Access courses are designed for learners over the age of 19 who are keen to study, but do not have the necessary qualifications to get into college or university. Not only do they introduce the student to the subject, but they also teach the study skills needed to learn at this level. Courses usually cover a broad subject area, such as business, science or humanities, which enables students to get into the habit of learning even if they're not sure what course or qualification they eventually want to aim for.
The course will usually begin with a gentle introduction to study, along with advice and information on taking notes, writing essays or reports, researching topics on the Internet or in the library and revising. By the end of the course, students will have gained the knowledge and skill they need to progress to higher education.