WHAT MAKES THIS COURSE UNIQUE?
Gives a real feel for Higher Education, building confidence alongside industry and academic connections.
Learn vital skills to support your transition into Higher Education, such as referencing and other integral academic competencies.
Taught by UCS’s industry specialists with Higher Education.
Get access to our state-of-the-art facilities.
Includes three weeks’ work placement.
Background
While Access to Higher Education Diplomas (‘Access courses’) and integrated foundation years play a similar role in preparing students to take degree-level study, there are important differences:
a. An Access course is a standalone qualification equivalent to A-levels, which provides the holder with the opportunity to take a variety of courses at different higher education providers, at any point in the future. In contrast a foundation year is an extra year at the start of a degree course at a specific higher education provider, with the expectation that the student will continue to the full degree course after completing the year.
b. There are often differences in the required entry qualifications. Foundation year courses usually require students to hold A-level qualifications or equivalent, whereas Access courses are more likely to require GCSE-level qualifications.
c. There are also differences in the tuition fees and the loans available. Integrated foundation years are treated the same way as degree courses, with fees of up to £9,250 and student support available for tuition fees and living costs. For Access courses, the fees are lower and support is available for tuition fees but not necessarily for living costs. If eligible students go on to complete a higher education course after achieving an Access to Higher Education Diploma, the loan for the Access course will be written off.
What will I learn?
The course includes elements of chemistry and biology along with the specialist study skills needed to study at Higher Education, and to undertake a small-scale research project.
You’ll gain core skills in anatomy and physiology, chemistry and biology alongside study skills to develop your understanding of critical thinking, self-reflection and communication, plus dedicated units relating to the role and regulation of the veterinarian and a veterinary-based research project.
Teaching is delivered through a supportive mix of taught sessions, seminars, tutorials and practical lessons, which will help you build your knowledge and understanding of your chosen specialism, while gaining the ability to research and present your ideas as reports and presentations
How will I be assessed?
This intensive programme is assessed throughout the course, without final exams. Assessment will include essays, presentations, debates, class assessments and reports – all of which will prepare you for higher education.
Where can I go from here?
This course gives you UCAS tariff points for entry to University. Complete a full Level 3 qualification with us and we’ll guarantee you an offer of a place on one of our relevant University Centre Sparsholt degree courses, subject to Admissions Terms & Conditions.
By the end of the course you will be fully prepared to progress on to a range of FdSc or BSc (Hons) degree programmes and take the next step towards your career goals.
Entry requirements
All students must have GCSE grade C/4, or Functional Skills Level 2 equivalent in both Maths and English.
*All applications and previous qualifications will be individually assessed and taken into account.
Most students will progress to a relevant degree at Sparsholt and you will be supported by your tutors.
Most students are aged 19 or above at the start of the course, however entry at 18 may be possible – please contact the College Admissions team for more details.