Pre-Access Course

A 15-week programme of four hours per week [5 units of study = £80]

The Pre-Access course is structured to give you a general introduction into the world of Access education. We run Pre-Access six times throughout the academic year.

The course is a ‘taster’ of college life and will give students time management skills and confidence. It will also improve their ability to debate and discuss important issues.

The course contains five including:

Reading and study skills for Further Education
This unit will investigate appropriate literature and will be assessed by a written task set by the lecturer.

Writing for Further Education using an introduction to sociology to encourage debate
This unit will encourage students to use the written word in an appropriate manner. This will be assessed by a written task set by the lecturer.

Guidance and support coupled with careers advice and guidance unit [portfolio building]
This unit will enable the student to access the right Access to Higher Education course at college. The task to assess this unit is a SWOT analysis written by the student.

Information Technology
This unit will enable students to use computers within the college. Students who are already computer literate do not require this unit for successful completion.

Number
This unit covers basic Numeracy. If students already have a GCSE in mathematics they do not need to complete this course. However if that qualification was gained over five years ago a few ‘refresher’ sessions maybe advantageous.

Progression
To successfully complete the course and progress onto the Access course in Higher Education the student must achieve at least five credits at Level 2.

Entry requirements
No formal qualifications are needed. All applicants will be required to attend an interview.

For more information on pre-access courses please contact Suzanne Arnold on 01792 284000 or via email

Updated July 2010