The Level 3 Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) which is designed to provide preparation for study in higher education (HE) in the UK for adults returning to education.
In order the gain the Access to HE Diploma, learners must achieve a total of 60 credits. Of these 60 credits, 45 credits must be achieved at Level 3 from graded subject specific units. Graded units can be awarded at Pass, Merit or Distinction. The remaining 15 credits must be achieved at Level 2 or Level 3 from study skills units which are ungraded.
Course Essential
The OCNLR Qualifications in Education and Training are regulated by Ofqual, the qualifications regulator for England, and are registered on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
Purpose of the Qualification
Its primary aims are:
• To provide HE progression opportunities for adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances, do not have the necessary qualifications;
• To give learners a general introduction to the basic concepts, methods, and key areas of knowledge within the core disciplines taken and offer a coherent and stimulating framework within which they can broaden their intellectual outlook and make connections between subject areas;
• To help learners to develop and consolidate the various skills required to enable them to cope successfully with the demands of undergraduate study and to become independent, self-directed learners;
• To establish a positive and supportive learning environment within which learners can build their confidence through successful learning and the sharing of their experience;
• To provide the personal and educational support needed if learners are to pursue their aims within the framework of the course.
Course Requirements:
There are no centrally specified formal requirements for qualifications on entry; however there is usually the expectation that the learner will have literacy, communication skills and numeracy at Level 2 or above. In addition to this, it is likely that learners will need to hold GCSEs at grade 9-5/4 (A*-C) in English and Maths, as these qualifications usually form part of the entry requirements for the degree courses that learners progress to.
Rules of Achievement:
Overall, the total proportion of credits awarded or exempted through either credit transfer and/or recognition of prior learning must not exceed 30 credits (that is 50 per cent of the credits required for the achievement of the Diploma).
Where unit content between units overlaps by more than 25% of the learning outcomes this would represent an excluded combination of units.
Information on barred combinations for this Diploma can be found on page 8 of this document.
Assessment and Moderation:
The following assessment methods could be used to assess the units within this Diploma. Please note, it is expected that at least part of one unit is assessed by formal examination taken under timed conditions.
• Case studies
• Oral presentation
• Practical tasks/demonstrations
• Question and answer (written and oral)
• Tests/exams with seen or unseen papers
• Tutor observation
• Worksheets
• Written assignments
• Written essays/reports