Access English and Maths FAQs

Can I start the course now?

You can start any of our Access courses as soon as you have paid for and registered on the course.

How long do I have to finish the course?

You have one year from the date of registration to complete the course and all assessments.

Can someone as young as 16 join the course?

Yes, there are no age restrictions for our Access courses. We have had students as young as 10 and 13 join them, and there is no upper age limit to study with us.

If you are paying for the course on behalf of a young student, please ensure that you use their details when applying. The name used when applying will be the name used in our Student Records System and printed on their transcript after completing the course.

Can I purchase the “assessment only” option?

In the past, for some of our online Access courses, we offered a “learning only” and “assessment only” option. We no longer offer this option.

If you have not purchased the “learning only” option before, then you need to purchase both “learning and assessment.” The “assessment only” option is only there for students who are still undertaking the legacy “learning only” option.

If you are a current student of “learning only” and wish to purchase the assessments, sign in to the Online Learning website. The site will recognise that you have previously purchased “learning only” and will unlock the “assessment only” option for you.

Is there any funding for Access courses?

Our online Access courses are generally not eligible for any funding. However, there are limited fee waivers available if you:

• are a student from a widening access background, and
• you need the course to meet a condition of an offer for undergraduate study with the University of Aberdeen.

See more information about widening access fee waivers.

If any funding becomes available, we will make this clear on the Access course pages.

Are Access qualifications worth the same as a National or Higher?

Our Access qualifications are not National or Higher qualifications. They are at an equivalent level, but are not the same.

Access qualifications are awarded by the University of Aberdeen, while Nationals and Highers are awarded by Qualifications Scotland (QS).

Our Access qualifications are accepted for entry at the University of Aberdeen.

Many Scottish universities also accept our Access qualifications for entry — however, you should always contact any institution to which you are applying to check what they will accept and the grades required.

Are Access courses shaped in the same way as QS National and Higher courses?

Many of the skills and outcomes built throughout the Access courses are the same as those built by the QS National and Higher courses, but the courses are not identical.

The units and course activities for our Access courses are uniquely designed for an online cohort, and the final assessments are tailored to the units of work throughout the programme.

Do I have to work through the course activities in order?

While it’s possible to work through the units and activities in any order, we recommend that you work through them in order, as they are designed to build your skills in a cumulative manner.

Do I have to undertake all the course activities before I sit the final assessments?

We recommend that you do, as the final assessments cover what you have learned across all the course units.

While the final assessments can be undertaken at any time, our experience is that students who engage fully in the course activities are more likely to be successful in their assessments, and will get more out of the course.

How do I access the assessments?

Assessments are located within the ‘Course Assessment’ section of the MyAberdeen course area.

What do the final assessments involve?

All assessments take place online within the MyAberdeen platform.

You’ll find detailed information about your assessments in the ‘Course Assessment’ section of the MyAberdeen course area.

English assessments

• Paper 1: Textual analysis assessment – you’ll be given an unseen non-fiction passage and must read it and answer 30 marks’ worth of questions on it in 90 minutes.
• Paper 2: Persuasive essay – you are required to upload a persuasive essay on a topic of your choice, with a maximum word limit of 1,500 words. This can be completed in your own time and then uploaded to the MyAberdeen course area.

Maths assessments

• SCQF 4, 5, 6 – Paper 1: Multiple choice assessment – this is a closed-book, timed assessment with 25 multiple choice questions.
• SCQF 4, 5, 6, Paper 2: Written assessment – this is a closed-book, timed assessment worth 50 marks. It requires fully written solutions. You view this exam paper online, handwrite your answers on paper offline, then take pictures of or scan your answers and upload these to MyAberdeen.
• SCQF 7 – Paper 1: Multiple choice assessment – this is a closed-book, timed assessment with 22 multiple choice questions.
• SCQF 7 – Paper 2: Written assessment – this is a closed-book, timed assessment worth 66 marks. It requires fully written solutions. You view this exam paper online, handwrite your answers on paper offline, then take pictures of or scan your answers and upload these to MyAberdeen.

Paper 2 maths assessments should be handwritten, preferably on blank paper, showing all the necessary steps of working. If for any reason you are unable to handwrite your work, please email onlineaccess@abdn.ac.uk.

How long is each assessment?

English assessments

• Paper 1 – 90 minutes.
• Paper 2 – No time limit. This persuasive essay can be submitted in your own time at any point within your 12-month period of registration.

Maths assessments

• SCQF 4, 5, 6, 7 – Paper 1 – 90 minutes.
• SCQF 4, 5, 6 – Paper 2 – 120 minutes. This consists of 90 minutes to complete the paper and 30 minutes to upload solutions to MyAberdeen.
• SCQF 7 – Paper 2 – 180 minutes. This consists of 150 minutes to complete the paper and 30 minutes to upload solutions to MyAberdeen.

