Access to University€¦ · Assignment and Exam . UCAS The course is deemed by universities to be equivalent to A Levels . Specific university courses will set the marks required

Access toUniversity

Course Guide 2015/16School of A Levels, Adult Access and Languages

School of Applied Science, Hair and Beauty

AccessCourses

Access to University Course Guide 15-1602

AccessCourses

Page

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05

QUB Access Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences . . . . . . . . . 06

QUB Access Diploma in Maths and Computing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09

QUB Access Diploma in Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

QUB Access Diploma in Biological/Biomedical Sciences . . . . . . . . . 14

Ulster University Diploma in Computing, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Business and Multimedia

Ulster University Certificate in Higher Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 in Combined Behavioural and Social Sciences

How to Apply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Progression from Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Student Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Crèche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Contents

Access to University Course Guide 15-16 03


The School of A Levels, Adult Access & Languages and School of Applied Science, Hair & Beauty offer a range of full-time and part-time Access to university courses designed to encourage and facilitate students who have been away from formal education for at least two years but who wish to return, many with a view to progressing to higher education . In addition, the A Level/Access school offers the Higher Certificate in Combined Behavioural & Social Sciences as an alternative route for students who are appropriately qualified and wish to undertake a Level 4 programme in this field . Please note this is offered as a part-time course only .

Belfast Met has a long tradition stretching back to the late 1980’s of delivering these courses and thousands of students have availed of the opportunity to undertake challenging Access courses in a range of disciplines before moving on to degree programmes which have changed their lives .

The College offers a welcoming environment to students returning to education and the course coordinators and teaching staff have extensive experience of the challenges faced by those who choose to undertake one of our programmes of study . The informal atmosphere of the College is matched by our commitment to excellence and a determination to deliver challenging and stimulating courses of study .

This booklet provides the reader with important information regarding a range of matters relating to the courses we deliver . We hope that you find it informative but feel free to contact us should you require further clarification .

Please note that courses/pathways are subject to government funding decisions and we cannot guaranteee that they will all run in 2015-16.

Welcome


About the Course The course is designed to attract students who want to undertake a degree course in the fields of Humanities or Social Sciences .

Successful students have, in the past, progressed to study for degrees as diverse as history, politics, psychology, sociology, english, law, social work and teaching . Students who successfully complete the course may also progress to further and higher courses within Belfast Met, including HND and foundation degree programmes .

Students must choose a specific pathway when applying and will complete six compulsory modules .

Mode of Study and Fees Full-time (FT) – One Year – no fees Part-time (PT) – Two Years – fees charged See fees section at the back of this booklet .

Entry Criteria • Applicants must be 16 or over on 1 July 2015

• Applicants for Full-time and Part-time courses must have been out of full-time education for at least two full consecutive years

• Applicants for Full-time course should hold at least grade C in GCSE English and Grade C GCSE or equivalent in Maths

• Applicants for Part-time course should hold at least grade C in GCSE English (or equivalent qualification)

Pathways and CampusesPathway Code FT PT Campus

History and English C3074 101F MF

Sociology and Psychology

C3074 102F MF

History and Sociology C3074 105F MF

History and Politics (Eve)

C3074 101E MF

Sociology and Psychology (Eve)

C3074 102E MF

Sociology and Psychology (Day)

C3074 102P MF

Course Structure Six compulsory modules - each module carries equal weighting .

Access Diploma in Humanities and Social Science(Queen’s University Belfast) Course Code: C3074


Hours Per Week • Full-time course – students must be able to commit to 18 hours class study per week

• Part-time course – students must be able to commit to 7-7 .5 hours class study per week

Course Content Four of the six modules will be related to the Pathway title e .g . History & English will consist of two History modules and 2 English modules . The other two modules on the pathway are Study Skills and a related subject area determined by the course committee .

Assessment Most modules are assessed through a combination of Assignment and Exam .

