Access to Higher Education Diploma (Combined Studies)

Health & Social Care

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Combined Studies) (PSF0004)

What are the Course Details?
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is designed for learners who wish to study for a Higher Education qualification such as a Degree, Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma but who do not have Level 3 qualifications.

Is the Course for Me?
Prospective learners should be aware that the Access course makes significant demands upon their time. Each credit point gained represents 10 hours of study. Thus the requirement of 60 credits entails approximately 17 hours per week of study during term time. Study normally requires attendance at College on at least three days per week.
The course commences in September and finishes in June. College and school terms normally coincide.
Prospective learners should seek guidance as to whether an Access course is the best course for them. However, for many, an Access course provides valuable preparation for the intensive study of a Higher Education course.

What will I Learn?
All learners study the mandatory Core Skills Unit and choose additional units which they require in order to progress on their individual progression route. The additional units are History, Biology, Sociology, Information Technology (IT), Social Policy, Health & Fitness Testing, Psychology, Sports Psychology, Maths & English. Learners without GCSE's in Mathematics or English have the opportunity to gain a GCSE equivalence certificate in each.
A full learning support service and help with university applications is available to all Access learners.

How will I Learn?
The course is divided into subjects which are assessed at one of two levels: Level 2 which is broadly equivalent to GCSE Level, and Level 3 which is broadly equivalent to A Level.

How will I be Assessed?
Each subject produces Credits towards the Access Award. Core Skills is worth 27 credits (nine units each worth three credits) and all other subjects are worth 12 credits (four units each worth three credits) either at Level 2 or at Level 3. In order to obtain the Access to Higher Education Award, 60 credits are needed; at least 45 of these must be at Level 3.

Are there any Trips or Visits?
Visits may be arranged where they will enhance the topics being studied.

Is there any Work Experience?
Work experience placements can be arranged as part of the course if requested.

What can I Progress to?
Successful completion of the course leads to the Access to Higher Education Diploma, which is validated by the Open College Network. Access courses are recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). A learner who successfully completes an Access course is awarded a certificate bearing the QAA Access logo. Many university admissions tutors welcome an Access to Higher Education Award as an entry qualification.

Some Destinations of Previous Learners:
Politics Degree, University of Hull
English and History Degree, University of Lincoln - North Lindsey College
Social Sciences Degree, University of Lincoln - North Lindsey College
Midwifery Degree, University of Lincoln and Hull
Psychology Degree, University of Wales and Hull
Nursing Degree, University of Lincoln and Hull
Social Work Degree, University of Hull
Theology and Education Degree, Bishop Grosseteste
Early Childhood Studies Foundation Degree, Grimsby Institute

Please Note:
Acceptance onto courses may be subject to a satisfactory interview and references. For some courses learners may also be required to pay for a CRB disclosure.


Course Code
PSF0004


Award Level
Level 4


AwardBody
Open College Network


Duration
1 years