OUR ACCESS COURSES ARE A STEPPING
STONE TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL TO STUDY A UNIVERSITY-LEVEL COURSE.
Access courses offer a route to higher education if you have been out of education for some time or left school with too few qualifications to be able to go straight to university. The course equips you with the knowledge and skills required at university-level, so that you are confident and well prepared for higher education.
Access courses are widely recognised by UK universities for entry on to degree-level courses. Last year, over 24,000 Access students achieved their Diploma and progressed to university courses across the UK.*
*Source: www.accesstohe.ac.uk
WHY JOIN US
At The Bedford College Group, you can study from as little as 12 hours per week for one year and choose from a wide range of pathways.
PERSONAL TOUCH
With small class sizes compared to universities and all the individual support you need to get back into education, we will help you succeed and reach your goal.
STAFF EXPERTISE
Our experienced staff have been teaching and developing the programme over a number of years. Many of our tutors are industry professionals, helping to inspire your learning.
STAY LOCAL
Staying local while studying will help you reduce your student debt and allow you to study alongside other commitments such as family and work life.
UNIVERSITY LINKS
We have close links with our partner universities, including the University of Bedfordshire, University of Huddersfield and University of Northampton, and we liaise with them directly about the entry requirements and interview process for applicants.
UNIVERSITY COURSES
Once you complete your Access to Higher Education course, you can go on to study a university-level course at Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College, right through to degree-level in some subjects.
EASY PAYMENT OPTIONS
See page 25 to find out more.
LEVELS EXPLAINED
BTEC HIGHER NATIONAL CERTIFICATE (HNC)
These undergraduate qualifications focus on industry skills and are valued by employers. These courses are assessed through assignments, projects and practical tasks that you complete throughout the course – not usually through exams. They are designed to lead straight to a career in industry or on to further study at universitylevel.
The course can take between one and two years to complete depending on the study route you choose and are generally equivalent to the first year of a full honours degree at university. You can continue your studies at The Bedford College Group by moving on to a HND qualification.
FOUNDATION DEGREES (FDA/FDSC)
Foundation Degrees are qualifications that have been developed with employers to advance your skills in a specific industry or sector. They are assessed through project work, reports, exams, practical work and presentations.
A Foundation Degree takes two to four years to complete depending on the study route you choose. It is equivalent to the first two years of a full honours degree and, just like HNDs, you will have the option to ‘top-up’ your Foundation Degree and convert it into a full honours degree through an additional year of study.
HIGHER TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (HTQ)
Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas can also be recognised as an HTQ. These are qualifications approved for apprenticeships and technical education that have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that students get the specific training, knowledge and skills required for their chosen career.
LEVEL 5
BTEC HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND)
A HND represents the next level of study up from an HNC, taking an additional one to two years to complete depending on the mode of study. They are equivalent to the second year of university, and you can top-up your HND with a further one or two years of study to convert it into a full honours degree. Alternatively, a HND is a standalone, recognised qualification that prepares you to progress directly into employment.
LEVEL 6
BA AND BSC TOP-UPS (FROM HND OR FOUNDATION DEGREE)
In partnership with the University of Bedfordshire, University of Huddersfield or University of Northampton, these courses enable you to ‘top-up’ and achieve an honours degree qualification following the successful completion of a Level 5 HND, HTQ or Foundation Degree. A BA and BSc ‘top-up’ can take one or two years to complete depending on whether you choose to study on a full-time or part-time basis.
BUSINESS
Location: Tresham College
Kettering
Fees: £3,022
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to
Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
• managing human resources
• marketing principles
• branding
• leadership and management skills
• business planning
• the application of law to business
• recruitment and retention
• financial and management accounting
Compulsory units:
• independent academic research study
• study skills
PROGRESSION
We offer university-level courses in a range of Business subjects at Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College.
Upon completion, you can progress on to university courses in a wide range of Business subjects such as Law, Marketing, Business Management, Human Resource Management and more.
