The Student Room Group

Access to HE 2012-2013

I saw a similar thread last year for this and there isn't one for this year so I figured I should start one. A thread for those applying to take an Access course next year, I know it's on the 'Mature Students' section but it's really for anybody regardless of their age planning/hoping to take the course next year, but I put it here anyway.

I put in an application a couple of weeks ago and already today got a letter today inviting me in for a Literacy + Numeracy test. I've heard it's a piece of pee, but I'm rather nervous for some reason lol. :s-smilie:

So, anyone else out there applied yet? And what you doing this year?

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Hi, I thought access courses were only for people over 21 anyway? Not that that matters lol

I'm currently working part time and have a 15 month old son. I have been looking into the access for HE nursing for the last few weeks but have wanted a career change for years (well im only 24 now lol but i HATE my call centre job!) and have always fancied working in a hospital.

I spoke to one of the tutors in the college i want to study at a few weeks ago and he told me all about the course, costs etc and it sounds really interesting I'm looking forward to it, if I get in of course!

I'm looking to do it part time for two years and then hopefully go onto uni (Cardiff hopefully) in 2014 or 2015.

I went to the college to take my application on Tuesday just gone and I was told the course starts in February or September, I would like to start in Feb and she said I'll get a phone call or letter soon inviting me for an interview and the tests so we'll see how it goes!

I'm glad you've heard the tests are easy, I'm nervous for them too!

Good luck with your tests, let us know how you get on!

Oh and I don't think you mentioned, access into what course are you hoping to do?

Lyndsey
(edited 12 years ago)
Reply 2
Original post by GossipGirl86
Hi, I thought access courses were only for people over 21 anyway? Not that that matters lol

Depends on the college lol. Some are 21+ but some (like the one I intend to go to) are 19+ I am personally only 19, tbh. (Yes I know there's people on this forum that don't approve of 'young' Access students but w/e)

I'm currently working part time and have a 15 month old son. I have been looking into the access for HE nursing for the last few weeks but have wanted a career change for years (well im only 24 now lol but i HATE my call centre job!) and have always fancied working in a hospital.

I spoke to one of the tutors in the college i want to study at a few weeks ago and he told me all about the course, costs etc and it sounds really interesting I'm looking forward to it, if I get in of course!

I'm looking to do it part time for two years and then hopefully go onto uni (Cardiff hopefully) in 2014 or 2015.

Good luck, the Access route is quite common for the career you want, especially since it appeals to mature students, so I'm sure it will go well!

I went to the college to take my application on Tuesday just gone and I was told the course starts in February or September, I would like to start in Feb and she said I'll get a phone call or letter soon inviting me for an interview and the tests so we'll see how it goes!

I'm glad you've heard the tests are easy, I'm nervous for them too!

Good luck with your tests, let us know how you get on!

Oh and I don't think you mentioned, access into what course are you hoping to do?

Lyndsey

The Access course I'm doing is only from September, which I prefer really, gives me a bit more time to think through my options. It's good you're applying early (everyone should do this, btw, the courses fill up really quick!).

Yeah the tests apparently aren't that hard and from the practice websites that was in my letter, they look easy too, but I'm nervous simply because I hate timed exams/tests. lol. It's the whole pressured feeling.

I'm hoping to do a science-based Access with the aim of getting into uni to study a biological science, I'm attracted to biology mostly since it's the most "general" but neuroscience and genetics are also extremely interesting. As for careers, not 100% sure, my ambitions are mainly academic related although I'm hoping to get either a year abroad or placement year to help me be more employable after uni. As for the exact uni, well atm I plan on applying to Manchester, Liverpool, Kent and Sussex. I'm back to being unsure about a 5th choice, I did think of Aston then I found out they don't accept Access applicants under the age of 21 for the course I wanted, I considered Brighton, but after researching more into the modules, I'm not as interested. I've looked up Leeds and they do a really good biological sciences programme which allows you to specialise in year 2 (like Liverpool does). My choices are mainly based on location and league table ranking, though, I admit.

I'm also resitting GCSE Maths this year and I'm enquiring about doing IGCSE Chemistry as a private candidate since Sussex asks for either that or a GCSE in it.
Reply 3
Original post by Threxy
I saw a similar thread last year for this and there isn't one for this year so I figured I should start one. A thread for those applying to take an Access course next year, I know it's on the 'Mature Students' section but it's really for anybody regardless of their age planning/hoping to take the course next year, but I put it here anyway.

