Access Diploma - Your Questions Answered
Frequently asked questions:
- Am I too old?
- What is the access diploma?
- How much time will I need to spend in college?
- What qualifications do I need to join the course?
- What subjects can I study?
- How much will it cost?
- How do I apply?
Am I too old?
No. Almost everyone considering an Access Diploma worries that they may have left it too late. Your life experience will be valuable and you will study alongside other Access students of all ages.
What is the Access diploma?
The Access Diploma is specifically designed for people returning to education. Perhaps you’ve taken a break from education due to other commitments but have always wanted to gain the qualifications you missed at school, or maybe you’ve discovered that the career you want requires university level qualifications. Whatever your situation, the Access Diploma offers you a second opportunity to gain a qualification that could open the way to university for you. The Diploma provides qualifications at the same standard as A Levels and GCSEs and will enable you to go on to study at university if you wish.
A full time programme consists of a combination of Level 3 and Level 2 study. The choice of subjects will be related to the access pathway you choose to follow.
You will also complete a Study Skills unit that will equip you with the skills you need to succeed at this level, such as how to write an essay, reference correctly and create a bibliography. In addition you will complete a H.E ‘Toolkit’ which covers presentation skills, CV writing and personal statements for university applications.
How much time will I need to spend in college?
There is a degree of flexibility in the subject choices as we understand you are likely to have other commitments.
The Access Diploma will not only develop your subject knowledge but will increase your self- confidence and ability to communicate effectively.
A full time course requires 450 hours of attendance at college between September and June. This is approximately 14 hours per week, with a substantial amount of study outside college.
Most Access Diplomas can be completed in one year, however, some students who have family or work commitments prefer to study over two or more years.
What qualifications do I need to join the course?
A range of evidence will be considered when assessing your potential to succeed on the Access Diploma eg. your life skills, previous employment experiences, prior achievements and professional qualifications. However, the general expectation is that you will have evidence of good Level 2 (GCSE) skills, preferably 4 GCSEs at grade C or above.
You will complete an assessment during the interview process, which you must successfully complete in order to progress onto the one year Access Diploma course.
If you do not successfully complete the assessment, you will be able to build and develop skills on a Level 2 Pre-Access course which will include GCSE equivalent qualifications in English, Maths and Science, if required. This process ensures that you’ll have the best possible chance of success on your course.
What subjects can I study?
Your tutor will work with you to develop a programme of study that meets your individual needs. Each subject can be studied alone, or combined as part of the full time Access Diploma programme.
Our friendly, approachable Access tutors are available to help you select the pathway that will be most appropriate for your future career and can offer advice on the choice of modules best suited to your pathway.
The qualifications offered on the Access course are split into two different
levels of study:
Level 2 is at GCSE standard
Level 3 is at A level standard
How much will it cost?
If you are aged 19 – 24, you may be eligible to study
for FREE!
If you are in receipt of certain means tested benefits you may be entitled
to have your fees paid for you. Please contact us for details.
If you are not eligible to have your fees remitted, full time fees for the Access Diploma are £297 including all exam and registration fees. Full time fees for the level 2 pre-Access programme are £297 including all exams and registration fees.
Part time fees for individual subjects are available on request.
How do I apply?
Please complete the application form (PDF) and return to:
Admissions Officer
Lancaster & Morecambe College
Morecambe Road
Lancaster
LA1 2TY
We will confirm receipt of your application within 7 working days. If you
do not hear from us in this timescale, please contact the Admissions officer
on
01524 521305.
All applicants for the Access Diploma are then invited to an interview (part
of the interview process will be an assessment) prior to being offered a place
on the course.
