Whats a better choice? - A-levels/Access to HE/HEFC?

Question

I'm currently re-sitting my first year of A-levels again at college - could of gone on to A2 this year but decided against it as my grades weren't very good last time around.

Recently I've been told about the Access to HE a HEFC courses and I'm considering doing them instead as they're only one year as opposed to the 2 of the A-levels. I'm actually in my 3rd year of further education (I did a Btec in my first year), so I don't really want to fail again and I really want to get into uni.

Should I just do the 2 years? Or should I do the one year courses instead?

I'm planning to do a psychology course at uni. I'm 2 years behind so it does play on my mind a bit.

Answer 1

i would say A levels are a better pick

Answer 2

I suggest A levels are the better choice, because they are more meaningful to an employer. You are likely to get better grades this year anyway, but put in the extra effort and make the year's work worthwhile for yourself so that they are not just better but really good. Then you will feel comfortable taking the second year A level.

I would go straight on to the second year anyway then, and retake any first year exams at the end if necessary, where they should have been in the first place.

If your grades this year are still dodgy you may be tempted to take the 'safe' option of the Access courses, but in that case shouldn't you ask why you are continuing with this? If you don't like the subject well enough to get good grades (after 2 years work) then the chances are uni will seem tedious and be a waste of 3 years.

Answer 3

I have done both A-levels and the access course. In terms of the academic level they are exactly the same, and are recognised as the same at any institution. It really depends how much longer you want to keep studying and how much work you want to do. The coursework is more intense on an access course because it is condensed into one year. Also access courses are devised to prepare you for whatever degree you want to do. They range from social sciences right through to probation access. Personally I preferred the access course, however I did have a ten year gap between the two and was therefore a mature person. My results were the same!!!!!

Answer 4

Personally I would do the two year access course (but you can do it over 1 year) as it will be a bit easier, the credits you get will be the equivalent to and they are accepted at most universities,
I am now in my final year on the access, as i have done it over two years and I am finding this year a lot easier than I did last year.

The Access course will give you the tools to succeed at university and you will be better equipped to succeed than some.
Not only will you better equipped you will have help to fill in your personal statement and filling in your UCAS Form on line.

Good luck

Answer 5

if your doing A levels at the moment then i would stick with the A levels as wen you applie to the uni it shows you are sticking to wat you want to do rather tha dropping and doing something else, its not going to get you any more brownie points from the uni by switching but it looks better staying in one place...

also have you checked your cource rquirements? you may ot have to do those A levels... if your really keen then emil the cource leader about the requirements and even arrange an open day, as long as your capable then they may even let you in earlier...
plus dont worry about your grades not being very goo last year, focus soley upon them this year... i did and i passed and got into uni AND changed to a cource which was FULL because i cahnged my mind (prefered psychology with criminology rather than behavioural sciences!!!)
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Answer 6

Access is really only for mature students (21+)
Stick with the A levels -
They are more academic
Useful if you decide not to go onto university
You need some A level subjects as a prerequisite to certain degrees e.g. maths, science, law, languages
They will prepare you better for the type of study expected at uni

Answer 7

i guess the more important question here is that which course will provide for a better prospect? i'm sure u will want to finish fast (if that is ur priority- than i guess u should already know ur answer).. but in the end it's the work prospect that's more important.. hope it helps.. all the best!