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Reply 40
If you do do an access course make sure its at a college that also does a levels. Some of the colleges that specialise in access are appalling. I did one and was taught how immigration has destroyed the class system because people from india and pakistan have no class system at all and then marked by this teacher on how well id remembered the crap. I thnk because the teachers have to do more marking with access because they dont send stuff to exam boards people dont want to work at these colleges so they end up with the ones who cant get jobs anywhere else. Also I got one teacher to look at an essay and he told me it was crap and another teacher looked at it and told me it was distinction so im not sure what criteria they mark to.
Reply 41
I did (the old style) AS-levels (which I got totally crap marks in), and then an Access course a few years later. I got offers from some good universities on the basis of my Access course (Durham, Newcastle, Sheffield, etc), having achieved Distinction in every module. I didn't find the Access course very difficult, but then I also didn't find university very difficult.

I now work at the University of Cambridge, and we definitely accept Access to HE as an entry route for mature students. A-levels aren't even available to mature students in many parts of the country, and tend to be prohibitively expensive compared to Access, when they are.

There are some subjects which require A-level Maths. In this case, you could take an Access course and just the one A-level, which would probably be cheaper than taking 3 A-levels (eg if you did maths via distance learning).

On the other hand, some Access courses are suitable preparation to study Medicine at Cambridge, without any A-levels needed.

Anyone making the choice between Access and A levels should contact the university(/ies) they are interested in beforehand.
Reply 42
I did an access course which I thought was brilliant, but each college may have its own modules and ways of teaching. My applied science course taught me all the things I needed to know prior to starting a science degree and I didn't feel that I had missed anything. One girl had a difficult first year because there was no chemistry on her access course, but I felt well prepared and would recommend the access route.
The applied science access course I did was great preparation for my science degree, but all science access courses differ - some didn't do enough chemistry, some were more environmental/geology based. Depends on the college, but I really couldn't fault mine. I did loads of assignments and about ten exams throughout the year - it certainly kept me on my toes.
Reply 43
A little word of advice if anyone is planning on studying on an access course for a degree that requires a high mathematics a-level grade, make sure you study further mathematics or maths 2 on the access course and not the standard maths subject. The further maths (at a decent college) will teach you as much as a-level maths but the single maths won't. The further maths is twice the amount of work and twice the amount of classroom time than the single maths. But be warned, if you haven't studied maths in a while it can be an almighty struggle (as it was for me). I studied maths 2 and was told this was essential to me gaining a place on a degree that required A*AA at a-level. An access course can get you on to a top degree it just takes some hard labour.
Access wasn't the world's hardest thing but I found it tough. But that's because I'd NEVER written an essay in my life.

Note: I wanted to do English A Levels but my GCSEs were too low and I was recommended the Access course instead.
The original post is rubbish.

I do however feel that those people partaking in a science degree (particulaly physical science or maths) would struggle to cope going straight into first year after an access course. It just doesn't cover enough ground in my opinion. Not because it's lacking when compared to A Levels. But you get two years of A Level and one year of access.

That's why I decided to go in for foundation years for chemistry. I could have gotten into a few unis straight on the back of my access course, but in truth I feel I'll have struggled. I'll have a much better foundation in maths and of course, chemistry with the FY.

That said, there is a huge amount of work to cover on an access course. What I'm saying in no way suggests they're easier than A Levels as I found it pretty easy to explain things to my nephew who is currently doing her A Levels. A levels are two years, access is one, and that's what it boils down to when it comes to sciences IMO.

For anyone wanting to do a science subject, I'd suggest going in for a FY.
Reply 46
Ah, o, I experienced something quite different, When I was doing the Access course, once my works are marked and graded, there would be no chance to resubmit.This costed me 24 pass credits.
Reply 47
I don't know much about access courses as I took a BTEC national diploma but I cant help but feel that the original poster has kind of missed the point in some respects. Access courses are aimed at mature students who are judged by different rules when it comes to degree courses. Much is taken in evidence with regards to levels of competence and experience gained outside the accademic arena so places can still be gained by the right student for the course.
It's also true however that much emphasis is placed upon the gaining of uni places irrespective of what is actually learned on the course. Without describing an access course in any way as "lesser", I don't feel that I could have learnt as much in a single year studying part time as I did through completing the two years full time on the BTEC (albeit in quite a specialised field).
Reply 48
Also note that a lot of higher education institutions seem to be phasing out adult a levels in favour of access courses. I know this is especially the case with science based courses, a levels in things such as history and english are a bit more easily available, I presume this has to do with the fact that science a levels will need access to a lab? I don't know if this is the case everywhere, however.

