Read Lucy's view Access to Higher Education at Lincoln College provides the opportunity to study on an intensive course in preparation for University courses. Successful students will receive a full level 3 Access to Higher Education diploma validated by the Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA). Access programmes are well established throughout the country as an alternative to A level entry to degree programmes at universities and colleges of higher education. They provide entry to a degree with no previous qualifications. The Access programme is divided into different 'pathways', catering for students with differing career and vocational ambitions. The Healthcare Practitioners pathway is a full time course tailored to suit those interested in degrees and careers in nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, health administration among others. There are three core units: Study Skills and Personal and Career Development - includes discussion, practice of writing skills, time management and presentation techniques. Information Technology - includes keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheets and databases and graphics. Tutorial - is a support and guidance service. These three elements prepare you for the requirements of degree programmes. There are three option units. Biology: (Natural Science): using general biology with the focus on human studies, this programme introduces students to the study of investigative methods. Psychology: includes study of cognitive, social and developmental psychology. Sociology: includes study of class, gender and ethnic inequalities. Students also analyse sociological approaches to crime and deviance and the media. They also take a GCSE Equivalence in English or Maths if they do not have GCSE English or Maths at Grade C before the course. This pathway is also offered in the evenings. It is aimed at students who intend to remain in employment while also studying three evenings per week between 5pm and 9pm for 1 year. The course is basically the same as the daytime course with two exceptions. Firstly, no exceptions can be made to the entry requirement of at least one GSCE at grade C in either Maths or English. Secondly, the number of available units of Sociology and Psychology is slightly reduced but this does not have a negative effect on the overall diploma. We give you experience of all the teaching, learning and assessment styles you will find on a degree programme, so that you can be confident in lectures, seminars and discussion groups, as well as in writing essays. We start with what you can do and build up from there. Students wishing to take Radiology or Physiotherapy should also explore with University Admissions Tutors the possibility of taking the Access to Science Pathway as an alternative.

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