The other thing to do is to do a FdEng (foundation year) before starting your BEng. Here's one I found quickly on google - it's part-time but full time courses also exist: http://www.whatuni.com/degrees/cour...gree-course-details/52469172/938/cdetail.html
and how many @ 3 are they worth? theres a reason why im asking and i dont think you`ll like it, im sorry to say edit: is it BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Engineering (Electronic) ?
If you absolutely must study at one of your two chosen institutions, as goodbytes has already pointed out, there is usually more than one way in. You may have to take a slightly less direct path but its likely that it can be done. Your best bet is to try and talk to someone in the school of electronics at these universities and see what your options are for joining.
In my university, there is a way to apply in a way where you start in probation. Basically, lets assume you had not great grades in College, the university can give you a second chance. But you have to write a letter and argue your case. And usually, they take you in, if you showed an excellent argumentation or if there still room to enter the program (but that is specific to my university.. some other universities, really care about that letter). I don't know the requirements for probation, but usually it's getting either a semester AND global GPA of 2.0 or above. OR Getting B- or better on all classes. You usually have a limit or 2-3 courses per semester you can take (which is perfect for you.. more time to study and gets the requirements). Get those grades, then you are out of your probation, and are free. Another way to go in, is to apply as an independence student. Which is going to university but not for a degree. Just general studies. You can get good grades and do any prerequisites that the university requires for your actual degree, and then just switch, which should be less of a problem as for one, you are already in, and two you have good grade as you worked your ass off. Now I don't know the issue, and your condition and situation, so I'll just mention this, if it's useless for you, then perhaps someone else in similar situation than you might find it useful. If you have had not great grades to apply, because you knew or just knew that you have a mental (or physical of course) disability (this does not mean retarded, which is VERY important to note), and that the college you were in didn't have any accommodation program (or didn't apply as you didn't know) and you were affected by this. Of course, you need medical proof (full document) on this, and that proof it will be evaluated by a professional. Another method, is apply in a program that is close to what you want to do, or whatever other program even if it's off, but try for something close, at the University of your choice, get really good grades for the first year, and then switch to your program of choice. I know a lot of people dis this. They have the grades so they show to university that you have the grades and can do it. So yea, many many ways to go in. Be sure to include letter of recommendations with your admission, if you can. If they tell you no, then push how much you want to present them, sometimes they'll allow you to slip that in, either with your admission, or to one of the person that will evaluate your admission.
I personally would suggest looking at the OU route. It will be as expensive, if not more so, than a traditional uni however you can stay in full time employment and even see if your employer can contribute to your course fees. In my experience actual hands on work experience trumps a degree. The exception would be a management position, where a degree would be advantageous. These days, depending on your field, uni degrees are over rated. If either of my Sons want to go into IT then I'd get them to do relevant industry certs before Uni any day as they are more valuable in the real world.
Question: Why do you want to go to uni? Seems like if you have a good job and they want to keep you then you're in a good place? In fact, you may even be in a position to demand a higher salary? Or potentially ask your work to fund a uni course?
Because its very hard to become engineer just by working in the environment. For starters you don't get the good work because don't know how to do it but the you need the good work to learn it. Thanks everyone I think I'm going to have to do some more studying although I will try different angles of getting in. I have a national diploma in electronic engineering.
I agree, that's why I suggested the OU - it seems the most obvious choice as the OP is in a good job with employerswho like him. It would be to their advantage to contribute to the costs (this is not uncommon) so as to keep him.
Boscoe this might be a daft idea but on the basis you've made up your mind which unis you'd like to attend why not try an alternative approach than to the admissions dept? If you're that good at electronics prove it to them. Design an impressive project, find out the name of the professor who heads the engineering dept, make up your design and send it to him (unless he might think it's a bomb, in which case just send the design} along with: a copy of your qualifications, a covering letter outlining why you're writing direct, why you want to do engineering, what you believe you can bring to the field, why you want to go to his uni, and the fact that you're prepared to wait til next year if they'll consider you. Also include a glowing reference from your employers. It may not work but it will at least demonstrate your initiative, abilities, determination and commitment to the person who needs to know and who might just support your application directly. It certainly couldn't harm your position.
even if you have a DDD (highest possible) for an HND its *only * 240 UCAS points , and sadly not enough for direct entry to uni; best option is to do a foundation degree then `top up` for a full. my missus is going a similar route with her accouting ; AAT level 3 then level 4 then in ACA (chartered accounting quals) , picking up a CFAB (first year degree level accounting qual) on the way. she found out her level 3 AAT was worth 180 points, so carried on! only 2 more year to go lol.
Ha thanks, I was in the last year that the HNC was worth 180, not really worth the time of day any more!