Can I stop and start the assessment?

No, assessments cannot be paused once started, with the exception of the English Paper 2 assessment.

This assessment is a persuasive essay that can be completed in your own time and submitted at anytime within your 12-month registration period.

How do I submit my assessments?

Assessments are submitted within the ‘Course Assessment’ section in MyAberdeen.

Maths Paper 2 assessments require you to work offline, handwriting your answers to show your working on paper.

You then need to take photos or scan your answers using a smartphone, scanner, scanner app, or digital camera, and upload these to MyAberdeen.

Full instructions on how to upload and submit your paper are given within the ‘Course Assessments’ section in MyAberdeen.

I normally receive extra time in exams due to a specific learning difference, can I receive this in my assessments?

Our Student Support team are here to help you. To discuss your learning support needs and options, please email student.support@abdn.ac.uk.

Are there any practice papers or exams?

Yes, in the MyAberdeen course area for English and SCQF 5 maths.

For SCQF 4, 6 and 7 maths, we advise reviewing the final exercise in each unit.

Where can I take the assessments?

The assessments for our online Access courses are completed fully online. They are not conducted in person or at an external exam centre.

You can take the assessments anywhere you feel comfortable that has reliable internet access. We recommend taking them in a place that is quiet, so that you can focus.

Most students take them at home where they will not be disturbed.

Do I need to have my webcam on for the assessments?

No, you do not need to have your webcam on for assessments.

Are the assessments invigilated?

No, assessments take place online and are not invigilated.

Are assessments open or closed book?

Assessments are closed book.

They are timed and written in such a way that you will need to be clear on the answers ahead of the assessment – you will not have sufficient time to go looking through your notes, for example.

For maths assessments, can I use a calculator?

Yes, you can use a calculator in both papers.

Can I use GenAI tools in assessments?

No. GenAI tool use is not permitted in any online Access course assessments.

Do I need to submit both assessments at the same grading point?

No, you can submit assessment papers at different grading points. But you do need to submit both your assessments within 12 months of registering for the course.

What are grading points?

These are dates throughout the year where assessments are marked and graded.

You can submit your assessments at any time and they will be graded at the next available grading point.

This means you will not receive your grades as soon as you submit your assessments – instead, you need to wait until the next grading point has passed before your grades will be determined.

Why do you have grading points?

We have fixed grading points so that your assessments can be reviewed by both internal and external examiners.

When are the grading points?

We position grading points throughout the year to line up with university and college admission dates.

You’ll find the latest grading point timeline:

• on each Access course webpage, and
• in the ‘Course essentials’ section of the Course Guide in MyAberdeen.

What are the grading point deadlines?

All deadlines close at 10:00 AM on the grading point close date.

What happens if I submit after a grading point deadline?

Submissions made after this time will be marked at the next grading point.

Can I get an extension to the grading point deadline?

No, extensions to grading point deadlines cannot be granted.

Can I get my results sooner?

No, due to marking and moderation procedures, results cannot be returned outwith the assessment timeline dates.

If I submit earlier in a grading point, will I get my results earlier?

No, all papers submitted will be marked once the grading point closes.

We have a rigorous process of moderation, cross-marking and verification, and all results are ratified by an external examiner at an exam board. This is to ensure parity and consistency.

Due to the complexity and workload involved in this process, results cannot be issued outwith the dates specified in the assessment timeline.

Which grading point should I aim for if I need to get my results in time for August or September entry to university or college?

If your programme begins in August or September, you should aim to sit the assessments by the close of grading point 4.

This allows time for you to get your grades and transcript in time for the start of term.

It also gives you time to complete a resit in grading point 5, should you need to, so that you can get your resit grades and transcript before your August or September programme begins.

How are assessments marked?

Assessments are marked by an experienced team of markers following the close of grading points.

We have a rigorous process of moderation, cross-marking and verification, and all results are ratified by an external examiner at an exam board. This is to ensure parity and consistency.

How is my final grade for the course calculated?

Your Paper 1 marks are converted to a grade out of 22. Your Paper 2 marks are also converted to a grade out of 22.

The final grade is the average of Paper 1 and Paper 2 grades, expressed as a whole number (eg, 18.5 becomes 18) in line with University policy.

This then translates to an alphanumeric grade according to the University’s Common Grading Scale (eg, A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, etc).

What are the pass marks for the assessments?

We use the University’s Common Grading Scale. The pass mark on this scale is a D3 (40%).

If you are using this course towards another programme of study, you may be required to achieve a higher grade than this.

How and when will I receive my final grades

Final grades are released four weeks after the related grading point closes.

You’ll receive your final grade online within the MyAberdeen course area after 10am on the date results are released.

How can I get my final grade in time for August or September entry to university or college?

If your programme begins in August or September, you should aim to sit the assessments by the close of grading point 4.

This allows time for you to get your grade and transcript in time for the start of term.

