Level: 3 | Duration: 1 Year | Start Date: September
Details: 3 Days Per Week, 9.30am – 4.30pm

What is this course about?
The course provides students the opportunity to achieve the essential subject knowledge required for progression to university in order to study a degree for primary/secondary teaching or other education related degree courses such as Childhood Studies. It is designed for adult students aged 21+, who may have been out of education for some time in preparation for higher education.

What will I learn on this course?
You will study two Level 3 subjects from a choice of English, Maths and History (depending on qualifications already held). The diploma also includes modules in study skills, academic writing and academic research to prepare you for your degree.

Why choose Riverside College for this course?
Preparation for university – students are offered support and guidance on university applications. There are excellent links with local universities, who value the quality of the Access provision at Riverside College. Students receive in depth guidance from subject tutors on essay writing and research skills, together with additional support if required. A successful personal tutor programme is in place to offer support to all students and monitor progress to help students succeed on the course.

What are the Entry Requirements?
You will need 2 out of 3 GCSE’s (Grade C or Grade 4 or above) in either English, Maths or Science. The completion of a personal statement which outlines your reasons why you want to study the course. You will also attend an admissions interview to assess that the course is right for you. Work experience relevant to the degree you wish to study and career pathway is also required.

What will this course lead on to?
Degree in primary and secondary education with QTS (Qualified Teaching Status). The course also allows students to opt for a subject specific degree in a subject they have studied on the course.
As a level 3 qualification the Access Diploma may also fulfil the entry requirements of other courses, such a Foundation Degrees.

How will I be assessed?
The majority of the course is assessed by written essays and presentations, followed by end of course examinations. All components of the assessment process need to be passed to gain a full Access Diploma.

Enrichment Opportunities
You will be supported with your application to higher education and have the opportunity to visit universities.

Are there any costs associated with this course?
Course fees for 2020 are to be confirmed, please enquire.
If you are 19 or over and studying a level 3 qualification you may be eligible for an Advanced Learning Loan. These loans will cover the full course fee for the duration of your course.
This means you do not have to pay any money up front, and you will not make any repayments until you are earning over £26,575 per year.

If you are studying an Access to Higher Education course and progress directly to university, the Advance learner loan will be written off when you complete your degree.

Degree Progression and Career Opportunities include:
Primary or Secondary Education with QTS (Teaching), Early Years, English, History, Law, Journalism, Creative Writing, Education.