Access to Higher Education

Get your qualifications for university

If you’re planning a new career and need a degree to move forward, our Access courses could help you find the path to success. If you don’t already have the qualifications to get a place at university, our one-year Access courses will give you the introductory knowledge you need and help bring your academic skills up to the required level. These courses are an intensive but supportive route to gaining the skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career path and you’ll need GCSE English and Maths Grade C/4 or above to enrol.

Our courses

Pre Access (GCSE Pathway)

This course is for adults aged 19+ who would like to progress onto one of the Access courses but do not have the right qualifications. This course runs two days a week and will cover GCSE Maths, GCSE English and GCSE Biology.

The course starts in September and runs for one academic year.

You will also undertake study skills and academic writing lessons to help prepare you for the academic level expected on the Access courses.

Biology combined with Chemistry

As well as the core study skills units, this course has been designed to offer 21 credits in Biology and 18 credits in Chemistry so that the learner has a good foundation in both subject areas enabling applications to a wide range of biology/chemistry related degrees. Find out more here.

Computing

The computer science element of the course will focus on Programming and Networking as well as IT Systems support. This will give you a solid platform to progress onto university to study a BSc in Computing or a HND (or equivalent) at BCOT. Find out more here.

Engineering

This course includes the following units: Applied Physics, Electronic Principles, Design Project, Materials, Mechanical Science, CAD, Extended Study and Research Skills. Successful completion of this course would allow you to progress on to the HNC/D in Engineering at BCoT, or apply straight to university. Find out more here.

Nursing and Healthcare

This course will provide the necessary skills and knowledge to progress on to higher education in order to pursue a career in health including Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy or Podiatry. The majority of students progress into higher education courses, for example BA Degrees, Foundation Degrees and Higher National Diplomas within a wide range of health care disciplines. Find out more now.

Psychology

This course would provide an appropriate qualification to progress to study Psychology (or a related subject) at University. Units include: Perspectives in Psychology, Social Behaviour, The Psychology of Criminal Investigation, Psychopathology, Conformity & Obedience, Stress Management, Cognitive Psychology, Research Methods in Psychology, Extended Independent Academic Study, Communication & Presentation and Reviewing & Planning. Find out more here.

Social Work

This one-year course would be appropriate for those who wish to study Social Work, or a similar degree, at university. Units include: Social Work Practice, Extended Independent Academic Study (Professional Studies), Introduction to Psychology, Development Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Social Science Research Methods, Development of Social Welfare, Social Welfare in the 21st Century, Anti-Discriminatory Practice, Health and Society, Approaches to Counselling, Communication and Presentation and Reviewing and Planning. Find out more here.

Veterinary Studies

This course can lead on to a range of University degree courses including: Veterinary Nursing, Veterinary Studies, Animal Management, Animal Science, Zoology and Ecology and Wildlife Conservation. In addition to the core study skills units the course will give you experience of animal science and management including some practical animal husbandry in the BCoT Animal Discovery Centre. Find out more here.