The (un)Official Thread for Access to HE 2011!
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Original post by rohit_91
Our maths is level 3 and so is our physics on our access course. Ascentis is the first examing board to ever do access courses, they created it like 30 years ago, but they were under a different name back then. But we've broken down the modules and showed like every uni in the country, and some unis have said that they've had external moderators looking at the syllabus and they said the maths is not good enough. Some unis like uni of Liverpool and uni of Surrey said they don't accept access courses whatsoever. But don't get me wrong, this isnt the situation with every uni, its just that SOME don't accept us. Birmingham city said they only accept access for electrical engineering, which is wierd because electrical engineering is one of the most math extensive types of engineering, however, my course mate got an offer from them for automotive engineering.
got me worried nonetheless
got me worried nonetheless
Wrong! Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject including Distinctions in units in Mathematics and Physics. Students must attend interview and take Mathematics assessment.
http://www.liv.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/mechanical-engineering-beng-hons/entry-requirements/
Original post by maturestudy
Wrong! Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject including Distinctions in units in Mathematics and Physics. Students must attend interview and take Mathematics assessment.
http://www.liv.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/mechanical-engineering-beng-hons/entry-requirements/
http://www.liv.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/mechanical-engineering-beng-hons/entry-requirements/
well our class rep actually had an email saying that they are not taking access students, and two months back it actually said on their website that they won't be accepting access and im 100% sure of that.
However, obviously it seems that they have changed their mind about access. Which is annoying because i've only found out after already sending my ucas application.
Original post by rohit_91
well our class rep actually had an email saying that they are not taking access students, and two months back it actually said on their website that they won't be accepting access and im 100% sure of that.
However, obviously it seems that they have changed their mind about access. Which is annoying because i've only found out after already sending my ucas application.
However, obviously it seems that they have changed their mind about access. Which is annoying because i've only found out after already sending my ucas application.
Sorry for the abruptness of the original message. I've just read it back and it sounds awful!
I'm sure it's been discussed previously that Access has made absolutely leaps and bounds in terms of changing the way mature students access higher education. However, there is clearly work still to be done, in particular it is weak at addressing the needs of STEM students (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). On my course, which only covers level 2 maths, there are students with offers to do science and engineering courses at university. I think that blanket, 'we don't take access' statements should always be looked at cynically because with persistence it is possible to convince an admissions tutor that you are made of the right stuff; and, in the end, that is what matters.
Original post by rohit_91
Our maths is level 3 and so is our physics on our access course. Ascentis is the first examing board to ever do access courses, they created it like 30 years ago, but they were under a different name back then. But we've broken down the modules and showed like every uni in the country, and some unis have said that they've had external moderators looking at the syllabus and they said the maths is not good enough. Some unis like uni of Liverpool and uni of Surrey said they don't accept access courses whatsoever. But don't get me wrong, this isnt the situation with every uni, its just that SOME don't accept us. Birmingham city said they only accept access for electrical engineering, which is wierd because electrical engineering is one of the most math extensive types of engineering, however, my course mate got an offer from them for automotive engineering.
got me worried nonetheless
got me worried nonetheless
University of Surrey do accept access courses. You need to be taking one relevant to the subject you want to studying and get 45 credits at level 3, with 60 overall. If you want to study any health-sciences (nursing, midwifery, paramedic practice, operating department practice) then you also need 21 credits at distinction and 12 credits at merit (in the 45 level 3 credits)
Original post by rohit_91
Our maths is level 3 and so is our physics on our access course. Ascentis is the first examing board to ever do access courses, they created it like 30 years ago, but they were under a different name back then. But we've broken down the modules and showed like every uni in the country, and some unis have said that they've had external moderators looking at the syllabus and they said the maths is not good enough. Some unis like uni of Liverpool and uni of Surrey said they don't accept access courses whatsoever. But don't get me wrong, this isnt the situation with every uni, its just that SOME don't accept us. Birmingham city said they only accept access for electrical engineering, which is wierd because electrical engineering is one of the most math extensive types of engineering, however, my course mate got an offer from them for automotive engineering.
got me worried nonetheless
got me worried nonetheless
This concerns me a bit rohit_91 if as you say u doing level 3 maths as well as physics at level 3,is it simply the case u not doing enough level 3 credits in these subject in order to satisfy these universities u speak off? Some might want more than 18 credits at level 3 in Maths ,have u look into this further with the universities who will accept ur qualification or will consider u
(edited 12 years ago)
Hello all!
New member here, three weeks into a January-start HEFC in Newcastle. So far doing English Language and Toolbox.
Here's my question (apologies if it's a stupid one):
Is there a ucas points equivalent for grades? I.e. if I get three distinctions and three merits, how many points is that? Just curious.
dinkypin
New member here, three weeks into a January-start HEFC in Newcastle. So far doing English Language and Toolbox.
