UCAS

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So I'm about 75% the way through doing a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Applied Science apprenticeship with a very well known food manufacturer. I left sixthform before receiving my A Levels and therefore have 0 UCAS points to my name. This apprenticeship will give me 28 UCAS points if (and when) I receive a D*. I am 24, so a mature student and would like to progress further in my education by either doing a degree apprenticeship, or going to university full time. Obviously, 28 UCAS points is not a lot. Is it worth doing an Access to Higher Education course to obtain more UCAS points? The one I am looking at will give me around 140 UCAS points and so I will be set. I had a look at EPQs but they are upwards of £2.5k...the Access to Higher Education course is still over £1,000 but not as much as an EPQ. Any thoughts?

Reply 1

LancashireRep3

Official Rep

9

Original post

by marthastokes11

So I'm about 75% the way through doing a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Applied Science apprenticeship with a very well known food manufacturer. I left sixthform before receiving my A Levels and therefore have 0 UCAS points to my name. This apprenticeship will give me 28 UCAS points if (and when) I receive a D*. I am 24, so a mature student and would like to progress further in my education by either doing a degree apprenticeship, or going to university full time. Obviously, 28 UCAS points is not a lot. Is it worth doing an Access to Higher Education course to obtain more UCAS points? The one I am looking at will give me around 140 UCAS points and so I will be set. I had a look at EPQs but they are upwards of £2.5k...the Access to Higher Education course is still over £1,000 but not as much as an EPQ. Any thoughts?

Hi there!

I would have a look at Access to HE courses over an EPQ as more institutions will accept them and they will always carry UCAS points, where as an EPQ may not!

If you go onto complete HE (ie, a degree) your Advanced Learner Loan (what you use to pay for an Access to HE) can be written off ! https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan

From working in an admissions role for a few years, I would definitely recommend an Access to HE course over an EPQ but the choice is yours ! Either way, it is worth contacting universities before you decide on each one to ensure they would accept it!

I hope this helps,

Rebecca, University of Central Lancashire Ambassador