Access to HE Diploma
Speaker: John Ford
University of Greenwich
June 7th 2012
Question 1
• What do you know about Access
courses?
• Can you list 3 points?
Question 2
• How might an Access course
differ to A’ Levels as a Level 3
experience?
Question 3
• What qualities might Access
students bring to undergraduate
programmes?
Question 4
• What in your experience have
been the main challenges for
Access students in HE?
Question 5
• What could Access providers
change to improve the
preparation of Access students
for HE?
The Access to HE Diploma
A level 3 qualification with the aim to prepare
students for entry to HE
This is for adults who
• do not have formal entry qualifications to study
at HE
• have been out of education for sometime
• are considering a change in career
• are from disadvantaged groups
The Access to HE Diploma
• The Access to HE Diploma is recognised by
QAA under the Access to HE Recognition
scheme for England and Wales
•The Diploma sits outside of the UACS tariff
system
and
•is not within the QCF
The Access to HE Diploma
•Each Diploma has a specific approved title that represents the area
of study and progression e.g Access to HE Diploma ( Nursing)
• Each Diploma Title has Rules of Combination that need to be met
for achievement of the Diploma. These include Mandatory units and
Subject specific modules with optional named unit choices
•To achieve the Diploma students need to achieve 60 credits with a
minimum of 45 at level 3 and 15 at levels 2 or 3
The Access to HE grading model
•
unit grading
• all level 3 units (level 2 not graded)
• no aggregate or single final grade
• Pass/Merit/Distinction model, where
Pass = achievement of the learning outcomes,
as assessed by assessment criteria of the unit
Merit and Distinction = higher level of
performance
The Access to HE grading model
• application of generic grading descriptors
• no numerical grades
• grades subject to moderation and standardisation
• grade profiles awarded with Diplomas for a maximum of
60 credits.
• Only Level 3 units that sit within the Rules of
Combination for a particular Diploma contribute towards
the grade profile.
Generic grade descriptors
Seven key areas
Understanding
of the subject
Application of
knowledge
Application of
skills
Using
Information
Communication
and presentation
Autonomy/
independence
Quality
Assessment regulations for the Access
to HE Diploma
• Only one resubmission is allowed where a learner has not achieved
the unit at level 3.
• Grading does apply as with a successful first submission.
• Once a grade has been awarded the student cannot resubmit to
achieve a higher grade. Grade polishing is not allowed.
• Late submissions except where there is prior agreement with the
tutor are capped at a PASS.
• All results will be finalised and confirmed through an Awards Board
for each centre, which is similar to the HE system.
Useful Links
• OCNLR website. For the APRU database, Access news, updates
and guidance for HEIs on making offers to Access students.
www.ocnlr.org.uk/access-to-higher-education.
• QAA Website. For all QAA information on grading and the Access to
HE Recognition scheme.
www.accesstohe.ac.uk.
OCNLR Contacts
Marisa Castellini: Curriculum Development Manager – Access to HE
m.castellini@ocnlr.org.uk
John Ford: Quality Coordinator – Access to HE
j.ford@ocnlr.org.uk