Access to HEFC Higher Education
Welcome
A warm welcome to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College’s “Access to Higher Education” prospectus.
We are delighted that you are interested in becoming a student here and we hope that you find this information useful.
For many years, we have enabled adult students from a variety of backgrounds to achieve HEFC Access qualifications. Our success and popularity as a College are built upon our commitment to providing our students with the best possible teaching and highest possible standards of support and guidance.
We look forward to meeting you in the future.
Suitable combinations of modules enable entry to teaching, nursing and most science & art degree courses
What is the HEFC Access Course?
The HEFC Access Course is a one year programme of study for mature students - students who have been out of education for some time. It leads to the nationally recognised Higher Education Foundation Diploma for entry to university in this country.
The course can be used to enhance your career prospects directly or simply to improve your general skills and understanding. You do not have to have any formal qualifications to take the course and it is especially designed for mature students who are returning to study. You can choose to study either full-time or part-time; evening and daytime classes are offered.
What are the entry requirements?
No formal qualifications are necessary, only commitment and suitability for the course. A personal interview with qualified staff is offered to ensure that you are given full guidance.
What will you do on the course?
You can choose to study one to three modules; most students opt to study three as this qualifies them for university entrance and gives them the nationally recognised diploma. Each module requires approximately three hours attendance at College each week and you are expected to spend a similar amount of time completing private study. As the courses are intensive, full attendance of lessons is essential in order for you to be successful. If you are a daytime student you will also have tutorial sessions. Wherever possible, daytime classes are timetabled between 9.30am and 3.00pm to enable children to be taken to and collected from school. Full details of the modules follow. If you wish to achieve the full Access Diploma, you will need to complete the Higher Education Toolbox Module.
Are there any exams?
Much of the assessment is by coursework, assignments and written projects throughout the year but there are also final examinations.
What does it cost?
There are tuition and examination fees but if you are in receipt of certain benefits or if you have a certain educational profile, your fees may be significantly reduced. For students on low income, the College's Learner Support Fund can provide assistance with resources. Books are provided for daytime courses although a refundable book deposit is required. Full details of the College's fees are available on request.
Benefit entitlement?
If you are in receipt of benefits they will not be affected as long as you fulfil the conditions for receiving them. We can offer advice on this.
What do you do now?
If you are interested, read on to find out more about the modules. The course begins in September but we are enrolling students now. Early application is recommended.
What next?
If you require a College application form, further information or advice about HEFC Access or other courses, financial support and benefits, careers guidance or Higher Education opportunities, please contact:
Mary Smith, Adult Guidance Tutor at msmith@qeliz.ac.uk
Modules Available
If you are interested, click on the modules to find out more:
Business Studies
English Language
English Literature
Human Biology
Information Technology
Law
Psychology
Quantitative Methods
Sociology
Higher Education Toolbox
Additional Information
Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College's HEFC Access Course is validated by Ascentis, formally OCNW. To attain the nationally recognised diploma students must pass three modules and the Higher Education Toolbox within 5 years.
In addition, students who successfully complete an individual module or modules are awarded a University of Northumbria Statement of Achievement. This will indicate the grades achieved as follows:
- Pass
- Merit
- Distinction
Successful Access students are looked upon favourably by Northumbria University's admissions tutors.
Courses may be cancelled if insufficient numbers enrol.
The structure of all modules is currently being reviewed and there may be some minor changes to the details given here.
The college is committed to the promotion of equality of opportunity.