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University Foundation Certificate Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education

Gain the skills and confidence required to join an Edge Hill University degree on a free 7-week course that is ideal if you are returning to study or seeking to enhance your subject knowledge and skills.

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      • Overview

      Covid-19 - Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education Essential Information

      View essential information and videos about the changes to teaching and learning and campus facilities from September 2020
      Course Length: 7 Weeks Full-Time
      Start Dates: June 2021, June 2022, June 2023
      Subjects: Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education
      Location: Edge Hill University

      Fastrack is an intensive, seven-week preparation for higher education programme for adults. Comprising of one week of preparation and six weeks of full-time study, it is designed to enhance your subject knowledge and take the fear out of academic study with training in essential skills such as note-taking, essay writing, exam techniques and an introduction to IT. The programme is free of charge.

      Successful completion of this Fastrack course will enable you to be considered for a place on a degree in your chosen subject at Edge Hill University, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria for the relevant programme, although places on specific degrees are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

      The Fastrack subjects available for June 2021 entry are Biology; Computing; Creative Arts; Creative Writing, English and History; Geography; Health; Law and Criminology; Professional Education; Social Sciences. Business and Management, Nursing, Operating Department Practice, Psychology and Teacher Training are closed to further applications for June 2021 entry.

      Please note, the availability of Fastrack subjects and progression routes varies for each academic year. There are currently no Fastrack routes for prospective Midwifery, Nursing & Social Work (dual award), Paramedic Practice or Social Work students.

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      In Depth

      What will I study?

      This Fastrack course comprises two modules, one of which is related to your subject choice while the other focuses on study skills training.

      The subject you study on Fastrack will have a close link to the degree that you progress onto but may not match it exactly. For example, you can study Biology as your Fastrack subject and progress onto a degree in Biology or related areas such as Biomedical Science, Ecology and Conservation, Genetics, and Plant Science.

      Whichever Fastrack subject you choose, you will receive guidance in essay writing, taking and arranging notes, reading effectively, report writing, presentation skills, time management, working in groups, strengths and weaknesses, action planning, target setting, confidence building, presentation skills, group work and course evaluation.

      You will also gain an introduction to ICT covering IT awareness, the Internet, word processing and developing visual presentations.

      How will I study?

      Teaching is through lectures, tutorials, small group work and practical sessions. You will be allocated a personal tutor and have access to a wide range of services and facilities, including the University library, computer hardware and software, ICT/Internet access and media facilities.

      You can expect to be in University from 10am until 3pm, Monday to Friday. There will be morning and afternoon sessions with a one-hour break for lunch.

      If you are joining a Fastrack subject in initial teacher training, one day per week across a four-week period will be spent undertaking a placement in a school. The hours on these days will depend on the school you are in and will usually be the normal school hours. We will endeavour to ensure that the school in which your placement takes place is no more than 90 minutes travel from your term time address.

      How will I be assessed?

      You will be assessed through assignments, projects and coursework. You must also achieve a minimum attendance threshold of 90%.

      There are no formal written examinations as part of the current assessment methods on this programme.

      Who will be teaching me?

      The programme is delivered by a team of tutors who are experienced in teaching and supporting adults returning to education.

      A Great Study Environment

      A student relaxes with a drink while working on her laptop in the Garden Cafe in the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine.Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Edge Hill University campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment.

      Everything you could want is on one site, from fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise, nearly 2,500 rooms in halls of residence, and 60 acres of sport and leisure facilities.

      There is also a University library which stocks around 200,000 items, including books, journals, e-resources and multimedia. In addition, you can access PCs, laptops, software and assistive technologies. Dedicated support is available for students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD).

      Entry Criteria

      Entry Requirements

      Formal entry qualifications are not typically required to join this Fastrack programme. However, if you are educated to GCSE standard this would be beneficial. If you can show that you are committed to studying for a degree and demonstrate the skills and potential, for example through relevant work/life experience, then we will offer you a place. An interview forms part of the selection process.

      All Fastrack applicants must demonstrate a level of competency in written English. This can be shown through GCSE English or GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or Level 2 Literacy or equivalent, prior to interview. In lieu of this, we will test your competency in written English as part of the recruitment process.

      To study Secondary Mathematics as your Fastrack subject, an AS Level (or equivalent) in Mathematics is required.

      Applicants to Fastrack initial teacher training, Nursing and Operating Department Practice subjects would also benefit from having some experience in a relevant setting, demonstrated through employment, volunteering or observation. In addition to this, you should possess an awareness of your chosen career pathway and have a strong interest in your chosen sector.

      Depending on the degree you wish to study on successful completion of Fastrack, additional progression criteria may apply which must be satisfied before a place on your intended degree can be confirmed.

