Night School - GCSE and AS Level
Access to Higher Education
1 Year
Do you feel that you missed out on education when you were at school?
Do you wish that you’d stayed on at 16 and studied for further qualifications?
Do you dream of going to university?
Perhaps you need a change of career direction or want to be able to take up opportunities for higher education available locally?
The Access course is designed for people like you.
What will I gain?
The Access to H.E. course is validated by the Open College Network South West. On
being awarded the full QAA – recognised Access to H.E. course (previously ‘kite-marked’ Access to H.E. course) you may apply to university for a place on an undergraduate programme of study.
You can take a variety of Higher Education courses at Penwith College and at other local colleges. Penwith College offers a range of Foundation degrees and Cert HEs. Please see our Higher Education pages for more information.
You must be aged 21 or over at the commencement of the course. Acceptance on to the course depends on an interview in early September. No formal qualifications are needed.
What is my commitment?
13 hours per week attendance at College spread over 2½ days for 3 terms. You will also be expected to study at home.
Further information regarding the syllabus and timetable is available from the
Course Co-ordinator.
What does the Syllabus contain?
Content
All Access students study communication, information technology and application of number. In addition, you may choose 4 options from the following subject list*:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Biology
- English
- Law
- History
- Sport
- Media
* Only options recruiting sufficient numbers will run.
Assessment
Each completed unit of work from the 4 options, application of number, IT and communication, is worth a number of credits. All pieces of work are therefore collected in a portfolio. To attain the certificate giving access to H.E. you must gain a minimum of 60 credits from your 4 options and NOCN (National Open College Network) units.
15 credits must be at level 3, a minimum of 1 credit at level 2 in the examination and revision unit, and level 2 in all NOCN units. A minimum of 12 credits at level 3 from 4 option units must be achieved.
If you do not complete the course you will be awarded credits for all completed work. All work, including examinations, is set and marked by your tutors.
Method of teaching
A variety of teaching methods are used, depending on your choice of option. These will include discussion, formal lectures, presentations, written assignments, practical and research-based work.
How much does it cost?
Advice on Tuition fees is available from the College. There is a registration fee to OCNSW, currently in the region of £85.
A once-only College deposit of £25 is payable by all students on enrolment. This entitles you to the use of the College Library and Resources Centre, course textbooks and other College equipment. This deposit is refundable at the end of the course, provided that all College property is returned undamaged and any sums due to the College have been paid.
All students who enrol on qualification courses of more than 21 guided learning hours are also required to pay a student registration fee of £10. This is a non-refundable charge that covers all the qualifications within a programme of study at the College. (This means that if you are taking several qualifications, you only pay the student registration fee once).
Note: Any course costs and associated costs (such as excursions and visits, protective clothing, etc.) can be ascertained from Admissions and the Course Co-ordinator before enrolment.
What shall I bring with me?
A willingness to learn, an open and enquiring mind, a sense of humour and stationery.
Our facilities will help you and your study
The College has an enviable record of helping students achieve their full potential and results that are second to none.
Excellent tuition is backed up by an extensive Library and Resources Centre, and our Cyberloft gives open access to the latest computer technology to enable you to prepare coursework.
We pride ourselves on our Guidance and Support system, which is unique in Cornwall. Our Guidance and Support team is there to help you achieve your goals and assist you with any concerns you may have relating to your studies.
Other courses available at Penwith College:
FdA Education and Training
FdSc Public Services
FdSc Marine Sports Science
Access to Nursing
PGCE Certificate in Education (Post Compulsory Education and Training)
Our lecturers are happy to make an appointment with you and will be pleased to discuss the full details of the course.
Contact: Ann Kneebone Course Co-ordinator
Back to Full Time ACCESS Course Directory