Is it hard to get Distinctions in an access course?
Is there a percentage that you need to meet to get the mark? Like 90% or something high like that?
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Personally I found them relatively easy to obtain, I finished with 13 distinctions (39 credits) and did not feel like I had put in the work required to get them.. obviously there is a certain degree of hard work you need to put it in to get it.
I'd advise just doing the best you can and fulfill the criteria to the best standard, you'd be surprised how easy it can be to get distinctions
I'd advise just doing the best you can and fulfill the criteria to the best standard, you'd be surprised how easy it can be to get distinctions
I can only echo what Kimchi19 has said. I too received 39 distinctions and 6 merits. If you are prepared to put the time in and read up on the topic and ensure that you meet all aspects of the criteria they set for each module you should be fine. Good luck
Same here i got 13 distinctions and 3 merits, but i did work really hard so maybe it doesn't come as easy to me?
A pass is 40%
a merit is 60%
a distinction is 80%
Good luck!
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A pass is 40%
a merit is 60%
a distinction is 80%
Good luck!
Posted from TSR Mobile
I passed with 30 distinctions and 30 merits exactly, I didn't find it hard at all. You just have to make sure to meet the criteria of each assignment and keep up a good standard of work throughout the year. I found that often the difference between a merit and distinction was the level of analysis in the essays - try to keep description to a minimum. However my course was 100% coursework based so I couldn't speak for those with exams included 
I earned 72credits all at distinction. You only need 60 credits but I did a few extra modules. Not portfolio as I didn't need them but I did all the extra learning science modules. I did the access health science. Definitely one of the best steps I took in life. I found it intense but not hard. I really enjoyed it, now can't wait for uni in September.
My course consisted of an end of unit test (wouldn't call them exam, even though they were called exams) an assignment for each module, or test and essay, or test and practical with the practical write up (lab report) or test and presentation. You required a distinction in Both the learning criteria to end up with a distinction award for that module/unit.
This course had level 2 pass at 40%
Level 3 pass at 60%
Merit at 75%
Distinction at 85%
But when I say getting 100% wasn't that hard I mean it, you just need to say focused as it gets intense, but it prepares you for university really well.
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My course consisted of an end of unit test (wouldn't call them exam, even though they were called exams) an assignment for each module, or test and essay, or test and practical with the practical write up (lab report) or test and presentation. You required a distinction in Both the learning criteria to end up with a distinction award for that module/unit.
This course had level 2 pass at 40%
Level 3 pass at 60%
Merit at 75%
Distinction at 85%
But when I say getting 100% wasn't that hard I mean it, you just need to say focused as it gets intense, but it prepares you for university really well.
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(edited 11 years ago)
Always look at the actual questions that you are asked in assignments and be sure to hit each point outlined in the question(s) as asked.
I'd also recommen trying to go the extra mile to find academic sources outside of the books in the college library...Every student will use these and seeing something different is likely to gain you extra points from the lecturers when marking
Best of luck!
I'd also recommen trying to go the extra mile to find academic sources outside of the books in the college library...Every student will use these and seeing something different is likely to gain you extra points from the lecturers when marking
Best of luck!
I was surprised at how easy it is to obtain distinctions. Provided you cover everything in the assessment criteria there's no reason not to get them. The only worry I have now is with all the spoon-feeding I got at college, uni is going to be a shock to the system!
Original post by *Fallen_Angel*
I was surprised at how easy it is to obtain distinctions. Provided you cover everything in the assessment criteria there's no reason not to get them. The only worry I have now is with all the spoon-feeding I got at college, uni is going to be a shock to the system!
I couldn't agree with you more, I feel the same uni may end up to be a huge shock to the brain.
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Original post by 123ash
I couldn't agree with you more, I feel the same uni may end up to be a huge shock to the brain.
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Lol glad its not just me then!
I think it can depend on the subjects. The humanities subjects are, in my opinion, easier to get distinctions in. I got distinctions in everything unit for English. I found the science subjects a little more difficult, especially in areas I hadn't encountered before.
I do think, however, that it's not necessarily the content that is difficult to handle on the course but the workload.
