Are you prepared for high level training?

English and Maths skills

Your understanding of English and your numeracy skills will be assessed for most programmes you apply to. Some courses may require you to take a test which gives some idea of equivalence to level 2 (GCSE) ability.

If you struggle to achieve in English and maths you may find that you are directed to various short or long courses that will help you bridge this skills gap. If you have always struggled with these skills, it may be suggested that you are assessed for additional support needs. All Access and HE courses will offer support to improve basic skills.

They also offer a variety of other programmes for people who are interested in returning to study or training. These can be useful in giving you the opportunity to see what it is like to be studying again. Courses are part-time and may take only a few weeks or last for a full year. All Access courses will develop your skills in English and maths. An overseas student will need to demonstrate competent English skills before starting Access or Higher Education courses.

Evidence of higher level skills in English:

Report writing showing language and grammar skills
Writing documents that are succinct, to the point and show an ability to summarise a situation
The ability to discuss with reasoned judgement and to consider the views of others in a discussion
Presentation skills
Writing critically about an idea or theory

Higher level skills in Maths may well need a certificate but consider:

Are you/have you been responsible for substantial financial budgets in a role?
Have you had the opportunity to prepare bids to obtain project money? If so – have you seen a project through and accounted successfully for the budget?
Have you been responsible for large amounts of money in any role that has included dealings with banks?
Have you been responsible for managing your family budget?
Are you able to interpret data?
Do you use quantities and measurements in trade work?

Evidence of general study skills will be looked for. Can you show evidence of:

Referencing documents?
Pulling together different ideas to make a point or resolve a query?
Looking for information which helps improve your knowledge – you may have tracked your family tree through extensive research?
Reading books and newspapers with knowledge of current affairs?

On most programmes you will be interviewed before being offered a place.

If you think, or an admissions tutor advises, that you need to develop these skills an Access course may be for you.

Have you thought about the risk and emotional factors involved in taking on HE commitments?

A final word – skip the Bachelor and become a Master!

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