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What is an Access Course?

Access Courses are designed to enable mature learners who may have few formal qualifications to gain entry onto Higher Education (HE) courses.

They welcome people who have been out of education for some time but have gained life experience and now want to return to study. There are usually few formal entry requirements, although GCSE English and Maths are desirable, but a mature attitude and commitment to study is a must.

What does it involve?

Access to Higher Education Courses aim to ensure that you are confident and well prepared for the rigours of University life as well as future employment. In addition to studying core subjects, they include units to develop study skills and teach you how to:

• manage your time
• write essays and reports
• undertake research projects
• prepare for the UCAS application process.

Assessment

Learning and achievement will be assessed in a variety of ways to prepare you for study at university. Assessment methods include:

• investigative/research projects and reports
• extended essays
• presentations
• case studies
• practical activities
• time constrained assessments (exams) under controlled conditions.

What do you get if you complete an Access Course?

All Access to Higher Education courses lead to the award of a nationally recognised level 3 qualification: the QAA approved Access to Higher Education Diploma. The Access to Higher Education Diploma is accepted by universities as an appropriate entry qualification for most undergraduate courses. When embarking on an Access course, you are strongly advised to check on the requirements of the Higher Education course that you hope to progress to.

How long does it take?

One year full-time and two years part-time Courses are available, with flexible timings to fit in with your other commitments. Access Courses are especially designed, delivered and time-tabled with the needs of the mature learner in mind.

Approval of Prior Learning (APL)

If you already have a pass in a recognised qualification such as GCSE, you may be considered for APL to reduce the number of credits you have to gain on the Access Courses.

Admission

You can expect an interview and possibly an assessment prior to admission onto an Access Course. This is usually to check that your written English skills are developed enough to cope with academic study.

Support

You will be allocated to a personal tutor who will guide and support you through the course. Additional learning support will be offered where necessary and financial and welfare guidance will also be available.

Pre-Access Courses

If an Access programme is not appropriate for you at this stage you may choose to enrol onto a Pre-Access programme. This will prepare you for the Access programme itself, allowing you to develop skills, knowledge and confidence as well as a Level 2 qualification.