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ACCESS DIPLOMAA recognised Level 3 route to university for adults

Social Work Teaching Nursing Social Sciences

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INDEX

All the students on theAccess course are adultswho have made the positivechoice to come back tocollege to study.

0800 306 306 | www.lmc.ac.uk

What qualifications do Ineed to join the course? 12

Success stories17

How do I apply?24

How much will it cost?14

What is the Access Diploma?6

Career opportunities7

How much time will I needto spend at College? 10

Access your dreams5

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Teaching, nursing, social work, going to university or tryingsomething new?

If you feel you missed out at school and want a second opportunity toreturn to education, then an Access Diploma at LMC could help makeyour dreams a reality. You might even be able to study for free!*

* subject to eligibility. See page 14 for details.

AM I TOO OLD?No. Almost everyone considering an Access Diploma worries that theymay have left it too late. Your life experience will be valuable and youwill study alongside other Access students of all ages.

HAVE YOU EVER DREAMED OFDOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT?

‘I finally decided at theage of 32 what Iwanted to do with mylife. I would like to be ateacher. This made mereturn to college.’Seth Mason, Carnforth

‘I wanted to return tocollege so I couldbetter myself. I don’tthink I was in aposition at 16 to knowwhat I wanted to do.’Cyndi Powell, Carnforth

‘The teachers use alldifferent styles to helpyou learn. If you needextra tuition they arealways there to helpand are approachable.’Katherine O’Brien, Lancaster

0800 306 306 | www.lmc.ac.uk

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WHAT IS THE ACCESSDIPLOMA?A recognised route to university.

The Access Diploma is specifically designed for people aged 19 yearsand over who want to progress onto university level study. Perhapsyou’ve taken a break from education due to other commitments buthave always wanted to gain the qualifications you missed at school, ormaybe you’ve discovered that the career you want requires universitylevel qualifications.

Whatever your situation, the Access Diploma offers you a secondopportunity to gain a qualification that could open the doors touniversity for you.

The Access Diploma is a full time Level 3 course and is a recognisedroute to Higher Education for mature students.

The subjects you study will be related to the career route you wish topursue.

You will also complete a Study Skills unit that will equip you with theskills you need to succeed at this level, such as how to write an essay,reference correctly and create a bibliography. In addition you willcomplete a H.E ‘Toolkit’ which covers presentation skills, CV writingand personal statements for university applications.

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CAREEROPPORTUNITIESNursingChild Nurse, Adult Nurse, MentalHealth Nurse, Midwifery,Radiographer, OccupationalTherapist, Paramedic or otherHealth Care Profession.

TeachingPrimary or Secondary SchoolTeacher, Learning Support Worker,Teaching Assistant or Special NeedsEducation Worker.

Social WorkSocial Worker, Counsellor, ProbationWorker, Youth Worker, WelfareOfficer, Youth and CommunityWorker or other related professions.

UniversityPsychology, Sociology, ForensicStudies, Humanities, Social Sciences,Environmental Studies, Conservation,Media Management etc.

As part of the Access course you willundertake two compulsory units:Study Techniques and the HigherEducation Toolkit. The StudyTechniques unit equips you with theskills you need to study at this level,such as how to write an essay,reference correctly and complete abibliography. The HE Toolkit coverspresentation skills, CV writing andpersonal statements for universityapplications.

The other subjects available tostudy to complete the AccessDiploma include:

Level 3

• English Language and Literature

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Human Physiology

• Biology

Level 2

• Maths (GCSE equivalent)

• Health Studies

• Human Growth and Development

• Sociology

• Criminology

• Counselling Skills

Access students at LMC study in thededicated Adult Learning Centrealongside other students aged 19years and over whilst being able totake advantage of all the other LMCfacilities, such as Treetops Nursery,based on campus, for children aged2 to 4 years. Information onfinancial support for studentsstudying for the Access Diploma isavailable by calling 0800 306 306.

0800 306 306 | www.lmc.ac.uk

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Kirsty will be going to LancasterUniversity to study Psychology andEducation after completing Accessstudies in Psychology, Sociology andMaths.

