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ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Science and Engineering Pathway WELCOME TO CONTENTS ACTIVATE LEARNING

Discover your fast-track route to university.

Reasons to study an Access to HE Diploma 3 Want to be at university this time next year but don’t have the Why study with Activate Learning 4 qualifications? Invest in yourself with an Access to Higher Education qualification. FAQs - Your questions answered 5

Access to HE courses have been specifically designed for adult learners aged 19 or over who do not currently have the relevant entry requirements or qualifications to go to Welcome to our colleges university. There is no upper age limit, so it doesn’t matter if you’ve been out of education for a period of time or wish to return to education to change career. Reading College 7 City of Oxford College 9 Whatever your academic background or current qualifications, with our support, you can: Guildford College 11 Get back into work. Reinvent yourself. Move up the career ladder. Bracknell and Wokingham College 13 Gain the equivalent to three A Levels, which means you can achieve the UCAS points Banbury and Bicester College 15 you need for university. Merrist Wood College 17 Return to education. Develop your confidence and learn new, life-changing skills. Science and Engineering Pathway 19

An Access to HE qualification is your stepping-stone to the degree or career you’ve dreamed of. It’s never too late to learn! Money matters 21

Support to succeed 22

We work with the following partners: How to apply 23 How to find us 25 3 4

REASONS TO STUDY WHY STUDY WITH AN ACCESS TO HE ACTIVATE LEARNING? DIPLOMA Activate Learning will help you to develop the skills, knowledge, No upper age limit – Access to HE diplomas are confidence and determination required to succeed. With our expert designed exclusively for adults. help, quality teaching, and guidance, you can improve your employment status, income potential and enjoy a brighter future. Accessible entry requirements – No specific Our colleges are at easily accessible locations and contain industry- qualifications are required for our classroom-based standard, specialised facilities. Here, we nurture an atmosphere of courses. independence to help you reach your goals – whatever they may be. Doesn’t matter if you’ve been out of education for a while. STUDENT EXPERIENCE GREAT LOCATIONS SUPPORT University recognised qualifications – Access to Learn in an independent Study at town and city centre Smaller class sizes mean we environment, make new campuses; close to shops, give more individual attention HE diplomas are widely recognised and accepted by friends, and manage a more restaurants, cultural hotspot, and support. universities. flexible timetable. amenities and travel links.

Fast-track route to university – You can be at university this time next year!

Study for FREE – Access to HE courses are free if you go on to complete your HE course with an EMPLOYABILITY SPECIALIST Develop the technical skills PROGRAMMES Advanced Learner Loan. See p.21 for required for your future career Choose from a variety of more information. with our industry-standard specialist and career focussed facilities. programmes. Tutor and career support – You will benefit from a range of support including help to complete your UCAS application. PROGRESSION We will help you progress and develop the skills you need to attract employers. 5 6

FAQS - YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED ?

