Many Access students may have not been in formal education for a number of years and what most students realise when starting an Access course is that it is not like school! Class sizes are smaller which allows you to get more attention from your teacher. Classes are more like seminars which you have at university, this allows for greater discussion of the topic being covered. The course includes tutorial support sessions which covers essay writing, time management and research skills in addition to help writing your UCAS application. All teachers on the pathway have higher degrees (or are working towards them) and have a wealth of experience in their field.

Throughout the course, hands-on experience and the development of scientific skills are a key component. Learners are provided with numerous opportunities to undertake scientific investigations and take part in sessions taught by professionals from core British scientific institutions. Within the course there are multiple opportunities for enrichment activities outside of the classroom including educational visits to local universities and The Christie.

The Access course is very intensive and the need to show commitment to the course and be motivated and determined to be successful will be matched by your teachers. We recommend that you are able to spend a minimum of 15 - 20 hours per week outside of the classroom devoted to your studies.

Grade C/4 (or above) in GCSE English and Maths and a Science GCSE at grade B/5, or two at grade C/4 – certificates will need to be presented. Please note we do not accept Level 2 Functional Skills as equivalent to either GCSE English or maths for this course. Any overseas qualifications must be officially recognised in the UK and must be verified as equivalent by an exams equivalence service, e.g., UK ENIC. Please note entry qualifications must be in place prior to the start of the course and cannot be studied alongside the Access qualification.

The way Access is structured means that assessment is on-going throughout the year. Your first assignments are usually undertaken just a few weeks into the course. The style of assessment varies so you develop a wide range of skills in preparation for university. We are using original assessment methods such as podcasts and academic posters alongside traditional essays and exams.

There are 15 graded units on the course which will be awarded at pass, merit and distinction. These graded units are worth ‘UCAS’ points. Universities will ask for a certain number of UCAS points in any offers they make to you. For almost all courses our students go onto study, universities ask for a combination of distinctions and merits, however this varies widely between courses, so it is recommended you check entry requirements for the course you wish to study at the university you would like to apply to. For courses e.g., Radiography it is not uncommon to require all units graded distinction.

You will be given clear guidance and support for each assignment, with regular feedback from your tutors to help you develop your skills and achieve your goals. This assessment approach allows you to build a portfolio of work that showcases your abilities and prepares you for progression into higher education.

The course is recognised by all UK universities and many students in the past have gone on to study at prestigious Russell Group universities such as: The University of Manchester and the University of Leeds as well as The University of Salford, Manchester Metropolitan University, The University of Huddersfield and the University of Bradford. The course has an excellent record of students gaining entry to their first choice of university. Recent students have progressed onto diverse degrees such as Optometry, Biochemistry, Genetics, Physiotherapy, Radiography and Zoology.