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Whatever your goals, don't let a lack of qualifications hold YOU back.

Access courses are especially designed to help you improve your prospects in a variety of ways.

We offer:

• Foundation
• Business Studies
• English and Humanities
• Geography/Environmental Studies
• History
• Information Technology
• Law
• Nursing
• Politics and the Welfare State
• Psychology
• Social Work/Social Studies
• Teaching

What can they do for me?

Access courses bridge the gap for entrance into local and national British Universities. Even if you have no previous qualifications you could go onto a course at university after successfully completing a one-year Access course.

You can also:

• Equip yourself with skills and knowledge to enter the professions such as Law, Teaching, Social Work and Nursing.
• Obtain a formal qualification to make your job application look that much better
• Add a qualification to help you step up the career ladder
• Enjoy the feeling of self-satisfaction and enhanced self-esteem from learning something new

So you see, whatever your aim, an Access course will give you a head start!

What will I learn?

An Access course will equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for success in current and future employment or for progression into an undergraduate degree or diploma course. Study skills, communication skills, group work skills, basic maths, and information technology are important elements for higher level learning and are included in every Access course, whilst the specialist content will vary according to the main subject you choose.

Formalities

• You need to be over the age of 19
• Courses start in September and end in early June
• Attendance is for 4 days a week, between 9.00am and 3.00pm, and with the same holidays as schools
• Alternatively attend part time for 2 days a week and stay for 2 years

Progression

This well-established course has strong links with Oxford Brookes University, Bath Spa and the University of West England. New College has seen adults enter into a variety of undergraduate destinations all over the country:

• Nursing Degrees or Diplomas at Oxford Brookes and UWE
• Higher Education at New College (in association with Gloscat or Bath Spa University)
• Dietetics at Cardiff University
• Law at Sussex University
• Business with the Open University
• English at Oxford University
• Social Work at Oxford Ruskin College

Others have gone into the work place with new-found confidence and self esteem.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements, only an informal discussion during a compulsory interview, but there's no need to worry, it'll be very relaxed and just an opportunity to show that you have the potential to learn and the time and energy to study. At time of enrolment, or before if you request it, we may ask you to do a Numeracy and Literacy Skills assessment to help us place you in the right set.

You may or may not have a clear idea of what you want to go onto, but the benefit of studying at New College is that we operate 'Open Ended Destinations', so once you've decided on a particular pathway you're not restricted to one particular field. Whatever units you choose to study it is probable that you will be able to enter into your final chosen career path. Being a student of New College you will have access to childcare services, financial support, a fully resourced library and a computer open learning centre, a counselling service, a personal tutor, learning support, and you'll be eligible for a range of benefits associated with being part of the Students Union.

At New College we pride ourselves on the stamp of approval for the quality of our information, advice and guidance provided for all our adult students. Please contact us to arrange an interview with the course co-ordinator Ann Hutchinson, or ask for an application form. If you're in doubt about going straight into an Access course why not find out about our Pre-Access course which will help build up your self-confidence, study skills and reading and writing skills ready for higher level learning.