Access to HE Diploma Guide - Gateway Qualifications · also contains information specific to managing and delivering the Access to HE Diploma (s) including specific quality assurance

Access to HE Diploma Guide Law

Version 2.0

(August 2017)

QAA Diploma: QAA140086 Learning Aim: 40004181 Validation to: 31st July 2019

Diploma Number: QAA140086 Diploma Name: Access to HE Diploma (Law)

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Contents

1. About this Access to HE Diploma guide .................................................................. 4

2. Access to HE Diploma ............................................................................................. 5

3. Access to HE Diploma (Law) Assessment Grid ....................................................... 7

4. Access to HE Units of Assessment ......................................................................... 9

5. Unit Details ............................................................................................................ 11

6. Assessment guidance ........................................................................................... 34


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1. About this Access to HE Diploma guide

This Access to Diploma specification is intended for Tutors, Assessors, Internal Quality Assurers, Centre Quality Managers and other staff within Gateway Qualifications Access to HE approved providers/or prospective providers. It sets out what is required of the student in order to achieve the Access to HE Diploma. It also contains information specific to managing and delivering the Access to HE Diploma (s) including specific quality assurance requirements. The guide should be read in conjunction with the Gateway Qualifications Centre Handbook and other publications available on the website which contain more detailed guidance on assessment and verification practice. In order to offer this Access to HE Diploma you must be Gateway Qualifications recognised centre and approved to offer Access to HE Diplomas. If your centre is not yet recognised, please contact our Development Team to discuss becoming Gateway Qualifications Recognised Centre: Telephone: 01206 911211 Email: [email protected] Website: www.gatewayqualifications.org.uk/recognition

http://www.gatewayqualifications.org.uk/recognition


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2. Access to HE Diploma

The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification with common requirements relating to the description of student achievement. The Diploma is a credit-based, graded qualification, and requirements relate to both the award of credit and to the award of grades. Details of the credit framework and requirements relating to the award of credit are provided, with the general specifications for the qualification, in The Access to Higher Education Diploma and credit specifications.

Individual named Diplomas are identified by separate titles and are validated at local level by Access Validating Agencies (AVAs). Each Diploma has its own approved set of units of assessment, governed by rules of combination, which are appropriate to the subject of the particular Diploma. The common grading requirements apply to all individual Diplomas.

2.1 Aims of the Access to HE Diplomas The primary aim of the Access to HE Diploma is to provide an appropriate preparation and recognised qualification to enable students to progress to Higher Education (HE). It aims in particular to provide an opportunity for those who wish to progress to study in HE and have the ability to do so but who left school with few, or any, of the usual qualifications for entry. The programme aims to:

• reintroduce students to education recognising prior skills and experience and the particular needs of those returning to learn

• offer students a responsive, supportive and user-friendly return to learn experience at a level appropriate for entry to HE

• develop the study and interpersonal skills necessary to enable students to succeed in their HE career

• address issues of widening participation and social inclusion

• provide appropriate support and guidance according to individual needs

• raise student awareness of the opportunities that a return to study and lifelong learning can bring.

2.2 Objectives The purpose of the Diploma is to enable students to:

• satisfy the general academic requirements for entry to HE and provide evidence to admissions tutors that they are capable of succeeding at higher education level

• prepare students for HE level study generally and in subject areas appropriate to an intended HE course destination

• demonstrate appropriate levels of competence in subject specific skills and knowledge

• demonstrate practical, transferable and intellectual skills

• develop their confidence and ability to cope with a return to education at an advanced level

• enhance personal and career opportunities

• develop as independent and lifelong learners. 2.3 Access to HE Diploma structure


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The Access to HE Diploma structure for Law is set out in table 1. The structure sets out the units required to be achieved the Access to Diploma, comprising of:

• Graded Academic mandatory units – Level 3.

• Graded Academic optional units-Level 3.

• Graded Research units-Level 3.

