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 and interested in returning to education with the aim of training to be an engineer 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 academic skills and qualifications appropriate for entry to degree level study. You can use the qualification to gain a place at university or to enhance your career prospects (e.g., higher apprenticeships).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 subjects with 45 credits of graded Academic Subject Content (ASC) and 15 credits of ungraded Academic Preparation Skills units (APS) which offer generic study skills to prepare you for higher level study.
On the Engineering Science Diploma you can therefore choose three from a range of Core Curriculum subjects such as: Physics, Chemistry, Higher maths, or Biology. You will also study core compulsory components such as Study Skills, English, mathematics, and ICT.
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 including essays, reports, presentations and a research unit. You gain credits for the assignments you do. You accumulate credits towards the diploma. There is a minimum of one compulsory exam unit.
Progression Opportunities
You will receive help and advice with the selection of university and college courses available to you, and with your UCAS application, personal statement, and interview preparation.
You will get lots of help in making decisions about your progression routes.
There are a variety of Higher Education institutions around the South West and nationally offering engineering Degrees. Alternatively you may want to consider one of the engineering degree programmes at University Centre Somerset.
Previous students have gone on to degree courses including: Mechanical Engineering; Acoustic Engineering; Aerospace Engineering; Mining Engineering; and Bio-medical Engineering
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. You may also need to obtain relevant work experience for university entry for relevant degrees.
Career Progression
There are lots of specialisms within engineering, so you can progress into an area that really interests you, such as aerospace, automotive, chemical, civil or mechanical engineering.
Entry Requirements