Course Overview
This Access to Higher Education course gives you the basic requirements for entry into Teacher Training. You will study a range of Study Skills modules to prepare you for university, as well as education units and English Literature.
You will also undertake a research project on a topic of your choice with the aim of developing your independent learning skills.
Modules
The following are examples of modules you may study.
- Teaching experience: observations and national curriculum
- Assessment Methods
- Teaching Resources
- Special Educational Needs
- Education studies
- Academic Preparation for Higher Education
- English Literature—drama, poetry, prose, narrative*
- Research skills for education
How will I be taught and assessed?
Each unit is assessed differently, including a range of assessment methods such as essays, portfolios, structured questions production of resources and lesson plans.
Entry requirements
- You must be aged 19 or over at registration
- You must have English Language GCSE grade C/4 or above or Level 2 Functional Skills English. It is desirable to also have GCSE/L2 Maths but if not, then a commitment to study it alongside Access (on a separate evening) is required as most universities require both English and Maths.
- Unfortunately, if you have neither Maths or English, we are unable to enrol you onto the Access course at this time. However, you could study GCSE English and Maths (potentially for free) at the College first, before going on to the Access course.
- As some of the units require practical application of the theories and skills taught, it is desirable that you obtain a placement in an education/training setting alongside your Access to HE course.
Why study at USP College?
- You will be taught by subject experts with many years of experience of teaching and working with adults returning to education
- Internal progression at USP through the Foundation Degree in Early Years and the BA (Hons) in Education Studies & Early years accredited by Hertfordshire University
- A friendly, supportive environment where students are challenged and engaged
- Excellent pass rates and progression rates to university
- Centre of good practice for the qualification board in many areas including the progress of students from starting points and for being a ‘keen and dedicated’ team who are ‘fantastic, reflective teachers.’ They always act ‘for the good of the learners,’ who get a ‘fantastic learning experience at USP.'
Additional costs
- You will need to purchase stationery, e.g. pens, paper, folders, plastic wallets
- Although there is no single text that covers all units, purchasing any used version of a Level 3 Literature text and any teacher training texts will be advantageous.
What could I do next?
You could go on to study a degree with Qualified Teacher Status (Primary or Secondary) or another education-related field. You could also go on to study the Foundation Degree in Early Years followed by the BA (Hons) Education Studies & Early Years or the Health Promotion & Social Care BSc at the College.
Our students progress to HE study in a variety of courses and institutions including Education Studies at University of Wolverhampton and Primary Education at Canterbury Christ Church University.
In January 2020, I decided to make a complete career change and become a primary school teacher. Since I didn’t have a degree and my schooling level from Canada didn’t reach Level 3, I researched at length how best to proceed. I eventually found the Access to HE courses and was pleased to find that a fairly local college, USP College, was offering this course in Teaching and Education. This allowed me to get a feel for the education field in advance of starting my degree.
The best thing about the Access course at USP is the support you get from the tutors. Sheniz and Tracey have been instrumental in my success so far. They have been supportive and motivating, as well making seminars interesting, despite most of them being online. With their help, I am now registered to the University of East London for September when I will begin my BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS.
* Instead of Literature you could opt to study Human biology or Social Science—speak to your teacher at interview.
† If you are aged 19-24 and have not completed a Level 3 course already, you may be eligible to study for FREE! Subject to funding, call 01268 882 618 for more information. Alternatively, you could be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to fund the cost of your course.
Access to HE FAQs
Not sure whether an Access to Higher Education course is right for you? We answer the most common questions.