Access to HE Diploma (Education Professions)

5 GCSEs grade 4 or above to include English and Maths (Science at grade 4 or above would also be needed if wanting to progress into Primary Teaching).

Face to face teaching in the classroom.

The Access to HE Diploma in Education professions boasts excellent progression rates to university, including Russell Group Universities and more local higher education establishments. Taught by well-qualified subject specialists who have significant experience of teaching, this course is an excellent stepping stone to your career.

Course fees vary each year. Prospective students are advised to contact us for the latest fees.

All materials are provided for you to complete the course. However, as many of our courses are currently delivered via online learning, you will need access to a PC/laptop and suitable Wi-Fi to access the teaching and learning.

If you are aged 19 to 23, you may qualify for fee remission for an Access course depending on your circumstances. Eligibility for a free course is based on government guidelines and the most up-to-date information is available on our website or from our Funding Team. If you do not qualify for free tuition, you will be able to pay for your tuition fees in instalments and may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Still have questions? Email info@yorkcollege.ac.uk

Successful completion of this diploma will open doors to a number of university courses, including:

• Early Childhood Studies
• Primary Education/Early Years with QTS
• Social Work
• Secondary Teaching
• Working with Children and Young Families
• Education Studies
• Lifelong learning
• Learning and Teaching Degrees

A university degree is not the only option to pursue; a Diploma can also lead to apprenticeships which can be studied at higher levels.

The course is divided into units of assessment. Each unit is broken down into learning hours, and the units are worth three to six credits (one credit equals 10 learning hours). The Access to Higher Education Diploma consists of a number of units which are built up to meet the students proposed subject at HE.

To achieve the Diploma, you must achieve 60 credits of which 45 credits are graded and 15 are ungraded. A minimum of one examination taken under invigilation conditions must be successfully completed. All units are at Level 3 and need to be achieved.

Students studying this Diploma will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and practical skills through a range of subject areas, including:

• Education: Contemporary Education
• Education: Managing Behaviour in an Educational Setting
• Education: Special Education Needs and Disability
• Sociology: Education in Contemporary Society
• Psychology: Child Development Theories

Assessment may take the form of essays, written reports, time constrained assignments, seminars and presentations. Assessment will take place both during and at the end of each unit as appropriate. Graded units will be awarded as Distinction, Merit or Pass.

At the end of the course you will be given a transcript listing all the units and grades awarded: there is no overall grade.

Universities will specify the grades they expect you to achieve in various units as part of any offer they may make.

Students have access to a fantastic range of College-wide facilities such as the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), study hubs, computer areas with accompanying multi-function printers and helpdesk advice.

If you are offered a place on this course, you will be able to apply for the new Advanced Learner Loan. The loan means that you will not have to pay any tuition fees up front and will only pay back the loan when your salary rises above £27,525. Repayments are made automatically if you are employed and are part of your tax return if you are self-employed.

If you are taking out an Advanced Learner Loan to study an Access to HE Diploma your Loan will be written off on successful completion of your higher education programme - so in effect your Access to HE Diploma programme could be free.

Please refer to the York College Advanced Learner Loan page for more specific information.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma is validated and accredited through the National Awarding Body Skills and Education Group which is an Access validating agency, licensed and regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

You can progress into a variety of teaching and education roles.