Courses
Access - an alternative route to Higher Education
Why Access at Filton?
Click Here to download the Access Personal Statement form
You do not have to be 18 to go to university. If you have been out of education but want a route back in then our Access to Higher Education courses could be for you. They are specifically designed to put you on to a career pathway. If you are interested in a career in Business, Health, Science, the Arts, Education, Social Work or Social Care then our Access courses could be for you. You can pick and choose subjects and decide for yourself which Access pathway you want to take. It is as simple as that. Fill in the enclosed application form and we will invite you in for an interview.
All of our Access courses are self-funded. However, many students qualify for fees reduction. Dont let the cost put you off as there are often ways around it. The Access courses at Filton will equip you for Higher Education courses and also general careers. Below are the subjects you can study. Of course you dont choose all of them! The subjects you do will depend on which career pathway you want to go down. We will advise you at interview.
Business Studies
Law
ICT
Maths
Biology
Geography
History
Psychology
Sociology
English
Social Work
Health Studies
Chemistry
Physics
Website Design
Photojournalism
Creative Arts
Moving Image Digital Video
Cultural Studies
Film Studies
If you are interested in anything from becoming a nurse, teacher, midwife,
IT consultant, to being a journalist, then Access is for you. If you are 19+, get the form filled in and Filton College can turn your dreams into reality. Dont
delay-our courses are popular and dont forget you may qualify for fee reduction or even no fees.
Return to Admissions, Filton College, Bristol BS34 7AT. You will than be asked to attend an interview for Access.
Access to HE courses are for adults who wish to enter Higher Education, and who have the desire and maturity to study. Applicants ideally will have qualifications at level 2 (GCSE level), as the course is aimed at people with few academic qualifications. Applicants should have been out of full-time education for at least one year and will be considered if they have relevant life experience.
If English is not your first language
Please contact the International Students Office for advice and an English test (Telephone 0117 9092279 or email international@filton.ac.uk). To study an Access course you will need to show that your English is at ESOL level 2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening and/or you have passed an IELTS test with a score or more than 6 (universities ask for an IELTS score of between 6 and 8)
Higher Education
We have links with the University of the West of England (UWE), Bath Spa University, Bath University, Bristol University and the University of Gloucestershire and our Access students are guaranteed consideration for their courses. If you are undecided which university course you wish to apply for you should make a careers appointment with the college careers advisor Tel: 0117 931 2121
Study Times
The course starts at 9:30am and continues until approx 3.20pm for 4 or 5 days per week, for one year, from September to June. In addition, at least 7 hours of study at home is necessary. Full attendance is required to pass the course. No holidays can be taken in term time.
Course Validation
The course is nationally recognised and validated by the Open College Network (OCN). The course has an external moderator. Each subject you study has a certain number of credits attached. This means that as you complete and pass tests and assignments you will achieve credits. These credits can be accumulated throughout the course, and you will need 60 credits with at least 45 at level 3, in specific subject areas, to pass the course. Some university courses require a higher pass rate e.g. Physiotherapy.
IT Skills
You should be able to word process, use the Internet and email. All assessed work on the Access course is expected to be word processed and you would find it helpful to have your own computer at home. The College uses IT resources, which are accessible both within and outside of College.
Library
The College has a well equipped library with books which can be borrowed, computers with Internet access, careers information and journals/newspapers. You are able to access the Learning Resources website through the College website www.filton.ac.uk
Childcare
You can speak to a welfare counsellor before coming on to the Access course if you are concerned about finance or needing help paying for childcare. Some childcare costs may be covered if you are in receipt of means tested benefit or low income. Tel: 0117 909 2297 for further details.
Tutorial
You will have a personal tutor who will help guide your studies. The tutorial may consist of a group or an individual session.
Case histories of students from our access courses
Nicola (32) worked as a Health Care assistant at a maternity hospital and took a GCSE in Human Physiology and Health as an evening course. She obtained a grade B and this inspired her to take her studies further. After studying part-time on the Access to Science and Health Studies course she applied to University and is now studying for a degree in Midwifery at UWE.
Claire (38) worked as an office administrator whilst her children were young. She then did some voluntary work with homeless families and this led to an interest in Psychology. She took an evening class in Psychology to find out more about the subject and then decided to do the Access to Science and Health Studies course before applying to do a Psychology degree at the University of the West of England.
Sam (42) was a Health Care Assistant at a Bristol Hospital. He studied on the Access to Social Work course at Filton College and then gained a Degree in Social Work from UWE. He is now working in a hospital social work department.
Jamal (30) was a builder. He studied on the Access to Teaching course and then qualified as a teacher from the University of the West of England. He is currently teaching at an inner city primary school.
Janet (27) was a full-time mother and also worked part time in a nursery. She completed the Access to Science and Health Studies course and is now in the first year of a Nursing degree at the University of the West of England.