Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education
November 2026 applications now open for courses starting in January 2027 ( BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult), BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health), BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice) and April 2027 (FdSc Nursing Associate).
Overview
| Course length: | 1 week preparation and 6 weeks full-time |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | November 2026 |
| Location: | Edge Hill University |
| Subject(s): | The Foundation Centre |
| Faculty: | Education |
| Department: | The Foundation Centre |
This course is offered free of charge to UK home students.
Fastrack is aimed at students 21 and over ( If you are under the age of 21 please contact us via [email protected] to discuss your options).
Fastrack is a free, intensive, seven-week preparation for higher education programme for adults. Consisting of one week of preparation and six weeks of full-time study, it is designed to enhance your subject knowledge, introducing you to key elements in your chosen degree subject. Fastrack also takes the fear out of academic study by training you in essential skills such as academic reading and writing, note-taking, revision techniques and an introduction to IT.
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.
What you'll study
This Fastrack course comprises two strands, 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, action planning, reflective writing and confidence building.
You will also gain an introduction to ICT covering basic IT awareness, using University systems, word processing and developing visual presentations.
How you'll 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.
How you'll 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 you
The programme is delivered by a team of tutors who are experienced in teaching and supporting adults returning to education.
Entry criteria
Formal entry qualifications are not typically required to join this Fastrack course. 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.
Fastrack is aimed at applicants who have been out of compulsory, full-time education or training for at least three years and do not hold relevant Level 3 academic qualifications but have significant relevant work or voluntary experience (or can demonstrate appropriate transferrable skills). Transferable skills may include but are not limited to: time management, managing people, researching, writing essays/reports, problem solving and worked experience within the chosen field of study. Successful completion of Fastrack will enable you to progress directly onto a range of Level 4, undergraduate degrees at Edge Hill University from the available progression routes.
Applicants who have not been out of compulsory, full-time education or training for at least three years and hold fewer than 54 UCAS points can also be considered for Fastrack. Successful completion of the course would enable these students to progress directly onto a Foundation Year Programme at Edge Hill University.
This Fastrack course is not available to international students who would require a visa to study on their degree course.
To progress onto study the BSc (Hons) Secondary Mathematics Education with QTS degree, 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.
How to apply
November 2026 applications now open for courses starting in January 2027 ( BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult), BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health), BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice) and April 2027 (FdSc Nursing Associate).
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.
If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.
Discover our accommodation
Facilities
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, more than 2,300 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).
Finance
Tuition fees
UK Full-Time
Free of charge
for the course
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may also be eligible to join the Fastrack course free of charge.
Financial support
We may be able to assist you with funding, which you will not need to pay back, while you are enrolled on the Fastrack course.
This 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, subject to availability). Eligibility criteria apply.
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support.
Course changes
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
