Access to Higher Education DiplomaMedicine and Health Care Professions

WORCESTERSIXTH FORM COLLEGE

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Welcome to Worcester Sixth Form CollegeOur aim is to encourage purposeful learning in a friendly and supportive context, one in which you feel able to respond to successful teaching styles. Our teachers are subject specialists who are committed to ensuring students achieve their full potential in learning. We offer a welcoming environment where teachers empathise with adult students and appreciate the challenges you face.

We can help you realise your ambitions by helping you make a success of your Access to HE Diploma and supporting you moving forward with your qualification.

“We offer awelcoming environment

where teachers empathisewith adult students and

appreciate the challengesyou face”

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What is the Access to Higher Education Diploma?The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a course for individuals who want to go to university but do not have the formal qualifications needed. It is also for those who wish to change careers or for those who want to improve their qualifications, skills and confidence. Many students go on to study degree level programmes, such as psychology and business, or professional qualifications in nursing, midwifery, paramedics, physiotherapy and teaching.

It is expected that those wishing to complete an Access to HE Diploma will have substantial experience of life outside of formal education, gained since completing compulsory schooling.

The Access to HE Diploma is nationally recognised and widely accepted by universities, with many encouraging applications from Access to HE students.

Access to HE Diploma (Medicine and Health Care Professions)This diploma is most suited to students who wish to progress onto study degree level programmes such as:

You will study predominantly Biology, Chemistry and Physics and all Access to HE lessons will be taught in dedicated classes for Access students only.

Medicine Radiology

Veterinary Science Dentistry

Physiotherapy Subjects Allied to Medicine

Biological or Physical Science Optometry

Paramedic Science Biomedical Science

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Other Access to HE Diplomas at Worcester Sixth Form CollegeWe also offer the following Diploma:Access to HE Diploma (Social Science & Health)

This course is most suited to students who wish to progress onto a degree in fields such as nursing, midwifery, social science, paramedic science, psychology, sociology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, sports therapy and business.Please refer to separate leaflet for further information regarding this diploma.

Course Duration and TimetableOne year course from September 2018 to June 2019. The course is full-time and most students have lessons three or four days per week.

For the Access to HE Diploma (Medicine and Health Professions) the College day starts at 8.50am and finishes at 4.10pm.

AssessmentYou will be assessed on the Access to HE Diploma through a combination of written assignments, oral presentations, practical assessment and examinations.

Entry Requirements• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above to include English, Maths (both ideally at least

grade B or above) and Science (ideally double award or individual sciences at B grade);

• At least one year’s work experience (either paid or unpaid) in a related healthcare field;

• Successful interview with the Access Co-ordinator and Science Department;

• Demonstration of suitability for study during pre-offer assessment.

University Medicine School Entry RequirementsFor students considering studying medicine at university, there are additionalrequirements as follows:

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Progression Routes from Access to HE Diploma at WSFCMany Access students at Worcester Sixth Form College have progressed onto degree courses at various universities across the country. Our Access to HE Diploma (Medicine and Health Care Professions) is recognised by various medical schools and successful completion of the diploma will allow students to progress onto a range of university courses other than medicine, such as veterinary science, radiology, other subjects allied to medicine, biological and physical science and many others.

You are advised to check entry requirements for specific courses at different universities.

Not looking to go to university?Students return to the workplace with improved qualifications and skills, more self-esteem and greater confidence.

• Ideally 5 GCSEs at grade B or above, to include English, Maths and Science (double award or Biology, Chemistry and Physics);

• Most medical schools do not accept students with a recent degree below 2:1;

• Most universities give preference to students that have been out of formal education for a year or more and gained work experience during this time;

• Students will also be required to pass the admissions examinations such as Biomedical Admission Test (BMAT) and the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT), which are used by medical, dental and veterinary schools to select candidates.

If you do not have these entry requirements our Access to HE Diploma (Social Science and Health) may be a suitable alternative.

Medicine Professional Programme SupportWe offer a Professional Programme in Medicine, which is a specialised career course that enables students to improve their knowledge, insight and skills to increaseopportunities in this highly competitive profession.

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Financial Support and Course FeesThe Government subsidises a loan scheme to help with course fees for students, aged 19 and over, on Access to HE Diploma. A Government Advanced Learning Loan will be available if you need help with diploma costs so that you do not have to pay upfront fees. You will not have to pay back the loan at all if you successfully complete yourstudies at university or, if you do not, until you earn over £21,000. These details are correct at time of going to print, however may be subject to change.

See www.gov.uk/advanced-learning-loans/overview for further details.

Access to HE Diploma (Medicine and Health Care Professions) FeesThe Access to HE Diploma course fee is £3,384*, which can be covered by the Advanced Learning Loan which you are able to apply for. The loan is written off upon successful completion of your degree - correct at time of going to print.

All students, whether fee paying or not, will have to pay additional administrative charges:

• £60 caution money and College fund

Further AssistanceAll students may apply for a bursary to assist with travel and childcare support. This is subject to attendance.

* All course fees are correct at time of going to print.

Worcester Sixth Form College Science CentreThe Science Centre opened in August 2014. This state of the art facility has provided the College with four additional Science laboratories, as well as dedicated computer facilities for use by science students.

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Support for Access to HE StudentsWe are committed to ensuring that every student develops their potential for learning.

All students will have access to the following services and confidential support:

• Student Services for individual careers advice, job or UCAS applications, mock interviews

• Individual learning support, if required (e.g. for dyslexia)

• Tutorial programme

• Counselling

• Health advice

Worcester Sixth Form CollegeSpetchley Road, WorcesterWR5 2LUTel: 01905 362600enquiries@wsfc.ac.ukwww.wsfc.ac.uk follow us

Choose Worcester Sixth Form College for yourAccess to Higher Education (HE) Diploma (Medicine and Health Care Professions) and benefit from:

• New science facilities

• Professional programme support

• Loans available for students who are aged 19 and above at start of course

Next StepsContact Lucy Bowen on 01905 362622

Complete an Application Form.

You will be contacted to arrange an initial interview and assessment with the Access Co-ordinator.