Access to HE
Access is the quickest route to higher education – degree courses, diplomas and other higher education qualifications for adult students.
Access offers an alternative route to A levels with different methods of teaching, assessment and course design. There is an emphasis on building confidence and skills in the student, which is not matched by traditional A level courses. In addition, Access students find that they gain a great deal of support from other members of the group.
Who recognises Access to Higher Education Courses?
Access courses are recognised as satisfying the entry requirements of most colleges and universities all over the Country. The HCT Access course will not limit you to applying to just one particular college; the choice is yours.
Who can apply?
There are no set requirements for formal education qualifications. Applicants to Access courses will normally have been away from the classroom for some time and have experience of life outside education. You will need a satisfactory standard of spoken and written English and the determination and ability to benefit from the course and ultimately, from degree-level study.
What will Access do for me?
An Access pass will open doors to higher education. In addition, the work on the course will prepare you for the experience of studying at degree level. Finally, an Access course will boost your self-confidence and open your mind to new areas of interest.
The Course
The course generally combines study in Humanities, Science and Social Science with the development of core skills including Information Technology, Numeracy and Study Skills.
In addition to these areas, the course offers tutorial sessions, advice on entry to higher education and counselling. You will have regular opportunities to discuss your academic progress, your feelings about the course, your plans for the future and also any personal difficulties and problems that may arise.
The course is designed to be flexible. Students attend college four days per week and most formal teaching is timetabled between 9.00am and 3.00pm. Outside these times, you will be able to arrange your own hours of study that best suit you. Formal taught hours are approximately 16 hours per-week for a one-year course. Students will be able to attend over one year or two years.
Course Operation
A number of different teaching methods are used, some of them specifically designed to accustom you to methods used in higher education. You will take part in seminars, discussions and workshops, attend lectures and also study independently using college facilities.
Assessments take a variety of forms including essays, projects, oral presentations and open and closed book examinations. The course is credit-based, which means that you are awarded credits for work that you have successfully completed. When you have accumulated enough credits you will be awarded the Access Certificate.
The Course Team
The Access course is delivered by a team of well-qualified staff who have extensive experience of teaching adults. The team are familiar with the specific concerns and difficulties encountered by people returning to full-time education after a break.
Selection Procedure
You will be invited to an interview, which will include: a short introductory talk about the Access course, individual interviews, and literacy and numeracy assessments. You will be advised by letter as to the outcome of your application. If you are not selected you will be given an explanation as to the reasons and other possible courses will be suggested to you. You will find the interview friendly and helpful.
After the Course
Students generally progress to:
- Degree Level courses in Arts/Humanities, Social Sciences, Business Studies, Travel and Tourism, and more.
- Higher National Diplomas in various disciplines.
- BA/BSc (Hons) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Health Studies, Nursing Diploma.
- Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care
If you are interested in this course, please call 0800 032 1986 or email enquiries@hct.ac.uk