• Ungraded units –Level 2/3.


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3. Access to HE Diploma (Law) Assessment Grid

Graded Academic Mandatory Learners must achieve 39 credits from this group.

Unit Code

Unit name Level Credit Academic content (A)

Grade Descriptors

Assessment methods Volume (word count, time etc.)

QU007296 Constitutional Law 3 3 A 2,5,7 Presentation with viva voce Essay Exam

30 minutes 1500 words 90 minutes

QU007810 Legislation and Statutory Interpretation

3 3 A 2,5,7 Essay Exam

1500 words 2 hours

QU007330 Legal Concepts 3 3 A 2,5,7 Essay Exam

1500 words 20 hours

QU006523 Government and Politics - Political Awareness

3 6 A 1,2,7 Group Role Play Portfolio of notes. Essay

30 mins role play 500 words notes 1300 word essay

QU010476 Sentencing 3 3 A 1,7 Short answer questions, case study

750 words, 750 words

QU018406 Criminal Law 3 6 A 2,4,5,7 Task-based assignment Essay

1500 words 1000 words

QU018581 The English Legal System

3 6 A 1,2,4,7 Essay Case study scenario response


QU018586 The Law of Tort 3 3 A 1,2,7 Presentation with viva voce Task-based activity

20 minutes

QU019969 Introduction to Policing 3 6 A 1,5,7 Closed book exam, case study, individual presentation plus questions and reflective account

1.5 hours, 500 words, 10 minutes plus 5 minutes, 250 words


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Graded Research Learners must achieve 6 credits from this group.

Unit Code Unit name Level Credit Academic content (A)

Grade Descriptors

Assessment methods Volume (word count, time etc.)

QU007328 Legal Environment - Research/Extended Essay

3 6 A 2,4,5,6,7 Research plan Report


Ungraded Units Learners must achieve 15 credits from this group.

Unit Code Unit Title Level Credit Academic content(A)

or Other (O)

Grade Descriptors

Assessment Methods Volume (word count, time, etc.)

QU007516 Mathematics - Calculations 3 3 A U Test x 2 45 minutes each

QU007522 Statistics 3 3 A U Workbook 1500 words

QU007686 Writing Skills 3 3 O U Essay Plan Essay


QU007580 Examination Skills 3 3 O U Revision Plan Written Report Examination

200 words 300 words 1000 words

QU007638 Preparation for Higher Education.

3 3 O U Conducting Research Written Assessment

1000 words

This report shows the rules of combination for the above Access to HE Diploma. Where there is more credit available in the group than required to complete the qualification, unit selection will have to be QAA dictated.


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4. Access to HE Units of Assessment

Access to HE Diplomas are a unitised qualification based on units of assessment which are structured in accordance with the Access to HE unit specification set out by QAA. 4.1 Unit specification

A common unit specification applies to all units with Access to HE Diplomas the unit specification follows a standard template covering the following elements:

• title

• level

• credit value

• unit code

• learning outcomes

• assessment criteria

• grade descriptors

• type of unit (academic subject content or not). The units of assessment for the Access to HE Diploma (Law) are contained within this Access to HE Diploma Guide. 4.2 Academic subject content

A unit is classified as having academic subject content, if the unit’s knowledge and skills are directly related to the subject of the name of the Access to HE Diploma. Units will not meet the academic subject content requirement if they are principally concerned with personal development, generic English or mathematics, or study skills.

4.3 Graded and ungraded units Graded units – grading operates at unit level and only applies to units which have been approved by Gateway Qualifications within a named Access to HE Diploma. Student achievement for graded units is recorded as Pass, Merit or Distinction for each unit, as set out in the QAA Access to HE Grading Scheme, 2012. Graded units will also satisfy the criteria of academic subject content. There is a common set of broad generic grade descriptors which are used as the basis for all grading judgements on all courses: 1 Understanding the subject 2 Application of knowledge 3 Application of skills 4 Use of knowledge 5 Communication and presentation 6 Autonomy / Independence 7 Quality.