Here's my question (apologies if it's a stupid one):
Is there a ucas points equivalent for grades? I.e. if I get three distinctions and three merits, how many points is that? Just curious.
dinkypin
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by dinkypin
Hello all!
New member here, three weeks into a January-start HEFC in Newcastle. So far doing English Language and Toolbox.
Here's my question (apologies if it's a stupid one):
Is there a ucas points equivalent for grades? I.e. if I get three distinctions and three merits, how many points is that? Just curious.
dinkypin
New member here, three weeks into a January-start HEFC in Newcastle. So far doing English Language and Toolbox.
Here's my question (apologies if it's a stupid one):
Is there a ucas points equivalent for grades? I.e. if I get three distinctions and three merits, how many points is that? Just curious.
dinkypin
Hello and welcome!
I don't think there is a ucas equivalent. I'm not sure what HEFC stands for but we have distinctions and merits on the access course and they don't have ucas points.
I'm doing HEFC at Newcastle college as well, the full level 3 access course I'm doing (3 subjects and toolbox) is worth 60 ucas credits, 9 per unit and 6 for toolbox, but this isn't in the same grading bracket as A levels, which give more points but not on the same scale if you get me?
I think it'll be the same for you, 9 credits per unit and 6 for toolbox, but if you get distinctions in english it'll be "9 credits as distinction", same for merit and pass grade. So the amount of credits will be the same but at different grading, hope this helps.
If you need help with toolbox gimme a message.
I think it'll be the same for you, 9 credits per unit and 6 for toolbox, but if you get distinctions in english it'll be "9 credits as distinction", same for merit and pass grade. So the amount of credits will be the same but at different grading, hope this helps.
If you need help with toolbox gimme a message.
Original post by orionmoo
University of Surrey do accept access courses. You need to be taking one relevant to the subject you want to studying and get 45 credits at level 3, with 60 overall. If you want to study any health-sciences (nursing, midwifery, paramedic practice, operating department practice) then you also need 21 credits at distinction and 12 credits at merit (in the 45 level 3 credits)
my friend drove all the way down to the uni of surrey open day, only to be told they dont accept access because in recent years, access students haven't been able to handle the degree courses. Yet it seems that surrey have changed their minds too.
Original post by wizardtop
This concerns me a bit rohit_91 if as you say u doing level 3 maths as well as physics at level 3,is it simply the case u not doing enough level 3 credits in these subject in order to satisfy these universities u speak off? Some might want more than 18 credits at level 3 in Maths ,have u look into this further with the universities who will accept ur qualification or will consider u
some unis are just simply saying that the maths that we are learning isnt strong enough. We have looked into this, our course tutors and course managers etc and the examing board themselve, have all made contact with all of the unis that the access to engineering students would like to apply for, we've got responses. Its just really wierd that some of these unis are thinking that our maths isnt good enough, when in fact the syllabus is tougher than last years access that was tought. It seems unis aren't too fond of ascentis.
Original post by rohit_91
my friend drove all the way down to the uni of surrey open day, only to be told they dont accept access because in recent years, access students haven't been able to handle the degree courses. Yet it seems that surrey have changed their minds too.
Well firstly, a simple email would've solved the first problem, with regards to any university.
Secondly, what year was this, and what course was your friend interested in. The university does not publish that they accept Access courses but they do accept it. But the course HAS to be directly related to the subject they're applying for and they must be doing 45 level 3 credits, with at least 60 overall. Any less than the 45 and it just isn't good enough.
But whatever the case, Surrey do accept Access courses and always have done. I don't believe you've been told the whole story by your friend to be honest.
The moral of the story is: always do your own research.
Original post by maturestudy
Sorry for the abruptness of the original message. I've just read it back and it sounds awful!
I'm sure it's been discussed previously that Access has made absolutely leaps and bounds in terms of changing the way mature students access higher education. However, there is clearly work still to be done, in particular it is weak at addressing the needs of STEM students (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). On my course, which only covers level 2 maths, there are students with offers to do science and engineering courses at university. I think that blanket, 'we don't take access' statements should always be looked at cynically because with persistence it is possible to convince an admissions tutor that you are made of the right stuff; and, in the end, that is what matters.
I'm sure it's been discussed previously that Access has made absolutely leaps and bounds in terms of changing the way mature students access higher education. However, there is clearly work still to be done, in particular it is weak at addressing the needs of STEM students (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). On my course, which only covers level 2 maths, there are students with offers to do science and engineering courses at university. I think that blanket, 'we don't take access' statements should always be looked at cynically because with persistence it is possible to convince an admissions tutor that you are made of the right stuff; and, in the end, that is what matters.
