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Has Anyone Done An Access Course?
Okay so I've just recently discovered about access courses and how it would be equivalent to A levels but only requires one year.I have been researching about it & it sounds like something i would be interested in.But before I make my mind up about it,i just want to know someone else's personal experience with access courses & if they would recommend it.I am currently 19 & i had dropped out of college due to personal reasons and therefore was not able to complete my A-levels.Now im more motivated & it seems like retaking my A-levels would be long & i really want to go to Uni as soon as possible.Im hoping to do law as ive always had interest in it & i have worked in Law firm for a whole year.Is it hard as some people say?How does it work exactly?
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The work itself is no harder than A Levels, it's just more intensive.
I would say about three quarters of universities are happy to accept them while from what I've read some of the higher ranking universities aren't very keen on them.
I would say about three quarters of universities are happy to accept them while from what I've read some of the higher ranking universities aren't very keen on them.
Original post by TobaccoSmoke
The work itself is no harder than A Levels, it's just more intensive.
I would say about three quarters of universities are happy to accept them while from what I've read some of the higher ranking universities aren't very keen on them.
I would say about three quarters of universities are happy to accept them while from what I've read some of the higher ranking universities aren't very keen on them.
Okay thank you!Is it just coursework?
Access courses still vary a bit as to how they award credits. For my course it is only the sciences and maths that are significant in their exam content and how they count towards your mark for the unit.
For example Biology has an exam that counts for 6 credits and is the sole form of assessment, as well as another exam that was assessed alongside a piece of coursework for another 6 credits (15 credits total for each subject).
History on the other hand had a timed response 'exam' where you were given 3 questions 2 weeks before and prepared an answer to write under timed conditions. Interestingly this timed response was taken together with an assignment and if you had already received distinction in all criteria areas in your assignment you only needed to pass your exam to receive distinction for the unit.
For example Biology has an exam that counts for 6 credits and is the sole form of assessment, as well as another exam that was assessed alongside a piece of coursework for another 6 credits (15 credits total for each subject).
History on the other hand had a timed response 'exam' where you were given 3 questions 2 weeks before and prepared an answer to write under timed conditions. Interestingly this timed response was taken together with an assignment and if you had already received distinction in all criteria areas in your assignment you only needed to pass your exam to receive distinction for the unit.
Im trying to get onto one of these courses at the moment too.
I did an Access Course. Most of it was coursework based, although I did have exams in English and Maths. It was quite intensive, there is quite a bit of work, and lots of deadlines around the same time - which helped prepare me for university.
Most universities, if not all, accept the access course - even the higher ranked ones. (I've seen people get accepted in to both Oxford and Cambridge, as well as UCL, Kings etc with an access course).
It is a one year course but you do quite a few subjects. I did History, Sociology, Psychology, IT, English, Maths and Study Skills - mine was a 'humanities' access to he course. They are the same level as A Levels.
I study Law now at University. Though I'm currently transferring to another one in September to start my degree again at a much better university (1994 group).
Most universities, if not all, accept the access course - even the higher ranked ones. (I've seen people get accepted in to both Oxford and Cambridge, as well as UCL, Kings etc with an access course).
It is a one year course but you do quite a few subjects. I did History, Sociology, Psychology, IT, English, Maths and Study Skills - mine was a 'humanities' access to he course. They are the same level as A Levels.
I study Law now at University. Though I'm currently transferring to another one in September to start my degree again at a much better university (1994 group).
Hi
I'm in the process of finishing my access course (5weeks left)
It has been brilliant. The college I'm at do a social sciences or health pathway.
Social science - psychology, social psychology, social policy and welfare, sociology of health, sociology and access project (mini dissertation)
Health pathway is biology, professional practise, psychology, health promotion and access project (mini dissertation)
On top if that you pick subjects at level 2 (which have to combine to 15 credits, normally 2-3 subjects) ICT, study skills, maths, English.
Level 2 are VERY easy. The others are normally assignment based (3 assignments per subject apart from biology which has 6)
Hope that helps.
I'm in the process of finishing my access course (5weeks left)
It has been brilliant. The college I'm at do a social sciences or health pathway.
Social science - psychology, social psychology, social policy and welfare, sociology of health, sociology and access project (mini dissertation)
Health pathway is biology, professional practise, psychology, health promotion and access project (mini dissertation)
On top if that you pick subjects at level 2 (which have to combine to 15 credits, normally 2-3 subjects) ICT, study skills, maths, English.