So, if you're a mature student that wants to do a uni course that needs science qualifications, you may end up having no choice but to do an access course, depending on where you live. I think uni's really need to take this in to account or be made more aware of it as it seems very unfair to only accept a levels when they are not available to some people due to their age.
Reply 49
hi guys do you think my choices in my sig will accept the access course for me to study pharmacy at university?? they wont ask for distinctions will they??
Reply 50
ifti999
hi guys do you think my choices in my sig will accept the access course for me to study pharmacy at university?? they wont ask for distinctions will they??

I just started my Access course last week and I am amazed how many people have been asking questions like that.

Contact the Universities in question and find out yourself! - Go to the websites, find the course admission tutors/administrators email address and fire off a SHORT polite email explaining who you are, what course you are hoping to do and asking if they will consider your application with the qualifications you will have.

That is what I did and I got responses back within 3 days.

Basically you need to find these things out for yourself and ASAP. UCAS apps start very quickly with the Access course, by December we will be looking at personal statements.

edit:
Probably phoning them would be even better, but if you are anything like me you may not have the confidence to do so!

Also, I know when I was looking into Pharmacy a few years back the choices were fairly limited and I discovered that it may necessary to do a 5 year course with a foundation year.
Reply 51
Depends on your course, someone in my class year got an offer from King's after interview (which they took), an offer from medway, an interview from London school of pharmacy (which I think they didn't get an offer from) and someone else got into UEA's pharmacy school.

So it being an access course shouldn't hold you back as long as it's got the required amount of chem units.
antd
I did an Access course this year, and like many people, I had to weigh up whether to do a-levels or not.
I'm hoping for this topic to be of value to those debating which course is best for them; access or a-levels.

I will list here some pros and cons.

Access to HE:

1. Access courses are relatively easy. You can often resubmit coursework in order to get a higher grade.
2. Short length of time. It takes only 1 year to complete. This may be a benefit if time is of the essence


1. Some universities do not accept the qualification. Thus, creating a barrier to entry on some of the top universities.
2. It is worth ZERO UCAS points. Many graduate career schemes stipulate a minimum number of UCAS points. If they are strict, they will not look at your access course.


A-levels:

1. Universally accepted by all institutions
2. Worth UCAS points


1. Relatively difficult due to exam based assessment
2. Two year course



My Opinion

If you know you are intelligent and know you can excel, I would whole-heartedly recommend that you take the two years and do a-levels.

Only, do an access course if:
- You are bad at exams and you know you cannot get AAA/AAB at a-level
- You aren't bright enough to get AAA/AAB at a-level
- Time is of IMMENSE importance (and I don't mean you'll be starting uni at 24 vs 22. I'm only referring to emergency or financial related situations)
- You are not that fussed about entering the elite universities
- You aren't looking for a top-end graduate scheme career (particularly in financial or law services)

The Access course will also prevent you from entering higher institutions on some courses.

Don't do an access course if you want to do any of the following courses at the top universities (Top 10~):
Economics (Not enough maths in the access course)
Mathematics (Not enough maths)
Computer Science (Not enough maths)
Engineering (Not enough maths)
Law (Requires logic-based subjects)

Yes, some people would have somehow gained entry to these subjects, at a top institution, with an access course qualification. However, I have gleaned this data straight from the top institutions' admissions officers.

I understand that this post may not cover everybody's situation. I just know it is relevant to me and should be able to help those aged between 18 - 24.

Anyway, I hope this helps. The 2 year vs 1 year course length is negligible and you will not regret doing a-levels at the expense of entering university one year older! This is only if you want to enter an elite institution. If you don't, then go ahead and do an Access course.

