Bath College offers a wide range of Access to Higher Education courses as well as over-thirty Undergraduate degrees.
The Access to Higher Education course aims to prepare students to pursue a degree or diploma at university. The qualification gained from this is a QAA-recognised entry qualification for degree or diploma level studies at all universities in the UK, for a wide range of subjects.
Sian Brady is currently studying to become a nurse at the College: “Doing the course at Bath College part time allows me to be a mum and work and study. All the teachers at the College are very supportive and I recommend any parent thinking of changing careers or wanting to go to university to do the Access to HE course.”
Bath College principal, Laurel Penrose, encourages parents to study at the college because staff can support students: “Higher Education is an important part of our work at Bath College and our Undergraduate students add to the diversity that makes the college such a special place. Here at Bath College we pride ourselves on the support we provide to our students and we have a very simple purpose; that is to help people.
“We believe that by continuing in education and training and developing higher level skills, you are putting yourself in a very strong position to improve your life chances. For some that will mean improving career prospects and for others it will mean expanding skills and knowledge.”
Kelly Sheppard had been a stay-at-home mum for ten years while doing the admin and accounts for her husband’s business but has now gained a place at the University of Bristol to study Molecular Medicine after doing an Access to HE course at Bath College. She decided to apply to the access course after years of regretting the decision not to pursue sciences after GCSE level.
“I found out from a family member who was returning to education that I could obtain funding for the course and decided to take the plunge. I had applied for many entry level jobs within research and had been unsuccessful.
“Now I’m so glad this was the case because it pushed me to go and get a degree level qualification. It’s an extremely intense course, but it has really boosted my confidence and opened my eyes to what I can achieve.”
Ellen Moore, whom has just gained places at multiple universities to study Midwifery agrees, “I highly recommend undertaking the Access Course, it has allowed me to realise my potential and inspired me to further my goals and aspirations.
“The course is perfect for fitting into your family needs and all the lecturers are incredibly supportive. Prior to the course I was concerned how I would cope with study and children, but it is doable and prepares you for university. I have been lucky enough to achieve offers from universities I never imagined I would, truly the best decision I have made.”
Visit: bathcollege.ac.uk
Featured image: Ellen Moore and daughter Emma
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