Following the success of the advanced technical skills programmes run at our CEMAST campus, Fareham College will, from September 2017, offer students with the highest GCSE grades the opportunity to study an AS/A-Level subject alongside their Level 3 BTEC Programme.

Students studying at either of the College’s campuses, who have a proven ability to study at a higher level, will be able to choose from a range of academic STEM-based subjects to study alongside their main programme. To enhance their programme even further, the College will also offer students the opportunity to complete an Extended Project Qualification, which will develop valuable additional skills for those wishing to progress on to careers where projects are a key aspect of the role.

The combination of an AS or A-Level with a Level 3 technical qualification will greatly enhance the progression opportunities for students wishing to study at a higher level, either at university or on a Higher Apprenticeship. For example, a student interested in studying nursing at university could take a Level 3 BTEC in Health and Social Care alongside AS or A-Level Biology. Or a student interested in securing a Higher Apprenticeship with a technical engineering company, could take a Level 3 Engineering course accompanied by AS or A-Level Maths.

Professor Paul Hayes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Portsmouth commented: “The University of Portsmouth values applications from students on technical programmes.  A combined technical and academic programme from Fareham College has the potential to make an applicant stand out from the crowd.”

Suella Fernandez MP, who has long campaigned for A-Levels to be brought back into the Fareham Borough, said; “I am delighted that Fareham College has made the decision to introduce STEM-related advanced academic qualifications. This is a significant development in Post-16 Education, especially for students in the Fareham district. It will give them greater choice for Further Education within the area, and increase their prospects for the future.”

Professor Graham Baldwin, Vice-Chancellor at Southampton Solent University stated; “Higher Education recognises a range of qualifications as entry to undergraduate programmes and a combined programme like this has the potential to give applicants a wider range of choices and opportunities when pursuing their chosen careers.”

Nigel Duncan, Principal of Fareham College, said; “We have seen a significant leap in the ambition and drive of students seeking advanced technical careers through the programmes of study at our CEMAST campus. By expanding this opportunity to additional subject areas across the College, this will give more of our students a chance to not only exceed a traditional A-Level programme’s UCAS points, but also equip them with a competitive edge through the combination of technical and academic knowledge.”

Depending on combination and performance, the combined UCAS value of an academic and technical programme will provide students with sufficient points to enter their choice of the majority of universities in the country.

Parents and students wishing to find out more about this opportunity are welcome to attend the College’s next Open Events on Wednesday 1^st February (Fareham College) and Thursday 2^nd February (CEMAST).

Find out more about your options: