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Entry Requirements icon

Entry Requirements

Minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including English and Maths

Study Mode icon

Study Mode

Full time

 

Duration icon

Duration

1 academic year

Timetable icon

Timetable

Various

Key Features & Benefits

  • Get an Advanced Learner Loan - pay nothing upfront for this course
  • You can get help with childcare costs
  • Get onto University courses with just one year of study

  • Overview

    The Access to Education Professions is excellent preparation for people who wish to train to be teachers or to study related courses at University level. This course is especially designed for mature students who do not have the necessary academic qualifications to apply for University level study but who wish to study at University level in the future.

    We strongly advise you to check the entry criteria for the degree you wish to progress to at University to ensure you meet all the requirements.

    This course runs for 12 hours a week for 30 weeks a year. This will be over two days per week with a timetable provide at least month before your start date.

  • What will I study?

    You will study on this programme for 12 hours per week, completing three subjects at Level 3 (the equivalent of A-levels). In addition you will attend a tutorial session where your study skills will be developed and you will receive excellent preparation for University level study with our 'Study Skills' module. The Access to Education Professions is a modular course which involves you studying a combination of units. All units are compulsory and must be completed by all students who wish to achieve this award. 

    You will study the following subjects at Level 3:

    • Education Theory and Practice
    • The Role of Play in Child Development

    All students on the Diploma will then complete the following mandatory units in a weekly tutorial:

    • Academic Writing
    • Preparing to Progress

  • Entry Requirements

    As this is a demanding A-level equivalent programme, you should have a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including English and Mathematics. Those who wish to go onto Primary School teacher training will also require GCSE Science at Grade C/4 or above. If you do not have the relevant qualifications we will refer you to our Adult GCSE programme.

    You must have relevant work experience for this course. The following are examples of the work we regard as suitable to demonstrate your aptitude for a career in Education:

    • Classroom Assistant (paid or voluntary)
    • Nursery Nurse
    • After-school clubs
    • Recreational clubs (such as sports teams)
    • Other work with groups of children, such as Sunday School teaching

    Not classed as suitable work experience:

    • Teaching your own children (for example, reading books with them, helping them with homework)

    Applicants who do not have recent experience of study but have relevant work or life experience will be considered on an individual basis and may be invited to interview, you should still apply in this case. The interview will consider prior formal qualifications, and evidence of experience gained through employment or other verifiable sources.

  • How will I be assessed?

    You'll be assessed by examinations and essays throughout the course. 

  • What can I do next?

    This programme is designed to prepare you for study at Degree level.

  • Your study programme

    Your study programme

    Your Study Programme

  • Discover other courses in Education and Teaching

  • Career Options

    Primary School Teacher

    In this job you will help to give young children the best possible start in life. If you like spending time with young people, and want to work in education, a job as a primary school teacher could be perfect for you.

    You will need to have enthusiasm for the subjects you teach. You’ll also need to be able to relate to pupils and their parents, and have patience and a good sense of humour.

    One of the main routes into primary school teaching is to do Initial Teacher Education or Training (ITET) and get qualified teacher status. To do this you must have GCSEs in English, maths and a science subject. You will also need clearance by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

    Secondary School Teacher

    As a secondary school teacher you will  help to prepare young people for a fulfilling life after school. You will also have plenty of opportunities to develop your career.

    To be a secondary school teacher you will need excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire and motivate your pupils to learn. You will also need to work well with people from a wide range of backgrounds, and have patience and a good sense of humour.

    There are several way to train as a teacher but before you can start, you will need GCSEs in English and maths or equivalent qualifications. You will also need clearance by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

    Further Education Lecturer

    Further education (FE) lecturers teach students over the age of 16. Also known as further education tutors or teachers, they work with some 14 to 16 year-olds studying work-related subjects. If you enjoy spending time with young adults and want a teaching career, this could be perfect for you.

    To become a further education lecturer, you will need to be able to relate well to students of all ages and abilities. You’ll need good organisation and planning skills. You’ll also need patience and a sense of humour.

    To qualify as an FE lecturer, you'll need at least a level 3 qualification in the subject you want to teach as well as a teaching qualification.

    Higher Education Lecturer

    Higher education lecturers teach and carry out research in universities and some further education colleges. They teach academic and vocational subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate level to students over the age of 18.

    If you have a high level of knowledge in a subject area, and want to pass it on through lectures, seminars and written materials, this job could be for you.

    In this job you’ll need enthusiasm for your subject, so you can motivate and inspire your students. You’ll also need confidence so you can stand up in front of large groups and deliver lectures.

    You’ll need a good degree (first or 2:1), and for most jobs a PhD or be working towards one. You’ll also need to have had academic work published.