Access to Higher Education

This is a life changing, academic preparatory course for progression to university-level study.

This course offers an alternative Level 3 route to A Levels and BTEC for those who want to progress to higher education but do not have sufficient or suitable qualifications. There is an emphasis on building your confidence and the course design takes into consideration the possibility that many students may not have been in full-time education for some time. You will find that you receive a high level of support from both the teaching team and from other members of the group. This course will open doors to university-level qualifications and will prepare you for studying at this level. Teaching hours are designed to be relatively family friendly.

Qualification You can study one Access to HE Diploma in one of the following subject areas (courses run subject to sufficient numbers): • Health Professional • Science • Social Science & Humanities • Social Sciences & Law

Duration One year, with approximately 15 hours of teaching a week. It is also expected that you will study independently for an additional 10 hours a week.

Course Content Depending on the subject area chosen, you will study modules in Health Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Environmental Sciences, English Literature, History, Psychology, Sociology and Law. Assessment is continuous with a range of assignment methods including essays, reports, presentations, projects and practical work. There will also be some in-class open book and closed book examinations.

Entry Requirements • Grade C (grade 4) or higher in GCSE English language and maths. Grade C in GCSE science for those wanting to progress to primary teaching degrees. It is possible to take either maths or English GCSE alongside the Access course if necessary. • For some vocational degrees there will be an expectation of work experience in a relevant area. • The motivation and determination to succeed on an intensive programme.

Progression Students can progress to a wide range of degree courses depending on their chosen subject area:

Health • Nursing • Midwifery • Paramedicine • Occupational Therapy

Social Science & Humanities • Social Work • Primary Teaching • Youth Studies • English • Creative Writing and History

Science • Radiography • Biomedicine • Environmental Sciences • Forensic Sciences

Course Costs Please note that any costs shown here are subject to change and that there may be additional material costs for your course. There are various bursaries available to support eligible students with course-related costs and you can find out more about these on page 14.

Aged 16 –18 years There are no tuition or examination fees

Aged 19 or over (at the start of the course) Different fees apply depending on your individual circumstances and prior qualifications. Please telephone 01691 688029 to speak to somebody who will be able to help

Material Fees There is a £300 material fee cost for this course.