The course is for those wishing to pursue a career in nursing or related professions. The course covers topics including the roles and issues relating to careers in the health service and nursing, plus modules in science and nursing studies, sociology, psychology, study skills and IT, as well as a weekly tutorial.
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About the Course
You will study:
- GCSE English
- GCSE Maths
- Tutorial
- IT
- Health Sciences
- Nursing Studies
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Study skills.
You are expected to find a work placement in time for the start of the course.
The course is taught by tutors who have experience with and are sympathetic to the needs of people returning to study after a long break. You will attend classes for 36 weeks during the year and you will not be timetabled in college during the normal school holidays. You will usually be in a group of 20-22 adult students and will participate in a variety of group and individual activities.
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Entry Requirements
Universities require learners to have GCSEs to progress onto a degree in nursing and West Thames College can help you get these alongside your Access course. To join an Access course, students must already have either their GCSE Maths or GCSE English (or both at grade A*-C / grade 9-4). If you need to achieve either your GCSE Maths or English qualifications, you will be required to undertake an initial assessment to assess your suitability to sit either maths or English GCSE. If successful, you will be enrolled onto the Maths or English course when you are enrolled onto the Access course, and you will study this GCSE as you also study for your Access course. Please note: A condition of enrolment onto this Access course is your competence to sit the missing GCSE. Therefore, you will not be enrolled onto the access until we have the outcome of your initial assessment.
This is a very demanding course, equivalent to an A-Level programme, so in addition to a good level of literacy and numeracy (GCSE grade A-C standard / grade 9-4), you will be required to meet the course assessment deadlines which will require additional hours of independent study in order to succeed. We recognised that as adult learners you may have long periods of break in education, therefore we provide additional support such as study skills as well as support for learners with identified learning needs such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. If you are not quite ready for the Access course we may offer you another course that will prepare you for the Access course.
If you need advice before you apply, please call 020 8326 2020 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Progression
On completion of this course you will receive an OCN London Diploma. You may progress to a degree programme in nursing.
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Assessment Method
Your development and progress in the course will be assessed on a regular basis both informally and formally. You will receive regular feedback from your tutors about your progress.
The assessment procedures vary from module to module and so will depend on what you are studying; there will be some set essays, coursework projects, and tests throughout the course. All of the modules use continuous assessment processes, which means that there is no dependence on final examinations (except for GCSE Maths and English.)
As you go through the course you will know whether you are meeting the requirements or not, and you will be given opportunities to catch up and make good any problems.
