The Student Room Group

What is my best path to uni?

Hello. I have just turned 20 and wish to get back into studying. I left college at 16 due to health issues and being unable to continue studies in person. Over these past couple of years, my health has improved, and I have worked temp / part-time jobs, but nothing has stuck.

Recently, I began researching what my best course of action is to get to uni. Of course, Access courses came up instantly, but I am still hesitant to start one since it will have to be online (none of my local colleges offer an Art and Design course, and I am interested in studying Graphic Design). I have also heard about foundation years in universities, which are directly related to the subject you want to study, and not as broad as Access courses, but as I understand it, you would still need some sort of level 3 qualification to apply to those, which I do not have. My only qualifications are my GCSES, and I don't have any relevant work experience in the subject I want to study.

It's also so difficult to choose a provider for the course. I've seen Learndirect pop up a lot, but it's always 50/50 in the reviews. I'm not sure if it's better to choose an actual college like the East Sussex College Group, but they might not be as experienced in distance learning and therefore have worse support or materials.

If anyone has any experience in this field, I'd appreciate some guidance.
Original post by arrogant-stab
Hello. I have just turned 20 and wish to get back into studying. I left college at 16 due to health issues and being unable to continue studies in person. Over these past couple of years, my health has improved, and I have worked temp / part-time jobs, but nothing has stuck.
Recently, I began researching what my best course of action is to get to uni. Of course, Access courses came up instantly, but I am still hesitant to start one since it will have to be online (none of my local colleges offer an Art and Design course, and I am interested in studying Graphic Design). I have also heard about foundation years in universities, which are directly related to the subject you want to study, and not as broad as Access courses, but as I understand it, you would still need some sort of level 3 qualification to apply to those, which I do not have. My only qualifications are my GCSES, and I don't have any relevant work experience in the subject I want to study.
It's also so difficult to choose a provider for the course. I've seen Learndirect pop up a lot, but it's always 50/50 in the reviews. I'm not sure if it's better to choose an actual college like the East Sussex College Group, but they might not be as experienced in distance learning and therefore have worse support or materials.
If anyone has any experience in this field, I'd appreciate some guidance.

hi @arrogant-stab its great that your considering higher education! its a big step and its good that you are fully considering it.

I'm not sure what you are using to find courses but i always recommend using the access to higher education site's search feature. you can also set it to only show distanced learning courses!

You are right, uni's do require at least some level 3 qualifications, and as most access to he courses are only 1 year, it takes up less time than doing a-levels, or btecs which generally take 2+ years.

Looking at reviews is a very good idea! Another thing you can do is email some unis and check to see if they would accept the course from that provider, im sure most of them will but it may help put you at peace about it.

I hope this helps you a bit!
Blue-TSR student ambassador

Reply 2

Original post by UniOfBrightonRep
hi @arrogant-stab its great that your considering higher education! its a big step and its good that you are fully considering it.
I'm not sure what you are using to find courses but i always recommend using the access to higher education site's search feature. you can also set it to only show distanced learning courses!
You are right, uni's do require at least some level 3 qualifications, and as most access to he courses are only 1 year, it takes up less time than doing a-levels, or btecs which generally take 2+ years.
Looking at reviews is a very good idea! Another thing you can do is email some unis and check to see if they would accept the course from that provider, im sure most of them will but it may help put you at peace about it.
I hope this helps you a bit!
Blue-TSR student ambassador

I'm scared of commiting to a course that is a scam. I read more about Learndirect, and A LOT of people said they are a poor company and to stay away. The best looking option I found is the East Sussex College Group, which seems to be a normal college that also offers E-Learning. (I found both of these on the access to higher education site).
Have you considered the Open University or the Open College of the Arts?
They have no entry requirements.

Reply 4

Original post by PinkMobilePhone
Have you considered the Open University or the Open College of the Arts?
They have no entry requirements.

As far as I know, they are both online only, right? The only reason I will be doing the Access course online is because none of my local colleges offer the course I want. After I have my diploma, I will be looking to go to uni in person and live in student accommodation.
Original post by arrogant-stab
As far as I know, they are both online only, right? The only reason I will be doing the Access course online is because none of my local colleges offer the course I want. After I have my diploma, I will be looking to go to uni in person and live in student accommodation.

Yes they're online only.
Fair enough if you want to go to a brick uni then yes an Access course is your best option

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