UCAS The course is deemed by universities to be equivalent to A Levels . Specific university courses will set the marks required for entry .

Contact Andrew Thomas, email: academicstudies@belfastmet .ac .uk


Prose:

William Trevor describes the short story as “the art of the glimpse .” Discuss with reference to at least two of his stories in After Rain .

Drama:

Would you agree that in the ‘Playboy of the Western World’ and ‘Translations” the Irish people are presented as downtrodden?

Poetry:

“Irish poets display much nostalgia and sentimentality in their work” . Is this a fair assessment of the poets you have studied?

History

Was anyone satisfied with the Third Home Rule Bill of 1912?

“A settlement that satisfied no-one .” Is this a fair verdict on the Versailles Settlement 1919?

Politics

Does the UK Parliament need a second chamber?

How are American Supreme Court judges appointed, and why has the process become so politically controversial?

Psychology

Develop and write up a research plan including rationale and methodology . It will also include the briefing, standardised instructions and debriefing to be used in the study . (20%)

Implement a research plan and write a brief report . This will include the planning material credited in assignment 1 . For this assessment, credit will be awarded for implementation, results section, discussion, references, materials developed and abstract . (30%)

Sociology

What is social stratification? Illustrate your answer with reference to societies with which you are familiar .

‘Women and men are increasingly doing similar levels of housework’ . Discuss this statement with reference to at least two Sociological studies of domestic labour .

Assessment and Sample QuestionsThe questions below aim to give you an indication of the level of assessment which you will undertake within the course: English


About the Course The course is an equivalent qualification to GCE A Levels . It is designed to attract students who want to undertake a degree course in the field of Mathematics .

Successful students have, in the past, progressed to study for degrees as diverse as mathematics, accountancy, business, finance and teaching . students who successfully complete the course may also progress to further and higher courses within Belfast Met, including HND and foundation degree programmes .

Mode of Study and fees Full-time (FT) - One year - no fees

Entry Criteria Applicants must be 16 or over on 1 July 2015

Applicants for the course must have been out of full-time education for at least two full consecutive years

Applicants must have GCSE Grade B or above in Mathematics and GCSE Grade C or above in English (or English qualification equivalent) .

Campus Millfield Campus

Course Structure Six compulsory modules with each module carrying equal weighting .

Hours Per Week Students must be able to commit to 18 hours class study per week . This is normally done over four days . It is also recommended that students complete 12-15 self-study hours per week .

Course Content Students will study Pure Mathematics 1, Pure Mathematics 2, Mechanics, Statistics, Computing and Study Skills .

Assessment Study Skills is assessed through a portfolio . All other modules are assessed through class tests and an end of module examination .

UCAS The course is deemed by universities to be equivalent to A Levels . Universities set the criteria required for entry . At present, for degrees within the mathematical area the percentage required is normally 75% or above for entry to a Northern Ireland university .

Contact Niki McDade, email: academicstudies@belfastmet .ac .uk

Access Diploma in Maths and Computing (Queen’s University Belfast)

Course Code: C3071 101F

09Access to University Course Guide 15-16

Pure Mathematics 1 Algebra - Indices, Surds, Linear equations, Simultaneous linear and quadratic equations, Changing the subject of a formula . Graphs - Geometrical interpretation of algebraic solution of equations . Co-ordinate Geometry - Equation of a straight line, mid-points, parallel and perpendicular lines . Calculus - Differentiation and Integration, Finding the gradient of the tangent and normal, Application of differentiation to maximum and minimum and stationary points .

