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Access to University Courses for Ages 19+

Access to Humanities

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Key Facts

Qualification Aim
Access to Humanities

Entry Requirements
GCSE English at Grade C or above (or equivalent)

Start Date
September 2010

Course Overview

These courses allow mature students to take a modular package of subjects which may be chosen from the wide range available across the whole College. Many students progress to a career in education by taking, for example, the BA in Education with QTS (QualifiedTeacher Status) at Canterbury Christ Church University. It also provides a thorough preparation for other degree courses in humanities or social sciences at The University of Kent or other Higher Education institutions.

Course Structure

The one-year access programme requires attendance for between 12-15 hours per week.

Students take subject units which earn them OCN credits at either level two or level three. A minimum of 60 credits is required, with at least 45 at level three (the equivalent of Advanced level). Study Skills also form a compulsory part of the programme, and provide 12 extra credits at level three. Guidance is given on Higher Education applications as part of the Study Skills/Tutorial programme.

  • History includes an introductory element which considers the nature of the subject as an academic discipline; the Industrialisation of Britain; Political Reform movements in nineteenth century Britain; the decline of the Weimar Republic in Germany after WWI, and the rise of Nazi Germany.
  • English involves the development of skills such as close textual analysis, understanding narrative techniques etc. Students study the main genres of drama (e.g. Shakespeare, Hare); the novel/prose (e.g. Shelley) and modern poetry. Key periods and topics such as romanticism are also examined.
  • Teacher-training involves studying and developing practical skills required in the classroom: teaching methods and the management of learning; design and use of learning resources; types of assessment; communication techniques and self-evaluation.
  • GCSE English, Science & Mathematics can also be taken, and are vital for students who wish to enter Teacher Training.

Qualification Aims

OCN Access Certificate

Assessments/Examinations

Assessment methods are varied, including extended essays, critical analysis, timed essays and seminar presentations. The course leads to the award of a certificate validated by the Kent and Medway Open College Network, which is administered from the University of Kent.

Cost / Equipment

Tuition/Registration fees: approx £500 tbc.

Stationery, including a ring binder and pens, will be required. Some text books may also have to be purchased.

Free tuition is available to those in receipt of certain means tested benefits or to their un-waged dependants. If you are not on benefits but find it difficult to pay any course related costs because of financial hardship we may also be able to help. For details contact our Welfare Unit on 01843 605048.

Entry Requirements

Students should have GCSE English at grade C or above before embarking on the course. Mathematics and Science are also desirable for those intending to progress into teaching.

Start Date

September 2010

How to Apply

If you wish to apply for any of our courses, please complete and return an application form.

If you have any problems completing the form or have any questions regarding the application process, please contact our Student Admissions team on 01843 605049, or email student_admissions@thanet.ac.uk.