Would an access course be a good idea?

[Bobbinsbop]

The job I’d like to train for doesn’t require any qualifications as you do these whilst training. However is does say that I’d need to demonstrate the ability to study at degree level.

I have GCSEs but they are from 20 years ago. I’m wondering if doing an access course would be a good way to show that I am able to study at this level as they are equivalent to A-levels. I’d study one in the same area as the job but it wouldn’t be specific to it.

Best place to ask is the training / course provider.

That said, I think if you're about to embark on some mature study it can help to do some kind of foundation / access course. It will help build confidence and give more recent academic experience.

I think you should probably ask the recruiters what they mean by their expectations of studying at degree level and if it would be an advantage. However in terms of access course it was hands down the best thing I ever did. It gave me a flavour of a lot of different subjects and opened up a world of possibilities to me and just increased my self-confidence in general. I'm a big fan!

I think you should say what the job is! It’s hardly likely to be outing in any way.

How do you know you’re ready to study at degree level? (I’m not doubting your intellectual capabilities!) Would you say your job / occupation over the past ten years has been on the level of graduate employment? Are you required to think critically, work through problems, manage your time, meet deadlines, interact with graduate level colleagues? If you’ve been doing all this you probably won’t find the course too challenging. If not, then for your own peace of mind I’d say an access course or similar would not only sharpen your study skills but also give you confidence in your ability to complete the course successfully.