Progression to Higher Education and GMSA Pathways
Posted on: 28 September 2007
The GMSA has a core theme of Progression that is focused on the issues associated with the development of HE opportunities suited to the needs of Greater Manchester individuals with vocational qualifications.
It is within this theme that we seek to develop collaborative approaches to:
- Establishing clear routes into HE for individuals with vocational qualifications
- Development of progression agreements
- Information, advice and guidance associated with easing the path into HE for vocational learners
Progression Agreements underpinned by GMSA Pathways and GMSA Advance will be the main tools for development activity within this theme.
The developments of GMSA Progression Agreements are located within each of its eight Sector Development Groups and are supported by the partner institutions involved. The Sector Groups adopt a strategic approach to the development of Progression Agreements based on management information developed with the support of the GMSA Development team. In this way the Groups can assess as far as possible, areas of most need and marry this with the Higher Level Skills priorities and employment growth areas predicted for Greater Manchester.
GMSA Pathways
GMSA Pathways is an online enquiry service highlighting some of the higher education opportunities available to vocational learners in Greater Manchester. Interviews and conditional offers for university level courses are guaranteed for many vocational students currently studying at level three, as well as employees looking to access higher education having completed vocational qualifications in the past.
Course tutors, careers advisors and parents can also use the service to glean information about progression opportunities from particular courses with previously unclear routes to higher education.
Progression Agreements, facilitated by the GMSA, mean that all in GMSA Pathways have agreed to welcome the applications of vocational students for the relevant higher education courses. These courses are not bound by the specific subject area a learner has focused on at level three. Progression Agreements allow for network-wide progression to university level courses, giving vocational learners a degree of parity with A Level students.
BTEC National Diplomas, Association of Accounting Technicians qualifications, Foundation degrees and HNCs all have their own cross-sector pathways to higher education within the service. More feeder courses are added on a regular basis and Advanced Apprentices will soon be able to benefit. 14-19 Diplomas will also be included.
To view and use the service click here
Since the project’s conception in August 2007, the concept has been proved. GMSA Pathways explicitly and interactively informs learners what their qualifications mean in terms of taking the step up to Higher Education.
The challenge for the future will be to open more Pathways in all sectors of Higher Education. The GMSA is working to ensure potential students are aware the product exists so as to maximise its impact for learners and employers.
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