The University of Aberdeen’s Online Access Courses in English and Mathematics are an innovative new way to access Higher Education.

Being designed around the principle of flexibility, they are fully online: from registration to course completion - enabling you to undertake your studies wherever you want.

It is also possible to learn whenever you want. You can join the courses at any time and payment gives you access to the course for 12 months.

With five exit points throughout the year - you can study at your own pace. You might join the course in August, but not be ready to complete your studies in October; that's fine - you can submit when you like and your work will be marked at the next available exit point.

Please see the Assessment Timeline below for detail of the upcoming exit dates and when your results will be published.

Around 150 hours of study is anticipated for the completion of this course.

Assessment Timeline

Experience an engaging range of topics in English

Online Access English comprises 4 engaging topic areas which explore key SCQF Level 6 (Higher level) skill areas.

• Postcards and Perspectives: Travel Writing
• Trust Me. I’m a Writer: Reportage
• Heroes and Villains: Archetypes
• Conflict

A variety of helpful videos, self-study readings, and tasks, guide you virtually through the learning.

Experience an engaging range of topics in Mathematics

Online Access Maths guides you through a range of stimulating topic areas at SCQF Level 5 (National 5 level) and SCQF Level 6 (Higher level) that are experienced through a combination of helpful videos, self-study readings, and tasks - such as:

• Gradients, Straight Lines and Simultaneous Equations
• Pythagoras and Vectors
• Quadratics
• Trigonometry
• Wave Function
• Polynomials
• Differentiation
• Integration

Gain credits (SCQF 6)

Online Access English and Mathematics are 15 credit courses (at SCQF Levels 5 [National 5 Level] and 6 [Higher level] Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework) which involve around 150 hours of study. They are accredited by the University of Aberdeen, and have been developed by subject specialist practitioners who are experienced in teaching at this academic level.

Upon successful completion of the final assessment, you will receive a certificate and transcript in recognition of your achievement from the University of Aberdeen.

The Right Course for You

We want this course to be the right course for you, and strongly recommend that you take time prior to signing-up to determine your suitability for the course.

• Do you have access to IT equipment that can access the internet and, for example, stream video?
• If applying for SCQF Level 6 English or Maths, have you a pass or better at SCQF Level 5?
• Have you ever taken a course which involved a high proportion of self-study before? If yes, did you enjoy self-study as a way of learning?

Access Higher Education

These courses, in English and Mathematics, are designed to support access into Higher Education. Online Access is accredited by the University of Aberdeen and is designed in accordance with the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at levels 5 (National 5 level) and 6 (Higher level). It is accepted for entry into Higher Education at the University of Aberdeen.

As it has been designed around SCQF, it is anticipated that it will be accepted throughout Scotland. However, if you are applying for entry to Higher Education outwith the University of Aberdeen, please contact the respective university to confirm the acceptability of this course.

Access Teaching

Online Access English is designed in accordance with the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at level 6. It is accepted for entry into the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) at the University of Aberdeen. In Scotland, Mathematics at (SCQF) level 5 is required for entry into teaching.

The Aberdeen experience

As a student of the University of Aberdeen, should you ever be in the area, you will have the same access as our on-campus students to our stunning library, The Sir Duncan Rice Library, and state-of-the-art sports facilities at the Aberdeen Sports Village. Get something to eat in The hub, and explore King’s College after which the campus is named.

The cost

Online Access English and Online Access Mathematics cost £350 per course.

Payment is split with a £100 upfront fee to access the course materials and an additional payment of £250 when you are ready to take the assessment.

Apply

You can submit your application via our online form.

Any questions?

For more information or for general queries please email onlineaccess@abdn.ac.uk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this course only for people who want to become teachers?
No. These courses, in English and Mathematics, are designed to support access into Higher Education. Online Access is accredited by the University of Aberdeen and is designed in accordance with the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at level 5 (National 5) and level 6 (Higher level). It is accepted for entry into Higher Education at the University of Aberdeen. As it has been designed around SCQF, it is anticipated that it will be accepted throughout Scotland. However, if you are applying for entry to Higher Education outwith the University of Aberdeen, please contact the respective university to confirm the acceptability of this course.
Is this the equivalent of doing a Higher at school or college?
Online Access English has been designed to develop key Higher-level (SCQF 6) skills. It is not a Higher, which is awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Instead, it is an accredited course of the University of Aberdeen at SCQF 6 in English and Mathematics and provides 15 credits at that level – designed by educationalists who are experienced in working at this academic level.
Will there be face-to-face teaching?
No. The Online Access Courses are fully online. You can study when you want, and at a pace that suits. Learning is through online self-study.
Is it possible to study Online Access English at SCQF Level 5?
No. There are currently no plans to offer Online Access English at SCQF Level 5.
Is there an on-campus examination?
No. The Online Access Courses are fully online and asynchronous by design. You can take the assessment when you consider yourself to be secure in your learning and ready to progress to the final assessments. Your work will be marked at the next available Exit Point.
What are the assessment or coursework requirements?
Various tasks support the learning: some are self-assessed; some are peer-assessed; and two final assessments are summatively assessed by the University of Aberdeen. It is necessary to pass both assessments which combine to give you a final grade which uses the University’s Common Grading Scale.
How are the courses assessed at the end?
The courses comprise two summative assessments which are completed and submitted online. These assessments seek to examine key elements of the learning. As an online course, you can return and review previous learning until you feel confident to undertake the final assessments.
Can I take either the English or Mathematics course, or do I have to take both?
This will be determined by your needs. You can take either English or Mathematics - or both.
If I pass this course, will I gain entry to the University of Aberdeen or to another university?
These courses are designed to assist you in increasing your English and Mathematics grades in order to meet university course entry requirements. They do not guarantee you entry to any Higher Education courses or institutions.
Can I apply to PGDE/PGDE DLITE at the University of Aberdeen if I am registered on Online Access English and/or Mathematics?
Yes. You can apply for PGDE/PGDE DLITE if you are registered on Online Access English and/or Mathematics at the University of Aberdeen, providing that the programmes are still open for application. Please check with other institutions if you are intending to applying outwith the University of Aberdeen.
How can I pay?
Registration is online and you can pay by debit or credit card. Payment is split with a £100 upfront fee to access the course materials and an additional payment of £250 when you are ready to take the assessment.
Is there an instalment plan for the course cost, or is this a one-off fee?
Payment is split with a £100 upfront fee to access the course materials and an additional payment of £250 when you are ready to take the assessment.
Is a discounted course fee available?
At this point in time, no scholarships are available for this course.
Can I get a scholarship for this course?
At this point in time, no scholarships are available for this course.
Will I be eligible for a Student Card?
Yes. Details about this will be sent to you by email upon registration.