I do think, however, that it's not necessarily the content that is difficult to handle on the course but the workload.
I got all distinctions and I wouldn't say it was super challenging to do that. Just make sure you turn up to lectures, take notes, and most importantly enjoy it. I found all those who got lower marks didn't spend much time on their assignments, didn't pay as much attention and/or didn't turn up to certain lectures!
Original post by Tigrah99
I passed with 30 distinctions and 30 merits exactly, I didn't find it hard at all. You just have to make sure to meet the criteria of each assignment and keep up a good standard of work throughout the year. I found that often the difference between a merit and distinction was the level of analysis in the essays - try to keep description to a minimum. However my course was 100% coursework based so I couldn't speak for those with exams included
I also passed with 30 Distinctions and 30 Merits in Access to HE Computing (Hopefully going to study Computer Science), what pathway did you take?Original post by 123ash
I earned 72credits all at distinction. You only need 60 credits but I did a few extra modules. Not portfolio as I didn't need them but I did all the extra learning science modules. I did the access health science. Definitely one of the best steps I took in life. I found it intense but not hard. I really enjoyed it, now can't wait for uni in September.
My course consisted of an end of unit test (wouldn't call them exam, even though they were called exams) an assignment for each module, or test and essay, or test and practical with the practical write up (lab report) or test and presentation. You required a distinction in Both the learning criteria to end up with a distinction award for that module/unit.
This course had level 2 pass at 40%
Level 3 pass at 60%
Merit at 75%
Distinction at 85%
But when I say getting 100% wasn't that hard I mean it, you just need to say focused as it gets intense, but it prepares you for university really well.
Posted from TSR Mobile
My course consisted of an end of unit test (wouldn't call them exam, even though they were called exams) an assignment for each module, or test and essay, or test and practical with the practical write up (lab report) or test and presentation. You required a distinction in Both the learning criteria to end up with a distinction award for that module/unit.
This course had level 2 pass at 40%
Level 3 pass at 60%
Merit at 75%
Distinction at 85%
But when I say getting 100% wasn't that hard I mean it, you just need to say focused as it gets intense, but it prepares you for university really well.
Posted from TSR Mobile
Our college only let us take 60 credits, What degree you planning on doing at University?
On my course for each module (3 credits) we had to obtain DDD to get a D overall in a module. I missed out on quite a few D's with DDM, which came out as an overall M. But i'm happy with my 15 D's, 42 M's and 3 P's
I did the Access to Science which was quite challenging, for me anyway.
I did the Access to Science which was quite challenging, for me anyway.
(edited 11 years ago)
Original post by Little Isis
On my course for each module (3 credits) we had to obtain DDD to get a D overall in a module. I missed out on quite a few D's with DDM, which came out as an overall M. But i'm happy with my 15 D's, 42 M's and 3 P's
I did the Access to Science which was quite challenging, for me anyway.
I did the Access to Science which was quite challenging, for me anyway.
Certain aspects of the Computing Access course were challenging but duration is the main problem as the Access course takes a lot of dedication in order to achieve the higher grades.
I managed to get all 60 credits at distinction. I studied psychology, chemistry and biology - I was very organised and diligent; I made an effort to do extra reading and study around the subjects every week. It wasn't easy - I have a 5yr old and 2yr old, but this was important to me.
If you're organised, prepared and willing to put the hours in, then you can achieve distinctions.
Good luck.
If you're organised, prepared and willing to put the hours in, then you can achieve distinctions.
Good luck.
I found that you get out, what you put in when it comes to the access course. I did sciences and was informed they were the most in-depth modules to take. I can only repeat what others have said, if you put the time and effort in you'll get exactly what you want from it.
Although, everyone is different and I noticed that others on the course found it extremely difficult. It only takes a year and is by far one of the best and enjoyable experiences I have done!
Good luck!
Although, everyone is different and I noticed that others on the course found it extremely difficult. It only takes a year and is by far one of the best and enjoyable experiences I have done!
Good luck!
Original post by naf786
Our college only let us take 60 credits, What degree you planning on doing at University?
Radiotherapy and oncology BSc Hons and then move on, but that's the next step.
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