Would you like to go to university, but haven’t got the qualifications to get there

Access Courses are the quick route for getting the qualifications you need to go to university. They are one-year, fast-track qualifications that allow adults ‘access’ to university. On an Access Course you increase your knowledge in subjects related to the course you would like to study in university. You will also increase the skills you require to study a university course such as assignment writing, presentation skills, project and portfolio work.

On an Access Course you are in College for about 16 hours per week. However, you also need to do a substantial amount of self-study during the year, either in College or at home. Most courses are taught during school hours, to help people with children to learn with as little hassle as possible. Some Access Courses also offer part-time options, when the course is studied over 2 years, for those that cannot commit to the workload of the 1-year course.

All students on Access Courses have support with choosing the right higher education course and completing their UCAS forms.

Where will it take me?
Most people on Access Courses in Barry College apply for university or a higher education course during their time at College. The College supports all these students to progress to HE – organising talks from visiting universities, arranging visits to HE fairs and providing UCAS application workshops.

Claire Adams, 41, Barry
Access to Humanities
“The Access to Humanities course has given me so much confidence, I now feel that I can continue with my education and get my degree.  I’m proud of myself for coming back to College. I have had to show commitment, but I have achieved so much.  I never would have thought I would be going to university now I’m in my 40’s, but I have just started at Swansea University on the Social Work degree and I can’t wait to get started!”