Access to Higher Education Diploma
This award provides learners entry to Higher Education (HE) and training. It is recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for HE (QAA), which licences OCNW as an Access Validating Agency (AVA).
The Access to HE scheme is designed to provide a route into Higher Education for learners who have few or no previous qualifications. The OCNW Access to HE Diploma model is made up of individual units at level 2 and level 3 in a wide range of subject areas. Completion of the required units at level 2 and level 3 will result in the award of QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma in one of the following available pathways:
- Business and Enterprise
- Creative Arts and Design
- Education Professions
- Engineering and Technology
- Health and Social Care Professions
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Vocational Sciences
The Access to HE Diploma can only be awarded on the basis of the accumulation of credits achieved on the particular set of approved units which are identified in the rules of combinaton for a particular pathway. For the 8 OCNW pathways named above the Rules of Combination are downloadable here.
APL - rules apply to mandatory and optional units. LOOK at the OCNW APL policy for information.
CHECK IT OUT FIRST! - Entry requirements should be checked by the learner with the relevant Higher Education Institution (HEI) before embarking on an Access to HE Diploma to ensure the correct combination of units are taken.
For details of OCNW member HEI requirements for a particular pathway click here.
POPULAR - OCNW have included the most popular subjects in our Access to HE Diplomas but if you find something missing that you would like to be included in any of the named Diplomas OR you would like a whole NEW DIPLOMA then contact Brian Moore, Director of Business Development or Simon Hilton, Business Development Manager who will be happy to discuss matters further with you. SEE what we have on offer at Level 2 and Level 3.
FUNDABILITY - Access to HE is classified as a full Level 3 qualification and therefore may be delivered free to learners eligible for full Level 2 and Level 3 entitlement.
Learners may be eligible for an Adult Learning Grant which may provide up to £30 per week for adults aged 19 and over. Go to the Government website for further information.
GCSE equivalent's - from 2008-9 the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) will no longer fund stand-alone GCSE equivalent qualifications which sit outside the requirements for an Access to HE Diploma. This applies to all Diplomas, including those leading to initial teacher training. The QAA has revised the GCSE equivalence guidance, which currently only applies to Access to HE provision in England (a statement on the position in Wales is anticipated soon) and centres are advised to familiarise themselves on this guidance to ensure your centre and students do not suffer unanticipated funding difficulties next year.
Guidance for the admission of Learners to QAA recognised Access to HE Programmes - Revised Access to HE Admissions guidance that forms part of the recognition scheme was published on the Access to HE website at the end of 2007 and now includes details of age discrimination legislation. Centres must ensure they are familiar with the changes, read more......
STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES - Former Access to HE students and their career achievements are published on the Access to HE website. QAA are interested to hear any success stories, so if you know any former students who would like to share their stories with everyone please send them details of the QAA Access to HE website.
If you would like any further information about any aspect of the Access to HE Diploma then Brian Moore, OCNW Director of Business Development is the person to contact.