SELECT HERE TO VIEW OUR FULL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
COMPUTING
Location: Bedford College and Tresham College
Wellingborough
Fees: £3,384
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to
Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
• computer architecture
• impact of IT systems on society
• IT system security
• computer networks and data communications
• operating systems and system tools
• data representation for IT
• systems analysis and design methodology
• designing and building an IT software solution
• designing and building a multi-page website
PROGRESSION
We offer a range of universitylevel courses in Computing and IT at Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College. Students also have the opportunity to progress to a top-up degree with us. Additionally, other routes may be available through local and national universities.
SELECT HERE TO VIEW OUR FULL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
CREATIVE ARTS
Location: Bedford College and Tresham College Kettering
Fees: £3,928
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
• printmaking
• mixed media
• branding and self promotion
• 3D
• critical thinking and writing for Art and Design practice
PROGRESSION
We offer university-level Art and Design courses at Bedford College and Tresham College Kettering. These courses can lead to exciting careers in Photography, Fashion and Textiles, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.
SELECT HERE TO VIEW OUR FULL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
CREATIVE DIGITAL INDUSTRIES
Location: Tresham College
Kettering
Fees: £3,928
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to
Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
• independent research project
• research skills
• study skills
• games design
• music/sound production
• media project
PROGRESSION
We offer university-level courses in Games Design, Music Production, Music Performance and Film and TV. You can also progress on to similar courses at university.
SELECT HERE TO VIEW OUR FULL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS
Location: Bedford College and Tresham College
Wellingborough
Fees: £3,384
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Health and social science:
• introduction to psychology
• the patient journey
• developing professional practice
• health promotion
• mental health
Specialist nursing and midwifery:
• cells, tissues and organs
• blood and circulation
• homeostasis
• nutrition and digestion
• reproductive biology
• disease and defence
• mendelian and genetics
• drugs and food additives
Therapy and Midwifery. Through a degree this course can be the route into a wide range of careers including Nursing, Midwifery, Health Promotion, Health and Social Care and Mental Health.
SELECT A LINK BELOW TO VIEW OUR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
BEDFORD COLLEGE TRESHAM COLLEGE
CORE UNITS
Approved core units for this course vary from college to college.
SELECT HERE TO VIEW OUR FULL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS
Location: Central Bedfordshire College
Fees: £3,384
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Specialist Science:
• lab skills in chemistry
• medical applications for radiography
• physics materials
• organic chemistry
• atomic structure disease and defence
Specialist nursing and midwifery:
• introduction to psychology
• psychological disorders
• developing professional practice
• health promotion
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Location: Bedford College
Fees: £3,022
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
• social divisions
• psychology and therapy
• the effects of stress
• the sociology of family
• sociology of mass media
• the sociology of crime and deviance
• sociology of poverty
• criminological psychology
• social welfare in the 21st century
• introduction to cultural studies
• crime and social exclusion
• child development
• safeguarding in the UK
• tort law
• cultural diversity
• problem of evil
PROGRESSION
Upon completing this course, you could progress on to our Psychology and Crime Foundation Degree or explore a wide range of university courses in subjects such as English Literature, English Language, History, Sociology, Social Work, Criminology, Journalism, Law, Politics and more.
SELECT HERE TO VIEW OUR FULL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
CORE UNITS
> law > psychology
> sociology
> research project SELECT HERE TO VIEW OUR FULL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Location: Central Bedfordshire College
Fees: £3,022
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
• developmental psychology
• social psychology
• the powers of the police
• the English legal system
• crime and deviance
• criminal interventions
• social inequalities
We also have a bank of units that we study based on the majority of professions the students want to go into.
Please see the next page for information on the Humanities and Social Sciences course at Tresham College.
