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Free Access to HE Education Course in Bishop Auckland

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAscentis awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Access to HE Education Course in Bishop Auckland. Classes run at Bishop Auckland College, full-time during the day.

It carries the same UCAS points as three A Levels. Over one year, you'll study Education, Psychology, and Sociology. You'll also develop skills in teamwork, planning, and explaining complex ideas. The course is free for eligible learners aged 19 to 23 without a full Level 3 qualification.

You'll finish with the Access to HE Diploma (Education), awarded by Ascentis.

Who this course is for

If you're thinking about going to university but need a way to get there, our Access to Higher Education courses are designed to help adults take that next step. You'll develop the skills and confidence needed for degree-level study, all within a supportive and flexible learning environment. An Access course gives you the points you need for university - it's the equivalent of 3 A Levels. If you are aged between 19 and 23 and don't have a full Level 3 qualification, you will be able to study Access for free!

Entry requirements

There is an interview for the Education course and some screening tests. It is desirable that you have a Level 2 in Maths and English - this can be Functional Skills or GCSE grade 4/C or higher.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how people learn and how to support learning.
  • You'll study Education, Psychology, and Sociology as core subjects.
  • You'll develop skills in planning and preparing for academic work.
  • You'll practise working with others and communicating complex ideas clearly.
  • You'll build the study skills needed for degree-level work.
  • You'll gain knowledge of key curriculum areas relevant to education.

How you will learn

You'll study in a classroom at Bishop Auckland College. Learning is through taught sessions, group work, and independent study. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework across the units. There is an interview and some screening tests before you start. If you do not hold a Level 2 in Maths or English, you will study these alongside the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Bishop Auckland College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Teaching assistant, supports pupils in primary or secondary schools.
  • Learning support assistant, helps students with additional needs in college.
  • Early years practitioner, works with young children in nursery or reception settings.
  • Cover supervisor, manages classrooms in the absence of a teacher.
  • Education administrator, handles admin and coordination in a school or college.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) in Education or Primary Education, the natural next step after this Diploma for those aiming to teach.
  • PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), for graduates who want Qualified Teacher Status.
  • BA (Hons) in Psychology or Sociology, building on the subjects covered in this course.
  • Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, for those who want to work in schools before committing to a degree.
Apply on bacoll.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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