Glossary
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Access to Learning bursaries
Full time students who may need extra financial help can be awarded Access to Learning bursaries. They are assessed on individual needs and paid according to need. It is possible to apply for these before your course starts.
Access course
Access courses are designed to prepare mature students without other qualifications for entry into university or college and to provide the underpinning knowledge and skills needed to progress on to a Degree or Higher Diploma course.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)
For Adult Learners, this scheme can be used by universities to recognise your experiences in work and voluntary situations and qualifications you already have. Prior learning can be used either as an entry qualification or may be counted directly towards an HE qualification.
Admissions Tutors
Each department or faculty will have someone who is responsible for application forms and other enquiries about the admissions process.
Adult Learning Grants
New grants to help people doing their first full time Level 2 and 3 courses in further education, provided that they meet income and residence requirements and live in certain areas. For more information www.adultlearninggrant.com
Advanced Diplomas
See Diplomas (14-19 Diplomas) (below).
Alumni
People who have graduated (i.e. completed a course and gained a qualification) from a particular university are described as alumni. Being an alumnus can give you ongoing access to Careers Services. Most universities have active alumni associations that enable past students to keep in touch with each other and the university.
Athletic Union (Sports Union)
This is usually a part of the main Students Union and is organised by students to provide a wide range of sporting opportunities (from tennis to kickboxing) that will suit people of a whole range of abilities. Competitions are organised between universities too.