‘I have really enjoyed it, but it hasbeen hard work.’ Says Kirsty whohas two daughters aged 3 and 8,and worked part time throughouther studies.’

‘I didn’t know about the Access courses until a friend suggested them to me;they were perfect. To do so much in one year alongside looking after childrenand a part time job has been the best thing ever!’

When Joanne saw all her friendscompleting their university coursesshe decided that she wanted toreturn to study. She did GCSEEnglish in an evening class and thenapplied for a place on the Accesscourse.

She has a 10 year old son, workspart time at ASDA, volunteers atSignposts in Morecambe yet stillfinds time to study on the Access course.

She says that the Access course has made her ready for university and hasmade her realise that she can achieve things which she previously thoughtwere out of her reach.

Kirsty Coulton

Now studying:Psychology & Education,Lancaster University

Joanne Hall

Now studying: Social Work, Lancaster University

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To achieve an Access Diploma you will need to gain at least 60 credits(45 at Level 3). The credits can be accumulated by choosing a varietyof combinations from the list below:

Level 3 Credits

HE Toolkit (compulsory) 3

Biology 21

English Language & Literature 21

Human Physiology 21

Psychology 21

Sociology 21

An Access Diploma could be achieved by completing:

2 x Level 3 subjects 42

+

1 GCSE equivalent or 2 x Level 2 subjects 12

+

HE Toolkit and Study Techniques 6

0800 306 306 | www.lmc.ac.uk

Level 2 Credits

Study Techniques (compulsory) 3

GCSE equivalent Maths 12

Counselling Skills 6

Criminology 6

Human Growth & Development 6

Sociology 6

Health Studies 6

60 creditsin total}

LEVEL 1-2STUDYIf you are not quite ready forLevel 3 study then the twocourses below may beappropriate.

Return to StudyA short 15 week coursespecifically designed for adultsto enable them to return tostudy at a level which isappropriate for them. Subjectsstudied include HumanPhysiology, Psychology,Numeracy and Literacy.

Certificate inPersonal andProfessionalDevelopmentThis course is aimed atstudents who wish to developtheir study skills with a desireto progress further, possibly onto the Access Diploma in future.

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HOW MUCH TIME WILL I NEEDTO SPEND IN COLLEGE &STUDYING AT HOME?The Access Diploma will not only develop your subject knowledge butwill increase your self confidence and ability to communicateeffectively.

A full time course requires 450 hours of attendance at collegebetween September and June. This is approximately 14 hours perweek, with a substantial amount of study outside college.

It is generally assumed that a student will spend at least 10 hours perweek doing independent study at home.

0800 306 306 | www.lmc.ac.uk

99% OF ALL ACCESSSTUDENTS WOULDRECOMMEND THECOLLEGE TO A FRIEND

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WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO INEED TO JOIN THE COURSE?A range of evidence will be considered when assessing your potentialto succeed on the Access Diploma eg. your life skills, previousemployment experiences, prior achievements and professionalqualifications.

However, the general expectation is that you will have evidence ofgood Level 2 (GCSE) skills, preferably 5 GCSEs at grade C or above.

You will complete an assessment during the interview process, whichyou must successfully complete in order to progress onto the oneyear Access Diploma course.

Treetops Nurseryon the Collegesite has beengradedOUTSTANDINGby OFSTED.

Treetops is opento children ofstudents, staffand externalclients.

Call for moreinformation:01524 521233

0800 306 306 | www.lmc.ac.uk

‘I decided to go back to college and get aneducation, so that when my child starts school I cango to university and we will both have a betterquality of life.’Claire Bevan, Morecambe

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HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?You may be eligible to study for FREE! Please contact us for details.

If you are in receipt of certain means tested benefits you may beentitled to have your fees paid for you.

For more information and to check eligibility criteria, please contactStudent Services on 0800 306 306 or visit www.lmc.ac.uk

0800 306 306 | www.lmc.ac.uk

‘Returning to college as an adult has been fantastic,my confidence has gone through the roof.’Emma Chadwick, Morecambe

‘The last time I was here was 27 years ago. I foundit strange walking through the doors again at first,but it’s been great!’Cameron Seddon, Morecambe

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‘I have an NVQ 3 in Health and Socialcare but I really wanted to move intonursing and felt I needed to be betterprepared for university. Thecoursework, in particular the essaywriting, has really helped me feelmore confident about going on to adegree level course.’