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Further guidance is available as set out in the QAA Access to HE Grading Scheme, 2012 at component level and details requirements for Merit and Distinction. Not all grade descriptors are used with every unit. A selection of grade descriptors is assigned when the unit is validated, on the basis of a judgement on which descriptors are relevant in assessing how well a student has performed on the unit. The grade descriptors are a formal part of the specification of that unit and changes can only be made through the Gateway Qualifications formal process for amendments to units. Ungraded units – within the Access to HE Diploma specification a total of 15 credits must be achieved from units achieved at level 2 or level 3 which are ungraded. The ungraded units will have the same format as the ungraded units. 4.4 Revisions to Access to HE Units of Assessment Gateway Qualifications reserves the right to review and amend units of assessment and will provide centres notification of the changes to the units of assessment.


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5. Unit Details

Graded Academic Content – Mandatory

Access to HE Diploma Unit

Unit Code: QU007296

Title: Constitutional Law

Unit Level: Level 3 Unit

Credit: 3

Review Date: 31/07/2021

Grade Descriptors: • GD2-Application of knowledge • GD5-Communication and presentation • GD7-Quality

Academic subject content/other:

Academic Subject Content

Assessment details: Refer to Assessment Grid

This unit has 5 learning outcomes. LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The learner will: The learner can:

1 Understand the essential principles that underpin constitutional government.

1.1 Evaluate the relative importance of the principles of Rule of Law, Separation of Powers and Sovereignty of Parliament and the difference between Written and Unwritten constitutions.

2 Understand the functioning and raison d'etre of British Legislature.

2.1 Analyse the relationship between the House of Lords and the House of Commons in respect of the Law-making process.

3 Understand the functioning and raison d'etre of British Executive.

3.1 Analyse the Executive's relationship with the Judiciary and the Legislature.

4 Understand the functioning and raison d'etre of British Judiciary.

4.1 Evaluate the English Courts Structure and the roles of the relevant players.

4.2 Compare and contrast the roles of two of the main role plays in the British Judiciary.


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LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


5 Understand the differences between the Constitutions of different nation-states.

5.1 Evaluate the key differences between the operation of the UK parliament and another nation-state.


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Unit Code: QU007810

Title: Legislation and Statutory Interpretation


Credit: 3


Grade Descriptors: • GD2 • GD5 • GD7




This unit has 3 learning outcomes.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


1 Understand the legislative process.

1.1 Describe and evaluate the relative importance of the stages of the legislative process.

2 Understand the rules of statutory interpretation.

2.1 Explain the rules of statutory interpretation, citing case examples.

2.2 Evaluate the rules of statutory interpretation with reference to case law.

3 Understand the rules of language.

3.1 Evaluate the use of language rules to statutory interpretation.


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Unit Code: QU007330

Title: Legal Concepts


Credit: 3


Grade Descriptors: • GD2 • GD5 • GD7





LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


1 Understand the major theories of what law is.

1.1 Identify the major theories of what law is.

1.2 Analyse the concepts behind these theories with detailed illustrative examples.

2 Understand moral rules and how they differ from legal rules.

2.1 Define what is understood by "moral" rules.

2.2 Explain clearly how moral rules differ from legal rules using a variety of illustrative examples.

3 Appreciate the problems of trying to enforce moral rules by using legal rules.

3.1 Identify and explain the major problems in enforcing morals via the law with appreciation of the Devlin/Hart debate.

4 Understand the different meanings of "justice" in the legal system and appreciate how these might be achieved.

4.1 Differentiate between "formal" and "fair" justice.

4.2 Use a variety of clear examples to illustrate and explain the difference between "formal" and "fair" justice.


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Unit Code: QU006523

Title: Government and Politics - Political Awareness


Credit: 6


Grade Descriptors: • GD1-Understanding the subject • GD2-Application of knowledge • GD7-Quality





LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The learner will: The learner can: 1 Understand the nature of the UK

constitution.

