This popular one-year academic course, which has been running since 1971, is designed for students who do not have or do not gain the necessary qualifications for entry into Higher Education. It is an academic rather than a practical course, although it does have some practical elements. The course has recently expanded to include even more choice for students who want to work in the land based industries.
In fact, the Access course does what it says - helps you gain access to Higher Education. It is not a stand-alone qualification like a HND or degree, but an entry qualification suitable for many UK universities and colleges. It offers students who want to enter Higher education but do not have the required qualifications (or choose not to take the 'usual' route) a second chance to further their education. In the past students have started the University Access course with GCSE, AS Level, A Level, BTEC, Vocational A-Level or ND qualifications. We have an exceptionally high pass rate compared to the Further Education sector in general, and many Access students outperform students who come into Higher Education with the traditional A-Levels, going on to achieve good HNDs and degrees and securing interesting and challenging careers. The key to this success is the teaching, content and structure of the course, which is designed to support and motivate students, giving them the skills and confidence to reach their goals.
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Teaching method
They differ from conventional courses as their main aim is to develop the study, intellectual and independent learning skills necessary for higher education. In most cases this involves an introduction to basic academic writing skills through a series of lectures and tutorials. Students are expected to write a series of short papers on the various topics covered. Once their basic study skills are developed students follow a more conventional study path on the subjects of their choice. Study skills are strategies and methods of purposeful Learning, usually centered around reading and Writing.
Access courses start off with a gentle introduction to study, but by the end you'll have all the knowledge and skills you need to progress to higher education and achieve the qualifications you’re aiming for. You will have also spent a year or more studying alongside people who have goals and aspirations like yourself, which can be a great source of support.
Subjects
Courses usually cover a broad subject area, for example, business, science or humanities (which touches on geography, history and other subjects). This means you can begin to study even if you’re not yet sure what course or qualification you eventually want to aim for. Your tutors on the course will be able to help you make the right choice and help with any application to HE you decide to make.
Further Information
If you think an access course is the right route for you, get in touch with your local college or LearnDirect on 0800 100 900. They have all the information you need and can point you towards the nearest course that's right for you. Or try the UCAS access course database.
If you're thinking about going on to study a higher education course, you'll need to get your application in up to a year ahead of when you want to start. This might even be before you begin an access course!
Your careers adviser or access course tutors can help you complete the form, write your personal statement and help with references. Normally, you'll need to send your application to UCAS between September 1 and January 15 before the September in which you want to begin studying. This means you'll need to research courses well before then. UCAS will confirm that they have received your application, and forward it to each university or college you've applied to. You'll usually be called for interview and will receive offers around May. It's then up to you to choose!
If you're applying for a part-time or flexible learning course, apply directly to the college or university. They will have their own application form that you'll need to request and complete. It will follow much the same format as the UCAS form: you'll need to complete your personal details, explain why you want to study the course you have chosen and provide a reference. Once again, a careers adviser can help.
You will need to check with the university or college for application deadlines as these can vary. Usually though, applications can be made later than through UCAS.
External links
- [www. ucas. com/students/beforeyouapply/access_programmes/] UCAS database of Access programmes (see also UCAS)
- [www. UCAS ( Universities & Colleges Admissions Service, pronounced " ʏwk{{sc||A}}s " 'juːkæs is a Clearing house for applications to almost qaa. ac. uk/access/] Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)
- [www. ucas. com/students/beforeyouapply/access_programmes/studentsscotland] Access courses in Scotland
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