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Access to HE Diploma

What is the Diploma Programme?

The Diploma Programme is a flexible, modular course that offers adults who are returning to learning, a broad range of subjects to study and the opportunity to prepare effectively for higher education and degree level study.

The course enables adults to gain a range of qualifications including the Access to Higher Education Diploma and the Northern College Advanced Diploma. Most Diploma students study full-time and the course runs for 30 teaching weeks, from the end of September to the end of May. It is possible to study the course on a part-time basis but a fee may be payable for part-time students.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements, however, students need to demonstrate a serious commitment and mature approach to learning and study. The College looks for evidence of commitment to learning and of being an active citizen, for example, running a home, raising children, past and present working life, community involvement, trade union activity, voluntary work etc. Students are selected through application form and interview. See below for how to apply.

What will I get out of it?

Most students who enrol onto the Access to Higher Education Diploma wish to make a positive change in their lives, develop their personal potential and increase their opportunities. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and many left school with no formal qualifications and fairly negative experiences of learning. Others have developed career and/or educational aims later on in life and some have wanted to increase their contribution as an active citizen.

The majority of students who gain the Access to Higher Education Diploma use it to enter higher or further education, with the aim of obtaining a degree or professional/vocational training. Others may return to their previous employers or other types of employment and use their learning experience as a way of enhancing the contribution they make to voluntary organisations, community groups, their workplaces, their trade unions or their activities in local government.

Former students who acquire degrees and other professional qualifications have followed a wide range of career paths. They include: social and community work, teaching and lecturing, the legal profession, nursing and caring professions, public and private sector management, full-time trade union work, writing and the arts, the civil service and setting up a business.

What subjects will I study?

All students follow a common programme for the first few weeks called 'Learning for Life' and then choose from a broad range of subjects. The Learning for Life module provides an introduction to learning and includes: developing writing skills for study, using information technology and understanding key issues for adult learners about our changing world. Students will work on developing skills in researching information, using a computer, essay writing, understanding numbers and working in groups. This element of the course is compulsory for full-time students. Learners will also follow modules in Academic Skills, work towards qualifications in English and focus on Personal and Professional Development.

Themes

Students then choose to focus on a particular theme or curriculum pathway which leads to a named Diploma. Current pathways include Computing, Social Sciences and Combined Social Studies. It is also possible to study the Diploma in Labour and International Studies which is offered on a part-time basis at weekends, over two years. In addition, students may study a range of optional modules which may reflect current teaching interests and/or contemporary issues.

For all of the above pathways, students may also choose some modules from a range of options. The Access to Higher Education Diploma will enable students to progress to a range of higher education or employment options.

and

The Diploma in Labour Studies (Part-time)

Accreditation and Assessment

The Diploma is awarded primarily on the basis of coursework assignments completed during the course of study. The Programme is validated by the Open College Network (OCN) and by Sheffield Hallam University. Students can obtain OCN credits equivalent to GCSEs and A-levels and all students have the opportunity to gain GCSE equivalence in English and Maths and/or Science.

Will I get a bursary/grant?

Full-time Diploma students will usually qualify for a grant or mature student bursary. However, this depends on your individual circumstances and the bursary is only available to adults who have resided in the UK for three years prior to their application. The bursary is sufficient to meet the College's board and accommodation fees, plus some other living expenses. Students may also qualify for additional allowances for dependants. The award of the bursary does not affect future entitlements regarding university study.