You are right, it may well be possible to persuade admissions tutors to relax their blanket 'we don't take XXX' rules. However, I think the problem is unless a student already has a reasonably strong background in maths/physics/science prior to Access, they may well struggle at Uni with only the Access content to fall back on.
In my experience the level 2 maths is a bit of a joke as well, it doesn't even cover higher level GCSE content, it is simply a bare bones grade C (foundation) equivalent.
It is also somewhat bizzare that students take level 3 credits in certain areas of maths or science, but don't get GCSE higher fundamentals. So in my case I can (just) understand 2 or 3 A-level topics but be lost with higher GCSE content, crazy.
I don't think the majority of Access course address the needs of students wishing to study STEM courses (especially those offered by more traditional universities). However, if students are in it for the long haul they can be used as a good stepping stone to a university run foundation year.
rohit_91
im doing a level 3 access. And i really dont wanna do foundation year because that is the same as the course i am doing.
im doing a level 3 access. And i really dont wanna do foundation year because that is the same as the course i am doing.
^^ What degree are you hoping to do?
I did Access, currently at Uni but wanting to switch to Engineering - to cut a long story short the only way I can do it is by going 'back' to a foundation year..... having examined the content on the foundation year offered by my Uni I can safely say the content is MUCH harder and more in depth than anything the Access course can offer (for a start there are 18-20 contact hours pw and 90% of the course is dedicated to subject specific learning, no burning time with GCSE equivs, etc). - The only overlap would be study skills.
(edited 12 years ago)
this is probably not the ideal place to ask but I don't really want to start a new thread so..... kinda an open question directed to all...
How certain do all you guys feel about the direction you are heading in regards to your chosen degree and subsequent career path? - I mean do you have a plan to do X degree leading to Y career or is getting to university more a personal fulfillment type of goal which is more about the journey than the desination?
How certain do all you guys feel about the direction you are heading in regards to your chosen degree and subsequent career path? - I mean do you have a plan to do X degree leading to Y career or is getting to university more a personal fulfillment type of goal which is more about the journey than the desination?
Original post by BigV
this is probably not the ideal place to ask but I don't really want to start a new thread so..... kinda an open question directed to all...
How certain do all you guys feel about the direction you are heading in regards to your chosen degree and subsequent career path? - I mean do you have a plan to do X degree leading to Y career or is getting to university more a personal fulfillment type of goal which is more about the journey than the desination?
How certain do all you guys feel about the direction you are heading in regards to your chosen degree and subsequent career path? - I mean do you have a plan to do X degree leading to Y career or is getting to university more a personal fulfillment type of goal which is more about the journey than the desination?
quite a good question to ask Big V.As you aware i hope to go into Health at the moment,i have received no offers as yet and i will build on the positive feedback i have received for my rejections.my remaining choices that i have left,I do intend to build upon this feedback and read up on more stuff and research so when i go for further interviews,i will come across as a more stronger applicant.
However having said that If i do get onto my chosen degree,i really hope to specialise at a later stage in my career and do further quals and training.
I aim to do a MPhil or possiable PHD eventually in the near future
Original post by rohit_91
my friend drove all the way down to the uni of surrey open day, only to be told they dont accept access because in recent years, access students haven't been able to handle the degree courses. Yet it seems that surrey have changed their minds too.
some unis are just simply saying that the maths that we are learning isnt strong enough. We have looked into this, our course tutors and course managers etc and the examing board themselve, have all made contact with all of the unis that the access to engineering students would like to apply for, we've got responses. Its just really wierd that some of these unis are thinking that our maths isnt good enough, when in fact the syllabus is tougher than last years access that was tought. It seems unis aren't too fond of ascentis.
some unis are just simply saying that the maths that we are learning isnt strong enough. We have looked into this, our course tutors and course managers etc and the examing board themselve, have all made contact with all of the unis that the access to engineering students would like to apply for, we've got responses. Its just really wierd that some of these unis are thinking that our maths isnt good enough, when in fact the syllabus is tougher than last years access that was tought. It seems unis aren't too fond of ascentis.
You havnt told me rohit_91 in ur reply how many level 3 credits u are possiable doing and what ur covering?? as i would have thought for a engineering degree as i said previously you would need to do enough credits to even be considered.Maybe its one of these deciding factors these various universities are mainly concerned about.Its not just the exam board but how much a Access student covers in a year,more level 3 credits would have helped you somewhat in the subjects that were required for your chosen degree.
As you are aware rohit_91 Engineering in my experience there is a lot of maths involved in it and i also seem to remember other things like physics but applied to engineering
Original post by BigV
this is probably not the ideal place to ask but I don't really want to start a new thread so..... kinda an open question directed to all...
How certain do all you guys feel about the direction you are heading in regards to your chosen degree and subsequent career path? - I mean do you have a plan to do X degree leading to Y career or is getting to university more a personal fulfillment type of goal which is more about the journey than the desination?