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Location: Tresham College
Kettering
Fees: £3,384
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to
Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Specialist social science:
• historical controversies
• white collar crime
• educational sociology
• media and crime
• history and politics of education
• sociology of the family
• history: hidden voices
• theories of learning
Compulsory units:
• independent academic research study
• study skills (research, essay writing, and presentations)
PROGRESSION
Upon completing this course, you could explore a wide range of university courses in subjects such as History, Education, Sociology, Criminology, Law, Politics, Journalism and more.
SELECT HERE TO VIEW OUR FULL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Location: Bedford College and Tresham College
Wellingborough
Fees: £3,384
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
• understanding mental health
• the context of mental health within society
• introduction to psychology
• psychology of health
• patient journey
• cells, tissues and organs
• blood and circulation
• homeostasis for healthcare
• reproductive biology
• disease and body defence
• musculoskeletal system
• cardiopulmonary system
• understanding health and disease
PROGRESSION
After completing this course, you can progress on to a university-level programme in a variety of subjects, including Mental Health Nursing. With a relevant degree, you can pursue a wide range of career pathways such as Nursing, Health Promotion, Health and Social Care, Mental Health and more.
SELECT A LINK BELOW TO VIEW OUR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
BEDFORD COLLEGE TRESHAM COLLEGE
PSYCHOLOGY
Location: Bedford College
Fees: £3,384
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
• introduction to psychology
• introduction to sociology
• the psychology of early socialisation
• cognitive psychology
• biopsychology
• social psychology
• stress management
• abnormal psychology
• criminal psychology
• the psychology of criminal investigation
• psychopathy and therapy
• the sociology of crime and deviance
• research methods in psychology
• criminological psychology
PROGRESSION
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to progress on to the Psychology & Crime Foundation Degree at Bedford College. Alternatively, you can go to study at university in subjects such as: Psychology & Criminology, Forensic Investigation, Cyber Security & Policing, Criminal Justice & Social Work and more.
PSYCHOLOGY
Location: Tresham College Kettering Fees: £3,384
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
CORE UNITS
> independent academic research study
> study skills
> English & maths
SELECT HERE TO VIEW OUR FULL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
• introduction to psychology
• neuropsychology
• cognitive psychology
• child development
• psychology of early socialisation
• psychology and therapy
• safeguarding for children and adults
SCIENCE
Location: Bedford College
Fees: £3,384
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Biology units:
• evolution and ecology
• cells, tissues and organs
• digestion and the liver
• homeostasis
• blood and circulation
• disease and body defence
• microbiology
• applied genetics
• biomolecules
Chemistry units:
• energy
• drugs and food additives
• fundamentals of chemistry
• periodic table
• structure and bonding
Physics unit:
• optics and waves
PROGRESSION
On successful completion you can progress on to our Applied Science HNC course or university courses in your chosen specialist area, such as physiotherapy, pharmacy, paramedics, radiography, biomedical science, environmental science, nutrition, biology, podiatry, zoology and more.
CORE UNITS
> independent academic research study
> study skills
> English & maths
SELECT HERE TO VIEW OUR FULL ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
SCIENCE
Location: Tresham College
Wellingborough
Fees: £3,384
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Biology units:
• cells, tissues and organs
• digestion and the liver
• homeostasis
• cardiopulmonary system
• the scientific method
• cell biology
Chemistry units:
• biochemistry
• drugs and food additives
• fundamentals of chemistry
Physics units:
• physics for radiography
• medical physics
Environmental Science unit:
• sustainability and energy resources
SOCIAL WORK
Location: Bedford College and Tresham College
Kettering
Fees: £3,384
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to
Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
• sociology of poverty
• sociology of the family
• safeguarding children
• child development
• essential skills for social workers
• neuropsychology
Compulsory units:
• independent academic research study
• study skills (research, essay writing and presentations)
PROGRESSION
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to progress on to one of the following courses: Child & Family Studies Foundation Degree at Central Bedfordshire College or Psychology & Crime Foundation Degree at Bedford College. Alternatively, a wide variety of social work-related degrees will also be available to you at university.