I put in an application a couple of weeks ago and already today got a letter today inviting me in for a Literacy + Numeracy test. I've heard it's a piece of pee, but I'm rather nervous for some reason lol. :s-smilie:

So, anyone else out there applied yet? And what you doing this year?


I am currently studying on an Access course and can't reccomend it enough. Just think, this time next year you will be receiving University offers!
Reply 4
Hi everyone,

I'm looking at completing an access course starting in September. Currently i'm completing an electrical apprenticeship, but would like to go a completely different route in life.

Does anyone know if there is any funding like a maintenance loan availlable for this type of course?
Reply 5
Original post by Threxy
I saw a similar thread last year for this and there isn't one for this year so I figured I should start one. A thread for those applying to take an Access course next year, I know it's on the 'Mature Students' section but it's really for anybody regardless of their age planning/hoping to take the course next year, but I put it here anyway.

I put in an application a couple of weeks ago and already today got a letter today inviting me in for a Literacy + Numeracy test. I've heard it's a piece of pee, but I'm rather nervous for some reason lol. :s-smilie:

So, anyone else out there applied yet? And what you doing this year?


Hi there.

I applied in September this year, was then invited to a interview this month, on the 11th and was offered a place to the Access Course due to start in January! :biggrin:

I did the literacy and numeracy tests after the interview. I mean the interview consisted in making the tests and then having the one-to-one interview.

About the literacy test, I must warn you that it is.... very easy. :smile: English is not my first language and I have moved to England just this month (some days before the interview!) having been here in England only two times before in holidays and I got a very good result. The result was level 3, I was amazed and really happy when I saw the paper with my evaluation. :smile:

The numeracy test was a little more difficult mainly because a) I haven't had maths in more than 10 years and b)I didn't understand how the calculator worked in some aspects and was unable to understand some bits, because it is different from the ones in my country... So I just had to do most calculations mentally... Got a level 1 result but the teacher said it was ok, saying I was "right we're they needed me to be". :smile: And my College is said to be very picky, so.... :smile:

We were also told we could come in another day to the tests again, should we fail that time. But that wasn't necessary, luckily. :smile:

Any questions you may have, feel free to ask. :smile:
Reply 6
Original post by eddy4483
Hi everyone,

I'm looking at completing an access course starting in September. Currently i'm completing an electrical apprenticeship, but would like to go a completely different route in life.

Does anyone know if there is any funding like a maintenance loan availlable for this type of course?

It depends on where you are and what benefits, etc. you're on. Sometimes if it's your first level 3 qualification, you'll get it free, but really, you need to check with the college you want to apply for. I'm not that well versed in the financial side, tbh. I have failed AS levels from when I was 17 after one year in my schools sixth form, but I'm hoping the college will overlook them so I can get the Level 3 entitlement.

Original post by jmfc
Hi there.

I applied in September this year, was then invited to a interview this month, on the 11th and was offered a place to the Access Course due to start in January! :biggrin:

I did the literacy and numeracy tests after the interview. I mean the interview consisted in making the tests and then having the one-to-one interview.

About the literacy test, I must warn you that it is.... very easy. :smile: English is not my first language and I have moved to England just this month (some days before the interview!) having been here in England only two times before in holidays and I got a very good result. The result was level 3, I was amazed and really happy when I saw the paper with my evaluation. :smile:

The numeracy test was a little more difficult mainly because a) I haven't had maths in more than 10 years and b)I didn't understand how the calculator worked in some aspects and was unable to understand some bits, because it is different from the ones in my country... So I just had to do most calculations mentally... Got a level 1 result but the teacher said it was ok, saying I was "right we're they needed me to be". :smile: And my College is said to be very picky, so.... :smile:

We were also told we could come in another day to the tests again, should we fail that time. But that wasn't necessary, luckily. :smile:

Any questions you may have, feel free to ask. :smile:

I already have a GCSE grade A-C in English and Maths, and the tests will be Level 1 for maths and Level 2 for English so I'm not expecting anything particularly difficult. I haven't actually had an interview, in fact I was quite surprised I got invited for the tests so early since I was told they didn't start processing people on the course until later in the year, but I applied in early November for the sake of it. I have to pass the literacy/numeracy tests to progress to the next part of the application, which I think is an interview at some point. Hopefully after the interview I can pass it and get a place there and then although there won't be an enrolment until August 2012 anyway.

What Access course you taking?

