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Unlock your potential

Have you been away from

education for a while?
Are you thinking about returning
to learning so you can possibly
go on to university and improve
your career prospects?
If the answer is yes,
then our Higher
Education Access
Programme could be
the ideal route for you!

Our Access to HE (Higher

Education) course programme is
specifically designed for mature
students who are seeking to get
back into education, usually with
an aim to progress on to university.
Students MUST be aged 19 or over,
on or before 31st August, to enrol
for the September or January start.
At East Durham College we
offer the Level 2 Access to HE
Certificate in Progression, a 12week course, whichthen leads
on to the one year Level 3 Access
to HE programme. There is also
a 6-month Fast Track option
available on the Level if you
meet the entry requirements.

The Level 3 programme is

available in a number of career
pathways such as teaching,
health and social science.
Please see the table on
page six for more details.

you have come to the right place.

And the best bit is that the Access
to HE programme is recognised
throughout the country as an
entry qualification for degrees
and many professional courses.

The programme is run at our

Peterlee Campus and also our
Houghall Campus in Durham.
Timetables on our Access courses
are designed to enable students
to attendon a flexible basis to
help fit around work and family
commitments they may have.

So, whether youre looking to

change job, return to work,boost
your career prospects or gain a full
Honours degree ourprogramme
offers you a great route into
higher education.

Achievement on the full Level

3 programme is 100% at East
Durham College, so if you are
thinking of going on to university

Unlock your potential

Access to Higher
Education

Access to HE - Certificate in Progression Level 2

The Access to HE course is specially designed for mature students (aged 19+) who wish they had taken
their education further when they were younger and would like the opportunity to begin studying
again to progress on to a university course such as an HNC, HND, Foundation Degree or Full Degree.
The full Access to Higher Education programme is split into two parts. This Pre-Access Certificate
in Progression (Level 2) and then the full QAA Access to HE Diploma (Level 3).
Progression on to the full Access course requires successful completion of this Pre-Access Certificate.
A certificate is awarded after completion of the Level 2 qualification.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study on this
programme. Acceptance on to this course is conditional
on your attendance at a Welcome Event prior to starting
the course.
A STRONG COMMITMENT IS NEEDED AS THIS PROGRAMME
IS INTENSIVE.
What areas are covered by the course?
Like many other Access students you may be returning to
study for the first time in a while, and this programme is
specially designed to help you to get back to grips with the
skills, knowledge and understanding you need to succeed
and move on into Higher Education.
The Level 2 Certificate in Progression is the ideal route to help
you brush up on your numeracy, literacy and study skills.

Once you`ve successfully completed the programme

you will receive a Level 1 Award and Level 2 Certificate in
Progression. This will have enhanced the skills you`ll need
for your future study - and your CV too.

In addition to timetabled classes, it is expected that students

will complete at least 5 to 7 hours of further independent
study per week.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment is by coursework. Coursework may be written
in the form of essays, research projects and presentations.
There may also be examinations at the end of some units.
Length of course
The Access to HE Certificate in Progression Level 2 takes
approximately 12 hours a week over a 12 week period
to complete.
Course start dates are in September, January and
April each year.
We are aware that students may have work and family
commitments to fit around their studies and therefore
timetabling is as flexible as possible. Timetables are
also planned to avoid school holidays.

The units in the Certificate are made up of Science, Maths,

English, Psychology and IT components.

How is the course taught?

The course is made up of lectures, tutorials and one-to-one
sessions.

Classes are run at various times between 9.15am till 3pm

and 6pm till 9pm.