Pure Mathematics 2

Further Algebra - Partial fractions, Sequences - including those given by a formula for the nth term, Arithmetic progressions, Geometric progressions, Binomial series for integer and rational powers, Functions including domain and range, inverse and composite functions Co-ordinate geometry of the circle . Trigonometry - Sine and cosine rules, Radian measure, Trigonometrical Functions, Simple trigonometric equations, Compound and Double angle formulae and their use . Exponential and Logarithmic Functions - y = ax and its graph, Logarithms and their laws . Further Graphs - Use of the logarithmic transformation in changing experimental data into straight-line form . Further Calculus - Differentiation of sin x, cos x, ex and ln x, Use of sum, product, quotient and function of a function rules, Integration by substitution, by parts and involving use of partial fractions, Application of the definite integral in finding areas and volumes, Trapezium Rule and Simpson’s Rule .Application of the definite integral in finding areas and volumes, Trapezium Rule and Simpson’s Rule .

Assessment

10 Access to University Course Guide 15-16

Mechanics

Displacement, velocity and acceleration; displacement-time graphs; velocity-time graphs . Equations for uniform acceleration . Application of differentiation and integration to problems in kinematics set as a function of time . Force as a localised vector . Magnitude, direction, components and resultants . Friction . Equilibrium of a particle . Equilibrium of a rigid body . The principle of moments . Mass and acceleration . Newton’s laws . Impulse and momentum .

Statistics Data Display - frequency polygons, cumulative frequency graphs, stem and box plots, Histograms of varying class widths Averages - Averages and dispersion, Time Series and Moving Averages Correlation and Regression Probability - Addition laws of probability, Probability trees, Venn Diagrams Probability Distributions - Normal Distribution, Binomial and Poisson Distribution Sampling - Unbiased estimators of a population mean and variance .

Computing Key Computer Concepts - Introduction to operating systems commonly used in personal computers . Communications Technologies - Internet, Intranet, Extranet, Email, Wifi, Blue tooth, 3G ,Web Browser LAN and WAN, Network Topologies, Social media, Mobile technology e .g . iPhones, tablets . Communication, searching and selection of information using the Internet . Presenting Information - Word processing, Spreadsheets, Databases . Web Design - Principles of Web Design, W3C Standards, HTML Code, Web Authoring Software .

Assessment


About the Course The course is an equivalent qualification to GCE A Levels . It is designed to attract students who want to undertake a degree course in the field of engineering .

Successful students have, in the past, progressed to study for degrees as in aeronautical engineering, automotive engineering, civil engineering, electronic and electric engineering, mechanical engineering and product design and development . Students who successfully complete the course may also progress to further and higher courses within Belfast Met, including HND and foundation degree programmes .

Mode of Study and Fees Full-time (FT) – One year – no fees

Entry Criteria Applicants must be 16 or over on 1July 2015


Applicants must have GCSE Grade B or above in Mathematics and GCSE Grade C or above in English (or English qualification equivalent) .

Campus The physics modules are studied in the Titanic Quarter Campus . All other modules are studied in the Millfield Campus .

Course Structure Six compulsory modules with each module carrying equal weighting .

Hours Per Week Students must be able to commit to 18 hours class study per week . This is normally completed over four days . It is also recommended that students do 12 – 15 self-study hours per week .

Course Content Students will study Pure Mathematics 1, Pure Mathematics 2, Mechanics, Physics 1, Physics 2 and Study Skills .

Assessment Study Skills is assessed through a portfolio . All other modules are assessed through class tests or practicals and an end of module examination .

UCAS The course is deemed by universities to be equivalent to A Levels . Universities set the criteria required for entry . At present, for degrees within the engineering area the percentage required is normally 75% or above for entry to a Northern Ireland university .

Contact Niki McDade, email: academicstudies@belfastmet .ac .uk

Access Diploma in Engineering (Queen’s University Belfast)

Course Code: C3073 101F


Assessment

Pure Mathematics 1 Algebra - Indices, Surds, Linear equations, Simultaneous linear and quadratic equations, Changing the subject of a formula . Graphs - Geometrical interpretation of algebraic solution of equations . Coordinate Geometry - Equation of a straight line, mid-points, parallel and perpendicular lines . Calculus - Differentiation and Integration, Finding the gradient of the tangent and normal, Application of differentiation to maximum and minimum and stationary points .

