New agreement paves clearer route into healthcare for Midlands students

University News Last updated 20 February 2014

Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences have signed a progression information document with the Open College Network West Midlands (OCNWMR) which will help provide a more accessible route to Higher Education healthcare courses, for students who have successfully completed access courses accredited by the OCNWMR.

Access to Higher Education courses are designed to enable students who have been out of education for some time and that may not have the traditional types of qualifications to gain entry to Higher Education. The courses prepare students with the study skills that they need together with knowledge in a range of subject areas.

Professor Ian Blair, Dean of the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences said: “The Faculty is excited by the opportunity to work closely with OCNWMR in providing this Progression Information for prospective students and colleagues within the Further Education sector.

“A large proportion of the applicants we recruit and select have come through an access route and are highly successful in their studies to become registered healthcare professionals in their chosen field. By signing this agreement the Faculty will strengthen its partnership working with those Colleges offering the OCN Regional Access Diploma and this will directly benefit the Faculty, FE partners and their students.”

Birmingham City University welcomes applications from students on the OCNWMR Regional Access Diploma in Health/Science from colleges across the Midlands. Prospective students will have the opportunity to study on a wide range of healthcare courses, from nursing and midwifery to radiotherapy and social work.

This initiative will help students to gain a clearer understanding of what is required when applying to university and the grades they will need in order to meet entry criteria for each degree. The aim of the agreement is to widen participation and to help encourage progression by ensuring students are more informed about courses available to them.

Get more information on healthcare courses at Birmingham City University.

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