Progression/Career opportunities
East Durham College students who have successfully
completed this programme and then the full Level 3 Access
to HE course have progressed on to study a wide range of
degrees at universities and colleges across the UK, including
the likes of Durham, Sunderland, Teesside, York and Hull to name but a few.
Our students have studied degrees in subjects such as
criminology, forensic biology, journalism, law, midwifery,
nursing, physiotherapy, social work and teacher training.
EDC students have then gone on to have successful
careers in fields such as nursing, social work and teaching.
Fees/Notes
There is a fee for this course. The total cost is 299 for the
Certificate to Progression Level 2 course.
The course may be free if you are claiming Job Seekers
Allowance or ESA in the Work Related Activity Group.
The course is timetabled to meet the needs of adult learners
and the College can provide nursery facilities (at the Peterlee
Campus only) or help towards childcare costs for those who
have children between the ages of 3 months to 5 years.
Please note: Fees may increase in subsequent years.
Financial assistance may be available - contact Student
Services on 0191 518 8222 for further advice and guidance.

Unlock your potential

Access to Higher
Education

Access to HE - Level 3
The Access to HE course is specially designed for mature students (aged 19+) who wish they
had taken their education further when they were younger and would like the opportunity to
begin studying again to progress on to a university course such as an HNC, HND, Foundation
Degree or Full Degree.
The full Access to Higher Education programme is split into two parts. This Pre-Access to
HE Certificate in Progression (Level 2) and then the full QAA Access to HE Diploma (Level 3).

A Choice of Career Pathways is Available

Our Access programme is available through a variety of career pathways:
Children and
Young People
Pathway

Social Science
and Youth Work
Pathway

Ideal if you
want to pursue
a higher
education route
leading to a
career as a
guidance officer
and allied
professions.

Ideal if you
want to pursue
a higher
education route
leading to a
career in social
work, youth
work and allied
professions.

Humanities
Pathway

Ideal if you
want to pursue
a higher
education route
leading to a
wide choice
of careers.

Health and
Social Care
Pathway
Ideal if you
want to pursue
a higher
education route
leading to a
career in all
professions allied
to medicine
and social work.

Education
Pathway

Ideal if you
want to pursue
a higher
education route
leading to a
career in all
professions allied
to teaching.

Forensic
Science
Pathway
Ideal if you
want to pursue
a higher
education
route leading
to a career in
all professions
allied to forensic
science.

You can choose from the following subjects

Biology
Psychology
Sociology

Biology
Business
English
Maths
Psychology
Sociology

Biology
Business
English
History
Psychology
Sociology

Biology
Chemistry
English
Maths
Psychology
Sociology

Biology
Business
Chemistry
English
Maths
History
Psychology
Sociology

Biology
Chemistry
English
Maths
Psychology
Sociology

Depending on the pathway you wish to follow you will study three key modules from those listed above. As well as these you will
also take IT skills and study skills, all helping to prepare you for university and/or employment.
GCSE English or Maths is also available for study to suit the requirement of individual timetables. Students will only be able to
complete one GCSE alongside the full time programme due to the intense nature of the course.

Entry requirements
You MUST be aged 19 or over, on or before 31st August,
to enrol on the September course start or the following
Fast Track January start.
You will need to have achieved a Level 2 in Adult Literacy
and Numeracy or a grade C or above at GCSE (in the last
5 years) for entry on to the course.
In addition, you will need to have successfully completed
the Access to HE Certificate in Progression Level 2 course
to be able to enrol on to this Level 3 programme.
It is important if you intend to apply to study nursing, midwifery,
teaching or social work at university that you
have, or are prepared to seek, voluntary work experience.
What areas are covered by the course?
Biology: This module includes the study of cell structure,
cell division, genetics, the chemistry of living systems
and human physiology. Typical areas include:
Cell biology
Cell reproduction, inheritance and gene expression
Chemistry of living systems
Chemical reactions and enzymes
Energy concepts
Nutrition and the digestive system
Cardiovascular system
Respiratory system
Excretory system
Nervous system
Endocrine system and homeostasis

Business: This module enables students to:

Evaluate the differences between sole traders, partnerships,
companies and co-operatives
Evaluate the issues surrounding why firms grow, methods of
growth, problems associated with growth and the role of
agencies which monitor competition between companies
Produce, interpret and analyse a set of final accounts
Produce, in report form, an analysis outlining the interrelationship of business with the external environment
Evaluate the issues surrounding the marketing mix, product
life cycle, market research and the role of advertising
Discuss what motivates people to work, the recruitment,
selection and training functions within a firm, why internal
communication is important and the role of trade unions
Chemistry: This module enables students to:
Classify the main types of chemical compounds based
on information and observations
Offer chemical reasons for differences, e.g. covalent
and ionic compounds
Evaluate the relative significance of different factors
including; bond polarity and dative covalent bonds
Use observations of quantitative inorganic chemical
changes and explain these in appropriate terminology
Carry out mole calculations
Discuss the significance of observations, make predictions
based on chemical facts, data and/or observations of the
first 20 elements
Explain results in terms of the Periodic Table and on the
basis of information given using chemical ideas to predict
changes and relate these to atomic structure
Understand the significance of energy changes in chemical
reactions
Describe reactions in terms of energy input and output, carry
out simple calculations on energy changes and evaluate
the likely effect of an energy change on reactions

Unlock your potential

Access to Higher
Education

Access to HE - Level 3 Continued

English Language or Literature: This module includes

written and oral assignments:
Personal writing
Formal report writing
Newspaper analysis
Review of a documentary
Leaflet analysis (class)
A personal response to literary material
History: This module enables students to:
Understand the process of causation and recognise
the consequences of historic events
Examine the causes of at least one example of
revolutionary change
Analyse a range of consequences of an historical event
Understand the nature of historical debate
Evaluate conflicting interpretations of an historical event
Understand the importance and impact of key historic
individuals
Evaluate the contribution of at least one significant
historic individual
Use both primary and secondary historical evidence
Assess the reliability, limitations and usefulness of
historical evidence
Form deductions and interpretations from different
pieces of evidence
Explicitly compare contrasting pieces of evidence
Comment upon the language and style employed
in historical sources
Form personal judgements and draw conclusions
upon the past
Establish an individual conclusion upon an historical
event which is open to interpretation

Maths: The aim of this module is to develop the

mathematical skills of the student so that they will be able
to confidently apply relevant techniques in their chosen
university course. The course will include the following:
Arithmetic processes
Introduction to algebra
Trigonometry
Statistics
Graphs
Area and volume
Introduction to calculus
Psychology: This module covers:
Schizophrenia, depression, phobias,
treatment and therapies
Physiological psychology: Stress
Social psychology: Attitudes and prejudice
Development psychology: The development
of self concept
Special issues in psychology:
Ethics and psychological research
Perspectives: Psychoanalytic, cognitive, humanistic,
behavioural and physiological approaches
Research methods: Laboratory and field experiments,
surveys, questionnaires, observations, describing and
displaying data

Length of course
One year. The course begins in September. However, we also
offer a Fast Track option which runs from January to July.

How is the course taught?

The course is made up of lectures, tutorials and one-to-one
session. A tutor will be provided to give you additional support
as required.

GCSE English or Maths costs only 30 per subject if taken

alongside the Access to HE Programme (You can only take
one due to the intensive nature of the Access programme).

Sociology: This module enables students to:

Understand the nature of sociology and the meaning
of a sociological approach
Critically discuss the usefulness of sociology as opposed
to common sense approaches in contributing to an
understanding of human behaviour
Understand the uses and limitations of different methods
of research and sources of data
Evaluate the relative merits and disadvantages of the
various methods of research
Understand the major concepts involved in the various
theoretical perspectives and recognise limitations of
the perspectives
Critically discuss issues in sociology from the main
perspectives with reference to different topic areas
Evaluate the limitations of each perspective
Recognise the relationship between theory and method
Assess the reasons why structuralist and interpretive theorists
favour particular research methods
Understand the nature of scientific method
Critically discuss whether or not the methods of the natural
sciences can and should be used in sociology

You will also have the opportunity to listen to guest speakers

and visit local universities on their open days.

How is the course assessed?

A combination of assignments, practical exercises and tests.

