HEFC Programme Learning Outcomes
HEFC modules within Pathways
QAA Guidelines for higher education admissions staffInformation for HE Admissions Staff
Access courses are designed to prepare students for higher education study. They are flexible, with both full and part-time study options, and cover a wide range of subjects. They are specifically designed to build students' confidence and skills and to provide the underpinning knowledge needed to progress to a degree or diploma course. The Access course in which Northumbria University is heavily involved is the Higher Education Foundation Course (HEFC).
The HEFC is a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma course and requires the completion, within 5 years, of 3 subject modules (each comprising 2x9 credit units) and the HE Toolbox unit (6 credits at Level 3), with an achievement overall of 45 credits at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2 or above. Almost all HEFC students complete the entire award at Level 3.
| Module A (comprising 2 x 9 credit units) | + | Module B (comprising 2 x 9 credit units) | + | Module C (comprising 2 x 9 credit units) | + | HE Toolbox (6 credits at Level 3) Compulsory | = | Full award (60 credits) |
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The HEFC is validated as an Access to HE Diploma by Ascentis (formerly OCNW) and, as a University Foundation Certificate, by Northumbria University. Until the introduction of the national unit grading system in 2009/10 with grades of Pass, Merit and Distinction, Northumbria University provided graded records of achievement for module awards in order to give a clearer indication of student performance. The University's grading system was as follows: Pass = 40-49%, Merit = 50-59%, Credit = 60-69%, Distinction = 70%+. HEFC HE applicants who started their programme of study before 2009/10 may refer to this former grading system.
HEFC modules have been grouped into 7 Access to HE Progression Pathways for which there are separate Rules of Combination (see links on the right).
Why choose HEFC applicants?
The HEFC has an excellent reputation for quality and is widely regarded. It is the largest single Access programme in the region and has been running for almost 30 years.Each year almost 500 HEFC students are admitted onto Northumbria courses and a further 150 progress to other universities. The performance of former HEFC students at Northumbria is carefully monitored and evidence shows that they achieve a greater number of first and upper second class honours degree classifications than students with more 'traditional' entry qualifications.
In addition to the excellent preparation afforded by the course, HEFC students often demonstrate a very high level of commitment to their undergraduate studies, due in no small part to the often considerable sacrifices they have to make in order to enter Higher Education.
For further information about the HEFC please contact hefc@northumbria.ac.uk
For further information in relation to QAA guidelines for higher education admissions staff, please click on the relevant link on the right hand side.
