Access to Higher Education Diploma for Teacher Education

Access courses are for mature students (19+) who have been out of full-time education for a year or more and would like to progress to higher education but do not have the formal qualifications needed. The Access to HE Diploma for Teacher Education offers the opportunity to study a range of subjects at Level 3 (equivalent to A-level). It also offers the chance to re-take GCSE English and maths. In addition you are offered tuition in study skills and tutorial support. The course runs over three days a week.

To gain an access diploma you must achieve 60 credits, 45 of which must be at Level 3. Assessments are a mixture of essays, structured questions, presentations and examinations. An access course takes one year to complete. You may also need to study GCSE English and/or maths, which are additional courses and will require additional time in college – usually this is an additional day per week or evening courses. You study the following modules: • Biology • Psychology • Sociology • English • Teaching modules and study skills This pathway supports applications to a wide variety of degree programmes but is designed to support applications to a Batchelor of Education Degree (BEd). You are assessed through course work (assignment reports, projects and presentations) practicals, exams and work completed in class. If you require GCSE English and/or maths you will need to sit exams in these subjects. Individual learning targets are set each term and you receive regular feedback on your progress in meeting these targets. The majority of your learning time is classroom based and in class there is a wide range of learning activities. A strong emphasis is placed on working and learning with others and you are regularly set tasks to complete in partnership with other students. You also need to be able to work independently and take responsibility for your own learning. As the access to HE diploma is very intensive and only one year long we expect you to spend 10-15 hours per week outside the class studying, researching and completing assignments. Your learning will be supported and enhanced by a virtual learning environment site dedicated to the course

You will develop the skills necessary for further academic study, such as strong report writing, essay writing and study skills including presentation skills. You also improve the wider skills vital for success in further study or employment including self-confidence, speaking in front of others, working with others, taking responsibility and managing your time.

There are no formal entry requirements but you do need to attend an initial assessment (tests on numeracy, literacy and a written discussion on a given topic) to ensure this programme is at the most appropriate level for you. We can also identify any support needs you may have so that study support can be put into place. Good performance at interview is also essential. Through interviewing and pre-course assessment you need to be able to demonstrate that you have the ability to complete an intensive Level 3 diploma in one year. Appropriate work experience showing understanding and skills seen in your desired profession would be advantageous and for some university courses is essential. In particular the healthcare courses often demand recent and applicable experience - physiotherapy, midwifery and occupational therapy are well known for this. Therefore relevant work experience is a pre-requisite of the access course if you are aiming for a professional course as there will be little time for you to complete the relevant work experience alongside the course. Applicants should be committed to furthering their education and be committed to completing the programme. You should also have researched into your chosen career and courses offered by universities.