Jennifer Richmond who came alongto collect her result with hernewborn baby of only 9 days old!

‘I had done 6th Form at Ripley StThomas High School in Lancasterand actually went to university fora term to study BusinessManagement and History, but itwas not the right time for me, soafter a term I dropped out andwent travelling to New Zealand ona working holiday. When I cameback I realised I was ready for thenext step which was studyingpsychology at University, I foundthe Access course online and it wasexactly what I was looking for.’

Steven Welch, now studyingPsychology at Leeds University

‘Have a serious think aboutwhether it’s what you really wantbecause the course requires a lotof commitment and hard work butit’s definitely worth it! I reallyenjoyed it, more than I expectedactually. The tutors are reallyhelpful and understanding. It’snothing like school, you get a lot ofsupport and you can learn and dothings in your own time. A lot ofpeople on the course have othercommitments like jobs and childrenand the tutors understand that.’

Catherine Southern, now atManchester MetropolitanUniversity studying SportsManagement

‘I decided I wanted more from life,not just being an ex Royal Engineerwith a normal job. I have alwaysbeen really interested in politicsand international economics so Idecided to focus on that.My dreamjob would be an official positionwhere I could instigateinternational trade and traderelations. To be honest I am verygrateful for the opportunity to getto university. I do feel like it’s mylast chance, it’s a lifeline really.’

Mark Everard, an ex RoyalEngineer, now at SheffieldUniversity studying Japanese plusmodules in InternationalRelations, Politics, Economics andBusiness Management

‘I really enjoyed the course,especially meeting so many newpeople, we had a really mixedgroup of people of all ages andfrom lots of different backgrounds,I’ve made loads of great friendsthrough the course!’

Tricia Louis, now at LancasterUniversity studying Social Work

ACCESSSUCCESSSTORIES

0800 306 306 | www.lmc.ac.uk

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Michael has been a care worker is aspecial needs school for the past 18months.

His hobbies are motorbike riding,going to the gym and he hasrecently entered a number of bodybuilding competitions.

He enjoys the variety and diversityof the Access course.

Michelle did the Access course overtwo years initially completing a level2 course before progressing ontothe level 3 course.

She did some voluntary teachingassistant work at Rylands Schoolwhich reinforced her desire to teach.

She says that she really couldn’thave done it with out the Accesscourse and the great support fromher tutors.

Michael Dea

Now studying:Paramedic, Salford University

Michelle Smith

Now studying: Primary Teaching,Cumbria University

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SUBJECTSAVAILABLEBiologyLevel 3Develop your understanding ofliving organisms and theirenvironment including genetics,ecology, physiology, metabolism andbiochemistry. The course is intendedfor anyone wanting to studybiological, environmental ormedically related courses at ahigher level.

Counselling SkillsLevel 2This course will introduce you to thegeneral nature of counselling andthe nature of the counsellor - clientrelationship. It will enable you todevelop a range of listening skillsand questioning techniques.

CriminologyLevel 2If you have a desire to understandwhy some people choose to breakthe rules, and what happens tothose who do, this course is for you!

You will develop your understandingof core areas in Criminologyincluding reasons for offendingbehaviour and understanding thecriminal justice system.

English Language &LiteratureLevel 3This course will help you to improveyour skills in reading, understandingand writing texts and also developyour ability to use correct spellingand punctuation. By studying thestructure of language andexamining how it works, you willidentify the methods and techniquesused, and their effects, in a varietyof texts from Shakespeare topresent day literature. You musthave a GCSE in English at C orabove to study the Level 3 course.

Human Growth &DevelopmentLevel 2Investigate the influences and lifeevents which affect developmentfrom pre-conception through toretirement. This course introducesaspects of human growth anddevelopment and aims to raiseawareness of the varied influencesthat affect an individual throughouthis/her life.

Human PhysiologyLevel 3You will acquire an academicunderstanding of the anatomy andphysiology of the human body byexamining the structure andfunctioning of organs and the cellsfrom which they are formed.

