Fastrack is an intensive programme of study for applicants to Edge Hill University who otherwise would not have the relevant level 3 qualifications to access a degree programme.

The programme consists of one preparation week followed by six weeks of full time study. This is typically four days a week on campus and one day of independent study at home, where you’ll also meet with your tutors online. Due to the fast nature of the programme, there’s a lot of work to get through outside of classroom hours, but you’ll receive a lot of support and guidance to help you. If you’re looking to study on the next Fastrack intake you’ll need to be available for full time study from Monday 3 June – Friday 12 July 2024.

Qualifications

You don’t need any formal qualifications for the Fastrack Programme*. We’re looking for applicants that can show a good level of commitment to the degree they wish to progress onto, a realistic understanding of the subject and transferable skills. This will be shown through your personal statement.

*Some degrees may have some additional GCSE requirements. If you don’t hold these then you can also look at our Equivalency Exams. Whilst these are not a requirement for Fastrack, if they’re needed for your degree, you’d be expected to have passed them before you start your degree programme. Information on the degree programmes with additional requirements can be found at the bottom of the progression routes page.

IT Skills

During your studies you’ll be required to word process your work , use email and access virtual learning environments. You’ll be offered some support with this but you’ll also be expected to have a basic level of IT skills already.

Fastrack is open to you if you’re:

• committed to degree study at Edge Hill University,
• someone who’s had a break away from education.
• not already holding the relevant level 3 qualifications to apply for a degree.

Applications are made directly to the University via our direct application form. It’s a dual application for both the Fastrack Programme and the subsequent degree programme. So, you don’t need to submit two separate applications.

You’ll be asked to create an account when you start to apply. Make a note of your username and password so that you can complete the application in more than one sitting if you need to.

If you do forget your username you can either use the forgotten password function or you can contact the Catalyst Helpdesk.

It’s important that you include as much information in your application as you can. You should include any GCSEs that you have at grade 4 (C ) or higher, and any other level 2, 3 or higher qualifications.

One of the most important aspects of your application is your personal statement. Fastrack personal statements should be no more than 300 – 650 words long. We’ll be looking closely at this to assess your understanding and commitment to the course. And we’ll also be looking at your level of written English. This will include your sentence structure, spelling, and grammar. So please remember to proofread. And, it’s not a good idea to try and complete this on your phone. We always recommend using a laptop or PC.

Take a look at the Personal Statement section of our website. You might find this useful when completing your application.

You’ll be required to demonstrate a level of English language competency that will enable you to be successful in your studies.

We assess this in several different ways. Firstly, your personal statement needs to meet the required level. Following this we either ask you to provide verification of a relevant English Language GCSE at grade 4 (C ) or higher or higher or a level 2 literacy qualification. If you aleady have these please attach them to your application.

But don’t worry if you don’t hold either of these qualifications as we offer an interview literacy test and you’ll be asked to complete this if you’re successful at interview. It’s a basic online test that you can take at home. Please note that it’s not a formal qualification so won’t meet the requirements for degree programmes that also require GCSE English as part of the progression criteria.

If your initial application is successful, then you’ll be invited in for an interview.

The format of your interview will depend on which area you’re hoping to study in. But don’t worry – we’ll send you everything you need to help you prepare.

If you’re successful at interview and can demonstrate a satisfactory level of written English then you’ll receive two offers to study at the University for the next available intake. This will be an unconditional offer for the Fastrack Programme and a conditional offer for the degree. The conditions will always include successful completion of the Fastrack Programme. Some subject areas will have other conditions which will need to be met before you start in your degree. These may include GCSEs or DBS and Medical Clearances. You can find more information about these conditions on our Fastrack preparation guide.

Once you’ve been accepted you’ll receive a link to an applicant website where you’ll find most of the information you need prior to the Fastrack Course. We’ll also send you regular updates via email.