Pure Mathematics 2 Further Algebra - Partial fractions, Sequences, including those given by a formula for the nth term, Arithmetic progressions, Geometric progressions, Binomial series for integer and rational powers, Functions including domain and range, inverse and composite functions . Co-ordinate Geometry of the circle Trigonometry - Sine and cosine rules, Radian measure, Trigonometrical Functions, Simple trigonometric equations, Compound and Double angle formulae and their use . Exponential and Logarithmic Functions - y = ax and its graph, Logarithms and their laws Further Graphs - Use of the logarithmic transformation in changing experimental data into straight-line form . Further Calculus - Differentiation of sin x, cos x, ex and ln x, Use of sum, product, quotient and function of a function rules, Integration by substitution, by parts and involving use of partial fractions, Application of the definite integral in finding areas and volumes, Trapezium Rule and Simpson’s Rule .

Mechanics

Displacement, velocity and acceleration; displacement-time graphs; velocity-time graphs .

Equations for uniform acceleration . Application of differentiation and integration to problems in kinematics set as a function of time . Force as a localised vector . Magnitude, direction, components and resultants . Friction . Equilibrium of a particle . Equilibrium of a rigid body . The principle of moments . Mass and acceleration . Newton’s laws . Impulse and momentum .

Physics 1 Measurement, Laboratory Safety, Graphs, Scientific Reporting . Energy, Work and Power - Energy resources, Work, Conservation of Energy, Power and Efficiency . Electricity - Static Charge, Potential Difference, Electric Circuits, Ohm’s Law, Resistance Resistivity . Electrical Power Waves, Optics and Imaging – Waves, Electromagnetic spectrum, Refraction, Lenses and Defects of Vision, Sound Atomic Structure and Radioactivity - Atomic Structure, Radioactivity, Half-life and applications

Physics 2 Experimental Skills - Uncertainties (errors), Graphs Electricity 2 - Potential difference and electromotive force, Potential divider . Vibrations and Interference - Vibrations, Resonance and Damping, Wave Interference, Deformation of solids, Heat and Temperature, Expansion, Heat Capacity . Electric Fields and Magnetism - Capacitors, Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction . Nuclear Energy and Exponential Decay - Nuclear Energy, Nuclear decay .


About the Course This course is designed to attract students who wish to undertake a degree course in pure biological sciences or work in the bioscience industry or pursue a career in one of the health-related professions .

Full-time Intensive & Part-time Day and Evening classes are run in both Titanic Quarter (TQ) and Castlereagh Campuses (CC) .

Successful students have, in the past, progressed to study for degrees as diverse as dietetics, microbiology, archaeology, pharmacology, zoology, physiotherapy, clinical physiology and nursing .

Students must complete six modules over one or two years depending on whether they are full or part-time . Biology 1 & 2, Chemistry 1 and Support Skills are compulsory for all students . All part-time students and students in one of the full-time classes on each campus will also study Microbiology . The other full-time class on each campus will study Chemistry 2 . There will be a limited choice of optional modules, such as Chemistry 2, Physics, Psychology or NICATS Maths (mainly taken by PT students) . Students will choose their option on the basis of their prior achievements and career choice .

Mode of Study and Fees Full-time (FT) – One year – no fees Part-time (PT) – Two years – fees charged

Entry Criteria Applicants must be 16 or over on 1July 2015


Full-time course - Grade C or above in GCSE/O Level Maths and English or equivalent (including Essential Skills)

Part-time course – Grade C or above in GCSE/O Level English or equivalent (including Essential Skills) .

Access Diploma in Biological / Biomedical Sciences (Queen’s University Belfast) Course Code: C3076


Classes and Campuses

Course Structure Six Compulsory Modules – each module carries equal weighting .

Hours Per Week Full-time course - students must be able to commit to 18 hours class study per week

Part-time course - students must be able to commit to 7- 8 hours class study per week over 2 days or 2 evenings .

