Education Professions Access to Higher Education Diploma

On the Education Access pathway you will study biology, education studies, English Language and Literature to coincide with the national curriculum. You will gain a range of learning experiences including analysing historical texts and literary works and conducting practical experiments in biology. A GCSE maths at grade C or above would be beneficial. However we can offer GCSE maths as a part of this pathway if required. You will need relevant paid or voluntary work experience in the education sector to provide you with the knowledge and experience to draw on.

This pathway offers the chance to progress on to studying teaching. The subjects studied are National Curriculum subjects: History, Human Biology and Literary Studies. These provide the student with a range of subjects based around the National Curriculum. Students will enjoy a range of learning experiences including close analysis of primary historical texts and works of English literature and conducting practical experiments in Biology. Students who do not possess GCSE Maths grade C or above have the opportunity to gain this qualification. There will also be the opportunity to gain nationally recognised Level 2 qualifications in Adult Numeracy and Literacy.

You will learn through a variety of teaching methods. Credits are gained for a variety of tasks such as quizzes, case studies, essays, reports and presentations, and timed assessments. If you do not already have relevant work experience you will be encouraged and expected to seek a voluntary placement to gain relevant workplace experience to support your higher education application. Assessment is via a combination of exams (approximately 30%) and coursework (approximately 70%).

As well as developing subject knowledge you will improve your communication, personal and study skills through a common core programme that also provides one-to-one tutorial support. There is a wide range of support available at the college for students, including financial support. You will be assigned a personal tutor who will agree performance targets with you and support you to achieve these targets. Your tutor is also the first port of call for any pastoral issues. Our committed team of staff and careers specialists will also guide and support you with your higher education choices and applications. Almost all our Access students progress to higher education. You will benefit from socialising in an educational environment and working collaboratively on projects. All of this is excellent preparation for higher education.

No specific qualifications are asked for. However a GCSE grade C in English or Maths would be beneficial. You are interviewed and have a numeracy and literacy assessment to check your suitability to study at Level 3. At your interview you will need to demonstrate that you have a realistic career goal in mind and the motivation to achieve. Some degrees require that you have some relevant paid or voluntary work experience. Applicants are strongly advised to inquire with prospective universities regarding the entry requirements.

Students will often progress to a teaching degree in either primary or secondary education, or subject degrees such as history or English, with a view to then taking a postgraduate qualification in education.