In the Level 3 course you will beintroduced to the techniques thattranslate this knowledge intopractical use. The course isparticularly appropriate to thenursing, caring and paramedicalprofessions.

0800 306 306 | www.lmc.ac.uk

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I started the Access course thinking that I was going tobe ridiculed as someone who didn't get it the firsttime. Wrong. We were all in it together. Maths was mydownfall and I expected nearly a year of being useless.It turned into my strongest subject thanks to my tutor.

Don't for one minute think that you're not goodenough. I thought like that a few times over the yearbut I'm here now. Give up at your peril. I saw a coupleof people nearly gave up the course because theythought that they weren't worth it, that no Universitywould give them a chance. Roll with the punches andaccept criticism when you're wrong. Fortune favoursthe brave.

If you ever think that you're nervous about anything,just turn 90 degrees to your left or right. The personnext to you will always help you and will also ask foryour help.

Your tutor is almost human! They're always ready tolisten to you if you have any problems. You're not at asecondary school anymore. If you think that you're notdoing well enough, have a word with your tutor. You'llfind the problem but you'll also find the solution.

Be ready to remember names and faces. Simplybecause many people that you'll learn with will befriends for the rest of your life. Rome wasn't built in aday. It took four days for the undercoat to dry. If atutor asks you for 'a', give them 'a' plus a bit of 'b'.Although perfection is rare, your opinion alwayscounts.

Cameron Seddon

Now studying:

History,

Lancaster Unive

rsity

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MathsGCSE equivalentThe GCSE level course will enableyou to gain and improve yourmathematical skills andunderstanding with a practicalapproach focused on the maturelearner.

Psychology Level 3You will explore the majorperspectives in Psychology includingmemory, personality, childdevelopment and mental illness. Youwill develop methods of studyingPsychology to include issues such aslearning, thinking, conformity,obedience and gender differences.

SociologyLevel 2 or 3Level 2 offers a basic introduction toSociology and the variousinstitutions that make up society.You will explore the influence thatmedia, poverty and education haveon our lives. Level 3 will develop theprinciples and applications ofSociology to help you understandkey issues in contemporary Britain.

The subjects on offer may change -contact Student Services FREE on0800 306 306 for the latest details.

0800 306 306 | www.lmc.ac.uk

99% OF ACCESS STUDENTS

ARE SATISFIED WITH THEIR

COURSE AND THINK THAT

THE TEACHING IS GOOD

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HOW DO I APPLY?Please complete the application form opposite and return to:

Admissions OfficerLancaster & Morecambe CollegeMorecambe RoadLancasterLA1 2TY

We will confirm receipt of your application within 7 working days.

If you do not hear from us in this timescale, please contact the Admissionsofficer on 01524 521305.

All applicants for the Access Diploma are then invited to an interview (part ofthe interview process will be an assessment) prior to being offered a place onthe course.

Lancaster & Morecambe College has published all information about the coursesit intends to offer in good faith and warrants that classes will be delivered withreasonable care and skill. The College reserves the right to cancel any class andvary the time, location, direction and content of any class it provides and theassociated fees. Lancaster & Morecambe College hereby expressly excludesliability for any indirect or consequential loss arising from its actions and limitscompensation to a maximum of a full refund of any fees paid or the offer of aclass of equivalent value.

As an equal opportunities college we will endeavour to offer you the same highquality service regardless of age, colour, race, religious belief, language, ethnicorigin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, family responsibility, socio-economic status or disability/learning difficulty. For full details please refer towww.lmc.ac.uk and follow the links to equal opportunities.

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APPLICATION FORM Please complete this form in block capitals ensuring you have put in your date of birthand return it to: Admissions, Lancaster and Morecambe College, Morecambe Road, Lancaster, LA1 2TYUse this form to apply for all of our full time courses and Apprenticeships. You may prefer to apply online at www.lmc.ac.ukThis is publication is available in different formats, fonts, language, Braille or audio tape on request from Student Services.