How certain do all you guys feel about the direction you are heading in regards to your chosen degree and subsequent career path? - I mean do you have a plan to do X degree leading to Y career or is getting to university more a personal fulfillment type of goal which is more about the journey than the desination?
Well I worked backwards. I knew what degree I wanted to do so found the best access course to get me there. However along the way I've realised there are things I had never considered before and maybe if I was younger and richer I would look at courses based on personal fulfillment rather than on the job at the end.
Original post by wizardtop
I am sure u will enjoy it more as you are further into the course jmfc,glad things are going well and shortly u be receiving ur first graded assignment back 
And then hopefuly I'll come back here to say it went extremely well! I guess that if I ever get a distinction I'll be extremely happy. I have always been too demanding with myself and always want to do the best of me, and always get mad at myself and rather frustrated when I fail to do my best. Back in GCSEs, I'd cry like a child if I get a C. I would only be really happy with As. Each time I got a B, I got "ok" about it, but a bit unsatisfied. Hopefuly this will make me work harder, although I think this is not a very positive trait, as I sometimes may tend to become anxious, or God forbidd, depressed, which is not good. Over-thinking it is also not good, so hopefuly I will learn to set more realistic goals for myself, and learn how to calm down...
It should be like this "I do my best and therefore I am happy with the results whatever they might be". Shouldn't it? Can this actually be done?
Original post by BigV
You are right, it may well be possible to persuade admissions tutors to relax their blanket 'we don't take XXX' rules. However, I think the problem is unless a student already has a reasonably strong background in maths/physics/science prior to Access, they may well struggle at Uni with only the Access content to fall back on.
In my experience the level 2 maths is a bit of a joke as well, it doesn't even cover higher level GCSE content, it is simply a bare bones grade C (foundation) equivalent.
It is also somewhat bizzare that students take level 3 credits in certain areas of maths or science, but don't get GCSE higher fundamentals. So in my case I can (just) understand 2 or 3 A-level topics but be lost with higher GCSE content, crazy.
I don't think the majority of Access course address the needs of students wishing to study STEM courses (especially those offered by more traditional universities). However, if students are in it for the long haul they can be used as a good stepping stone to a university run foundation year.
^^ What degree are you hoping to do?
I did Access, currently at Uni but wanting to switch to Engineering - to cut a long story short the only way I can do it is by going 'back' to a foundation year..... having examined the content on the foundation year offered by my Uni I can safely say the content is MUCH harder and more in depth than anything the Access course can offer (for a start there are 18-20 contact hours pw and 90% of the course is dedicated to subject specific learning, no burning time with GCSE equivs, etc). - The only overlap would be study skills.
In my experience the level 2 maths is a bit of a joke as well, it doesn't even cover higher level GCSE content, it is simply a bare bones grade C (foundation) equivalent.
It is also somewhat bizzare that students take level 3 credits in certain areas of maths or science, but don't get GCSE higher fundamentals. So in my case I can (just) understand 2 or 3 A-level topics but be lost with higher GCSE content, crazy.
I don't think the majority of Access course address the needs of students wishing to study STEM courses (especially those offered by more traditional universities). However, if students are in it for the long haul they can be used as a good stepping stone to a university run foundation year.
^^ What degree are you hoping to do?
I did Access, currently at Uni but wanting to switch to Engineering - to cut a long story short the only way I can do it is by going 'back' to a foundation year..... having examined the content on the foundation year offered by my Uni I can safely say the content is MUCH harder and more in depth than anything the Access course can offer (for a start there are 18-20 contact hours pw and 90% of the course is dedicated to subject specific learning, no burning time with GCSE equivs, etc). - The only overlap would be study skills.
I agree with you BigV. Access fails a lot of STEM students. I'm surprised that an Engineering specific Access course is not accepted and yet some students have managed to wangle their way onto courses with just basic level 2 maths. I think an engineering foundation year at uni. would be much more involved than Access and would be a pretty good way to go.
It seems like 90% of my fellow students are hoping to do healthcare or teaching - and Access does seem very well suited to this.
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by jami74
No don't feel sad, it wasn't meant to come out that way. It's a good 'emotionally intense' feeling. I mean, I've been on high alert excitement for months now. I thrive on challenges, chaos and stress and am loving every moment. I really wish that we weren't already half way through, I want it to last forever.
Oh, I misundertood you. Sorry about that.
I am happy you feel that way, I tend to anxiety myself (althought if I could get rid of it I'd be overly happy and ever thankful) and always feel slightly anxious even in my "normal mode". That kills me sometimes, but when I feel ZEN that is a very bad sign. I am either ill or very sad. So I feel you there, I almost can feel how you feel. If that makes sense! Sorry about my English, it's my second language and I have been here for a very short time. Hopefuly it will improve!
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