Updating Your Knowledge

If you've already attended a further or higher education course and want to progress to advanced study, then your previous qualifications may be used to either gain you admittance to the course, or in some cases, give you what is known as 'advanced standing' - exemption from some of the programme units. When admissions tutors look at your previous qualifications they will make the following considerations:

• Do your previous qualifications demonstrate the skill and knowledge required for the course you have chosen to study?
• When were the qualifications gained? Most qualifications have a 'shelf life' of around 3 to 5 years.
• Do the qualifications need to be approved by an external organisation? Some courses must be run according to strict guidelines from a professional body?
• You may be offered a foundation level entry onto your chosen course of study.
• Do you have relevant work and life experience that will help you to meet the qualification requirements for the course?

If your previous qualifications are not relevant or valid for your new programme of study, then you may need to brush up your level of skills before applying. This may include one of the following:

• Taster Courses
  These programmes give students a clearer insight into the course they have chosen, along with some practice in studying.
• Access Courses
  These courses are intended for learners who have not studied for over 3 years and are designed to improve their chances of enrolling on a Higher Education course. Their content may be general or they may be aimed at a specific career.
• Foundation Level Courses
  These courses are usually in the subject chosen for study, and aim to bring the learners skills up to the right level before starting their main course.
• Vocational Courses
  Qualifications such as NVQs can bring students practical skills up to a suitable level before embarking on their chosen course.
• Academic Qualifications
  Some courses may require students to gain a particular academic qualification before the can enrol, such as a GCSE or A' level.