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Adult students on a career path are positive about going to university

According to figures recently reported by UCAS, the total number of applicants wishing to start university in September hit a new high. The findings coincide with the results of an exit poll of 250 adult learners from Eastleigh College in which 98% agreed that ‘My course will enable me to develop a new career’.

The UCAS numbers show the clear demand for undergraduate study and apprenticeships has grown during the pandemic with nearly half of school leavers seeking university places, and nursing and medicine seeing rise in popularity. (The 98% exit poll figure is up 8% on the College’s previous adult exit survey and 6% above the national benchmark. The annual survey was carried out by QDP who is the College’s external learner survey provider).

Many adult learners like Amy Cook and Emma Dooley from Eastleigh College choose to complete an Access to HE Diploma (a level 3 qualification) when they are looking to retrain for new careers by returning to education with the ambition of progressing to university.

Amy and Emma are pictured with the awards they won at the recent college Learner Awards. They both completed the Access to University and HE (Criminology and Forensic Science) course and have places at University of Southampton; Amy to study Law and Emma to study Criminology and Sociology.

Amy spoke of her experience of the access course this past year as being different, not only because it was her first time back in formal education for over six years but because the Covid-19 pandemic affected the teaching and interaction with other students.

She said: “I felt the lecturers adapted well to having to provide online lessons to all the students whilst keeping the lessons engaging. I was always made to feel as though the lecturers were available for any questions or to have a chat over Google Meet if needed. Personally, I did not feel as if I particularly missed out on too much by being predominantly online, and I actually feel that it has prepared me well for university studies because much of that will be independent.

“I am pleased to say that I managed to achieve the grades I needed to get into my desired university, with distinctions across the board. Alongside this I also received one of the College awards which has fuelled my desire to remain a high achieving student. The College has pushed me and really helped me grow to a level I didn’t think I could manage. I really do feel that I am prepared to enter university studies which is exactly what this course is about.”

Access to HE Diploma courses cover the essential theory for the subject as well as best practice study skills to prepare learners for the academic, intellectual and personal challenges of progressing to Higher Education.

The following Access to HE Diplomas are available to study on a part-time basis at Eastleigh College: Criminology and forensic scienceHealthcare professions, Medicine and medical sciences, Science, Social sciences.

The college also teaches a range of a range of Higher Education courses at Level 4 and above. If you require further advice and guidance about any course costs and/or the funding options available to you, the College has a dedicated Information, Advice and Guidance team who can be contacted on telephone 023 8091 1299.

[*Source: https://www.ucas.com/corporate/news-and-key-documents/news/more-students-ready-take-next-step-despite-pandemic]