Access to HE Diploma New Specification - Implications for Pre Entry IAG and HE Progression

Key Contextual Changes that impact on the Access Qualification and HE progression Funding: FE fees, with 24+ Advanced Learning Loans BUT Access to HE students can apply to SLC for loan to be written off at the end of HE course. HE student number controls: Access to HE Diploma on ABB+ equivalent qualifications list. (2013 entry). Qualifications: A level/GCSE reform. Spotlight on Access to HE requiring a more standardised qualification. Raising of the bar – ever increasing HE entry requirements for Access learners applying for competitive courses. New QAA Access to HE Specification from September 2014.

What has changed with the new Access specification graded level 3 credits which must all come from units based on academic subject content. Much more subject specific content to deliver. The remaining 15 credits can be either ungraded level 3 or level 2. Not much space to deliver study skills that sit within the ungraded element. Learners can only be registered and certificated for 60 credits within 12 weeks of the start of the course or before their UCAS application..

What has changed with the new Access specification -2 No delivery of additional units and no accreditation for additional achievement. Will this impact on learner grade profiles and therefore HE progression? GCSE Equivalences will no longer be regulated by QAA as part of the Access to HE Diploma qualification. How will this impact on FE entry requirements for the Access Diploma and on HE progression? Revised assessment regulations for the timing of requests for ‘referrals’. In place to mitigate against the fact that learners cannot take an alternative unit.

QAA Access to HE Diploma Specification Summary of key learner statistics ,725 learners registered nationally, of these 45% were registered on Diploma courses related to nursing, allied health and social care. 49% of learners registered were over 25 years of age. OCN London largest number of learners registered nationally % of learners who completed were awarded the Access to HE Diploma. 27,220 Diplomas were awarded. (Of these were diplomas related to nursing, allied health and social care).

QAA Access to HE Diploma Specification Summary of key learner statistics % of all Access to HE Diplomas were awarded for diplomas related to nursing, allied health and social care. However, this area has the lowest HE entry at around only 50% of these learners being offered HE places. Other areas where there are fewer Access learners registered have higher numbers being offered places.

HE Entry Requirements QAA has published updated guidance for HEIs on making offers in relation to the new specification. HEI Admissions Tutor Tool kit. Since the introduction of grading we have seen ever higher entry requirements. With last year some institutions using the ABB+ equivalent as the default entry offer for Access to HE Learners. (30 distinctions, 15 merits). Competitive courses and pressure on HEIs to raise the bar in order to maintain league table status. Some holding fast but others bowing to this pressure. Where HEIs have previously accepted GCSE equivalences, what will they accept in the transition year for 2015 entry? This will impact Nursing, Social Work and Teacher Training in particular.