IELTS READING- Get back into education! S36GT1

There are many reasons why people do not manage to complete their education in the usual way. Many young people drop out of school due to family and economic issues. At the University of Southwick, we believe that these people deserve another chance.

Whatever your age and background, if you have an interest in learning and a motivation to improve yourself, we can help. Our staff can offer wide-ranging support to mature students to get them back into education. Not only do we provide academic support, but we also help with all aspects of your journey, from finances and accommodation, to helping you find employment after you finish your course.

The Bridging Diploma

Our ‘Bridging Diploma’ functions as an alternative to traditional school leaving examinations. You do not need any formal qualifications to be accepted onto the programme. Admission is via a written test (which is free) to ensure your reading and writing is of an appropriate standard to be successful on the programme. You will also be interviewed by one of our team to explore your reasons for wanting to return to education and decide whether this is the right route for you. The only other requirement is that you should be at least 21 by September 1st of the year you begin your studies.

Course content

The Bridging Diploma ensures you have all the academic skills needed to begin a degree programme at the University of Southwick. Among the skills you will acquire are:

• Essay writing
• Finding sources and academic referencing
• Giving presentations
• Using appropriate reading skills
• Listening and note-taking
• Taking part in seminars
• Time management
• Managing your wellbeing
• CV writing and interviews

Course duration

This is a full-time one-semester course. There are entry dates available in October and March. Classes are held throughout the day from Monday  Thursday, leaving Fridays free for self-study.

Assessment

There are no exams for you to take. We recognize that anxiety surrounding exams is one reason students leave school without qualifications.

You are assessed via a 1,500-word essay, which you complete in the last month of your course. Your personal tutor will help you decide on a topic, identify sources, and organise your writing. You will get detailed feedback on the content and language after each draft.

How do I know if this is the course for me?

There are testimonials from former students on our website. On request, we can put you in touch with one of our graduates who will be happy to talk to you about the course.

For more information, contact our academic advisors at diploma@southwick.ac.uk.