Our range of leisure and hobby courses keeps growing, with even more fun and exciting courses starting throughout 2025.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Applicants must already hold: GCSE English Language grade A* – C/grade 9 – 4 and GCSE Maths grade A* – C/grade 9 – 4. You will need to provide proof of your qualifications. Functional skills level 2 may be accepted, depending on the University degree specialism you wish to follow.,
The Access course is 2 days a week, 9.30- 5pm with 100% attendance required, plus 10 hours additional study at home for research. Provisional Teaching days are Tuesday and Thursday, however these may be subject to change.
The Access Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification designed to meet the needs of adult students returning to study. It qualifies you to study on a range of courses at university including Paramedic Sciences, Nursing, midwifery & Physiotherapy. You will study topics in Biology, Psychology and Sociology. In addition, you will also study aspects of Health and Social Care. Some of the units include Biology:
- Cells, tissues and organs for healthcare
- Homeostasis for Healthcare
- Blood circulation and gaseous exchange
- Disease of body defenses
- Musculoskeletal systems
Chemistry:
- Drugs and food additives
Psychology:
- Introduction to Psychology –
- Psychology of mental health
- Applied Stress Management –
Sociology:
- Introduction to Sociology –
- The Sociology of Health –
- Understanding ethics in healthcare
- Understanding Health Promotion and Health education
You will also gain credits from:
- Independent Academic study Graded research Project
- Skills for Study: Essay writing
- Reviewing and Planning for the Future –
- Critical Thinking –
- Research Skills for Academic study –
- Giving an presentation
Total 60 credits This Access Diploma is suitable for progression to a number of health professional courses such as nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, social work, Paramedic Sciences, Podiatry & Physiotherapy and other allied therapies, or a science related degree. We would however recommend that you check specific entry requirements at your chosen university. You will receive extensive learning support as you return to study. All Access courses have an emphasis on developing key study skills and you will follow an academic development programme. You will have a Personal Tutor who will track your progress and help you develop study strategies. You will also be extensively supported with your application to university.
PLEASE NOTE: The Access course is currently under revalidation through the awarding body, Laser. There may be some updates to the modules listed, but any changes will be in line with the sector demands. *It is essential to note that in order to achieve your qualification, the course demands the workload of a full time course. You will need a minimum of another two days a week for home study and assignment completion.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ou must be aged over 19 years old at the start of the academic year to undertake an access course.
Applicants must already hold: GCSE English Language grade A* – C/grade 9 – 4 and GCSE Maths grade A* – C/grade 9 – 4. You will need to provide proof of your qualifications prior to starting the course. Functional Skills Level 2 Maths may be accepted, depending on the University Degree specialism you will to follow.
Preparing for the Access Diploma
As the course prepares you for the demands of University any preparation for this course is very useful. Good time management will be extremely important. I.T skills In line with the other institutions that offer Higher Education qualifications, you will be expected to word process all your assignments. It is vital that you have this skill for the course.
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Preparing for the Access course
Good time management is critical for students undertaking this course. The academic study is the equivalent to that of A level standard, so a good overall knowledge of study skills is needed. Work experience Work experience in line with your career aim (either with pay or in a voluntary capacity) is very important. You will need to research university course requirements at Higher Education Level, e.g Social work courses sometimes require relevant experience. Previous students have found voluntary work at East Surrey Hospital on most wards very helpful for their Personal Statement for University. Many local hospitals offer volunteer roles within their departments – contact the Hospital Volunteer Coordinator for further information, with places at university in high demand, a background in the Health sector or volunteer experience is becoming a necessity.
I.T skills
In line with other institutions that offer Higher Education qualifications, you will be expected to word process most of your assignments. It is vital that you have this skill for this course. Crawley College offers an exciting Access programme and you will be able to choose the pathway that suits your future plans, to prepare you for progression to higher education.
The course is validated by LASER (formerly OCNSER), as a recognised Access programme and allows you to progress onto a variety of associated Degrees that link to the Healthcare Sector. This can include Paramedic, Nursing, Social Work, Midwifery and a variety of other degree courses.
Assessments are evaluative and analytical e.g. covering essays and reports from 600 – 2,000 words. Most of the 20 units have at least 2 assignments. Unit tests are set by the Tutor and for example are used in Science, Psychology and Sociology. Individual presentations to the Tutor and peer group form a part of the assessment and are used regularly. Further debates, seminar papers, presentations and group work constitute a part of the assessment process. A Tutorial programme exists to support the learner and regular feedback is given to monitor the progress and success of each learner. Each Unit is graded for Pass, Merit and Distinction achievement. University Degree courses require some units achieved at only Merit and Distinction grades. Each university and each individual course sets its own requirements as to the number of Distinctions and Merits needed to achieve an offer of a place. It is your responsibility to clarify the grades demanded for your intended Higher Education course.
Cost Information for students aged 19 and over on the start date of their studies. Students aged 19 and over may be entitled to a Bursary payment to help with costs such as travel to College, trips and equipment and childcare. To qualify you must be resident in the UK and meet the eligibility criteria which will include evidence of your financial circumstances. Level 3 Entitlement: students aged 19-23 years old who are studying for their first qualification at Level 3 will be fully-funded, which means your tuition fees, awarding body registration or exam fees will be covered. Advanced Learner Loans Learners who are aged 19 and over and studying Level 3 – 6 Further Education and training programmes. Advanced Learner Loans will give learners in further education access to financial support for tuition costs, similar to that which is available in Higher Education. This means rather than an individual having to pay for their course upfront they have the option of accessing a loan, from the Student Loans Company, that they will only start to repay once they have left the course and are earning over £25,000. Learners aged 19 and over will therefore have the option to either:
- Pay the course fees themselves
- Have an employer/sponsor pay the course fees for them
- Apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help pay for the course fees
The Advanced Learner Loans are for anyone who is:
- Aged 19 and above at the start of their course
- Studying at Level 3 – 6 in Further Education and training
- Resident in the UK
- Has not previously had a loan to do the same type and level of qualification.
The loan is available irrespective of the learner’s current employment status and the loan will not be means tested or subject to any credit checks.
Please apply online, or for further information please telephone 01293 442200 – press option 2 for Admissions or email admissions@crawley.ac.uk