Course Content Biology 1

Chemistry 1

Support Skills

Biology 2

Microbiology or Chemistry 2

+ 1 optional module from Chemistry 2, Physics, Psychology, or NICATS Maths .

Assessment Most modules are assessed through a combination of coursework, assignments and exam with the exception of Support Skills which is assessed through a “Learning Journal” .

UCAS The course is widely accepted by universities as being equivalent to A Levels . Specific university courses will set the percentage grades required for entry .

Contact Joanne Sholdis, email: jsholdis@belfastmet .ac .uk or Grace Atwell, tel: 028 9053 3103

Class Code FT PT Campus

1 year FT intensive with Chemistry 2

C3076 101F CC

1 year FT intensive with Microbiology

C3076 102F CC

1 year FT intensive with Chemistry 2

C3076 103F TQ

1 year FT intensive with Microbiology

C3076 104F TQ

2 year PT Day C3076 101P TQ

2 year PT Day C3076 102P TQ

2 year PT Day C3076 103P CC

2 year PT Day C3076 104P CC

2 year PT Evening C3076 101E CC

2 year PT Evening C3076 102E TQ

2 year PT Evening C3076 103E TQ


Core Module PT Year/ FT semester Topics covered

Biology 1 Year 1/Semester 1 Cytology, Biochemistry, DNA and Genetic code, Cell division, Autotrophic nutrition, Heterotrophic nutrition, Asexual and Sexual reproduction

Chemistry 1 Year 1/Semester 1 Atomic structure and bonding, States of matter, Periodic table, Chemical change and reactivity, Equations and quantitative chemistry, Acids, bases and salts, Redox reactions, Introduction to organic chemistry

Biology 2 Year 2/Semester 2 Cardiovascular system, respiratory system, Cellular respiration, Nervous system, Skeletal system, Homeostasis, Heredity and Genetics, DNA technology and Genetic engineering, Ecosystems .

*Microbiology Year 2/Semester 2 History and development of microbiology, Microbial structure and classification, Growth and cultural requirements of microorganisms, Transmission of infection, Effects of invasion by microorganisms, Immunity, Epidemiology, Practical skills and techniques

*Chemistry 2 Year 2/Semester 2 Atomic structure, bonding, Organic chemistry, Energetics, Equilibria, Inorganic chemistry, Analytical chemistry .

*Full-time students take either Microbiology or Chemistry 2 in the second semester . They also take another optional module from Chemistry 2, Physics, Psychology or NICATS Maths throughout the year . Part-time students normally take Microbiology in second year and another optional module as above . Optional module choice will be limited by prior attainment and university entrance requirements for chosen degree course .

Summary of topics covered in each core science module



Access Diploma in Computing, Business and Multimedia (Ulster University) Course Codes: C3077

About the Course This course was re-validated in 2012 with new modules being added to reflect current trends in these areas . Currently the course attracts students who have been out of full-time education for two years or more and now wish to undertake this course to gain access to university . Successful students who obtain an average of 70% or more have progressed to study degrees as diverse as computer science, software engineering, systems development, accountancy, web design, creative technologies, gaming, business management, business enterprise, business information systems and teaching . Students who successfully complete the course may also progress to further and higher courses within Belfast Met, including HND and foundation degree programmes .

Mode of Study and Fees

Full-time - One Year - No course Fee Part-time – Two Years – Course fees apply

Entry criteria Applicants must be 16 or over on 1 July 2015


Applicants for both the Full-time and Part-time courses should have at least 2 GCSE passes at Grade C or above which must include ICT and English . Equivalent qualifications will be considered as will relevant industrial/technological experiential learning .

Campus Millfield Campus

Course Structure Eight compulsory modules - Five modules at Level 2 worth 10-15 credit points each and three modules at Level 3 worth 20 credit points each

Hours Per Week Full-time 15 hours per week; Part-time 7 .5 hours per week

Course Content and Assessment

UCAS University entry currently requires 65% in Level 3 or above for business and multimedia related degrees . For entry to computer science 72% overall in Level 3 and 74% in NICATS maths Level 2 are currently required .