      Career Prospects

      What are my career prospects?

      Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education is designed to equip you, in just seven weeks, with the skills and knowledge required to study on an Edge Hill University degree or foundation degree in a selected subject area. The specific programme(s) you may be eligible to progress onto will be determined by the Fastrack subject you choose.

      Please note, however, that while we expect many candidates who successfully complete a Fastrack course to proceed onto a relevant degree at Edge Hill University, the availability of a suitable progression route and acceptance onto this course, or other degrees, cannot be guaranteed.

      Depending on the degree you wish to apply for, additional progression criteria may also apply. Some potential progression routes, for example, including initial teacher training programmes and Psychology degrees, stipulate that you must have GCSE English, GCSE Mathematics and/or GCSE Science at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). If you do not already have these GCSEs, Edge Hill University offers equivalency tests.

      Some degrees will also require you to undergo DBS Enhanced Disclosure prior to progressing onto the programme. For initial teacher training students, the DBS requirement also applies to the Fastrack course, with clearance usually carried through to the start of your degree. For other subjects, DBS Enhanced Disclosure is not required in order to undertake the Fastrack programme but may be required to progress to your preferred degree. Further information will be supplied to you at the relevant time.

      You can view the standard entry criteria for each degree, which includes details of DBS Enhanced Disclosure where required, by consulting our A-Z of courses.

      You should also be aware that this Fastrack course is designed to enable progression onto a degree at Edge Hill University and may not be accepted by other institutions.

      Finance

      Tuition Fees

      The Fastrack programme is free of charge to UK and EU students joining the June 2021 intake.

      Financial Support

      If you are studying Fastrack face-to-face, attending taught sessions on campus, we may be able to assist you with funding while you are enrolled on the Fastrack course.

      This funding, which you will not need to pay back, includes financial contributions towards travel expenses, childcare costs and/or accommodation fees (if you live some distance from the University and wish to stay in our halls of residence). Eligibility criteria apply.

      For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK and EU students joining the Fastrack course in June 2021, please view our Money Matters 2021 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrackfinance2021.

      Scholarships

      Ten scholarship winners sitting together in a lecture theatre at the Scholarship Awards Evening.Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships which you can apply for once you are enrolled on the Fastrack course.

      These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your studies, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.

      An additional scholarship which you can apply for is specifically for Fastrack students, rewarding significant promise and progress, perhaps in the face of adversity.

      If your application for a scholarship is successful you can expect to receive the scholarship while studying your subsequent degree.

      To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

      Apply

      How to Apply

      There is an online application process for this programme.

      Please choose the application form for your preferred intake date and mode of study.

      Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack to access the relevant online application form and to find out more about the application process.

      The closing date for applications for June 2021 entry is Monday 19 April 2021.

      The June 2021 intake is for progression onto the corresponding degree starting in September 2021.

      When you submit an application, you will be asked to specify your choice of Fastrack subject and intended progression route.

      We will process a UCAS application for your intended degree on your behalf once you have completed the Fastrack programme.

      Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

      Visit Us

      If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

      Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about our full range of events for prospective students, including campus tours and virtual activities, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

      Request a Prospectus

      If you would like to explore our full range of degrees, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.

      Get in Touch

      If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

      If you would like to talk to the programme team about the course in more detail, please contact:

      A prospective student and her parents read a printed open day guide while stood on a bridge near the Catalyst building.

      Course Changes

      Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

      13th November 2020 - Change to Entry Requirements

      All Fastrack applicants must demonstrate a level of competency in written English. This can be shown through GCSE English or GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or Level 2 Literacy or equivalent, prior to interview. In lieu of this, we will test your competency in written English as part of the recruitment process.