WHAT IS AN ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA? IS AN ACCESS TO HE COURSE DO I ALREADY NEED ACADEMIC WHAT IS A PRE-ACCESS COURSE? Access to HE qualifications are equal to three A RIGHT FOR ME? QUALIFICATIONS? If you don’t meet the entry criteria for our Access Levels, giving you the UCAS points you need to Have you been out of education a while? Are No specific qualifications are required for our to HE courses or don’t feel comfortable starting apply for university-level study. They have been you looking for a career change? Do you want to classroom-based Access to HE courses*, an Access course, our Pre-Access courses will specifically designed for adult learners aged 19 or reinvent yourself? Or are you looking to get back however a GCSE English or maths at grade 4 (C help you get back into education and build your over who do not currently have the relevant entry into work and move up the career ladder? If any of or equivalent) would be beneficial. Applicants are confidence levels. View the courses here. requirements. these apply to you, an Access to HE course may advised to contact their university of choice to be for you. confirm the Level 2 maths and English criteria. HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? You will be assessed through written WHO ARE ACCESS TO HE COURSES FOR? You will need to be dedicated and hardworking You will have a numeracy and literacy assignments, projects, presentations as the course is intensive, but it gives you the assessment to check your suitability to study If you want to go to university but have always and examinations to help prepare rewarding opportunity to reach your goals. You will at Level 3, and may have the opportunity to thought you didn't have the qualifications you you for university. of course have access to resources and support retake either a maths or English GCSE need, an Access to HE course is for you! along the way to help you through your studies. alongside this course. Designed specifically for adult learners aged 19 or It’s never too late to learn! over, an Access to HE course will help you gain a Don’t worry, most students are successful in the place on a degree level course in just one year. assessment process and we have resources available to help you prepare. The course is designed in a way that recognises ACCESS TO HE the pressures on mature learners, including work, online If you don’t meet the entry requirements don’t family and childcare commitments. Our full-time worry, we have a range of one-year Pre-Access courses include three full days on campus and Activate Learning also continues to offer courses available to help you get started. our part-time courses include two evenings a a growing number of Access to HE online week on campus. You will need to make additional courses throughout the year across a range Please note that entry requirements time available outside of classes for research and of key subject areas including Allied Health differ for our Access to HE Online assignment work, but you will receive support to Professions and Midwifery. To view the full list courses, find out more at schedule this. We also offer Access to HE Online and find out more visit www.activatelearning.ac.uk/access-he. courses which offers a convenient way to study remotely and at your own pace, find out more at www.activatelearning.ac.uk/study/ www.activatelearning.ac.uk/access-he. what-to-study/access-to-he-online *If you wish to study a medicine degree, applicants are advised to contact their university of choice to confirm the entry requirements. 7 8

READING COLLEGE WELCOME TO OUR COLLEGES TO WELCOME Reading College is based near the town centre on Kings Road.

Kings Road campus, Reading In between lessons, you can grab a drink or a bite to eat from one of several cafés The campus is a 15-minute walk from the and shops on campus, have lunch with town centre with fantastic local transport your friends in the canteen or just hang out links, so you will be able to experience in the chill-out areas with comfy sofas. everything Reading has to offer. If you can’t skip leg day or need to On campus, we offer the best possible work on your general fitness, there’s facilities in a vibrant and welcoming a modern, well-equipped gym. You environment. Whatever your area of study, can also unwind and get pampered we offer the specialist facilities you’ll need with a variety of hair and beauty to get the most out of your education and treatments at The Salon. future, including creative art workshops, recording studios, performance spaces, Reading College has a dedicated a TV studio, theatre, garage, construction radio station called Blast 1386. With centre and fully-fitted training kitchens. a combination of industry-standard equipment, professional management Your learning is guided by expert tutors in and 24/7 broadcasting, it allows students dedicated and well-equipped workshops to experience running (and working in) and learning zones, kitted-out with the a full-time, live-radio environment. latest technology including Apple TVs, Macs, PCs, iPads, laptops, and Virtual Reality headsets.

Visit us at an Open Event, find out more at www.activatelearning.ac.uk/events 9 10

CITY OF OXFORD COLLEGE WELCOME TO OUR COLLEGES TO WELCOME City of Oxford College is based in Oxford city centre, with our specialist Technology campus located in Blackbird Leys.

City-centre campus, Oxford Rycotewood Funiture Centre

Our city-centre campus is just a five-minute We are proud to be home to specialist walk from the train station and served well learning facilities, such as the renowned by buses and dedicated cycle routes, so Rycotewood Furniture Centre, which however you choose to get here, it’ll be furniture manufacturers visit every year. safe and convenient. With live design briefs from the likes of Ercol, William Hands, and the American Despite being in the centre of Oxford, the Hardwood Export Council, our students college’s riverside location is a peaceful benefit from qualified feedback from environment to study in, with all the industry professionals. facilities you could need. You can focus on your studies in our well-stocked library, Technology campus, Blackbird Leys or get hair and beauty treatments at our salons for a reduced price. If you’ve In 2016, £8m was invested in the skipped a meal in the rush to get here, transformation of our Technology campus you can grab something at our café or in Blackbird Leys. If you’re interested in Waterside Restaurant. There’s plenty of learning with the best equipment from outdoor seating areas for enjoying the experienced industry professionals, good weather, hopefully! this is the best place for you. This high- specification facility supports training in The campus is right next door to the a wide range of technological industries, Westgate shopping centre too! You’ll have including construction, engineering, IT, plenty of opportunities in your free time computing and motor vehicle. You’ll be to head out and grab a snack or drink learning the practical expertise, skills and from one of the many cafés, or go knowledge you’ll need to go far in a shopping at the supermarket or many range of exciting and fast-paced high-street stores. technological industries.