Module 1 NICATS Basic Mathematics Level 2 Coursework and Exam

Module 2 Communications Level 2 Coursework

Module 3 Introduction to Business Level 2 Coursework and Exam

Module 4 Introduction to Computer concepts and Software Applications

Level 2 Coursework and Exam

Module 5 NICATS Mathematics Level 2 Coursework and Exam

Module 6 Developing Database Solutions

Level 3 Coursework and Exam

Module 7 e-Business Level 3 Coursework and Exam

Module 8 Web development Level 3 Coursework


Assessment and Sample Questions The questions below aim to give you an indication of the level of assessment which you will undertake within the course: Typical Assignment

Database Module . This assignment will allow learner to demonstrate their ICT skills in investigating and developing a database solution to a problem (identified by the learner) .

Establishing the Feasibility Report Learners will investigate the problem identified and produce a feasibility report . In producing the Feasibility Report learners should consider:

• Discuss background information to the task

• Use investigative Techniques

• Consider at least three areas in a feasibility report .

• State aims and objectives of the task

Identify

• Inputs

• Processing

• Outputs

Typical Assignment Introduction to Computer Concepts & Software Applications .

When using the Internet two things need to be kept in mind:

1 .The main problem with Internet searches is how to access the information one needs without being bombarded by an avalanche of “hits”

2 .There is no control over what is put onto the Internet . If a person has access to the Internet and can write web pages, they can put anything they want on, making it available to the whole world . There is useful information on the Internet, you just need to ask yourself some questions before you use any information you find on the web .

In response to these two statement the learner will carry out research on the internet to find ideas and techniques to limit the number of hits, using a topic to explain your findings, prepare a presentation on, “How to search the Internet successfully and have confidence in accuracy of the results” .

Typical Exam Question Introduction to Business

Q (i) Distinguish between job enrichment and

job enlargement .

(ii) What is meant by wide span of control and describe what benefits and problems might this have for a business?

(iii) “People are motivated by money” . Discuss . (Use of motivational theorists should be used) .

NICATS MathematicsQ (i) The outline of a garden is shown as

quadrilateral ABCD .

(Drawing not to scale)

Calculate the length of the side CD

8.2m

5.3m9.1m

B

B

A

C

D


About the Course The Certificate of Higher Education is a Level 4, higher education programme and is the equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree course . This course is validated by the Ulster University, and our students are eligible to apply to year two of Ulster’s BSc psychology, social psychology, sociology, social policy and sociology and criminology courses . It is also a stand-alone qualification .

Our students may also apply for year two of other universities; however it is the student’s responsibility to check the admissions policies of individual universities . Students who successfully complete the course may also progress to further and higher courses within Belfast Met, including HND and foundation degree programmes .

Mode of Study and Fees This course is part-time only and fees are charged – See fees section at the back of this booklet . Students on the course are eligible to receive state funding for this course, however students who do receive state funding for this course will not receive funding if they repeat Year 1 at university .

Entry Criteria A Level 3 qualification is a prerequisite for entry onto this course .

It would be an advantage (but not essential) to have a background in A Levels and/or the social and behavioural sciences .

Pathways and Campuses Modules are offered on a day time or evening basis . Classes are based in our Millfield campus .

Course Structure Throughout our course, students complete a total of six modules . Each module carries equal weight .

Hours Per Week Students must be able to commit to an average of 7 .5 hours class study per week, and will be also expected to study independently .

Course Content Year one modules are compulsory:

• Introduction to Sociology,

• Introduction to Psychology,

• Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences .

In year two, students can choose three of these six optional modules:

• Psychological Approaches to Learning,

• Research Methods in Psychology,

• Contemporary Issues,

• Criminology,

• Social Policy,

Certificate of Higher Education in Combined Social and Behavioural Sciences (Ulster University) Course Code: C4016


• Social Research Methods .

