What is a pathway and pathway college?

Starting university can be a daunting task, especially if you don't have the right qualifications. That's where pathway colleges come in. Pathway colleges are on-campus institutions that help students gain the knowledge and academic skills they need to succeed in their chosen degree program. In this blog post, we'll explore what a pathway is, and the benefits of starting university via a pathway.

What is a Pathway?
A pathway is a program designed to help students gain the knowledge and academic skills they need to succeed in their chosen degree program. Pathway programs are often offered by universities and colleges, and they are designed to provide students with a head start in their studies. The programs are typically offered to students who do not have the right qualifications to apply via UCAS and start directly.

What is a Pathway College?
A pathway college is an on-campus institution that provides pathway programs to students. Pathway colleges are often affiliated with universities and colleges, and they provide students with a supportive environment to learn the knowledge and academic skills required for their chosen degree. Pathway colleges have dedicated teachers and support staff who help students every step of the way, from enrolment to graduation.

Benefits of Starting University via a Pathway
Flexible Entry Requirements
One of the main benefits of starting university via a pathway is the flexible entry requirements. Students who do not have the right qualifications to apply via UCAS and start directly can continue their education via a pathway. Minimum entry requirements start from 5 GCSEs at E grade or equivalent. This means that students who may have missed out on their desired degree program due to their qualifications can still achieve their academic goals through a pathway program.

Gain Knowledge and Academic Skills
Another benefit of starting university via a pathway is that students gain the knowledge and academic skills they need to succeed in their chosen degree program. The pathway will help you learn the knowledge and academic skills you will require when studying your chosen degree, helping you head start and graduate with a higher GPA. This means that students who start via a pathway will be well-equipped to succeed in their studies and achieve their academic goals.

University Student from Day 1
Even when you start via a pathway, you are still a student of the university. You will have a university ID card from when you enrol and will have the same access as all direct students. This means that students who start via a pathway are fully integrated into university life from day one. They have access to all the resources and facilities of the university, which helps them to feel like a part of the community.

No Need to Reapply
Once you successfully complete the ‘pathway’ part of the course, you will progress (/continue) on to your chosen degree without having to re-apply at any point. This means that students who start via a pathway do not have to worry about reapplying for their chosen degree program. They can continue their studies without any interruptions, which helps them to focus on their academic goals.

Student Finance
Finally, students who start via a pathway can get tuition fee and maintenance funding for the full duration of their course. This means that students who may not have been able to afford university can still achieve their academic goals through a pathway program. The student finance available for pathway programs is the same as that available for direct entry programs, which means that students are not at a disadvantage financially.
​
In conclusion, starting university via a pathway can be a great option for students who do not have the right qualifications to apply via UCAS and start directly. Pathway programs provide students with the knowledge and academic skills they need to succeed in their chosen degree program. They also offer flexible entry requirements, university student status from day one, no need to reapply, and student finance options. If you're considering starting university but don't have the right qualifications, a pathway program