Level 2 are VERY easy. The others are normally assignment based (3 assignments per subject apart from biology which has 6)
Hope that helps.
Hi,
I am also finishing up my Access Course. It has been a very coursework intensive process with a few exams here and their.
I am doing a Social Science Access course! Inc: Social Policy, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Maths and English.
I have loved it, it's been very eye opening and informative. I have been accepted by the top uni in my chosen subject BSc Social Policy, It's a Russell Group uni and one of the best in the country...So I think all uni's accept Access as long as you show your potential.
Good luck.
I am also finishing up my Access Course. It has been a very coursework intensive process with a few exams here and their.
I am doing a Social Science Access course! Inc: Social Policy, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Maths and English.
I have loved it, it's been very eye opening and informative. I have been accepted by the top uni in my chosen subject BSc Social Policy, It's a Russell Group uni and one of the best in the country...So I think all uni's accept Access as long as you show your potential.
Good luck.
I am just finishing my Access course too.
Mine is Access to Science and I have core Level 3 modules of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and optional level 3 modules of Applied Maths, Further Maths and Statistics. There are also the compulsory level 2 modules of Core Maths, Core IT and Study Skills (communications).
It has been a mix of course work, closed book and also open book "exams". The exams are done in class rooms and although are not strict exam conditions, they might as well be.
I got offers (for physics) from two of the best uni's in the country Bristol and Leeds, and also offers from mid ranked Uni's like Swansea and Glamorgan. I have opted to chose Bristol.
Mine is Access to Science and I have core Level 3 modules of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and optional level 3 modules of Applied Maths, Further Maths and Statistics. There are also the compulsory level 2 modules of Core Maths, Core IT and Study Skills (communications).
It has been a mix of course work, closed book and also open book "exams". The exams are done in class rooms and although are not strict exam conditions, they might as well be.
I got offers (for physics) from two of the best uni's in the country Bristol and Leeds, and also offers from mid ranked Uni's like Swansea and Glamorgan. I have opted to chose Bristol.
Original post by Desperate Dan
Access courses still vary a bit as to how they award credits. For my course it is only the sciences and maths that are significant in their exam content and how they count towards your mark for the unit.
For example Biology has an exam that counts for 6 credits and is the sole form of assessment, as well as another exam that was assessed alongside a piece of coursework for another 6 credits (15 credits total for each subject).
History on the other hand had a timed response 'exam' where you were given 3 questions 2 weeks before and prepared an answer to write under timed conditions. Interestingly this timed response was taken together with an assignment and if you had already received distinction in all criteria areas in your assignment you only needed to pass your exam to receive distinction for the unit.
For example Biology has an exam that counts for 6 credits and is the sole form of assessment, as well as another exam that was assessed alongside a piece of coursework for another 6 credits (15 credits total for each subject).
History on the other hand had a timed response 'exam' where you were given 3 questions 2 weeks before and prepared an answer to write under timed conditions. Interestingly this timed response was taken together with an assignment and if you had already received distinction in all criteria areas in your assignment you only needed to pass your exam to receive distinction for the unit.
does anyone know how long an access course lasts? e.g. will most end this june? for the past year?
Original post by stephyy_x
does anyone know how long an access course lasts? e.g. will most end this june? for the past year?
For my course as long as you don't need to repeat any failed unit assessments then the course ends just before the May half term.
Original post by Desperate Dan
For my course as long as you don't need to repeat any failed unit assessments then the course ends just before the May half term.
when did you start your course? if you don't mind me asking
Just finishing up mine. Most difficult thing ive ever had to do - workload wise,time management etc.
If you stick with it and keep upto deadlines it'll still be hard but rewarding! Good luck
If you stick with it and keep upto deadlines it'll still be hard but rewarding! Good luck
I finish my access course in June. I have found the syllabus to be a similar level to A Levels (which I did in 1995-97), but less breadth - there simply isn't the time to cover what you would in a 2yr A Level course. That said, because the work is a similar level to A level, it is more intensive; there are a lot of tight deadlines with the work being condensened into a year.
I have firmed an offer from a Russell Group university for biomed - so I do think they rank alongside traditional A Level qualifications.
Good luck.
I have firmed an offer from a Russell Group university for biomed - so I do think they rank alongside traditional A Level qualifications.
Good luck.
(edited 11 years ago)
Original post by stephyy_x
when did you start your course? if you don't mind me asking
This year lessons started around the 10th of Sept with induction on the Thurs/Fri of the week before. I've done my course part time over 2 years and it was pretty much the same period the year before.
Hi,
I'm just coming to the end of my access course. I'm studying law, criminology and sociology. I've studied a levels, a few technical qualifications and been to uni (didn't graduate), this course has been my best experience of education.
At the college I'm studying at we have had to do a presentation, a closed book test and coursework pieces in each subject area.
I got offers from the five universities I applied to and should be starting my law degree in September at the university of Manchester.
I hope this has been of some help.
Regards,
Loco
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I'm just coming to the end of my access course. I'm studying law, criminology and sociology. I've studied a levels, a few technical qualifications and been to uni (didn't graduate), this course has been my best experience of education.
At the college I'm studying at we have had to do a presentation, a closed book test and coursework pieces in each subject area.
I got offers from the five universities I applied to and should be starting my law degree in September at the university of Manchester.
I hope this has been of some help.
Regards,
Loco
Posted from TSR Mobile
I'm just about to finish my Access to Science course.
I've found it challenging in terms of the workload, but the actual work itself is manageable. I recently received an offer to study Biomedical Science at the University of Warwick, so I'm extremely pleased about that. We study the core subjects (English, Maths, IT) plus your specialised subject, which is Science in my case. The whole course is taught at level 3 (A-Level standard). I'd definitely recommend an Access course for anyone without proper qualifications that wants to study at a higher level. It's one of the best things I've ever done.
I've found it challenging in terms of the workload, but the actual work itself is manageable. I recently received an offer to study Biomedical Science at the University of Warwick, so I'm extremely pleased about that. We study the core subjects (English, Maths, IT) plus your specialised subject, which is Science in my case. The whole course is taught at level 3 (A-Level standard). I'd definitely recommend an Access course for anyone without proper qualifications that wants to study at a higher level. It's one of the best things I've ever done.
I'm coming to the end of an Access to Medicine course.
We study Chemistry, Biology and Physics as the core subjects, we then have epidemiology, statistics and a project/mini-dissertation to complete as well.
It is fairly intensive, with regards to the workload, but that's to be expected. There was a small period of adjustment, where time management and revision had to be gotten used to again, but on the whole it was mostly painless. I've received three offers to study medicine, which makes it all seem very worthwhile.
We study Chemistry, Biology and Physics as the core subjects, we then have epidemiology, statistics and a project/mini-dissertation to complete as well.
It is fairly intensive, with regards to the workload, but that's to be expected. There was a small period of adjustment, where time management and revision had to be gotten used to again, but on the whole it was mostly painless. I've received three offers to study medicine, which makes it all seem very worthwhile.
(edited 11 years ago)
Original post by Jennienarwin
Okay so I've just recently discovered about access courses and how it would be equivalent to A levels but only requires one year.I have been researching about it & it sounds like something i would be interested in.But before I make my mind up about it,i just want to know someone else's personal experience with access courses & if they would recommend it.I am currently 19 & i had dropped out of college due to personal reasons and therefore was not able to complete my A-levels.Now im more motivated & it seems like retaking my A-levels would be long & i really want to go to Uni as soon as possible.Im hoping to do law as ive always had interest in it & i have worked in Law firm for a whole year.Is it hard as some people say?How does it work exactly?
I am coming to the end of mine now, I am studying human physiology and anatomy alongside sociology. It is a 30 week intense course that requires a lot of your spare time to do assignments and independent study.
I really have enjoyed it, I have just accepted a place at UCLan for an Adult Nursing degree with it alongside other qualifications.
I would advise people to do this who have either left college or have been out of education for a while that need up to date qualifications.
Check with the colleges hosting it as I had to pay for my course, as it wasn't my first level 3.
Also check with the universities you are applying to in the future to see if they accept the access course
Rachael. X
Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by Jennienarwin
Okay so I've just recently discovered about access courses and how it would be equivalent to A levels but only requires one year.I have been researching about it & it sounds like something i would be interested in.But before I make my mind up about it,i just want to know someone else's personal experience with access courses & if they would recommend it.I am currently 19 & i had dropped out of college due to personal reasons and therefore was not able to complete my A-levels.Now im more motivated & it seems like retaking my A-levels would be long & i really want to go to Uni as soon as possible.Im hoping to do law as ive always had interest in it & i have worked in Law firm for a whole year.Is it hard as some people say?How does it work exactly?
I did an access course in business studies and i did it in 4 months at Bolton Uni full time. There was quite a lot of work and assignments but it was fine and i got help when i needed it ! i also did a levels and dropped out and its nothing like A levels i much prefer the access course x
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