      Progression Criteria

      Fastrack student Paul HarkinIf you are offered a place on the Fastrack programme, you will be classed as holding a conditional offer for the degree you wish to progress onto. Progression to all available routes will be conditional upon:
      • Successful completion of the relevant Fastrack pathway;
      • Meeting the 90% attendance criteria for the programme. You are expected to attend all timetabled sessions. Students falling below 90% attendance may be asked to leave the Fastrack programme;
      • Securing a recommendation of progression from your tutors on completion of the Fastrack course. This will take into consideration all aspects of your work, commitment and engagement with the programme.
      Some potential progression routes will stipulate additional entry requirements which must also be met, such as securing Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure or demonstrating physical fitness. Fastrack progression criteria are listed on a course-by-course basis below. If the degree you will be progressing onto is not listed, no additional requirements currently apply, other than successful completion of the Fastrack programme, though this is always subject to possible change. You should disregard the entry criteria listed on the actual course pages if you are progressing to the programme via the relevant Fastrack subject. Where GCSE English Language, GCSE Mathematics and/or GCSE Science are required, at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent), Edge Hill University offers equivalency programmes, including revision courses and standalone tests, which allow you to demonstrate that you satisfy these additional criteria. Please note that satisfying the competency in written English requirement to join the Fastrack course does not replace the need for GCSE English Language if it is stipulated for progression onto your chosen degree below. We reserve the right to request a reference in some instances. For example, where an applicant is studying on another programme, still eligible for compulsory education, or an additional reference is required for professional programmes. BSc (Hons) Accountancy
      • GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Numeracy).
      BSc (Hons) Child & Adolescent Mental Health & Wellbeing
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
      BSc (Hons) Child Health & Wellbeing
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
      BA (Hons) Children & Young People’s Learning & Development (Primary)
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
      BSc (Hons) Computer Engineering
      • GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
      BSc (Hons) Computer Science
      • GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
      BSc (Hons) Computer Science & Mathematics
      • A Level Mathematics at Grade B or above (or equivalent).
      BSc (Hons) Computing
      • GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
      BSc (Hons) Computing (Games Programming)
      • GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
      BSc (Hons) Computing (Networking, Security & Forensics)
      • GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
      BA (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
      BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology
      • GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy).
      BSc (Hons) Critical Approaches to Counselling and Psychotherapy
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
      BA (Hons) Dance
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
      BSc (Hons) Data Science
      • GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
      BSc (Hons) Educational Psychology
      • GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy).
      BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering
      • A Level Mathematics at Grade C or above (or equivalent).
      BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management for Business
      • GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
      BSc (Hons) Nursing (Learning Disabilities)
      • GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy and Level 2 Numeracy);
      • Fitness to Practise: Medical Questionnaire;
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
      BSc (Hons) Nutrition & Health
      • GCSE in a relevant science (for example Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy).
      BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice
      • GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy and Level 2 Numeracy);
      • Fitness to Practise: Medical Questionnaire;
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
      BA (Hons) Primary Early Years Education with QTS
      • GCSE English Language, GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Science at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics;
      • Fitness to Teach: Declaration of Health Questionnaire;
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure (if not obtained prior to joining, or while studying, the Fastrack course).
      BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
      • GCSE English Language, GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Science at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics;
      • Fitness to Teach: Declaration of Health Questionnaire;
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure (if not obtained prior to joining, or while studying, the Fastrack course).
      BSc (Hons) Psychology
      • GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy).
      BSc (Hons) Psychology & Criminology
      • GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy).
      BSc (Hons) Psychosocial Analysis of Offending Behaviour
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
      BSc (Hons) Robotics & Artificial Intelligence
      • GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
      BA (Hons) Secondary English Education with QTS
      • GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics;
      • Fitness to Teach: Declaration of Health Questionnaire;
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure (if not obtained prior to joining, or while studying, the Fastrack course).
      BSc (Hons) Secondary Mathematics Education with QTS
      • GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics;
      • Fitness to Teach: Declaration of Health Questionnaire;
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure (if not obtained prior to joining, or while studying, the Fastrack course).
      BA (Hons) Secondary Religious Education with QTS
      • GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics;
      • Fitness to Teach: Declaration of Health Questionnaire;
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure (if not obtained prior to joining, or while studying, the Fastrack course).
      BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
      • GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
      BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Psychology
      • GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy).
      BSc (Hons) Systems Automation
      • GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
      BA (Hons) Teaching, Learning and Child Development
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure;
      • GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy).
      BSc (Hons) Web Design & Development
      • GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
      BA (Hons) Working and Teaching in the Early Years
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.

      Next Steps

      To meet any offer conditions for progression from Fastrack to a degree, other than successful completion of the Fastrack course, a brief summary of the next steps is provided below.
      • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure – we will contact you before the start of your degree with details of how to apply for the police clearance which is required for all courses that involve working with children or vulnerable adults;
      • GCSEs – if you have not already provided your GCSE (or equivalent) certificates to demonstrate you meet the stipulated requirements, you should send the original certificates to the Admissions Office immediately. If you don’t have the required qualifications, you can complete an equivalency programme. We recommend booking onto and sitting the equivalency test(s) prior to Fastrack where possible;
      • Fitness to Teach or Practise – in line with the requirements of the relevant professional body in respect of physical and mental fitness, we will send you a medical questionnaire which you should complete and return to our Occupational Health provider.
      All offer conditions must be met by 31 August, prior to a course starting in September, or it may not be possible for you to fully enrol and could impact on your eligibility to receive student finance.

      Covid-19 - Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education Essential Information

      Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020

      In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, answers your questions and explains how teaching will work when you join us at Edge Hill University in September.

      Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020

      In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, explains how we’re preparing the campus for your arrival in September and the facilities that will be available.