I've read plenty of 'success story' posts on this forum regarding getting into good universities via Access, but I couldn't help but feel a bit disheartened when I read on unistat the average student in some of the unis I want to apply for have 400+ (AAA+ at A-level plus an AS and other random crap) UCAS points in my subject, I know it's predictable but it just reminds me of what I'm up against. I don't know if Access translates to UCAS points and good unis are far more interested in grades than points, but still. I'm also wondering if it'd just be best to apply for Foundation Years at the unis I want to maximise my chance of getting offers and actually getting the real academic knowledge to be able to actually handle a bioscience degree since Access courses aren't known for academic rigour, but it would mean an extra year studying and even though I would be a uni student I'd be studying at some local college for a year and an Access is meant to be a an alternative to a FY. :s-smilie:
(edited 12 years ago)
Reply 7
Original post by Threxy
It depends on where you are and what benefits, etc. you're on. Sometimes if it's your first level 3 qualification, you'll get it free, but really, you need to check with the college you want to apply for. I'm not that well versed in the financial side, tbh. I have failed AS levels from when I was 17 after one year in my schools sixth form, but I'm hoping the college will overlook them so I can get the Level 3 entitlement.


I already have a GCSE grade A-C in English and Maths, and the tests will be Level 1 for maths and Level 2 for English so I'm not expecting anything particularly difficult. I haven't actually had an interview, in fact I was quite surprised I got invited for the tests so early since I was told they didn't start processing people on the course until later in the year, but I applied in early November for the sake of it. I have to pass the literacy/numeracy tests to progress to the next part of the application, which I think is an interview at some point. Hopefully after the interview I can pass it and get a place there and then although there won't be an enrolment until August 2012 anyway.

What Access course you taking?

I've read plenty of 'success story' posts on this forum regarding getting into good universities via Access, but I couldn't help but feel a bit disheartened when I read on unistat the average student in some of the unis I want to apply for have 400+ (AAA+ at A-level plus an AS and other random crap) UCAS points in my subject, I know it's predictable but it just reminds me of what I'm up against. I don't know if Access translates to UCAS points and good unis are far more interested in grades than points, but still. I'm also wondering if it'd just be best to apply for Foundation Years at the unis I want to maximise my chance of getting offers and actually getting the real academic knowledge to be able to actually handle a bioscience degree since Access courses aren't known for academic rigour, but it would mean an extra year studying and even though I would be a uni student I'd be studying at some local college for a year and an Access is meant to be a an alternative to a FY. :s-smilie:


Hi.

I understand how you feel. I would like to go to the UWE, which is a top university (it is said to be, right? :smile:) and when I was interviewed in my college we were told that most of the college students goes to that uni. So, yes, top universities take Access Students seriously. I don't know if you have already checked at the uni you're aiming to go their entry requirements. It is very important to do so because you need to know "how well" you have to work in order to be successful in your application. I guess most well rated universities ask for at least 30 level 3 credits at merit, but there are universities that ask only for "pass", or so I heard. Anyway, UWE, ask for nursing, for example, 30 level 3 credits at merit in science or social science and fot physiotherapy it is even more exigent asking for 40 or 45 (sorry, can't remember) level 3 credits at merit in science!

When I knew that to be considered in UWE I had to achieve 30 level 3 credits I freaked out considerably. But then here on TSR I was told to cool down because it is tough but doable... So, if other students that are actually doing the course at the moment say this, we've got to trust them. :smile:

My course is the Access in Health and Social Care for I want to do Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy at Uni. Still need to get more info and probably shadow OTs and Physiotherapist in order to make my mind. I believe I'd also really like to be a nurse, but I am not sure I'd be a great nurse because I don't know how well would I cope with certain situations.

What about you? What course are you going to do and what do you aim to do at Uni? And what Uni?

Overall it will obviously be very hard but we're adults now and we're given a second chance so I believe we'll never be the same persons after this course, it will surely change us for the better and most likely put us in University. :smile:
Reply 8
Original post by eddy4483
Hi everyone,

I'm looking at completing an access course starting in September. Currently i'm completing an electrical apprenticeship, but would like to go a completely different route in life.

Does anyone know if there is any funding like a maintenance loan availlable for this type of course?


Hi Eddy.

Well, as an Access course you will be considered a further education student and only in Uni will you be considered a higher education student. So, for further education students, there isn't much help, I'm afraid. There is the Learner Support Fund whih consists of a grant of 140 pounds paid in two instalments. And that is all.

However, there is a very big help which is you may not have to pay for the course. It is my case, as I didn't have 5 GCSEs (I studied in another country at that age and the system is very different) I don't have to pay tuition fees. I'll have to pay 155 pounds that all the students have to pay, in the enrolment, but the fees per se, in the amount of 1000 and something pounds are free to me. This honestly was the incentive I was needing. This is an opportunity that cannot be waisted. :smile:

If you're under a certain age you also get them free... It depends, you just have to check if you qualify.