SELECT A LINK BELOW TO VIEW OUR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
BEDFORD COLLEGE TRESHAM COLLEGE
TEACHING AND EDUCATION
Location: Bedford College and Tresham College
Wellingborough
Fees: £3,384
Length: 1 year
Qualification: Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
• education
• learning theories
• history
• sociology
• criminology
• politics
PROGRESSION
On successful completion of the course, you can progress on to our Certificate of Education (CertEd) or continue your studies at university.
SELECT A LINK BELOW TO VIEW OUR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
BEDFORD COLLEGE TRESHAM COLLEGE
Preparation for Access to Higher Education
Our Pre-Access part-time courses are ideal if you would like to enter a Access to Higher Education course but haven’t got the necessary GCSE grades.
It is suited to adults who have been out of education for some time and who need to re-learn how to study at a higher level before progressing on to the intensive Access programme. SELECT HERE TO LEARN MORE
COURSE FEES
All of our Access course fees can be found on their course page and on our website. However, if you do not already hold a Level 3 qualification (such as three A levels or Level 3 BTEC Diploma) and are aged between 19-23, your course will be FREE.
If you do need to pay, you may be entitled to an Advanced Learner Loan or you can also take advantage of our Direct Debit option.
ADVANCED LEARNER LOAN
If you are aged 19 or over at the start of your course you can apply for an advanced learner loan to cover your tuition fee through Student Finance England via www.gov.uk/ student-finance
The loan is designed to pay for part of, or the full cost of, tuition. You’ll only have to start making repayments after you complete your course and only if you’re earning over £404 per week, £1,750 per month or £25,725 per year. Payments are automatically taken from your earnings through the tax system. If you then go on to complete a higher education qualification after your Access course, any remaining loan amount will be written off.
So if you go on to achieve your goal of university study, your access course will effectively be free! If you decide not to go straight to university, you’ll only have to start making repayments in the April after you complete your course and only if you’re earning at least £25,725 per year.
DIRECT DEBIT PAYMENT
If you choose to pay for your course yourself, we offer an affordable Direct Debit instalments option to spread the cost of tuition fees. Please note, an additional £20 charge applies if you choose to pay by instalments.
ADULT SUPPORT FUND
This bursary includes support with travel, course costs, meals, residential, childcare and additional learning support.
FAQS
HOW LONG ARE THE ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES AND WHEN DO THEY START?
Our Access to Higher Education courses are one year long and start each year in September.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND/ OR EXPERIENCE DO I NEED TO START?
English and maths GCSEs are desirable; however we may consider candidates without these qualifications depending on an English and maths entry test where you will need to demonstrate English and maths skills at Level 2, in addition to interviewing successfully. You will need Level 2 English and maths for entry to most university courses.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I ALLOW FOR STUDYING?
Typically you will need to attend College for 13 hours per week over three days. You will also need to commit to undertaking independent study outside of College for at least 12-15 hours per week.
Visit our website www. bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/ subjects/access-to-highereducation/access to see what a typical study week will look like for the pathway you are interested in.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED AND ARE THERE EXAMS?
We use a range of methods to help you achieve the targets needed to pass the course, including in-class assessments, assignments, individual presentations and an independent research project.
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ACCESS PROGRAMMES?
If you do not have any qualifications or do not have sufficient English and maths grades to get you straight on to the Access courses, you can start on our Pre-Access course. This is a course that will develop your English, maths and study skills. This course is run one or two days a week.
SELECT HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
OPEN DAY EVENTS
We can’t wait to meet you and show you around!
• Find out about our campuses
• Talk to our industry-experienced tutors
• Find out about funding and bursaries
THE BEDFORD COLLEGE GROUP
TEL: 0345 658 8990 SELECT HERE TO CONNECT WITH US
DISCLAIMER: While every effort is made to ensure that the information within this prospectus is correct at the time of printing, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the study programmes, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if student numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course, we will refund any fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.