Considering Access to HE in Engineering - Advice Needed.

Hi everyone,
I’m 18 and recently completed my first degree (in Banking and Finance) in a country where it’s possible to enter university very young. Unfortunately, the experience completely killed any passion I had for the field, and I’ve realized it’s not the path for me.
After some "soul-searching", I’ve decided to pursue engineering. My plan is to start an Access to HE Diploma in Engineering this September. However, I have a couple of concerns I’d really appreciate advice on:
I live in Birmingham, and so far, the only college I’ve found offering the Access to HE Engineering course is South and City College. Their website is quite vague about the course content, progression routes, and general quality, which makes it hard to judge if it’s a good program.
I’ve been wondering if an Access to HE course is viewed as a reputable way to enter university. This is to say will I have a valid chance of getting into a well-respected engineering program in the UK? How is the Access qualification viewed internationally, compared to A-Levels or BTECs? Would I be able to study abroad in the future or would an Access to HE be a disadvantage?
I’ve also come across the option of doing a BTEC in Engineering, but I’m hesitant because it’s two years long. I’ve heard that Access courses can be just as intensive, but they’re condensed into one year, which is appealing to me.
Does anyone have experience with South and City Access course, or can recommend other colleges in or near Birmingham with great Access to HE programs for engineering?

Hi everyone,
I’m 18 and recently completed my first degree (in Banking and Finance) in a country where it’s possible to enter university very young. Unfortunately, the experience completely killed any passion I had for the field, and I’ve realized it’s not the path for me.
After some "soul-searching", I’ve decided to pursue engineering. My plan is to start an Access to HE Diploma in Engineering this September. However, I have a couple of concerns I’d really appreciate advice on:
I live in Birmingham, and so far, the only college I’ve found offering the Access to HE Engineering course is South and City College. Their website is quite vague about the course content, progression routes, and general quality, which makes it hard to judge if it’s a good program.
I’ve been wondering if an Access to HE course is viewed as a reputable way to enter university. This is to say will I have a valid chance of getting into a well-respected engineering program in the UK? How is the Access qualification viewed internationally, compared to A-Levels or BTECs? Would I be able to study abroad in the future or would an Access to HE be a disadvantage?
I’ve also come across the option of doing a BTEC in Engineering, but I’m hesitant because it’s two years long. I’ve heard that Access courses can be just as intensive, but they’re condensed into one year, which is appealing to me.
Does anyone have experience with South and City Access course, or can recommend other colleges in or near Birmingham with great Access to HE programs for engineering?

@indiscriminate-g
Hello, I've taught on Access to HE for over 10 years (albeit Nursing, but I have also done support for learners on Engineering).
Essentially, Universities love Access to HE students due to the added life experience. If you do the course at a further education college you will get support with your UCAS application for University too. Most engineering pathways are made up of the modules mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and maths - some colleges do not put on engineering as it is quite an expensive pathway to put on (albeit it a very popular one). Classes tend to be very diverse in terms of ethnicity and gender.
The unique selling point of Access is that if you have not used your level 3 entitlement (and you have lived in the UK for over 3 years) the course will be free. If you are over, i think it's 21, or have used up your level 3 allocation you can apply for an advanced learner loan. The unique part, is that Access is the only course where the loan is written off when you complete your degree program later down the line. However, if you are planning to study abroad I would check with the student loan company if this still applies.
Access to Engineering, like the other pathways is a steep climb in one year, but I am sure you can do it
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador