Uncertain if an Access to Higher Education course is the right choice for you? Here we address the most FAQs

If an answer to your query is not here, please contact us.

 

1. QUALIFICATIONS

Q - What is an Access to HE course?
A- The Level 3 Diploma is designed to prepare adults for university by providing the UCAS points needed for degree-level study. With Academy Online Learning, you can complete this qualification entirely online, making it highly accessible and flexible to fit your schedule. This course is ideal for those without a current Level 3 qualification who want a direct route to university. If you’re aiming for a degree, this is the preparation course to get you there.

Q - What qualifications do I need to apply for the Access to HE Diploma? 
A - No qualifications are required for the diploma but you will need the motivation to learn, the ability to ask for help and good levels of English language, reading and writing. Universities will however require some level 2 qualifications as well as an access course, so you need to make sure you are aware of these.

Q - What will this qualification give me? 
A -  An Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Profession) or an Access to HE Diploma (Business). Both of which can lead to a wide range of degree programmes, including nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, business and management, polities to name a few The Access to HE diploma is a recognised level 3 qualification and entry requirement that is widely accepted at UK Universities and Higher Education Institutions. 

Q - I want to qualify as a health professional; do I need a university degree? 
A - Yes, to become a nurse, midwife, paramedic etc. you will need to apply to university and complete a degree in your chosen career area. For more information on entry requirements and careers please visit NHS Careers. 

Q - What does QAA stand for? 
A - QAA is: The Quality Assurance Agency. This is a Government funded agency which safeguards quality and standards in UK colleges and universities, “so that students have the best possible learning experience”. Find more information here. 

Q - Who is the Awarding Organisation for this course? 
A - Our awarding organisation is Skills and Education Group Access and this link will take you to the Access to Higher Education website with our details: HEALTH SCIENCE PROFESSIONS PROVIDER. For the Access to Business please click Access to Business on QAA.

Q - I have a degree but not in a health related subject.
A - Check with your chosen University to establish their entry requirements.

Q - Am I required to have some work experience in the health sector? 
A - It is always a good idea to gain some insight through work experience. You can contact your local NHS trust and ask to speak to Human Resources, Voluntary services or education and training departments, they will be able to advise you. To find local the NHS trust in your area, visit NHS UK. Alternatively, there may also be opportunities within the private sector in your local area.


 

2. UNIVERSITY

Q - How do I apply to University? 
A - Firstly, you will need to be working toward the correct entry qualifications, if you don't have A Levels for example, an Access to HE is an alternative. Some universities may also require GCSEs in Maths, English and sometimes Science, always check with university admission departments. 

Q - Am I entitled to a NHS bursary when I get to university? 
A - Most students qualify for a student bursary for health related degrees. This NHS link is may be useful. UCAS is the organisation through which most applications are made. For more information please visit UCAS. 

Q - Which Universities or higher education institutes offer degree courses in Health or Business? 
A - A full list of courses and Higher Education Institutes can be found here. 

Q - Will I get help with my UCAS application? 
A - As part of your course fees, AOLL will provide full support through one application cycle. This includes: checking of UCAS form, proof-reading of personal statement and providing an academic reference and predicted grades. We are a UCAS registered centre. 

Q - Will my tutor give me a reference? 
A - If you link your application to AOLL, we will automatically be your referee. If you’d rather use a different referee, you’ll need to apply independently to be able to list alternative details.

Q - Can I get an TOTUM NUS card? 
A - Yes, students can apply directly online NUS TOTUM CARD


 

3. NHS CAREERS

Q - What careers are available in the NHS? 
A - A full list of jobs / careers can be downloaded from this link: NHS website.


 

4. WHEN CAN I START?

Q - When can I start this course? 
A - You can start at any time throughout the year. Our provision enables students to start when they want to, not just September, but anytime!

Q - Once I have completed the enrolment form for a course how do I get started? 
A - Once you have set up your payment option and this has been accepted, you will be allocated to a personal tutor who will contact you for a chat and get you started on your studies. 

Q - Do I have to pay to enrol?
A - There is no cost or commitment when you enrol. An automated email will be sent to your inbox with further information about how the course works and what to expect as a student.

Q - Can I speak to somebody in Admissions? 
A -Yes, by telephone: 0161 726 5970, email: enquiries@academyonlinelearning.com or view CONTACT US to send us a message and we will get back to you.

Q - I have been out of education for many years. Have I left it too late for University? 
A - The Access to HE Diploma is aimed at adult returners to education who do not have the necessary qualifications such as A Levels for entry to University. There is no upper age limit. Listen or read some real case studies from our Student Voices podcast here. 

Q - How do I enrol? 
A- The registration form can be accessed at the top of the Page or please complete the enquiry form and we will get back to you or send a message via: Contact Us.

 

5. TUTOR CONTACT

Q - How often can I contact my tutor? 
A - You can contact your personal tutor via the messaging service anytime and will receive a response within 24 hours Monday-Friday. You aren’t restricted on only speaking to your tutor at a certain time/day.

Q - Do students feel isolated studying through distance learning? 
A - Distance learning might not be for everyone but there is plenty of support from personal tutors and staff who are on hand to support and motivate you. Students past and present can also communicate with each other for advice on universities, information about bursaries, open days, career expectations and more via the private facebook page.




6. HOW ONLINE STUDYING WORKS

Q - How do I receive my learning materials and assignments? 
A - When you are enrolled on the course you will have access to your VLE dashboard where you can access all of the course materials.

Q - What is the VLE?
A - The VLE is our bespoke virtual learning environment where you will be able to access learning materials, submit work and communicate with your tutor. It also provides a wealth of information about UCAS, moderation, careers and resources. 

Q - Is this course accredited by the QAA? 
A- Yes it is fully accredited by the QAA in Health Science Professions and Business. 

Q - What do I have to achieve to get an Access Diploma? 
A - You must achieve a minimum of 60 credits. The Access Diploma is 60 LEVEL 3 credits with 45 of these graded at Pass Merit or Distinction 

Q -Do I need to physically attend anywhere to take this course? 
A - No this course is fully distance learning. There are no online classes or exams, saving you time and money on travelling to and from studying at a college. 

Q -How are the courses assessed? 
A - Through written assignments which will consist of essays, written questions, presentations, reports. There are no exams with our access course. Assignments are worth either 3, 6 or 9 credits. You would have 2 weeks for a 3 credit assignment, 4 weeks for a 6 credit assignment and 6 weeks for a 9 credit assignment, but assignments can be submitted sooner than these times if you want to complete the course in a shorter time frame.

Q - How many hours per week will I have to study? 
A - As a general guide Skills and Education Group Access recommend; 1 credit = 10 study hours. For example if you aim to complete in 12 months this will mean (on average) 12 study hours per week. 

Q - Can I take a short course to enable me to progress through continual professional development? 
A - Yes, if you have been advised that fewer than 60 credits are needed for your progression - contact us to discuss options. 

Q -What is Moderation? 
A - There are two types of moderation Internal and External. We carry ou regular internal moderation to ensure QAA standards are being met and that grading is fair and consistent. The awarding organisation Skills and Education Group Access carry out external moderation to confirm student achievement and also issue the certificate for the diploma at the Final Awards Board.

Q - When is Moderation? 
A - External moderation of students work for certification is in June/July (for September university starters) and November/December (for January university starters)

Q - When do I receive my certificate? 
A - Within 4 weeks of the Final Awards Board. 

Q - What do grades and grading mean? 
A - Grades are applied to graded units at Pass, Merit or Distinction. You should always check the entry requirements of the university you are thinking of applying to as many universities specify how many merits and distinctions you will need. Use our UCAS Tariff Point calculator to work out what grades you need to achieve for the university entry requirements.

Q - Do all universities accept Access to HE?
A - Most UK universities accept the Access to HE Diploma as an entry requirement but we always recommend that you check the university course page that will state whether they accept Access to Higher Education diplomas. If they do not state it on their website, call them to ask if they do and what the units they expect you to study. Universities typically state how many Merits and Distinctions they require from students applying to their courses. For example, 30 Merits and 15 Distinctions (they will always add up to a total of 45 credits because 15 of the 60 credits at level 3 are ungraded.)

7. FUNDING