Background
The Access to Higher Education programme is for those who may have no formal qualifications, such as GCSE's or 'A' levels, but wish to study at a University or other Higher Education establishment.
Important note: For those under 19 years
If you are aged under 19 years, you MUST have significant life experience in order to be considered as suitable for
the Access programme. These are national guidelines (QAA).
It would therefore be advisable for you to consider alternative routes into your chosen career at the same time as considering Access. Please book
an appointment with one of the careers and guidance team for further advice about alternative routes to study within the college.
There are two possible routes, the Part Time Route and Full Time Route.
Part Time Route
You will be expected to attend 2 classes. These will run in the day and of an evening.
You will be studying the following subjects:
- Communications
- Numeracy
In your first term you will develop the 'skills' you need in each subject and take a skills assessment. At the end of this term your progress and attendance will be reviewed and if you are successful you will be able to progress onto Access English and Maths classes.
What will I have to do?
You will have classes in which you will be taught and encouraged to develop your skills. Towards the end of the term, you will hand in the folders you have been completing and complete a multiple choice test. This will be discussed with you during the course and you will have time to prepare for this.
If you complete the folders and the tests successfully, and your attendance has been 80% and above you will be allowed to progress onto the next level of the course. This will be discussed with you throughout the course.
If you do not complete your first term successfully, you will NOT be allowed to progress onto the next stage. This procedure happens on many other College courses.
What happens if I decide not to continue onto the second part of the course after successful completion of my first term?
You will leave with a Key Skills Certificate in Communications and an Adult Numeracy Certificate. Key Skills is a nationally recognised qualification that will be accepted and recognised by employers. These certificates will help you if you are applying for work.
What happens if I do not successfully gain my Key Skills/Numeracy qualification?
As stated earlier, you will not be allowed to continue onto the second stage of the course. The College can offer many alternative courses where the experience of study you will have gained with us will be very useful. It would be useful to discuss your options with Advice & Guidance, located in Student Services.
Full Time Route
You will study 'core' subjects. This includes English & Study Skills and Maths. If you have GCSE English Language and/or Maths at grade C or above, you may be exempt from these subjects. You must be able to produce certificates to support your claim. You will also select 2 other modules. You can choose two from the following:
Track |
Recommended Modules |
Additional Modules |
Nursing |
Health Studies |
Chemistry for Health Studies |
Social Work |
Social Policy |
Counselling |
Teaching |
English Language & Literature |
Personal Planner |
Multi |
Caribbean History |
Personal Planner |
If you are accepted onto the Access course, you will be given a timetable to discuss during enrolment. There are no exams, phase tests and continual assessment occurs. You will also be asked to complete timed activities in classes.
What do I have to do to get my Access Diploma?
On successful completion of the course you will be awarded a Diploma from OCNWMR (Open College Network West Midlands Region). This is a nationally recognised qualification.
To gain this certificate, you must gain at least 45 level 3 credits (this is because 1 old credit has now been multiplied by 3). You must also gain 12 level 2 credits in English & Study Skills and 3 level 2 credits in Maths.
Please note that some University courses will ask for more than the minimum 45 level 3 credits. It is well worth contacting the Universities you wish to apply to for guidance. Level 3 is roughly equivalent to 'A' Level standard, Level 2 is roughly equivalent to GCSE standard and Level 1 is foundation standard.
Frequently asked questions
What help and support can I get on the course?
Both the Part Time and Full Time courses are intensive. It is essential that you are able to get to classes when they start and you must attend all of your classes regularly. You will also be expected to study for an additional 4 to 5 hours on each module in your own time. Please consider this carefully when you are making your decisions about the course.
You can have a free careers interview if needed. You may be able to get help with childcare and any books you may want to buy. Please ask in Student Services for details.
If you are on the Full Time course you will attend a Tutorial once per week where your Tutor will work with you to plan your progress and other issues. English & Study Skills and Maths workshops are provided.
How much will the course cost?
You do not have to pay fees if you are in receipt of a means tested benefit.
The Access Diploma (full and part-time) fees for 2008/9 will be set at approximately £750. If this is your first level 3 qualification you will not have to pay. You may be able to obtain help with fees if you are on a low income. Please enquire at interview.
What happens once I have applied for the course?
You will be asked to complete an assessment. You will be given an appointment for this at the information session. The assessment consists of written English where we look at overall clarity of your written English and spelling, punctuation and grammar. Please bring the appointment slip, pen and paper with you to the assessment. The assessment will then be marked by the Access Communications team. A letter will be sent to you informing you of our decision and explaining why we have made that decision. You will be contacted at a later date about enrolment.
You will be given a timetable at enrolment and asked to select your class times.
Further Information
Our Access to HE - Course Index pages gives a list of Access courses with links to more details about each one.