Additional Study Support is embedded into each module offered throughout the course .

Assessment Most modules are assessed through a combination of Assignment and Exam .

UCAS The course is accepted by Ulster as the equivalent of their year one social and behavioural sciences programmes . Therefore in UCAS applications, students apply to ‘Entry Level 2’ .

Contact Annette Comerford, email: academicstudies@belfastmet .ac .uk


Module Title Assessment Type Weighting

Sociology Summary 20%

Essay assignment 30%

Exam 50%

Psychology In-class and module test 20%

Literature review 30%

Exam 50%

Quantitative Methods In-class and module test 10%

In-class and module test 10%

Research proposal 30%

Exam 50%

Social Policy Essay plan 5%

Presentation 20%


Exam 50%

Psychological Approaches Practical report 20%

Practical report 30%

Exam 50%

Criminology Presentation/summary 20%


Exam 50%

Social Research Methods Research proposal 10%

Presentation 10%

Personal research project

Research Methods in Psychology

Computer-based assessment and exercise 10%

Presentation 10%

Personal research project 80%

Contemporary Issues Practical report 20%

Presentation 30%

Exam 50%

Assessment


Sociology Coursework 1: Summary - 20% overall grade

Summarise a sociological article covered in class .

Sociology Coursework 2: Essay (2,000 words max) - 30% overall grade

Discuss the argument that the inequalities produced by social stratification are functional . Support and illustrate your response with sociological argument and evidence .

Psychology Coursework 1: 20% overall grade

Write a report on an experiment carried out in class .

Psychology Coursework 2: 30% overall grade

Discuss two pieces of psychological research you have studied . (1,500 words)

Quantitative Methods Assignment 1: Research Proposal - 30% overall grade

Write a Research Proposal based on a sociological or psychological topic of your choice (subject to the approval of your tutor) .

Social Policy Coursework 2: Essay (2,000 words) - 30% overall grade

Discuss the view that Beveridge’s ‘dream’ was impossible to realise .

Criminology Coursework 2: Essay (2,000 words) - 30% overall grade

Assess the degree to which police crime statistics are valid and reliable .

Assessment and Sample Questions The questions below aim to give you an indication of the level of assessment which you will undertake within the course:


Applications should be made online via our website: www.belfastmet.ac.uk . Please search for your chosen course using the course code indicated beside each course title .

Click on Course Search

Enter course codes as indicated in this course guide.

How To Apply Progression from Access

While Access courses have been developed to provide those who have been away from full-time education with a potential route to higher education, it is important to recognise that completion of an Access course will not necessarily guarantee admission to a higher education programme . Much will depend on the choice of subject and institution as universities will set specific entry requirements for particular courses, which may change from year to year . For example, Queen’s University set quite specific requirements relating to maths and science for those seeking entry to nursing degree programmes . Similarly some degree programmes may look for a level of subject related work experience . From a student’s perspective, it is therefore important to start researching information about possible progression routes at an early stage, even before starting your Access course, to ensure you choose the most appropriate course and have a broad understanding of what you need to aim for in order to achieve your career goal . Before making your application for higher education courses, you are advised to contact your chosen universities to clearly establish the Access marks required for entry to your preferred courses . The Careers and Employability Service at the College can help you in this process by:

• Providing pre-entry and on course advice and guidance;

• Access to relevant higher education information;

• An annual Higher Education Preparation programme (usually March for UCAS applications the following autumn);

• Support through the UCAS process .

You can contact the Careers and Employability Service by emailing: careers@belfastmet .ac .uk


Full-time students pay no fees . Part-time students do pay fees . The following table provides an indication of the charges based on the fees for 14-15 (at this time the 15-16

fees are not known but may be slightly higher) . See prospectus for evidence required to qualify for a reduction in fees at enrolment .