We are aware that students may have work and family

commitments to fit around their studies. So timetabling
is as flexible as possible, also avoiding school holidays.
Classes run between 9.15am - 3pm and 6pm - 9pm.

Progression/Career opportunities
East Durham College students who have successfully
completed this programme have progressed on to study a
wide range of degrees at universities/colleges across the UK,
including the likes of York, Durham, Sunderland, Teesside
and Hull - to name but a few.

Our students have studied the likes of criminology, forensic

biology, journalism, law, midwifery, nursing, physiotherapy,
social work and teacher training. EDC students have then
gone on to have successful careers in fields such as nursing,
social work and teaching.
Fees/notes
There is a fee for this course. The total cost is 580 for the
Access to HE Level 3 course.

The course may be free if you are claiming Job Seekers

Allowance or ESA in the Work Related Activity Group.

The College can provide nursery facilities (at the Peterlee

Campus only) or help towards childcare costs for those who
have children between the ages of 3 months to 5 years.

Please note: Fees may increase in subsequent years.

Financial assistance may be available - contact Student
Services on 0191 518 8222 for further advice and guidance.

Unlock your potential

Access to Higher
Education

Support and Services

College Guidance Service & Careers Advice

If you are looking for a career change or are unsure which
course is best for you, the College Guidance Service can
offer you a range of services to help you decide.
The possibilities can seem endless when deciding what
to do when you leave school or college. Thats why we
employ our own specialist careers advisor who can help
you find the right career path, job or university course.
The College will provide you with advice, information
and guidance with job search, CV writing and interview
techniques. We also arrange trips to universities and hold
careers fairs at the College to help you decide whats
the right next career step for you.
For one-to-one, confidential and unbiased guidance
or to make an appointment please contact the Careers
Co-ordinator in Student Services.

10

0191 518 8282

Adult Learners Aged 19 to 24 Level 2/Level 3 Entitlement

You will not have to pay any tuition fees if you meet the
following criteria:
Access to HE Level 2 - you are over 19 but under 25

and havent already got a full Level 2 qualification,

such as 5 GCSEs grade C or above or an NVQ Level 2.
Access to HE Level 3 - you are under 25 at the start
of your course and do not already have a full Level 3
qualification, such as 2 or more A Levels or an NVQ
Level 3. Or if you are over 25 and havent already got
a full Level 2 qualification, such as 5 GCSEs grade C
or above or an NVQ Level 2.
Please ask Student Services for more details on Level 2
and Level 3 Entitlement.

t:

College Nurseries
Many students have young
children, a fact that often
makes attendance at college
difficult. To make things easier
the College has its own nursery
called Positive Steps at the Peterlee Campus. Funding is
also available for students with children at other nurseries
or with childminders.

Counselling Service
Although students may be prepared to talk things through
with their tutor or course lecturer, there may be times when
they feel they want to talk things over with someone else
outside their course. The College has a team of trained
counsellors who offer a totally confidential
service to students.
Students Union
East Durham College Students Union
is a separate organisation to the
College and is run by students who are
elected. The main role of the Students
Union is to make sure the student voice
is heard by the College. This is done by
having student officers, class reps and
a student council.
All full time and part time students are automatically
members of the Students Union and so can take part
in its activities and purchase an NUS extra discount card.
You can order your NUS Extra card, an exclusive student
discount card, from www.nus.org.uk and collect it in
College once you are enrolled as a student.

Unlock your potential

11

Access to Higher
Education

The Learning Resources Centre

East Durham College has a fully equipped Learning
Resources Centre (LRC), at each campus, offering an
extensive range of learning materials, which aim to
meet the curriculum requirements of both students
and staff.
Our knowledgeable and experienced team is on hand to
guide and support you through
your learning programme.
What is available at the LRC?
Each LRC has the latest IT equipment and facilities,
with PCs available to students on a drop-in basis.
Students can access course materials from a variety
of sources including:
Books
Reference materials
Newspapers and magazines
DVDs
Online resources

Over 3,000 ebook titles

Photocopying, binding and

laminating services are available

12

Access to Higher
Education

How to Apply
Okay, youve done the hard bit and decided
youre interested in the Access to HE Programme.
Now the important part... letting us know!
There are a few ways you can do this:

In person
Call in to see our friendly and helpful Student Services
teams based on each of the College campus sites.

