Course Summary
The Access to Higher Education programmes at Dudley College have been designed to enable students with few formal qualifications to develop self-confidence and academic ability. It also aims to meet the entry requirements of a variety of degree courses, HND courses and Dip HE courses. The Health Professionals pathway is specifically designed for thiose wishing to enter health care roles such as Nursing.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is:
A nationally recognised level 3 qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). In order to achieve the Access to HE Diploma you must achieve:
• 60 credits overall
• 45 graded credits at Level3 from units concerned with academic subject content.
• Academic units are those whose content is drawn from the knowledge and skills of subjects that are directly related to the subject of the named Diploma (s) in which the unit will be used.
• 15 ungraded credits at either level 2 or 3.
As well as attending college lessons, there is also a requirement for students to undertake a minimum of 10 hours per week of independent research and study for the completion of assessed work.
This qualification prepares learners who are looking towards a career in Health
Access to Higher Education Diploma programmes are designed to prepare learners for entry into Higher Education (HE). The programmes provide the knowledge and skills needed to progress to Level 4 of study at University or College and enable learners who may be lacking in confidence, formal educational backgrounds and who have other commitments to succeed in Higher Education. The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professionals) enables you to progress into a variety of Nursing Degree pathways.
If you are interested in a career change, want a challenge, or simply have a desire to learn; Access courses have a very successful track record and thousands of students have benefited from the opportunities they provide.
Course Content
This qualification includes the following modules
• Biological Science
• Health Studies
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Skills for Learning
Where learners need the opportunity to re-sit their GCSE Maths or English to support progression to University, this will be in addition to the Access programme of study.
Course Assessment
The assessments for this qualification are
• Professional Reports/ Essays/ Course work
• In-class Assessments
• Presentations
• Individual / Paired / Group Projects
Assessment of learning on the GCSE studies will be in the format of:
• Controlled assessments
• Homework
• Exam
Materials
All class-based materials will be provided also Materials and any other additional costs are relatively low. Being organised is key to success. So we would recommend that all learners invest in the following:
• Access to Lap top/ computer for completion of assignments
• Memory stick
• Course Folder/ Paper / pens for making notes
Qualifications
Access to Higher Education Diploma courses lead to a national qualification (the QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma) which is accepted as a standard entry qualification by UK universities.
Progression
This qualification will lead to employment in the industry ofHealth or to further study/higher education. The following Higher Education Institutions, have given their support in the development of a Diploma in Health and which provide relevant progression opportunities:
• Birmingham City University (Faculty of Health)
• Coventry University (Faculty of Health and Life Sciences)
• Keele University
• Staffordshire University (Faculty of Health Sciences)
• University of Birmingham
• University of Wolverhampton (School of Health and Wellbeing)
• University of Worcester (Institute of Health and Social Care).
Entry Requirements
For entry onto this qualification learners must have: GCSE maths and English language at grade 4 / C or functional skills at Level 2.
Equivalent qualifications will be considered. You also need to be aged 19 or over and you’ll be required to attend an interview.
There are two entry points for this pathway each year: September and February
Access to HE courses are designed to enable adult learners who have been out of full time education for at least 1 year and that may have few or no qualifications to gain entry to Higher Education. Or for those wishing to persue a specific career and lack the underpinning subject knowledge.
Can I get help with fees?
Funding may be available to support your learning as an adult (aged 19+) studying at Dudley College. Check out the Financial Support guidance for more information.