1.1 Analyse the nature, workings and major principles of the UK constitution.

2 Understand the differences between the UK and USA constitution.

2.1 Analyse the comparative nature of different types of constitution.

3 Understand the role and

significance of Parliament.

3.1 Explain the functions of Parliament including the Commons and House of Lords.

3.2 Analyse how well these functions are performed.

4 Understand the functions and duties of MPs in Government and Opposition.

4.1 Explain the duties and responsibilities of an MP.

4.2 Evaluate the relationship between MPs and the Executive.


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Unit Code: QU010476

Title: Sentencing


Credit: 3


Grade Descriptors: • GD1-Understanding the subject • GD7-Quality





LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


1 Understand the main aims of sentencing.

1.1 Evaluate the main aims of sentencing and the outcomes they are attempting to achieve.

2 Understand the various sentences available.

2.1 Explain and assess, with examples, the different types of sentencing available.

3 Discuss the major factors taken into consideration in individual cases.

3.1 Evaluate the general sentencing processes carried out by judges/magistrates.

3.2 Discuss the major factors taken into consideration in individual cases.

4 Understand the effects of imprisonment.

4.1 Examine and analyse the effects of imprisonment on a defendant.


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Unit Code: QU018406

Title: Criminal Law


Credit: 6


Grade Descriptors:

• GD2-Application of knowledge • GD4-Use of information • GD5-Communication and presentation • GD7-Quality





ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The learner will: The learner can: 1 Understand the main principles

of criminal liability.

1.1 Apply general principles of criminal liability across a range of common law and statutory offences and evaluate the success of possible defences.

1.2 Explain legal rules and principles established in criminal law.

1.3 Apply relevant legal principles in criminal law in order to determine liability in given situations with appropriate use of supporting evidence.

2 Demonstrate skills in presenting cogent arguments.

2.1 Construct logical arguments based on established legal principles and critically assess the opinions of others in writing.

3 Research, find and use

appropriate sources of information, e.g. Law Reports, statutes, text books and law journals, etc.

3.1 Quote a range of appropriate legal sources to provide supporting evidence for arguments and opinions presented in essays and case studies relating to criminal law.


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Unit Code: QU018581

Title: The English Legal System


Credit: 6


Grade Descriptors:

• GD1-Understanding the subject • GD2-Application of knowledge • GD4-Use of information • GD7-Quality





LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


1 Understand the development of English law.

1.1 Discuss and account for the range of sources which contribute to the development of English law.

2 Understand the structure of English law.

2.1 Compare and contrast public and private law giving clear examples of each.

3 Understand the procedures and processes for the redress of grievances.

3.1 Discuss and explain the structure and jurisdiction of the criminal law courts.

3.2 Discuss and explain the structure and jurisdiction of the civil law courts.

4 Relate the legal system and it processes to the general environment.

4.1 Explain an area of controversy within the legal system and evaluate how members of society may be affected.


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Unit Code: QU018586

Title: The Law of Tort


Credit: 3


Grade Descriptors: • GD1-Understanding the subject • GD2-Application of knowledge • GD7-Quality





ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The learner will: The learner can: Understand the essential elements of the principal torts and their legal consequences.

1.1 Apply general principles of tortious liability across a range of torts and evaluate the success of possible defences.

1.2 Explain legal rules and principles established in a range of torts.

1.3 Apply relevant legal principles in the law of tort in order to determine liability in a case study situation.


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Unit Code: QU019969

Title: Introduction to Policing


Credit: 6


Grade Descriptors: • GD1-Understanding the subject • GD5-Communication and presentation • GD7-Quality





ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


1 Understand key issues related to policing in 21st century Britain.

1.1 Explain key issues related to policing in 21st century Britain.

May include counter terrorism, Channel programme, budget cuts, loss of police on the street, cybercrime, grooming, dealing with mental health issues, anti-social behaviour, racial unrest, introduction of police and crime commissioners.