Fees

Part-time Pathways Full Fee Reduced Fee

Computing with Business & Multimedia (Yr 1 & 2) £700 £485

Combined Social & Behavioural Science (Yr 1) £701 N/A

Humanities (Yr 1) £547 £357

Humanities (Yr 2) £510 £305

Student Finance

Further Education - Financial Help

Further Education Funding is age dependent, if you are 19 or over on 1 July 2015 you can apply to WELB to be assessed for a FE Award . It is important to apply for financial help as early in the year as possible, even if your place on the Access course has not been confirmed . The closing date for applications for full-time courses is 1 September 2015 . Eligible students who submit an application by 30 June 2015 will be guaranteed funding .The closing date for applications for part-time courses is 30 September 2015 . Students who do not qualify for financial assistance from the WELB can apply to the College Hardship Fund once they are enrolled . For information and application forms for the FE Awards full and part-time: www .welbni .org

Click on Students and Young People, then on Student Finance NI Further Education Awards or Telephone: 028 8225 4546 . www .studentfinanceni .co .uk

QUB Access Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences PLAQ CODE P10027

QUB Access Diploma in Access Biological Sciences PLAQ CODE P10022

QUB Access Diploma in Mathematics and Computing P10029

QUB Access Diploma in Engineering P10024

UU Access Diploma in Computing, Business and Multimedia PLAQ CODE P10006

Progression from Access


Belfast Metropolitan College, Castlereagh Campus offers a crèche facility (est 1996) named “Little Scholars Crèche and Day Care Centre”. We cater for pre-school aged children of students and staff aged between eight weeks and four years. Our aim is to provide quality and safe childcare to enable parents to return to education, whether it is full-time, part-time, academic or leisure.

We are confident that you will find the low fees to be affordable; however, some funding may be available (contact Ruth Kyle for further information, email: rkyle@belfastmet .ac .uk) . The crèche consists of two extensive playrooms where activities such as painting, sand and water play, imaginative play, physical play, etc are provided for the children to participate in . We also have a securely fenced in-door play area along with weekly play work sessions in the College gym . The facility is run by staff that are both fully qualified and experienced, and will endeavour to make your child’s time at the crèche happy and fun by providing a comfortable, stimulating and secure environment for your child . The crèche is available to pre-school aged children (eight weeks - four years) . It is situated in the building beside the canteen . The main entrance is to the rear of the building .

Opening Times: 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday (Friday 5pm) Term-time only

Fees must be paid for each session booked, whether the child attends or not, as staff costs have still to be met . It is vital that fees are paid promptly at the start of each month . Crèche places are subject to minimum and maximum numbers per session . Places for September fill up quickly, so please book early to avoid disappointment . For more details, contact Ruth at Student Services . Additional help can also be provided with some registered childcare outside Little Scholars Crèche . Contact: Ruth Kylerkyle@belfastmet .ac .uk


Crèche Charges • Fees are charged at £65 per week for a

part-time place or £130 per week for a full-time place

• All sessions booked must be paid for irrespective of absences due to illness etc .

• Sibling groups are charged at £220 per week .

• Employers for childcare vouchers are also accepted .

• All fees must be paid in full at the beginning of each month .

If you are studying a vocational course and you can foresee difficulty in paying fees, some financial assistance may be available . Students aged 16 to 19 can apply through the Care to Learn Scheme . Contact the Student Support Administrator on tel: 028 9026 5172 . Students aged 19 or over can also apply for funding; Students studying more than six hours a week should contact the Western Education & Library Board for FE Award and Childcare forms tel: 028 8225 4546 . Funding may also be available from the College Student Support Fund . (Contact Ruth Kyle at the Castlereagh Campus or the Student Support Administrator on tel: 028 9026 5172) .



www.belfastmet.ac.uk

Documents

Access to University€¦ · Assignment and Exam . UCAS The course is deemed by universities to be equivalent to A Levels . Specific university courses will set the marks required