Access to
Higher Education
Truro and Penwith College has developed a comprehensive Access to Higher Education programme to meet the needs of mature students. The majority of students who have followed Access programmes at the College have been successful in gaining places at Colleges and Universities of their choice.
What is an Access course?
These Courses provide learners with a step-up to Higher Education by giving them the necessary grounding and qualifications for progression to University Courses. This route provides excellent study skills in specific subject areas, giving people the confidence to succeed.
You can see a full list of Access Courses available at the College further down this page.
Financial Support
Transport
Term Dates
The Access tutors would check-in regularly with us to ensure we were happy with where we were at, helped us and answered our questions. I wouldn’t be where I am without Truro College and of course my own hard work and dedication!
Katie - Access to Nursing & Human Sciences
The credit system
The course is credit based. Students need to collect 15 ungraded credits at Level 2 or Level 3 and 45 graded credits at Level 3. Most credits are gained by continuous assessment or assignments.
Progression routes
The Access to Higher Education programme is designed to give students the necessary grounding to progress on to Higher Education courses. The majority of British Universities will accept Access to Higher Education courses as an alternative to A Levels and other more traditional routes. In previous years students have gained places to train as Nurses, Teachers, Occupational therapists and in other caring professions. Others have chosen to follow degrees in a diverse range of subjects, including Anthropology, Forensic Science, English, Zoology and Journalism.
Core subjects
The Study Skills unit is designed to give students the full confidence that they will need for Higher Education. Skills developed include: Note taking, essay writing; referencing; presenting information to peers; etc. Learners would be given full support by their tutor while completing their application to university.
We have a large network of computers with Internet access and a large range of software. Many of our students have never used a computer, whilst others have considerable experience. Whatever your level, we will help you to develop your skills.
Select your course
Access to Higher Education: Nursing / Human Sciences
Access to Higher Education: Computing and IT
Access to Higher Education: Health & Social Care
Access to Higher Education: Art & Design
Access to Higher Education: Computing and IT
Access to Higher Education: Creative Media and Photography
Access to Higher Education: Humanities, Teaching and Law
Access to Higher Education: Medicine
Access to Higher Education: Nursing / Human Sciences
Access to Higher Education: Psychology and Social Work
Access to Higher Education: Science
Access to Higher Education: Creative Arts
Access to Higher Education: Humanities
Mature Access Pathway
Mature students receive extra support to help them return to study and make the move to university and careers thanks to the College’s partnership with the University of Exeter providing access to its Mature Access Pathway.
The Mature Access Pathway allows students to experience what university life is like and polish their study skills through workshops, talks, and on-campus activities. The Pathway includes social events and advice about money and living matters as well as specialist information and advice provided by experts from the University of Exeter and the College.
Frequently asked questions
We recommend that you have GCSE English and Maths at a minimum of Grade 4 (C) before you commence the Access courses. However, please contact us to discuss your prior qualifications and planned progression route and we would be happy to advise based on your particular set of circumstances.
It is advisable to check the GCSE requirements for the higher education course you wish to complete following the Access course, as they may have different stipulations.
If you are aged 19+ and require an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the course fees (ranging from £3,022 – £3,928), the Access Loan would be written off on completion of a university level course. If you are aged 19-23 at the start of the course, and do not hold a full Level 3 qualification, you could be fully funded for your Access course. For more about the Advanced Learner Loan and other funding information please visit /funding-free-courses.
Courses normally start in mid-September and end in mid-June. Taught hours vary between 11 - 16Â hours per week depending on the pathway chosen. Courses usually run over 3 days and offer parent friendly hours (i.e. 9.15am to 4.15pm).
Designed specifically for mature learners, CAREER COACH can help you search for Access to HE courses linked to your future career goals. The interactive tool gives you up-to-date information as well as highlighting the skills and knowledge that you will need to enter certain industries and the job roles within them. Find the Career Coach tool by CLICKING HERE.
our stories
Rey – Access to Medicine
Cam – Access to Science
Bethany – Access to Science
