Access to Higher Education (A2HE)
This Nationally recognised, one year course is designed to help students with few or no formal qualifications gain entry into University to study for an Honours degree or HND/Foundation Degree. Attendance is two days a week (Thursday/Friday), with students needing an additional day to complete assignments. Weymouth College offers six different A2HE pathways including Combined Studies, Health and Social Care, Business Studies, Sport Studies, Forensic Science and Creative Arts. In addition to the specialist subject options, the A2HE course teaches core study skills that will prepare students for University and their future career. The core component of the A2HE course will help support students returning to education, developing confidence in writing, computing, English and Mathematics and presentation skills. In addition, a key part of the A2HE course is offering support and advice throughout the process of applying to University, including preparation for interview. An encouraging and friendly environment, created by staff and fellow mature students, means that we have a very good track recording in helping adults get to University.
How to Apply: Please contact Dennis Caves (01305) 208975 or email dennis_caves@weymouth.ac.uk for further details and an application form.
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
If you are working and want to continue your professional development by gaining a recognised qualification to do a specific job, a BTEC HNC could be for you. HNCs focus on 'learning by doing' and can lead straight to a career, or help you progress in your current career. They are highly valued by employers both in the UK and overseas, and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations.
The HNC in Business Studies & Management at Weymouth College takes place one day per week typically beginning early afternoon and finishing in the evening with breaks in between. The course lasts for two years mainly assessed through assignments, projects and practical tasks that you complete throughout the course. Each unit is graded as a pass, merit or distinction.
Funding: Funding may be available for eligible candidates via your Local Education Authority. This is dependent on individual household incomes. Go to www.direct.gov.uk and follow the links under Education & Learning for Student Loans for further details.
How to Apply: Please complete a Weymouth College part-time application form obtainable from the College Reception on (01305) 208808.
Foundation Degree (FdA/FdSc)
Foundation degrees are equivalent to the first two years of an Honours degree and are currently delivered in partnership at Weymouth College through Bournemouth University and the University of Plymouth.
During the second year of their course students have the option to apply to 'top-up' their Foundation degree to a full BA/BSc Honours degree. It should be noted that entry to the Top Up may be subject to certain entry requirements. See Top-up section below for details of how to apply.
Foundation degrees integrate academic and work-based learning often with practical skills required for the subject. Designed in partnership with employers they equip individuals with the knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to employment.
Most Foundation degrees require students to complete a period of work experience usually over the summer of the first year of their course (generally between 20-25 days depending on the course). This is a valuable experience and puts students in touch with employers. Indeed many of students go on to gain permanent positions through the contacts made during their work experience.
Applications from mature candidates who may not possess traditional academic qualifications are welcome. Some of our courses are designed to be delivered over 2/3 days per week allowing students to integrate their studies with part-time employment.
A full-time Foundation degree will usually take two years to complete, a part-time course will usually take 3-4 years. At the end of your studies successful students will be awarded a Foundation degree from the partnership university and have the option to attend a graduation ceremony.
Funding: Applicants for Foundation degrees who do not already possess a degree (or equivalent level qualification) can apply for Higher Education funding. Go to www.direct.gov.uk and follow the links under Education & Learning for Student Loans for further details.
For those wishing to embark on the FdA Early Years there may be alternative sources of funding available please enquire.
There are also various charitable organisations who offer support to students studying on the Foundation degree in Applied Architectural Stonework & Conservation who are unable to obtain funding from the usual government sources. Further details are available on the dedicated stonework website.
How to Apply: All those wishing to study full-time will need to apply via UCAS online. See individual course leaflets for details of relevant course and institution codes. Part-time applicants need to complete a Weymouth College part-time application form obtainable from the College Reception on (01305) 208808.
BA/BSc Top Up Courses
As mentioned above a top up is usually a 1-year course, which enables successful students to convert their existing Foundation degree or HND into an Honours degree.
How to Apply: Students already studying on a Foundation degree at Weymouth College can apply by Direct Application for a designated top up route to the university concerned. If, however they choose to make application to a non-designated top up route the College HE Advisor is available to help and advise them with their UCAS application and choices for higher education.
Applicants applying for the BA Media Production Top Up from colleges other Weymouth will need to make application via UCAS online. They will be invited to attend an interview.
Teaching Qualifications
Weymouth College offers a range of professional teaching qualifications.
