Access to HE Diploma Speaker: John Ford University of Greenwich June 7 th 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 Communication and presentation Using Information 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. QAA Website. For all QAA information on grading and the Access to HE Recognition scheme.

OCNLR Contacts Marisa Castellini: Curriculum Development Manager – Access to HE John Ford: Quality Coordinator – Access to HE