Student Services Peterlee Campus

Phone
Call Student Services on 0191 518 8222
and we will take your application over the phone.

Student Services Houghall Campus

Online
Click on the apply now button and fill out an
application form electronically via our website,
www.eastdurham.ac.uk

t: 0191 518 8222

t: 0191 375 4710
enquiries@eastdurham.ac.uk

Once we have received your application form we will

be in touch to let you know the next steps of the process.
Just remember if you have any questions, we are only
a phone call or email away!

Unlock your potential 13

A19
SUNDERLAND,
TYNE TUNNEL,
NEWCASTLE

A19

Peterlee
B1320

TO
IN G
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Teeside

S. West
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By Car
If you are travelling from the south of Peterlee on the A19,
branch left at the sign for Peterlee and Horden B1320.
Then at the roundabout take the fourth exit onto Burnhope
Way (B1320). Take the second left onto Willerby Grove
and the College entrance is on your right.
If you are travelling from the north of Peterlee on the A19,
branch left at the sign for Peterlee B1320. Then at the
roundabout take the first exit onto Burnhope Way (B1320).
Take the second left onto Willerby Grove and the College
entrance is on your right.

14

Our Peterlee Campus is conveniently located less

than half a mile off the A19, along the B1320,
on Willerby Grove.
Peterlee Campus
Willerby Grove
Peterlee
County Durham
SR8 2RN

AY
N W

Peterlee
B1320

A 19

Access to Higher
Education

How to Find us

Switchboard:

0191 518 2000

Once on campus
Park in the main car park (Free). For course enquiries make
your way to Student Services behind the main reception.

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Once on Campus
Please report to reception, in the main building,
before parking in the car park at the rear of the Campus.
For course enquiries make your way back to Student
Services at the main reception.

B1198
A181 & A19

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East Durham College

Houghall Campus

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A177
A167, DARLINGTON
www.giveway.co.uk 2009

A178

SHINCLIFFE

UNIVERSITY
OF DURHAM

COLLINGWOOD
COLLEGE

H a r t l e pool

UNIVERSITY
OF DURHAM
(Graham Sports
Centre)

A1
77

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Houghall Campus
Houghall
Durham
County Durham
DH1 3SG
Switchboard:

Bowburn
Coxhoe
A177

A1
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UNIVERSITY
OF DURHAM

TREVELYAN
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By Car
If you are travelling from the south of Durham on the A1.
Leave the A1(M) at junction 61, then at roundabout take
the 2nd exit onto the A177 to Bowburn. Follow the road
for about 3 miles until you pass The Rose Tree Inn, on your
left, then take the second left into the main entrance to
the College.

If you are travelling from the east of the county of using

the A19, leave the A19 and turn left on to the A181,
for Durham, for approximately 7 miles. Continue forward
onto the B1198. At traffic signals turn right onto the
A177. Follow the road past The Rose Tree Inn on your
left then take the second left into the main entrance
to the College.

If you are travelling from the north of Durham on the A1.

Leave the A1(M) at junction 62, then at roundabout take
the 3rd exit onto the A690 into Durham Centre. At the
second roundabout take the 1st exit onto New Elvet.
At traffic signals bear left onto Hallgarth Street.
At roundabout take the exit onto the A177.
Proceed along the A177 and the main entrance to the
College is clearly signed on your right.

All information correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change
Unlock your potential 15

Creating Outstanding Futures

East Durham College
Peterlee Campus
Willerby Grove
Peterlee
County Durham
SR8 2RN
t:

0191 518 2000

East Durham College

Houghall Campus
Houghall
Durham
County Durham
DH1 3SG
t:

0191 375 4700

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www.eastdurham.ac.uk