Adults in Wolverhampton who are thinking about going to university but are not sure where to start are being invited to find out more about a useful course.

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Wolverhampton City Council's Adult Education Service hosts an Access to Higher Education Diploma which helps people get on the career ladder or go on to study at university.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma offers you a choice of 5 different pathways in art and design, combined studies, social science and community studies, education studies and nursing/health studies.

Part-time evening programmes for art and design, social science and community studies and nursing/health studies will also be available from September 2013.

The Government has introduced a new way for people aged 24 and over to pay for Level 3 courses from 1 August, 2013 and potential learners may be able to make an on-line application for a loan to support their study.

Students will be introduced to research methods and the recording, presentation, organisational and management skills which are necessary to succeed at university.

English and Maths form a core part of the course and it is delivered over 1 or 2  years and begins with a 6 week induction period where your skills and aptitude will be assessed for continuation of the course.

Successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma course will enable people to apply to university for further study.

Generally in excess of 90% of learners completing the Access to Higher Education Diploma at Wolverhampton Adult Education Service progress to a university course and subsequently succeed at degree level and beyond.

The highly successful Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in Art and Design course, for example, provides an opportunity to produce a portfolio of artwork and gain a qualification which will qualify for a degree course in art and design.

Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning, said: "Our Adult Education Service can really help change people's lives for the better.

"This diploma can help people embark on brand new career opportunities or gain entry to university.

"I would urge anyone interested in developing their skills and enhancing their future prospects to find out more about this course."

Stacey Jones joined the 2 year Access to Higher Education Diploma in Art and Design in September 2011 after a period of serious illness.

She said: "I had missed out on 3 of my teenage years due to my illness and had very little confidence when I joined the course. I'd always loved art so wanted to give it my best shot.

"It wasn't easy for me to start with and due to my lack of confidence I wanted to leave on several occasions but with support from my tutors and peers I continued.

Today I am a different person. I have the ability to continue, my confidence is 100% increased and I have gained the skills to move on and go to university. I start my degree course in 'Applied Arts' in September at the University of Wolverhampton.

"My Life has changed and so have my possibilities. I thank the Access course, my tutors and Wolverhampton Adult Education Service for giving me this opportunity."

For further details please contact Learning Services on 01902 551658. They will be able to give you full details and support you through the application process.

Information days will also be held on Wednesday 4 September and Friday 6 September, 2013 from 10am to 2pm on both days.

  • released: Friday 19 July, 2013