I speak from experience, I chose an access course over a-levels because I thought I would be too old. In the end, I got an acceptance into a good university (I'm sure this was purely luck and a good reference/letter of recommendation from my tutor). However, I was rejected by many for not having a-levels AND so were many relatively bright students on my course.

Due to this, I have seen first hand the great advantage that a-level students have over access course students; particularly when it comes to the higher end institutions.



Hi antd well you have certainly give everyone on this thread who has never done or undertaken a access course the wrong idea.I have done Access course in the past and it wasnt easy far from it.Also Access courses arent for the less intelligent people either so thats a wrong assumption of you as well.
The only reason many students do access is because
1)It gets them upto the required academic standard in a quicker time compared to the general A level student
2)Its a one year intensive and fasttrack route into University
3)Now most Open college networks now offer grading to the Access students like Pass,Merit,Distinction on the new Access Diplomas for the one academical students they have something more to aim for
4)Most universities do accept and consider Access Courses including Oxford and Cambridge(this is dependant on of course how many level 3 credits you have obtained)
5)Who ever says Access is easy is telling porkies in my view and hasnt any clear indication of what they are about and why there are known as intensive Courses for a reason

6)You mention antd that Access Courses are worth 0 UCAS Points compared to A level subjects which are,whilst this is still the case.If Universities do consider Access Course and most of the universities i have contacted do and i am sure Other Students would have done a Access Course will also tell u the same.They are greatly considered and i know a lot of students who have got into University with a Recognised Access Course
ifti999
hi guys do you think my choices in my sig will accept the access course for me to study pharmacy at university?? they wont ask for distinctions will they??


hi ifti999 because Pharmacy is a very competive degree course to get into,my advice is to contact those universities concerned tell them what course you are doing and if necessary a breakdown of each Access module/ unit and level.I would have thought they would require rather a Merit over all or a Distinction which is equivalent to a Grade A at A level.:yep:
BigV
I agree with a lot of what you say here and disagree with much of the very negative original post / topic starter.

I have been told that these days many younger (19.-21) students are using the Access courses as a quick fix for bad A-levels. These people may struggle to get in to top Uni's as the admissions tutors obviously take a dim view of this - A gap year is not significant life or work experience and being 20 instead of 18 is not really 'mature'.

The original post also fails to mention that these days there are many different routes to take; such as Access to Science, Computing, Radiography, Nursing & Midwifery, Law.... the list goes on, colleges are starting to specialise the courses in order to meet the demand.

I am 24, (still young for a 'mature' student I feel) and I didn't get any GCSE's or A-levels due to health problems and family/social issues when I was a kid,

This year I am doing an Access to Computing course and I hope to go on and do a computing/IT/ or a computer science type degree in 2011. So far I have investigated Leicester/De Montfort/Warwick/Coventry/Birmingham & Loughborough, they all appear to be Access course friendly, which confirms what the Access tutor told me....... OK so it isn't Oxbridge, but who gives a fig?

If you want to do something extremely specialised like Medicine/Veterinary/ straight Mathematics then you will need A-levels for the background knowledge, but because most subjects don't actually require massive background knowledge and are taught right from scratch many ARE possible via Access, even something like Pharmacy can be done if you are willing to take a long degree course with a foundation year at a slightly lesser Uni.

I also don't believe the access route is 'easy'. 15 to 19hrs a week in college and probably the same again at home.......... that is not easy for a mature student who has been out of education for years or even decades in many cases. Successfully completing the course shows the admissions tutor that you have ability, commitment and work ethic, which is basically everything you need.

You also fail to realise that many Uni's actually look favorably on mature students because as a group they tend to work hard and have lower drop out rates. This is because the sacrifice is huge, there are kids, partners, elderly parents and mortgages to consider. They will have thought through WHY they are going to Uni and what they want to achieve - We are not just entering uni because that is what is expected of us and it is what our mates are doing!



You are obviously going to have your own opinion, but I feel it is very negative and posted as a matter of fact. - Much of what you write is not actually fact. - For instance I know of more than one person who go into do Law from Access courses. A family member of mine got into Warwick off an Access course about 8 years ago and is now doing a PHD based at Warwick med school. I have been communicating with a guy via this very forum who has a confirmed place on a computer science course this year after doing an access course last year.


