Access to Higher Education

Access to Higher Education
This course is designed for people who are returning to study, who have life experience outside of education and wish to go on to university level courses, but lack the necessary qualifications. The course is intended to provide subject knowledge, build confidence, develop study skills and provide advice and information relating to opportunities in Higher Education. The course may be studied over one or two years.

What does the course involve?
There are three possible pathways, Combined Studies, Education and Health and Social Care. Each involves study of the Core subjects, which are English, IT, Study Skills and Maths. Students also choose two specialist subjects. These can be selected from options including Biology, Health Studies, Psychology and Education. Other options are also available. The tuition fee depends upon an individual's eligibility for fee remission.

Part-time study: the part time course usually takes two years to complete. Part-time students are advised to study the core areas of the course which are English, IT, Study Skills and Maths in the first year. The second year involves studying units in specialist subjects.

There may be an option to continue with study for a third year.

For more information about fees contact The Adult Guidance Service.

What will I study?
Core unit: English Response to Literary Texts; Response to Non-Literary Material; Communications Skills for a Range of Purposes and Audiences; Oral Communication.

Core unit: I.T. Information Communication Technology (ICT): Word-processing; ICT - Presentation Software; Application of ICT; Becoming Webwise.

Core unit: Maths Handling Data; Shape, Space and Measures; Number and Algebra.

Core unit: Study Skills Researching and Understanding Opportunities for Higher Education; Improving your own Learning; Examination Technique and Practice; Independent Study; Academic Writing Skills.

What are the entry requirements for Access to Higher Education?

• There are no entry requirements.
• Adult students should contact the adult guidance service for advice.

How is the course assessed?

• Portfolio of evidence
• Presentation

What other costs are there?
Supplementary Costs
Band A (£0 - £50)

Frequently Asked Questions
How much time will I have to commit?
A full-time student will be in class for around fifteen hours per week. The course is a major commitment and you will be expected to devote at least twelve hours to study outside class each week.

Do I have to start in September?
It is preferable, although students may be able to join after 2 - 3 weeks. We finish each year by June and results will be available early in July.

How much does the course cost?
Course costs include tuition and registration fees and are available on application. Students may be eligible for fee remission; further information is available from the Adult Guidance team. Students who take the course over two or three years pay fees according to the number of hours they study.

Are there exams?
The Access course does contain some timed pieces of work and the Maths course includes a test at the end of two units. However, you will be provided with support and thorough preparation for these. The majority of the work is assignment-based, but presentation work is also incorporated in some areas.

I'm scared of Maths. Do I have to do it?
This is a very common fear! Our numeracy course is compulsory but was designed with you in mind - our staff will be understanding and supportive.

What qualifications do I need?
There are no formal entry requirements, however a mature approach, commitment and life experience are essential in the successful applicant.
Exam Board = OCNSWR

This information is believed to be correct. Cirencester College continually updates and reviews its provision to ensure that it meets the needs of the community. Therefore the right to amend, change or delete learning programmes, accreditation routes or terms and conditions relating to entitlement to study is reserved at all times. We aim to provide open access to a comprehensive range of high quality education and training for the whole community over the age of 16 regardless of race, class, belief, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, previous educational attainment or particular circumstances.