Access courses can change people’s lives
Access to Higher Education courses provide a new start and a new challenge for those who sign up to take their educational journey and career to the next level.
The courses are designed to prepare people without traditional qualifications or those seeking career changes, for study at university. It is an intense but nurturing course where teaching staff understand the needs of mature students and help them prepare for their next step.
The college offers access to higher education courses in healthcare, art and design, and humanities and social sciences.
Access may be the first step in changing your life and career around.
Your study and career options after Access
Access courses offer a diverse range of university and career pathways, for example, the Healthcare course can lead to studies and careers in nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, operating department practice (OPP) and mental health nursing. For the Humanities and Social Science pathway, careers and degrees can include history and archaeology, law and legal studies, media and journalism, psychology and counselling and sociology and social policy. The Art and Design pathway can also lead to various careers such as curator, animator, art therapy, communal arts worker and exhibition designer.
Alex said his life path changed after Access
Alex Phillips, a former access student (pictured above with lecturer Nick Fry and with his award certificate), was recently presented with a college Principal’s Award for Outstanding Effort.
As a mature student, he had some concerns about studying again and wanted to ensure he would be learning in an adult environment.
Alex Phillips said: “The support I received was exceptional. Nick Fry was the best lecturer I have had in my entire education, he understood us and his passion inspired many of us to work harder and achieve more than we initially thought.
“The other lectures were great too and after working my way through the course, I felt very well prepared for university and have, so far, been flying through my foundation degree due to the skills I was taught on the access course.
“Without them, I would not be on my life path right now so I can only ever convey my admiration and respect to the team who helped me in ways that went beyond my expectations.”
Our lecturers are extremely supportive and will help you to succeed
Lecturer Nick Fry said: “Access is a chance to start again and I can honestly say that for all the qualifications that I have taught, there are none that I personally find more rewarding.”
Senior Access Tutor, Jeremy Edwards added: “There is nothing more satisfying than seeing adults who arrive often with little or no confidence, committing themselves to study in an attempt to better themselves and their families and progressing onto the next step of their journey. Access courses really do change people’s lives.”
Course information on Access to Higher Education Courses
Applicants without the relevant qualifications can take the Skills for Further Study (pre-access) course which is offered part-time and full-time at the college’s Graig campus, over 16 weeks (Sept - Jan and Feb - June).