Visit us at an Open Event, find out more at www.activatelearning.ac.uk/events 11 12

GUILDFORD COLLEGE WELCOME TO OUR COLLEGES TO WELCOME

Our campus is a short walk from the restaurants and shops of Guildford town centre and next to the wide-open spaces of Stoke Park.

Stoke Road campus, Guildford We have some exceptional resources that replicate real-world working At Guildford College, students are environments including virtual reality at the heart of everything we do. We spaces, hairdressing and beauty have over 100 courses available, with salons, a TV studio, an air cabin crew qualifications ranging from foundation training room in the form of a simulated level to degree level. Whatever you aircraft, engineering workshops, are interested in studying, we can photography studios and darkrooms, give you the knowledge you’ll need on an editing suite with Apple Macs, dance the next steps towards university or a studios with sprung floor, ballet barres career, and the practical experience to and mirrored walls…the list goes on! make any transition a smooth and successful one. On a typical day here, in between lessons, there’s space for quiet study Our professional, dedicated and in our Learning Resource Centre industry-experienced teaching staff or hanging out with friends in the make learning fun and engaging many spaces and communal areas. and give you the responsibility and Missed breakfast or need a snack independence you need to take in between classes? You can grab a charge of your own future. And, to bite to eat or something to drink in help you with the transition, we have our café or canteen. You could also a comprehensive student support enjoy a treatment or two in our vibrant team that can assist with applications, hairdressing salons and tranquil beauty securing funding, careers guidance therapy rooms. and personal tutoring, to name just a few services!

Visit us at an Open Event, find out more at www.activatelearning.ac.uk/events 13 13 14

BRACKNELL AND WOKINGHAM COLLEGE WELCOME TO OUR COLLEGES TO WELCOME

Bracknell and Wokingham College is located in the heart of Bracknell on Church Road, just a two-minute walk from The Lexicon shopping centre. There are also campuses in Woodley and Earley.

Church Road campus, Bracknell and a Sport England-grade sports facility. Our professional, dedicated Bracknell and Wokingham College and industry-experienced teaching is located in the heart of Bracknell staff make learning fun and engaging with train and bus stations a short, and give you the responsibility and 10-minute walk away. There are also independence you need to take various bus stops close to the campus charge of your own future. itself and plenty of safe, on-site bicycle parking, so however you choose to get On a typical day here, in between here, it’ll be safe and convenient. lessons, there’s space for quiet study in our Learning Resource Centre or Whatever your area of interest, you’ll be hanging out with friends in the many able to study it here, with some of the spaces and communal areas. Missed best equipment and teachers available. breakfast or need a snack in between We have many industry-standard classes? You can grab a bite to eat facilities, including motor vehicle and or something to drink in our café construction workshops, science labs, or canteen. You can also visit our modern salons and beauty treatment Harmony Salon for a variety of hair rooms, photography and art studios, IT and beauty treatments. suites including CAD workstations

Visit us at an Open Event, find out more at www.activatelearning.ac.uk/events 15 16

BANBURY AND BICESTER COLLEGE WELCOME TO OUR COLLEGES TO WELCOME

Banbury and Bicester College has a campus near Banbury’s town centre.

Broughton Road campus, Banbury

If you’re into fashion, design, IT, performing arts or media, we have the kind of leading -edge workspaces you’ll need to flex your creative talents. There is a photography studio, television and radio studios, and fully-equipped Mac suites for graphic design. When your masterpiece is ready, there’s an inspiring central atrium space for exhibitions and a cinema room for showcasing work.

