University Centre Somerset is part of Bridgwater & Taunton College and works in partnership with Plymouth University, Oxford Brookes University, University of the West of England, and the Open University
Who is this course for?
This very popular course is for you if you are over 19, interested in returning to education but lack confidence because you may not have appropriate qualifications. The Access to HE course is designed to meet your needs by helping you to gain new skills and qualifications. You can use the qualification to gain a place at university or to enhance your career prospects.
Course Description
You choose a diploma and academic subjects suitable for your career aspiration. All our Access Diplomas are made up of three Level 3 units with graded academic subject content and other Level 2 or ungraded Level 3 academic preparation skills units, which offer generic, introductory or personal development skills.
On the Humanities Diploma you can therefore choose three from the following subjects: English Language, History, Psychology and Sociology. In addition there will be core components such as study skills, ICT, English and Maths.
Students are advised to organise their own work experience after consultation with universities.
The course runs from September until June. The precise days and times you will need to attend will depend on the combination of subjects you decide to study. This will be explained to you and discussed in detail prior to an offer of a place being made.
Our Access course is validated through Ascentis, which is licensed as an Access Validating Agency by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), and is approved to award the Access to Higher Education Diploma. The Access Diploma to Higher Education is a nationally recognised diploma and enables learners to apply to higher education courses in universities and colleges.
Teaching and Assessment
You will produce a portfolio of work over the year. You gain credits for the assignments you do. You accumulate credits towards the diploma. There are exams in some subjects.
Progression Opportunities
Please note: most university courses require GCSE Maths and/or English. There is opportunity to study both alongside your Access programme if you need to.
Career Progression
Progression routes in the past have included:
Entry Requirements