Best of luck. :smile:
Reply 9
Original post by Karm
I am currently studying on an Access course and can't reccomend it enough. Just think, this time next year you will be receiving University offers!


Hi!

I'm going to start my Access in January. Tell us more about your course and you're experience!:smile::smile::smile::smile::smile:
Reply 10
Hi, i just thought i'd add to this thread. I'm currently doing an access to HE course, which started in september. I also can't recommend it enough, it's fab! Have made loads of friends and the tutors are really helpful. I've just sent my application to ucas and had an assessment for adult nursing at Cardiff yesterday.

With regards to the admissions tests for access; they are mainly testing to see what level you are at with your maths and english, rather than giving you a yes or a no. They then use this to put you into a suitable group, depending on how much help they think you will need. I also had to have an interview which was really relaxed and more about why I want to the access course (what do i want to do with it once i finish).

You have to make sure you look into the degree before you apply to access. There is no point doing access if you won't be able to make the placements or time demands of a degree. Also check the entry requirements for the uni's you will be applying for. Most high rated uni's want (for nursing) 60 credits, 45 at level 3 (a-level standard) which MUST include atleast 6 distinctions, 33 merits and 6 passes.

Personally i'm doing access full time and have two jobs, but the workload for access is heavy! 9 assignments with two weeks do them all in :/ not trying to put anyone off, it's just nice to know what you're getting into i think. If you're good at time management and don't leave everything to the last minute you can do really well. Some people in my class have missed quite a few lectures and have fallen behind so much! Not sure they will pull it together tbh, but you never know.

Hope this helps for any of you looking to do access. Also, i hope this hasn't put a downer on anyone lol xx
Reply 11
Good to here people getting offers for Access courses already! My question is where are you people from? I am from North West of England and cant find any Access courses starting in Jan and Feb.
Reply 12
Original post by jmfc
Hi.

I understand how you feel. I would like to go to the UWE, which is a top university (it is said to be, right? :smile:) and when I was interviewed in my college we were told that most of the college students goes to that uni. So, yes, top universities take Access Students seriously. I don't know if you have already checked at the uni you're aiming to go their entry requirements. It is very important to do so because you need to know "how well" you have to work in order to be successful in your application. I guess most well rated universities ask for at least 30 level 3 credits at merit, but there are universities that ask only for "pass", or so I heard. Anyway, UWE, ask for nursing, for example, 30 level 3 credits at merit in science or social science and fot physiotherapy it is even more exigent asking for 40 or 45 (sorry, can't remember) level 3 credits at merit in science!

When I knew that to be considered in UWE I had to achieve 30 level 3 credits I freaked out considerably. But then here on TSR I was told to cool down because it is tough but doable... So, if other students that are actually doing the course at the moment say this, we've got to trust them. :smile:

My course is the Access in Health and Social Care for I want to do Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy at Uni. Still need to get more info and probably shadow OTs and Physiotherapist in order to make my mind. I believe I'd also really like to be a nurse, but I am not sure I'd be a great nurse because I don't know how well would I cope with certain situations.

What about you? What course are you going to do and what do you aim to do at Uni? And what Uni?

Overall it will obviously be very hard but we're adults now and we're given a second chance so I believe we'll never be the same persons after this course, it will surely change us for the better and most likely put us in University. :smile:

I am not sure about UWE, I've heard of it plenty of times around this forum but since I'm not from the area and have never looked into it, so I don't know what its considered. lol. But at the end of the day it's about going to a place you'd like to study at and you know will help set you up for the future, for physiotherapy, nursing and OT, don't you get an NHS bursary of some sort as well as accredition, so it doesn't matter where you to to uni right? lol.

I'm a bit indecisive about where I'd like to go to uni exactly, but there are a handful of unis I'd snap at the chance of going if I got the chance, I'm hopefully gonna be applying for Manchester, Sussex, Liverpool, Kent and possibly Leeds. I want to do a bioscience, probably biology but I'm interested in genetics/neuroscience too, I don't have any solid career goals, I'm moreso interested in my actual subject and the whole uni experience too. I'll probably make a better decision once I visit these unis at some point. I'm strongly considering a FY first.. which would mean spending the first year in a uni partnership college.

Original post by Nizza123
Good to here people getting offers for Access courses already! My question is where are you people from? I am from North West of England and cant find any Access courses starting in Jan and Feb.