I totally agree with BigV most Access Course have now got certain pathways and to meet demand of the said degree at university,a Student intends to do
ie Access to Social Work,Nursing,Midwifery and so forth.These type of Access Course have prespecific Access Units that would allow you to cope with the academic standard thats required at University.

Access courses were first introduced for those students who had been out of education for a long time and who hadnt any Academic qualifications post the old O levels or now GCSESs and had never done any studies over 20 years so more geared towards the Mature students over 27 years of age for example.

Things have moved on since then and i wouldnt say if u did Access Course you arent academically capable of doing the old fashioned route of A levels as you probably are.I just think the small majority of Students who undertake the said Mentioned Access course wish to getinto University one year earlier than the normal 2 years it takes to take A levels.

But i do know this when i did my Science Access course which covered Physics,Biology,Chemistry,Mathematics.I knew someone who was doing As Levels in the same science subjects and they hadnt covered nearly half what i did on my Access Science course.
I also knew someone else who also was doing different academic A level subjects and again i had covered more on previous course then what they did
I also seem to remember when i went to University and was studying Psychology most had come in with the A level subjects and some had done A level Psychology and some hadnt.Those who hadnt done the A level psychology came off the degree course because they couldnt cope with it.
I think at the end of the day its individual choice whether to do the bog standard A level route or Access
:yep:
Reply 55
Hi it is just the same confusion for me! I did my Grad in seven yrs ago ! I am not sure whether to do masters or to do an access course before I apply todo dentistry?
Reply 56
William87
Depends on your course, someone in my class year got an offer from King's after interview (which they took), an offer from medway, an interview from London school of pharmacy (which I think they didn't get an offer from) and someone else got into UEA's pharmacy school.

So it being an access course shouldn't hold you back as long as it's got the required amount of chem units.


hiiii did these people get into pharmacy in 2010??

im doing the maximum amount of credits my college offers for chemistry and thats 20 level 3 credits. universities told me they wanted 15 but i ended up doing 20, I just hope that is enough chemistry.
Reply 57
wizardtop
hi ifti999 because Pharmacy is a very competive degree course to get into,my advice is to contact those universities concerned tell them what course you are doing and if necessary a breakdown of each Access module/ unit and level.I would have thought they would require rather a Merit over all or a Distinction which is equivalent to a Grade A at A level.:yep:


hiiiiiii thanks for the comment, i have contacted many universities but they all apppear to be confused by the access grading system. one university was asking me for 45 level 3 distinctions now how does one get 45 distinctions in an access course i shall never know.

im still awaiting replies from 4 universities, de montfort uni seems promising at the moment, fingers crossed :smile:
ifti999
hiiii did these people get into pharmacy in 2010??

im doing the maximum amount of credits my college offers for chemistry and thats 20 level 3 credits. universities told me they wanted 15 but i ended up doing 20, I just hope that is enough chemistry.


hi ifti999 if i may also comment on what u asked.Its good u doing science subjects like chemistry.when i did my chemistry u could only do 18 credits at level 3.I take it u also doing some sort of biology alongside chemistry and a few others ifti999.Gradingwise because access diplomas are now graded the tutors concerned must have a grading specification sheet or marking sheet that tells them what a Access student need to obtain a Merit or Distinction.I reckon it means u have to fulfil the pass criteria and go further to gain Merit and so forth.
If most of the universities u have already contacted regrading ur degree u want to do want a Distinction or Merit
You will need to ask the relevant tutors what u need to do in order to obtain these grading grades
hope this helps u somewhat.If i can be any more help ifti999 just pm me
:yep:
Tiaa
Hi it is just the same confusion for me! I did my Grad in seven yrs ago ! I am not sure whether to do masters or to do an access course before I apply todo dentistry?

hi Tiaa
whats your degree in as you didnt say? let me know
also here is website link for possiable financial funding for denistry

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=608

I dont know whether you be eligable for further financial funding because u have already been funded before for ur first degree however you need to look into this matter before applying thats my advice as you may be still able to get funding :yep: