Entry Qualifications

It is never too late to study for a degree, even if you have no qualifications at all. Many adults decide to return to study Higher Level courses to enhance their career prospects or develop new interests they want to pursue at a more in-depth level. If you are interested in studying one of our HE courses, but are worried you haven’t got the necessary qualifications, just speak to us. For some of our courses we may be able to accredit your previous relevant experience.

Access to Higher Education

Access Courses are ideal if you have missed an opportunity to study previously and wish to prepare for learning at a Higher Level. Through these courses, you can develop study skills, build confidence and experience different subject areas within your chosen pathway.

Access programmes are carefully designed to make them flexible and attractive to adult students, allowing you to study in a more adult-friendly learning environment, on a full or part-time basis to suit your commitments.

The course leads to the OCNWMR Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health or Social Sciences with Humanities. These are nationally-recognised qualifications which are accepted by universities. Most of our students are aiming for careers in nursing, social work or teaching, but the range of destinations is not limited to these.

You don’t have to repay an Advanced Learner Loan taken out for an Access to Higher Education course if you go on to complete a higher education course that is eligible for student finance.

Preparation for HE Programme

A programme for students who will commence higher level study with Shrewsbury Colleges Group, whether they are progressing into HE for the first time, moving from another HE provider or returning to study after a gap. This will provide preparation for studying at a higher level by identifying and exploring key skills needed for success at higher education level study, and will include:

• Starting to develop key academic study skills required for Higher Education study e.g. academic referencing, critical thinking, academic writing, effective reading & research strategies etc.
• Collecting top tips for coping with higher education study
• Meeting some HE staff and becoming familiar with the college

Level 3 Courses

We have a number of part-time Level 3 courses available, which you could access prior to undertaking your chosen course. Please check the entry requirements to ensure that the Level 3 course you choose is suitable.

Numeracy and Literacy

If you are missing GCSEs in English and Maths needed for entry to Higher Level study, you can retake them with us, either alongside your studies or prior to starting your course here. GCSEs and Functional Skills in English and Maths are FREE if you don’t already hold a GCSE at grade 4 or above.