I'm personally from Coventry, which is in the West Midlands, so I have no clue about colleges in the North-West, but have you tried this website?

http://www.accesstohe.ac.uk/
Reply 13
Original post by Nizza123
Good to here people getting offers for Access courses already! My question is where are you people from? I am from North West of England and cant find any Access courses starting in Jan and Feb.


I guess that's normal because from all the colleges I've heard of, mine is the only one having a January intake. I'm in the South west.
Reply 14
Original post by Threxy
I am not sure about UWE, I've heard of it plenty of times around this forum but since I'm not from the area and have never looked into it, so I don't know what its considered. lol. But at the end of the day it's about going to a place you'd like to study at and you know will help set you up for the future, for physiotherapy, nursing and OT, don't you get an NHS bursary of some sort as well as accredition, so it doesn't matter where you to to uni right? lol.

I'm a bit indecisive about where I'd like to go to uni exactly, but there are a handful of unis I'd snap at the chance of going if I got the chance, I'm hopefully gonna be applying for Manchester, Sussex, Liverpool, Kent and possibly Leeds. I want to do a bioscience, probably biology but I'm interested in genetics/neuroscience too, I don't have any solid career goals, I'm moreso interested in my actual subject and the whole uni experience too. I'll probably make a better decision once I visit these unis at some point. I'm strongly considering a FY first.. which would mean spending the first year in a uni partnership college.


I'm personally from Coventry, which is in the West Midlands, so I have no clue about colleges in the North-West, but have you tried this website?

http://www.accesstohe.ac.uk/


Yeah, that's right, the course has to be accredited and so it is not that important the University's reputation. :smile::smile:

I'd like to stay locally, I mean, it is really mandatory that I stay local, so UWE is really my best bet. Only a few miles away and a university I trust specially. :smile:
Reply 15
The access courses seem quite limited, would this have an effect on my future choice at university? For example if i picked (English and Creative Writing) for my access course, however wanted to do something completely different, lets say (zoology) at university. :confused:
Reply 16
Original post by Nizza123
The access courses seem quite limited, would this have an effect on my future choice at university? For example if i picked (English and Creative Writing) for my access course, however wanted to do something completely different, lets say (zoology) at university. :confused:




My Access Course will be in Health and Social care and, according to what we were told in the interview, we'll have psychology, maths, physics, chemistry, english, study skills and a few more subjects (I haven't had an induction day yet, so I haven't been given all the details). Anyway, this Access Course is for people wanting to pursue a degree in a health related subject or in Social Care. Moreover, as it is very scientific based it is also suitable for anyone wanting do a science based degree that is not related to health, too. As I wish to do OT or Physiotherapy, this is the one for me. :smile:

Anyway, I believe that if you want to do zoology you'd be better off choosing the scientific pathway as the University will ask for credits in science related subjects.

I believe that if you choose an humanistic pathway in your Acess Course you will then have to apply to a course related to humanities.

Do you have any ideas of the degrees you'd like more?
Reply 17
Original post by Nizza123
The access courses seem quite limited, would this have an effect on my future choice at university? For example if i picked (English and Creative Writing) for my access course, however wanted to do something completely different, lets say (zoology) at university. :confused:


Yes of course. If you were an A'level student you wouldn't expect to get into university to study zoology with English and creative writing A'levels. If a university course wants science A'levels from its younger applicants then it will be wanting science access course from its mature students.
Reply 18
Original post by Nizza123
The access courses seem quite limited, would this have an effect on my future choice at university? For example if i picked (English and Creative Writing) for my access course, however wanted to do something completely different, lets say (zoology) at university. :confused:

Zoology is a branch of biology, so I'm guessing you'd have to do a life sciences/biological sciences foundation year with those modules if your college doesn't offer a science pathway or level 3 science modules.
Reply 19
Sh*tsh*tsh*t. I feel really stupid, like a damn thick idiot. I passed the English test with flying colours and missed out on the Maths test by one question which I somehow got wrong. I feel like such an idiot for rushing it and because I don't have a functional skills qualification in maths already, it doesn't matter if I have a C in Maths, I have to wait until next year before I can retry at this college, which feels unfair but I can understand, because the computer room was full of people (around 30+) taking the tests so obviously there's no shortage of applicants. :/

Luckily, it's not the only college I applied to, I applied to another one yesterday which I still to hear back from and I definitely won't screw up on such a simple test again, although I don't particularly like this college, the staff are rubbish and apathetic and I've heard many things about them not turning up to lectures etc despite the college being the most popular in the city, but hopefully it'll do. If something somehow happens, I'm definitely not giving up, though. Not because of a crappy maths test which I made a stupid error on.
(edited 12 years ago)

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