Combined Studies

Course Content

Award:
Access to Higher Education Diploma

What's it all about?:
This course prepares you for participation in a range of higher education courses. It covers core skills such as study skills, and English, as well as offering a range of specialist subjects to choose from.

This course is specifically designed for mature students who want to progress to a degree course. It aims to provide a "second chance" for students that perhaps did not benefit fully from their previous experiences of education.

You can study full-time which means attending college for approximately 13 hours a week, spread over three days. Alternatively, you can study part-time which requires attendance for six and a half hours a week spread over two evenings. It should be noted that for both options, you will be required to carry out independent study activities in the form of additional research and assessments outside of the scheduled class activities. This is particularly important for those choosing to study part-time.

Progression:
You can progress on to a variety of foundation degrees offered at the College or apply to study at university.

Entry Requirements:
There are no specific entry requirements. However, you will be invited to attend an informal interview to assess your suitability for the course and asked to attend a diagnostic test in numeracy and literacy.

Duration: One year Course Overview
What does the course involve?:

Full-time students study English, maths and study skills as their mandatory subjects. They can then choose one of the following groups of subjects (subject to demand). Note - the first subject in each option is the "major" subject - in other words there will be more emphasis on this subject than on the other "minor" subject.

Option 1 - psychology and sociology

(course code PSYFT)

Option 2 - human biology and psychology

(course code BIOFT)

Option 3 - sociology and psychology

(course code SOCFT)

Option 4 - literature and history

(course code LITFT)

Option 5 - cultural studies and psychology

(course code CULFT)

Part-time (ie evening) students will study English and study skills as their mandatory subjects and can then choose from the following options:

Option 6 - psychology and sociology

(course code PSYPT)

Option 7 - psychology and human biology

(course code PHBPT).

When can I study?:
Various days and times

Are there any exams?:
In each subject you will be taught a range of units and each unit is assigned a credit value. When you successfully complete a unit you will be awarded a number of credits - these can be awarded at level 2 or level 3, depending on the standard of your work. You will continue to 'collect' credits throughout the course. In order to achieve the access certificate, you will need to achieve at least 60 credits - 45 of which must be at level 3. The course is assessed by coursework, assignments, projects and exams.
Course Facts

Although we are not yet able to confirm dates or fees, applications for the next course are now welcome.

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Case Studies
I am a mature student on an access course who has been out of education for over 30 years. I use crutches and a wheelchair to get around the College. I am supported with regards to my mobility and access issues by the Learning Support team. With their support, adjustments have been made to the learning environment, enabling me to continue with the course.

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