Forename(s) Surname

Mr/Miss/Mrs/Ms/other (please circle) Date of birth Male/Female (please circle)

Address

Postcode Home Tel. No. (inc. area code)

Mobile Tel. No. Email

Which is your prefered method of contact (please tick): q E-mail q Post

National Insurance No Nationality

Main place of residence for the last 3 years (please tick below)

q England q Other Country (please state)

Lancaster & Morecambe College Data Protection Declaration Information you provide on this enrolment form will be passed to the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), the Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA) and to the Department for Education and Skills which are

registered under the Data Protection Act 1998 for statistical and monitoring purposes. Individual data may be sent to the careers services (YPS), Local Education Authorities and Government Benefit

Agencies. The data protection registration also allows the SFA and YPLA to share information with other organisations for the purpose of detecting fraud. Data will also be sent to Examination Boards and

other Awarding Bodies to be processed for the purpose of registration, entry, marking, assessment and the issue of results and certificates. The College will share some of your information with the learner

registration service (LRS) which will use it to create and maintain a unique learner number (ULN). Information may be sent to the above agencies electronically or by the Internet. Your data held at the

college may be obtained from the College’s Data Controller (Deputy Principal). By signing this application form you acknowledge and agree to Lancaster & Morecambe College holding and processing data

in this way. Please note that the College reserves the right to contact you in relation to your course of study but that you may decide not to be contacted for other purposes by ticking the box. q

Ethnic Origin This information is for statistical purposes and will be treated as confidential. Please tick the box below which describes your personal identity.

White

q English / Welsh / Scottish / Northern Irish / British

q Irish

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q Any other White background

Mixed / multiple ethnicGroup

q White and Black Caribbean

q White and Black African

q White and Asian

q Any other Mixed / multiple ethnic background

Asian / Asian British

q Indian

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q Bangladeshi

q Chinese

q Any other Asian background

Black / African /Caribbean / Black British

q African

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q Any other Black / African / Caribbean background

Other ethnic group

q Arab

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Previous Work Experience/Employment

Company name and Type of work experience/ Full time From Toaddress employment or part time (month/year) (month/year)

Please tell us why you want to apply for this course or Apprenticeship(If necessary attach a separate sheet with your name clearly marked at the top)

Qualifications being studied for or already taken (if necessary attach a separate sheet with your name clearly marked at the top)

Subject GCSE, A-level, BTEC, NVQ or other type of Grades Year examqualification Expected Achieved taken

If you would like to know more about the College Nursery, Additional Learning Support, Travelling to College, Studying whilst onbenefits or Information on help with the cost of childcare, travel, some course expenses and educational visits, please contactStudent Services on freephone 0800 306 306.

The data you supply will be used by the Skills Funding Agency to issue you with a Unique Learner Number (ULN) and shareinformation about your learning. Further details of how your data is processed and shared can be found at www.miap.gov.uk.

Signed Date

If you are undecided about your choice of course or career and would like to chat about your options, please contact us on 01524 521237 to arrange an appointment before you submit your application.

If you have a learning difficulty, disability or health problem please tick all the boxes below that apply to you:

q Communication difficulty q Dyslexia q Specific Learning Difficulty q Learning Difficulty

q Visual Impairment q Hearing Impairment q Mental Health Difficulty q Physical Disability

q Learning Support (e.g. help with reading, writing or spelling) q Have you ever had exam concessions

q Other disability or medical condition: epilepsy, asthma, diabetes, please explain

If you tick one of the boxes above, it won’t affect your application and we will contact you to see how we can best meet your needs

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Sharon, a mum of seven, somehow managed to findspace in her hectic life to complete studies in Biology,Human Physiology and English, Maths and ScienceGCSE equivalents, to take her the next step towardsachieving her dream of becoming a midwife.

‘I just had to make time to study,’ says Sharon whoseseven children are aged between 4 and 22, ‘Midwiferyis something I have always wanted to do and it wasnow or never – I’m not getting any younger!’

‘I have loved it! I have met some fantastic people and ithas definitely been worth it.’

Sharon Crossey

Now studying:

Midwifery,

Cumbria Univers

ity

0800 306 306 | www.lmc.ac.uk

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For more information please call 0800 306 306to request a course sheet or visit www.lmc.ac.ukand download the relevant course sheet.

This publication is available in different formats,fonts, language, Braille or audio on request.

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