2 Understand the importance of good relationships with the public when working in the police force.

2.1 Analyse the importance of the police having a good relationship with the public.

2.2 Evaluate methods used by the police to build and maintain good relationships with the public.

3 Understand how policing supports members of the public.

3.1 Evaluate personal skills and qualities required to assist the public in emergency and non-emergency situations.

3.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of police practice in assisting members of the public in different situations.


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LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


3.3 Analyse the impact of crime on victims and witnesses

4 Understand relevant legal and service requirements related to gathering and submitting information.

4.1 Explain the application of legislation, national policies, procedures, codes of practice and/or guidelines that relate to: • gathering, submitting, retaining, recording and disseminating information • race, diversity and human rights • health and safety • disseminating and disclosing confidential information and contacts.

4.2 Explain the importance of maintaining the security, integrity and continuity of information and sources, and how this is achieved for information assurance purposes.

4.3 Explain how to distinguish between information and evidence, and the procedures to follow for each.


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Graded Research


Unit Code: QU007328

Title: Legal Environment - Research/Extended Essay


Credit: 6


Grade Descriptors:

• GD2 • GD4 • GD5 • GD6 • GD7





LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


1 Plan a piece of individual research on a Legal Topic.

1.1 Select and design a relevant topic of research that relates to a specific Act of Parliament or item of Common Law.

1.2 Describe research aims.

2 Research background information on a legal topic of his/her own choice.

2.1 Research background legal aspects using a number of different sources, as appropriate.

3 Assess research information and evidence.

3.1 Select appropriate secondary information and evidence.

3.2 Debate whether reform of the specific Act of Parliament or item of Common Law is recommended.

3.3 Critically discuss arguments for or against reform of this Law/Act and evaluate possible future outcomes.

3.4 Draw conclusions.

4 Communicate the research.

4.1 Present the essay coherently and concisely in a well-structured


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LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


conventional style for Legal Environment.

4.2 Reference sources of information using recommended style of referencing.


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Ungraded Units- Academic


Unit Code: QU007516

Title: Mathematics - Calculations


Credit: 3


Grade Descriptors: Ungraded





ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


1 Understand how to tackle problems involving numbers.

1.1 Apply the four number rules to numbers including decimals and fractions within multistage problems.

1.2 Use positive and negative numbers in a practical context.

1.3 Convert numbers within and across unit systems within multi-stage tasks.

1.4 Calculate answers using a) percentages and reverse percentages b) ratio, direct and inverse proportion c) given formulae d) perimeters, areas and volumes of complex shapes e) powers and roots f) common units of measurement.

1.5 Summarise the method of calculation and the processes used.

1.6 Carry out processes in a proper order to a degree of accuracy appropriate to the task, clearly showing methods.


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LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


2 Understand how to use estimation and check results.

2.1 Use procedures including estimation to check results and evaluate the effects of accumulating errors in calculations.

2.2 Explain the upper and lower bounds of accuracy for given results.


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Unit Code: QU007522

Title: Statistics


Credit: 3







LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


1 Understand how to organise and present data.

1.1 Identify different types of data. 1.2 Collect and interpret data. 1.3 Construct a range of suitable

charts and diagrams to present data, including histograms, line graphs, explaining why they are appropriate to the data collected.

2 Understand how to calculate and use averages.

2.1 Calculate the mean, mode and median of individual and group data.

2.2 Justify use of methods for different situations.

3 Understand how to calculate and use measures of spread.

3.1 Calculate quartiles and interquartile range.

3.2 Calculate standard deviation. 3.3 Interpret normal and

differently skewed distributions.

4 Understand how to compare sets of data.

4.1 Use mean and standard deviation to compare different data sets.

4.2 Find confidence limits. 4.3 Determine sample size.

5 Be able to use bivariate data.

5.1 Calculate the coefficient of correlation (Spearman rank)


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LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


and calculate the equation of the least squares regression line.

