Does which college I go to for my access course matter?

It doesn't really make any difference what college you go to. Most further education institutions are judged about the same by universities. The thing that is, however, important is the course content that is taught at each college.

You should do a bit of research into each of the colleges to find out exactly what their Access course consists of. Each institution will have its own curriculum and, depending on the degree that you want to do, you may have to be extremely careful about what course you sign up for. This advice is especially important to take into account if you want to get into any science based degree, as the degree courses often require prerequisite knowledge which is only taught at some colleges.

Check with the universities exactly what they require, then check with the colleges you intend to go to to ensure that their course meets the spec that the universities have stipulated. That's your safest bet.

When you do an Access course, your assignments are graded and you are awarded credits. These can be either at level 2 (GCSE) or level 3 (A Level).

Level 2 credits can only be gained at "pass" level. Level 3 credits, however, can be earnt at either Pass, Merit or Distinction. You'll get grade descriptors with each assignment so you'll know what you need to do in order to get merits and distinctions at level 3.

In order to complete your access course, you'll need to get a minimum of 45 credits at level 3 (any grade) and 15 credits at level 2. Some universities, such as your Newcastle example, may require some of your level 3 credits to be achieved at a certain grade though to meet their conditions of entry.

The idea is simply to make it easier for universities to determine how able a student is. If you get 45 distinctions at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2, this is worth the equivalent of A*AA at A level, for example, whilst a mere pass might be worth EEE at A level. Universities all have differing requirements and some are vague about what they'll accept on an Access course, whilst they state A-level requirements. A useful table to get an idea of what Access credits are in "A level currency" is here:

http://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/undergraduate/apply/201011Equivalenciesv2.pdf

Ok I understand now, thanks for all the help. (I repped you).

Do you think universitys judge your application on which college you studied your access course? or is it just purely judged upon the grades you achieved while you were there?

If it helps I'm looking to apply to Nottingham, Reading, Newcastle & Harper Adams. (i.e do you think these unis would judge my application on where I went to college).

Thanks

Harper Adams? You must be doing an Agriculture or related degree then. I'd avoid the place like the plague if I were you, as the Royal Ag are planning major payback after HA decided to plough (yes, a tractor and plough!) the Ag's rugby pitch

In all seriousness (and having a mate from Access thats now at the Royal Ag), there is no reason that you shouldn't be able to get on to a decent agricultural course with the right grades and a decent reference from the vast majority of Access course providers (as long as they teach modules that your chosen uni's are happy with) - I don't think that the course provider is the important bit.

With all respect to Tom, the Durham table gives a good idea of how some unis see it but others do not follow those kind of guidelines. (unforunately).

Haha! yeah I'm looking to study farm business management, to be honest harper was going to be my last choice! .

All the unis I listed have already stated that if I study modules in chemistry, biology and buisiness they will definately consider me; so I guess that means I'm in with a chance. Does it only matter to the unis what modules your studying (i.e chemistry & biology) or do they also want to know the content of each module?