[Uncertain]

Yes, my first post on this forum is a mini rant. :P

I'll try not to ramble on too much though.



I'm a mature student, who desperately wants to study a language degree at University.

I looked into the requirements for the course I want to do and saw that they ask for 1 of the languages at A Level, so I took a G.C.S.E. in my 1st choice language, with the intention of going onto the A Level afterwards.

My problem now is that, although there was an A Level offered in my chosen language at the time I enrolled for the G.C.S.E., now that I have completed it, the college I found are no longer offering the A level for mature students (due to insufficient interest), and I have been unable to find anyone else near me who does.

I got a lot out of my G.C.S.E. course, including beginning to tackle a problem I have with nerves/freezing in exams (which I knew I'd have to get over if I want to go to Uni). So it's not been a complete waste, but it's still annoying knowing that my efforts will mean nothing in terms of getting me onto the course I want to do.

Some places say that 'relevant experience in a language' will be considered instead of the A Level, however, from what I understand, that seems to mean having lived/worked in a country that speaks the language you want to study. So that wouldn't help me.

Because of that, I'm guessing my only real option will be to effectively start over; start my second language for G.C.S.E. and follow that onto an A Level. It would mean adding another year to my studies before I can apply to Uni, which would be a pain. However, I'd be willing to do that to get onto the course I want.

Is there anything else I could do to improve my chances of getting onto the course without the A Level? Or should I just accept the fact that it's going to take a year longer than I'd hoped to get there?

I intend to carry on learning my 1st choice language by myself anyway, it's just frustrating knowing that I wont be able to use my G.C.S.E.

[jim'll]

Though my advice is no substitution for discussing this with the admissions department, from what you've said, I would suggest that the better option are either self-teaching the A-level or completing an OU course, rather than going back to square one with another GCSE.

I must stress that I am not sure how everything works on the new system with student finance and the like, but the open university "access to success" scheme could be a decent one if an appropriate course is included there. Hopefully a decent grade in a language module with the OU would be the "relevant experience" that they're after. If you were to take student loans to pay OU fees, there may be difficulties in obtaining full student finance on the actual language degree when you get there, so discuss with OU/SLC if needed.

Best bet is to speak to the admissions tutor at the university, who may be able to give some guidance. Admissions criteria are usually a it more flexible for older folk

[boomersooner]

Which language did you take at GCSE? I ask as there are sometimes different requirements for mature students depending where you wish to study vis a vis whether you can take a language ab initio. Many universities may consider a mature applicant with access for an ab initio language because they would probably class someone with a GCSE in the language as still being a beginner. Going that route it would only take you a year to get onto your degree.

[Owly]

Check with the admissions tutor, as others have said, to see how much flexibility they offer. I don't imagine they'd be particularly flexible given the way languages are taught and the greater depth of study needed for A Level.

Self-study works for some people, but I'm not sure how far that applies to languages - to get some degree of competency, you'll need regular listening/speaking exercises in a group setting.

[Epica]

Is it really worth paying 36k + for studying a language at uni?

[edjunkie]

A self study A level option would be to find a language tutor locally to help you complete the course. If you are able to fund 2-4 one to one sessions a month and are motivated to self study it could be enough to complete the A level successfully. You could supplement your tutor sessions by seeing if you find someone interested in a language exchange or a language conversation group.

Another option is to check if there are any private tutorial colleges locally who specialise in revision classes for A level students.

If that is not viable and you are studying a European language, check with the embassy if they have any language schools in the UK. For example for French the institut Francais and German the Goethe Institut both offer good quality language courses which could bring your language skills to University standard. They have a variety of study modes. If they are in an accessible location for you or you are in the position to do an intensive course for 2-4 weeks during the holidays.

[MarcJBrown]

(Original post by Epica)
Is it really worth paying 36k + for studying a language at uni?

What a ridiculous question. If you're not going to help, why bother posting?

[Uncertain]

Thanks for the responses.

I've been looking into it further, spoken with the University, and it seems I finally have some good news.

They will accept an Access Course as the A Level equivalent, (I'll need to acheive a certain amount of credit at level 3 for it to count of course), and I can start the language from scratch.

The only problem now is that there are no language based Access Courses, so I'll have to try and find the best fit. The University recommended the Humanities course, so I'll probably go that route, if I can get a place on a course here.

I've sent in an application, so now all I can do is wait, and hope.

*fingers crossed*


I'm going to be doing some research, and looking into what the Access Course involves. I'm not sure what to expect.

I'd appreciate any advice from people who have completed an Access Course, or who know more about what it entails/how it works. I see that there are some threads on the subject in this forum, so I'll take some time to read through them as well.

Whoever thought I'd be this excited about going back to a classroom? lol


Oh, and I forgot to mention in my first post; The language I took a G.C.S.E. in (and the one I'll hopefully be doing for the degree) is German.


Response to Epica; Yes, it is completely worth it!.

[MarcJBrown]

(Original post by Uncertain)
Thanks for the responses.

I've been looking into it further, spoken with the University, and it seems I finally have some good news.

They will accept an Access Course as the A Level equivalent, (I'll need to acheive a certain amount of credit at level 3 for it to count of course), and I can start the language from scratch.

The only problem now is that there are no language based Access Courses, so I'll have to try and find the best fit. The University recommended the Humanities course, so I'll probably go that route, if I can get a place on a course here.

I've sent in an application, so now all I can do is wait, and hope.

*fingers crossed*


I'm going to be doing some research, and looking into what the Access Course involves. I'm not sure what to expect.

I'd appreciate any advice from people who have completed an Access Course, or who know more about what it entails/how it works. I see that there are some threads on the subject in this forum, so I'll take some time to read through them as well.

Whoever thought I'd be this excited about going back to a classroom? lol


Oh, and I forgot to mention in my first post; The language I took a G.C.S.E. in (and the one I'll hopefully be doing for the degree) is German.


Response to Epica; Yes, it is completely worth it!.

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/show...ht=TomU+access

This is will cover pretty much everything you need to know about an access course.

[boomersooner]

(Original post by Uncertain)
[/B]...

For German being a relatively popular european language you could also try the open university modules they offer as many universities also accept these as part of CATS and they would help you keep going with the language.

I am also going back to university as a mature student and am applying for degrees that have a language element rather than the whole degree. I did not do Access as there was not one suitable in my area however I did look into it and in so far as I recall the Arts and Humanities Access is the most suitable as there are no specific language Access courses. Though I have been told by more than one university that they accept all Access courses for languages as they are often undersubscribed.

Good luck it sounds like you have a plan

[Uncertain]

Update time!

I've been accepted on a part time access course (2 days a week).

At the moment I'm torn between happy/excited and nervous/scared (ok terrified).
I have no idea what to expect, but my first day is tomorrow, so I guess I'll find out soon enough.

I'm really looking forward to getting back into 'study mode', but I'm a little afraid of being overwhelmed by it all.

I just hope I can get some sleep tonight, because being tired before I go can't be a good way to start.