uk for one of our courses: • Animal Management • Business Studies • Combined Science • Computing • Engineering • Midwifery • Music & Media Production • Nursing & Healthcare Professions • Psychology • Social Sciences • Teacher Education You will need to complete an application form online by visiting www.bedford.ac.uk/access
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!
Once you have applied, if you have Level 2 maths and English, 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 maths and English 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. We will send you some pointers so you know what areas to revise, along with some useful websites to help you. There are two assessments (one for English and one for maths) and they last 30 minutes each. 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.
Have a question? Visit us at an Open Day. Pre-register at www.bedford.ac.uk/opendays or call us on 01234 291000. Call: 01234 291000
Visit: www.bedford.ac.uk | 15
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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. Bedford College 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.
Shuttleworth College Old Warden Park Biggleswade Bedfordshire SG18 9DX Tel: 01234 291000 Email: info@bedford.ac.uk Web: www.bedford.ac.uk