5.2 Explain the possible causal relationship between two variables.


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Ungraded Units- Other


Unit Code: QU007686

Title: Writing Skills


Credit: 3




Other



LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


1 Be able to organise work into sentences and paragraphs using accurate punctuation and grammar.

1.1 Use simple and complex sentence structures in writing.

1.2 Use the grammatical conventions of written standard English in complex text so that the meaning of the text is clear.

1.3 Use the conventions of written standard English in punctuation in complex text so that the meaning of the text is clear.

1.4 Form sentences and paragraphs that provide information and express ideas from which logical and reasoned conclusions can be drawn.

2 Be able to plan, draft proof read and produce writing for a particular purpose.

2.1 Plan, draft and proof read for a given writing task.

2.2 Present complex facts and opinions on a complex issue clearly with accuracy.

2.3 Use correct spelling. 2.4 Present a given writing task

clearly using layout and organisation appropriate to the task to include: • bibliography.


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LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


• references • appendices.

3 Be able to adopt and maintain a style of writing suitable for the purpose audience.

3.1 Produce written work in a variety of academic forms, using different layouts and ways of presenting work to match a stated purpose.

3.2 Show a wide vocabulary correctly used including figurative language.


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Unit Code: QU007580

Title: Examination Skills


Credit: 3




Other



ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


1 Be able to plan revision in preparation for examinations.

1.1 Produce an effective and realistic revision plan.

1.2 Set priorities in his/her revision schedule.

1.3 Assess his/her progress and adjust the plan accordingly.

2 Be able to produce answers in time constrained conditions.

2.1 Follow all instructions accurately and complete the correct number and combination of questions.

2.2 Allocate sufficient time to individual questions.

3 Be able to demonstrate competence and/or knowledge in the subject.

3.1 Include the salient aspects in answers, with the accuracy and detail required by the subject.

3.2 Show in answers an in-depth understanding of the issues/arguments/problems, as required by the subject.

3.3 Apply knowledge or learning coherently in support of arguments and/or to resolve problems.

4 Be able to maintain a level of competence in language, processes and presentation as required by the subject.

4.1 Answer in an appropriate style demonstrating careful attention to: - Grammar, punctuation and spelling.


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LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


- Vocabulary and specialised terminology. - Logical structure. - Presentation. - Processes used in the subject being examined.


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Unit Code: QU007638

Title: Preparation for Higher Education


Credit: 3




Other



ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


1 Understand how to identify opportunities for Higher Education.

1.1 Use information sources to research Higher Education courses.

1.2 Analyse processes and procedures necessary to gain entry to Higher Education and be proactive in using them.

1.3 Analyse information on Higher Education courses and make appropriate realistic choices.

2 Understand the process of completing a Higher Education application form.

2.1 Complete an application form with excellent attention to detail, meeting a given deadline.

2.2 Summarise and evaluate personal experiences, achievement and goals and communicate these clearly in a personal statement.

3 Understand preparation required for the interview process.

3.1 Conduct further personal research into courses at relevant institutions.

3.2 Prepare provisional answers to anticipated questions, making excellent use of previous experience and recent study.


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LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


4 Understand the need to prepare for the transition to Higher Education.

4.1 Analyse the personal and academic qualities needed for successful study in Higher Education and monitor own personal strengths and weaknesses.

4.2 Explain likely practical problems and barriers and seek strategies for overcoming these.

4.3 Analyse the nature of study in Higher Education.


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6. Assessment guidance

The method of assessment used for Access to HE Diplomas is portfolio of evidence. As part of the Access to HE Diploma development process the assessment types to be used are specified. This is set out for each Access to HE Diploma in the format of an assessment grid.


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Documents

Access to HE Diploma Guide - Gateway Qualifications · also contains information specific to managing and delivering the Access to HE Diploma (s) including specific quality assurance