No formal entry qualifications are required however we require that all Access to HE applicants complete an initial assessment test. The results of this test determine whether an offer of Access to Educational Studies is made. We may suggest that you undertake an alternative course first if your writing skills would benefit.
Academic titleAccess to HE Diploma Education Studies
Course descriptionGeneral information
This course tends to appeal to those making a career change or those returning to work after having children.
It is approved by relevant bodies as a suitable entry qualification for an Education based degree and Teacher Training programmes.
Course content
The core part of the course includes: English, maths, science and IT. There are a considerable range of optional subjects to give greater diversity to the course.
Aside from "standard" units of study, students are required to select a further subject in which to specialise. The further subject can be drawn from English, maths, science or Design/Technology.(NB:DT is delivered at Avery Hill, University of Greenwich)
Teaching and assessment
Access to Teacher Training is an academic course which focuses largely on theoretical or abstract issues pertaining to education and/or other disciplines.
At least one Oral Presentation is required of the students and equally, all students will have the opportunity to observe a practising lecturer.
Those students who have classroom experience (no matter how limited) will find this to be very beneficial.
Assessment is mostly by assignments, but with some examinations, to prepare for assessment in Higher Education.
The assignments are primarily essay based. Each will require considerable research and great attention should be given to structure, content and cohesion.
Progression
Most students choose to go on to degrees leading to Primary teaching upon successful completion of this Access course. Others use the Access certificate to gain entry to university for a subject specific degree to be followed by a PGCE to teach at Secondary level.