print email to:
Course Name	Access to Higher Education
Course Description	This course is ideal for those people who want a change and a challenge! Access is a course specifically designed for learners who want to return to study and build on previous qualifications. The course, which is validated by the Open College Network West Midlands Region, leads to a “QAA-Recognised” Access Diploma. Each Module is subdivided into Units and students are able to obtain Credits for the satisfactory completion of each Unit. This system is particularly advantageous because: a) Credits can be accumulated on a continuous basis b) All work completed counts towards the final award c) If unforeseen circumstances interrupt your studies, credit is still given for those units satisfactorily completed. Course Content A) CORE SKILLS MODULES in Maths (Humanities Pathway) and Information Technology at Level 2, and Research Skills at Level 3. Most Access students need additional help to develop the study skills they need for study in Further and Higher Education and so Core Skills form an important integral component of the course. This is compulsory unless you have appropriate prior learning. The full Maths programme (Humanities) is accepted by most universities as being of GCSE equivalence. The Research Skills Unit, which is also compulsory, usually starts after Christmas. B) STUDY MODULES based on themes covering a range of academic disciplines. The Access Day course at Stafford College has three modes of study, with each one having designated level 3study modules. Humanities: Psychology; Humanities (combination of Literature, History and Politics); Sociology Science: Biology; Chemistry; Psychology Nursing and Midwifery: Biology; Chemistry; Psychology Although we will attempt to offer maximum freedom of choice it is important that students discuss options carefully both at interview and with members of the Course Team. Consideration must be given to students' career options, timetabling and the number of places available on each unit. In addition to the above modules there is a short optional unit called Literary Appreciation and opportunities of Advanced IT units after Christmas. C) TUTORIAL SUPPORT: a weekly group tutorial and regular individual guidance sessions as appropriate. A tutor is allocated to all Access students. The tutor provides personal support and educational guidance as well as group and individual tutorials as appropriate. The Careers Officers are available when required.
Start Date	01/09/2010
Course Duration	1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements	All Students must have achieved 3 GCSEs at Grade C or above. This must include GCSE English Language at Grade C or above or equivalence* for all students and GCSE Maths at Grade C or above for those applying for the Access to HE Nursing & Midwifery Route or Science Route. For many progression routes, GCSE Maths at Grade C or above is required and those wishing to progress into Primary Teaching must also have a GCSE Science Grade C or above. The requirements for progression to University will be discussed at your initial guidance interview. Applicants meeting the entry requirements will have an interview, which will require you to participate in an initial assessment confirming your literacy and numeracy skills ability, along with a written piece of work and dependant on the outcome from these result you will be provided with the advice and guidance necessary for registration on the course or possible alternative modes of study. *Equivalence - Other courses/routes of study that would enable you to meet the entry requirements
Assessment	Students will be assessed by: Coursework; End of module examinations; End of unit tests. In order to gain the Access QAA-Recognised Diploma students must have attained 60 Credits of which 45 or more are at Level 3. Learners must have achieved a minimum of: a) GCSE Grade C or above in English Language. b) 3 Credits at Level 2 is in either Maths or Information Technology. All assessed work and examinations scripts will be externally moderated by the validating agency (Open College Network (OCN)). Learners should be aware that provisional results cannot be confirmed until the external moderation process is complete (July).
Course Progression	The course provides access to degree courses in Science, Humanities, Computing, Nursing, Midwifery, Teaching and Social Work.