There are lots of communal spaces inside and out (when the weather’s nice!) for studying or hanging out with friends. There’s a comprehensive library and IT facilities for quiet study, as well as cafés and restaurants to grab a bite to eat in between classes, or have a sit-down meal with friends.

Visit us at an Open Event, find out more at www.activatelearning.ac.uk/events 17 18

MERRIST WOOD COLLEGE WELCOME TO OUR COLLEGES TO WELCOME Just a short bus ride from Guildford town centre in Worplesdon, Merrist Wood College is a 400-acre, multi-award-winning college that specialises in the land-based industries.

If you’re looking to enter a career in a Specialist resources for practical land-based industry, there is no better outdoor courses place than our college. We are widely recognised by industry specialists for our On the 400-acre estate with woodlands, training excellence and many successes at wetlands, livestock, gardens and RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower grasslands, there are outstanding facilities Shows. Work from the estate has been for floristry, horticulture, landscaping and seen across the world! garden design. These include a campus nursery, workshops and design studios. The indoor riding arena is one of the largest of any college in the country and We also have football and rugby pitches, we are home to a large, diverse range one of the largest indoor riding arenas of of animals in our Animal Management any college in the country and one of the Centre. Other facilities include specially top centres in the south east as well as two designed studios and workshops for full accredited cross-country courses and floristry, garden design, horticulture and stabling for over 40 horses! landscaping and access to an adjoining Our Animal Management Centre has 18-hole golf course. specialist areas for large, small and exotic To help with the transition to college, animals. These include snakes, spiders, we also have a comprehensive student sheep, cows, ferrets, rabbits, birds of prey support team that can assist with and many more! applications, securing funding, careers Woodlands and Cobbett are our halls of guidance, and personal tutoring, and residence, on site at Merrist Wood College. much more! There are 100 single study bedrooms with shared showers, toilets and sitting room facilities.

Visit us at an Open Event, find out more at www.activatelearning.ac.uk/events 19 20

If you dream of a career in fields relating to science and engineering then our range of programmes could be your ticket to success. You will acquire the underpinning knowledge and skills that will enable you to hit the ground running on a related higher education course.

Access to HE: Access to HE: Science Engineering Level 3 Level 3 Diploma Diploma Campus: Reading, Guildford and Oxford

Campus: Reading and Oxford Awarding Partner: Ascentis

Awarding Partner: Ascentis Are you interested in a rewarding and challenging career in science, but worry This is the fast-track route to the engineering that a lack of time and qualifications could profession you have always wanted! Get the prevent you from taking that next step? If so, skills and qualifications you need to get onto the Access to HE: Science Diploma is for an engineering or science-related course you. at university next year and start on your way to a career in mechanical engineering, structural engineering or quality assurance, What you’ll learn: to name just a few. You will study modules covering biology, chemistry and either psychology, maths or What you’ll learn: physics.* Alongside this you will develop your academic skills, including report and You will study modules covering physics, essay writing, and study and presentation maths and chemistry. As well as developing skills. subject knowledge, you will improve your communication, personal and study skills through a core programme that also Progression opportunities: provides one-to-one tutorial support. The Access to HE: Science Diploma gives students the opportunity to progress Progression opportunities: onto degrees in natural sciences, applied sciences, healthcare sciences, nutrition

SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING The Access to HE: Engineering Diploma and human health, science and bioscience. gives students the opportunity to progress Career pathways could include academic onto degrees in mechanical engineering, researcher, biologist, pharmacologist, architectural engineering, electronic research scientist, laboratory technician, engineering, transport engineering and toxicologist and chemist. environment engineering. Career pathways could include structural engineer, electronics engineer, quality assurance, mechanical *Modules offered may vary by campus. engineer and environmental engineer.

HOW TO APPLY See p.23 for details 21 22

MONEY MATTERS SUPPORT TO FUNDING YOUR FUTURE SUCCEED

19+ ADVANCED LEARNER LOAN STUDENT BURSARIES At Activate Learning, your happiness and success If you are studying on a full-time Level 3 or 4 Help is available for anyone who is finding it hard is our priority. We offer the following dedicated services programme or apprenticeship, you are eligible to to meet the costs of coming to college (travel, apply for a loan to help you pay your tuition fees. course kit, trips etc.). For more information on to ensure your time while studying with us is positive and These loans are not means-tested or subject to credit bursaries, eligibility criteria and how to apply, fulfilling, both academically and personally. checks, and you start repaying the loan when you visit our website. earn over £25,725 per year.

If you take out a higher education student loan to LEARNING SUPPORT SAFEGUARDING complete an Access to Higher Education programme, We offer flexible support for students with It is everybody’s responsibility to keep our you do not have to pay that loan back if you go on to disabilities or special educational needs studying campuses safe. When on campus, we ask that complete a degree at university. programmes at Activate Learning. To discuss you wear your lanyard at all times to identify your additional support needs, please email yourself and to access buildings. For more information, eligibility criteria and how to [email protected] apply, visit our website. We have a team of safeguarding specialists if you are worried about your own or somebody else’s VIRTUAL LEARNING SUPPORT health, safety or wellbeing, on or off campus. We have a comprehensive Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to support online and blended FAITH ROOMS learning. Faith rooms are available for you to use on all COUNSELLING campuses for prayer and quiet reflection. Study, relationships, money worries... sometimes CAREERS ADVICE problems can seem hard to deal with. We offer Our dedicated careers advisors are available for free, confidential counselling for all students who one-to-one support regarding your progression need it. and education, employment or training. These DEDICATED STUDY SUPPORT qualified advisors are on hand to answer all your We have our very own open access study questions. They can help you to identify your support network. skills, look at your career options, and develop your CV and interview skills. Book a careers TUTORIALS consultation today by calling Tutorials are an integral part of all higher 0800 612 6008 or emailing education courses at Activate Learning and you [email protected]. are encouraged to make full use of this particular learning opportunity. 23 24

In light of Covid-19 we will continually review our plans for delivery based on HOW the safety of our students, staff and the guidance from the government available at the time. Please refer to TO APPLY our website for the latest information across our college locations.

STEP You’ve made a decision to advance your STEP We suggest you attend one of our on STEP Simply register for our online service, STEP You will be invited to have a numeracy learning or plan to return to education to campus or virtual open events to speak verify your account, login to our website and literacy assessment to check your progress a career, or make a change. If to tutors and students, get a feel for the and click Apply Now on your chosen suitability to study at Level 3. Don’t you’re still not sure then we can support college environment and discuss your programme’s page to complete your worry, most student are successful in and advise you. options with us. Register for an open event application. the assessment process and we have on our website today. resources available to help you prepare. 1 View our courses at 2 3 4 www.activatelearning.ac.uk/access-he

STEP Your application will be reviewed and STEP Start to apply for funding. For more STEP When you have secured your place, you will an offer will be made if you meet the information on student financial be invited to enrol. You will meet tutors and requirements on the programme you support, see p.21. new friends and begin your course of study. have chosen. We will continue to support you to gain the qualification you need and to get the most 5 6 7 out of your learning experience.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information is correct at time of printing, our course programmes and delivery methods may be subject to change. Please check the website for the latest information.

www.activatelearning.ac.uk/access-he 25 26

OUR LOCATIONS

Six colleges conveniently located with a range of transport links. BANBURY

BANBURY AND MERRIST WOOD BICESTER COLLEGE COLLEGE OXFORD Broughton Road Holly Lane Banbury Worplesdon Oxfordshire Guildford OX16 9QA Surrey GU3 3PE READING BRACKNELL AND GUILDFORD WOKINGHAM COLLEGE COLLEGE BRACKNELL Church Road Stoke Road Bracknell Guildford Berkshire Surrey MERRIST WOOD RG12 1DJ GU1 1EZ GUILDFORD CITY OF OXFORD READING COLLEGE COLLEGE

Oxford City Centre Campus Kings Road Oxpens Road Reading OX1 1SA Berkshire RG1 4HJ Blackbird Leys Technology Campus Cuddesdon Way Oxford OX4 6HN

READY TO APPLY? www.activatelearning.ac.uk/access-he 27

0800 612 6008 [email protected] www.activatelearning.ac.uk