Access diploma

I’m 36 years of age, and would like to do an access diploma at the local college. But because they offer 2 extended diploma courses at level 3 in sport would they offer me a place but was worried about being a lot older then the other students. I’ve already got English GCSE (C)and Btec Level 2 (Merit)could I ask to do GCSE maths resit along Side level 3, or better off for access diploma route.

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Original post

by Christopher184

but was worried about being a lot older then the other students
Most students are fine with older students. There's nothing wrong with it.
If anything, some would appreciate the difference in opinion and life experience.

could I ask to do GCSE maths resit along Side level 3
You should have more than enough time to resit it alongside your BTEC (or Access). Whether they would allow you to do it for free or not would depend on how they see your previous grade for GCSE Maths. If it was below a Grade 4 or C, then you shouldn't need to pay. If it was above that (or the equivalent of a Level 2 in Maths), then it's very likely you would need to pay.

better off for access diploma route.
Personally, I prefer the diploma route if you intend to go to uni to study whatever degree that you want. If you just want a NVQ Level 3, the BTEC extended diploma (worth the equivalent of 3 A Levels) is just as adequate.
The things that really stood out for me with the diploma are:

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It's a year long course instead of 2 years- life is short

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It's designed to mimic the way lecturers teach and the way you need to write and present your work at uni - something you won't get with any A Level or BTEC

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The way they test you would also be very similar to how they test you at uni

For me, the diploma is a better prep for uni life (or rather how it should be).
The diploma is probably just as widely accepted as the BTEC with similar conditions, but A Levels generally are universally accepted i.e. you can't be rejected for the wrong qualifications with A Levels, but you can with Access or BTEC.
I would check the entry requirements of the specific degree courses that you want to do first to see if they accept either the BTEC or Access. If they do, what specific subjects/credits and grades do they want? If the uni accept these alternative qualifications, there are usually some strings attached. I would also double check the uni undergrad admissions for the specific department where they teach the degree course, as they can tell you the specifics that you would need to know e.g. instead of just emailing the general undergrad admissions for the uni, email the undergrad admissions of the life science department/school of the uni.