All courses last for one year and typically occupy up to 2 ¹⁄ ² hours per week in lessons and of course several hours of work at home.
Generally all you need is a good basic education, a keen interest in the subject and a willingness to do a certain amount of study at home.
If English is not your first language, then an ESOL course is almost certainly more suitable than GCSE English.
If you want to brush up your skills before taking GCSE Mathematics, there are courses in the Essential Skills section run throughout the year.
Home students aged under 19 on 31st August in the year they start the course pay the reduced fee in the “16-18” column. The cost of text books isn’t included in the fee.
Access to HE courses are aimed at adults who are interested in going to university but dont have the necessary qualifications to get into higher education. The course will provide subject knowledge and help to develop your confidence and study skills, as well as opening up new career possibilities. Access to HE courses are especially designed for adults who have had a break from studying and are generally accepted by universities as an alternative to A levels.
Students should not normally have qualifications above GCSE although we will look at all individual cases. We offer core modules of study in English, Maths and study skills. Specialist modules are provided related to academic and occupational areas. The courses are one year in duration (16 hours per week over 4 or 5 days). We will consider other work related experience where appropriate for admission to some courses.
The Combined Studies pathway is for you if you are interested in studying a wide range of subjects. You may study History, Geography, Business, Law, Psychology, or Sociology (as well as many other options) at university. You will study three main subjects from Psychology , Sociology, Geography, Law, History and Business (depending on availability).
The Science pathway is ideal for you if you want to study a science based course at degree level, such as Environmental Science, Biological Science, Forensic Science, Chemistry, or Physics. The course offers students a range of study options. You will choose three main subjects from Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Higher Mathematics (depending on your higher education pathway).
The Nursing and Midwifery pathway on the Access to Health and Social Care course offers you the opportunity to study and gain a critical understanding of a wide range of subjects that are important if you intend to work in a health care related profession. This course is for people who want to gain a qualification recognised nationally as being appropriate for entering education in nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, paramedic science or who want to take a degree in social sciences or health related subjects. In addition to the core subjects of Maths, English, Study Skills and ICT, you will take three main subjects: Psychology, Sociology and Biology.
The Social Work pathway on the Access to Health and Social Care course offers you an insight into the profession of social work and introduces the initial skills and subject areas related to Social Work. This course is for people who want to pursue a career in Social Work by giving them a recognised qualification to help gain entry to university to study a social work degree. It is also useful for students who may want to study further in Social Policy or the Social Sciences. In addition to the core subjects of Maths, English, Study Skills and ICT, you will study Social Work Skills, Sociology and Psychology.
The Access to Education pathway is for you if you are interested in teaching in a primary or secondary school. You may want to specialise in History, Geography, Maths, English or Science at university. The course offers students a range of study options. You will choose three main subjects from Geography, History, Literacy Studies, Chemistry, Physics and Biology, Psychology, Sociology, and Higher Maths. In your studies you may have the opportunity to organise a work placement in a school. You must gain Maths, English and Science GCSE equivalences if not already obtained.
No formal qualifications are required, although applicants ideally will have qualifications at level 2 (GCSE Grade C level). Maths at level 1 is recommended.
Your Literacy and Numeracy levels will be assessed during selection procedure.
Applicants should also have been out of full time education for at least one year. Students must show potential to study at level 3 (equivalent of A level) and above. This will be discussed at interview.
Complete the colleges application form and personal statement. These are available from the website and also through the Admissions department.
For further information please contact Enrolment Centre on 0117 909 2234.