Thanks to funding from the National Collaborative Outreach Programme, at the University of Kent we have been able to provide a new option for young people in the local area who want a change from the school environment, but do not want to study vocationally: the University Entrance Diploma.
The University Entrance Diploma is an alternative to A levels that provides a more flexible pathway to higher education than the route currently offered by traditional school sixth forms. Taught at the University of Kent’s Medway campus, this new course enables students to obtain an Access to Higher Education Diploma – equivalent to three A levels – in one year, two years or 18 months depending on their age and prior learning experience. The programme is assessed on a modular basis with an emphasis on coursework as opposed to exams, and focuses on developing the academic skills needed to make a success of higher education in addition to specialist subject knowledge in English, psychology, sociology and cultural studies.
The flexibility of the programme has made the University Entrance Diploma the course of choice for a wide range of learners. This year’s cohort includes: former sixth formers who did not achieve high enough A-level grades to progress to university; younger students who have a passion for academic study but do not feel able to flourish in the school environment; learners who harbour ambitions to complete an academic degree but lacked the confidence and relevant qualifications to apply; and students who have anxiety disorders that present a significant barrier to their success in examinations. Whatever their individual circumstances, the University Entrance Diploma has been able to offer its students a chance to achieve at level three and gain the qualifications and skills needed to progress to university.
After a successful first year, we at the University of Kent eagerly anticipate the arrival of more young people on the course in September and are thrilled to be wishing our one-year students luck as they head off to begin their degrees. We will miss them, but know they are set for a brighter future thanks to support made possible through the National Collaborative Outreach Programme.
For more information about the University Entrance Diploma, please visit: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/part-time/access/ued/index.html