Access to Higher Education
SPECIFICALLY AIMED AT STUDENTS OVER 19, THE ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA OFFERS A RECOGNISED ENTRY QUALIFICATION TO HIGHER EDUCATION.
WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?
Specifically aimed at students over 19, the Access to HE Diploma offers a recognised entry qualification to higher education. You can study the course full time over a year if you have GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above.
For those candidates who still need to gain a GCSE in English or Maths, you may take the course over two years part-time, as you gain your English and/or maths qualifications alongside.
Students who have yet to gain both GCSE English and Maths are not eligible to enrol on to Access, but will be supported with enrolling on to the relevant courses.
ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION DIPLOMAS
Each Diploma is worth 60 credits, and you need to pass all 60 credits to gain the Diploma. These will be achieved across the range of units you take in your mandatory and optional subjects.
COURSE OVERVIEW
NURSING AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
- Academic Skills
- Psychology
- Biology
- Professional health care studies
SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Academic Skills
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Sociology
QUALIFICATION AND AWARDING BODY
Access to HE, Laser
HOW IS THIS COURSE ASSESSED?
This course is assessed using unit assignments and 1 exam per subject
COURSE TIMINGS
The course runs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 09:30-14:30.
HOW MUCH DOES THIS COURSE COST?
The course costs £3,000.
You are exempt from paying these fees if you are aged 19-23 and have not yet achieved a full level 3 qualification.
All students over the age of 19 are eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to fund this course. If you take up this loan and then go on to complete a higher education course, you will be eligible to have the balance of the loan written off. However, if you don’t complete either course you will need to repay your loan in full.
PROGRESSION
Most universities (including the University of Southampton and other Russel group universities) accept this diploma for entry to:
Nursing and Healthcare professionals: midwifery, paramedic sciences, nursing; adult, paediatric and mental health, operating department practitioner, radiography.
Social sciences: social work, teaching, psychology, forensic psychology, law, criminology, history.
You will have a designated UCAS tutor who will support you through the application process
Access class of 2022 have gone on to the following universities:
- University of Southampton
- University of Surrey
- University of Brighton
- University of Portsmouth
- University of Greenwich
- University of Winchester
APPLY NOW
Once we receive the form we’ll send you an acknowledgement to let you know your application is being processed and then you’ll be invited to to an Access to HE Admissions and Information Event at the college.
For information about Loans and Funding for Access to HE Programmes, please contact Admissions:
For information about Childcare, please contact:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I do the Access Course and still work?
Yes, but only part-time. The Access Course is demanding in terms of lessons and homework in one year, so you are unlikely to have much time for paid work.
Is childcare available at college?
Yes, there is a nursery for students’ children but it is very popular. You will need to have been interviewed and accepted a place by July for the September start to be fairly sure of a place.
How often does the course start?
The course runs each year from early September – there is no midway start.
Is the course available as an evening class?
Currently Access runs as a daytime course.
Is there a Grant available?
There is a means tested Discretionary Learner Support Fund (DLSF) available for students to apply for help with eg books, stationery or travel. Please contact info@stvincent.ac.uk for more information.
Do I have to have Maths and English GCSE?
If you wish to take an Access Diploma course you need to have GCSE Maths and English at Level 4 or above. You must check your proposed university course entrance requirements before starting the Access course. You may take GCSEs as part of the part-time Access programme.
Will I get help to apply to University?
Yes, you will have a personal tutor and there is a full Careers service in College.
I have not studied for ages; will I get help with study skills?
Yes. All Access students will take units on essay writing and critical thinking, which will develop the skills you will need for assignments and your future studies at university. One-to-one tutorials are also available with your teachers if you need advice or assistance.