It also gives you time to complete a resit in grading point 5, should you need to, so that you can get your resit grade and transcript before your August or September programme begins.

What is a transcript?

Your transcript is an official, certified record of your academic performance.

Your transcript will display all grades that have been awarded during the course.

If you undertake a resit, both your first attempt grade and resit grade will be displayed on your transcript.

How and when will I receive my transcript?

You’ll receive your transcript in an email sent to your University email address.

Please note that it can take up to four weeks after your grades are released for your transcript to arrive.

If I need to resit an assessment, will I be given the same paper or a different paper?

For all maths assessments, you’ll be given a different paper.

For English Paper 1, you’ll be given a different paper.

For English Paper 2, resubmissions involve taking on board feedback from your first submission and uploading a redrafted version of your persuasive essay.

What happens if I fail a paper?

If you fail a paper, we’ll let you know how to apply for a resit.

You then need to pay a £30 resubmission fee and take your resit at the next grading point.

Can I resubmit a paper to try and improve my grade?

Yes, you can choose to resubmit one or both papers at the next grading point to improve your grade. There is a £30 fee to resubmit your assessments.

If you resubmit a paper, the highest mark from your original and resubmission attempts will be used to calculate your overall grade.

If you resubmit one paper and later choose to resubmit the other paper at a different grading point, you must pay a second £30 resubmission fee to cover the additional administrative costs.

If I pass with a D, but require a C for entry into a university programme, am I allowed to resit?

Yes, you may choose to resit one or both assessments to improve your grade.

Am I allowed to resit more than once?

No, you may only resit each paper once.

If you fail the resit, you fail the course overall. You are entitled to only one resubmission attempt of each paper and may take the course only once.

If you fail the course after your resubmission attempt, you cannot re-register.

If I fail an assessment twice, can I take the whole course again?

No. You may only take the course once. Students who have failed the course will not be allowed to re-register.

Do I have to pay to resit assessments?

Yes, there is a £30 fee to resit your assessments.

Is the £30 to resit both papers? Can you resit just one paper for £15?

The £30 fee entitles you to resit both papers. It is not possible for you to pay less to submit just one paper.

Can I get an extension if I haven’t completed the course and assessments in time?

You have one year from registering to complete the course and the assessments.

Extensions to this one-year course duration will not be provided without submission of suitable evidence of a condition or situation that has had a negative impact on your ability to submit an assessment.

Can I get an extension to a grading point deadline?

No, extensions to grading point deadlines cannot be granted.

How do I cite the online Access course on my UCAS application?

In the qualification section of the UCAS application form, you need to enter:

• the subject
• the awarding institution, which is the University of Aberdeen, and, if gained,
• type in the date awarded and the grade gained.

It is also a good idea to state clearly in your personal statement that you are undertaking, or have undertaken, the course.

Are your Access qualifications accepted for entry to university?

Our Access qualifications are accepted for entry at the University of Aberdeen.

Many Scottish universities also accept our Access qualifications for entry — however, you should always contact any institution to which you are applying to check what they will accept and the grades required.

Will the Access English course help me meet English language requirements?

No. The Access English course will not help you meet English language requirements.

If you’re looking to improve your English language skills and scores to meet entry requirements, we offer a range of English language programmes that can help.

For further details of our English language requirements and tests and scores we accept, see our English language requirements page.

What support is available for online Access courses?

Online Access courses are primarily self-guided. However, you’ll have support from a live tutor during the course’s online drop-in sessions.

Tutor drop-in sessions

These sessions run five times a year, with sessions spaced throughout the year. Details of drop-in session dates will be announced in MyAberdeen.

Additional Maths tutor support

For any queries regarding the Maths course content, you can also contact the Maths course coordinator by email.

Peer support

You’ll find support from your peers throughout the course in our Facebook group for Access students.

University support services

We also provide a wide range of services to support you in your studies:

• Careers and Employability Service
• Disability support
• IT support
• Library support
• Student Support Service – help with finances, wellbeing, and non-academic issues
• Student Learning Service – support with academic skills, academic writing, maths skills, approaches to study, including tailored support for neurodivergent students
• Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) – run by students for students
• Toolkit – guidance on apps and free training that can help you in your studies

See a more in-depth guide to all student support services.

Is there support available for students with learning disabilities or additional support needs?

Yes, we’re committed to making online study accessible, whether you have a disability, health condition, mental health difficulty, neurodivergence or specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia.

When you sign up for an online Access course, we’ll ask you to let us know about any additional circumstances that may impact on your studies.

The support services we can offer include:

• accessible study materials
• specialist equipment and assistive technology
• adjustments to exams, and tailored assessment
• financial help.

Find out more on the Disability Services page.

You can contact a Student Support adviser to have a chat about how we can help by emailing student.support@abdn.ac.uk.

The Student Learning Service also offers one-to-one online appointments and workshops to provide support in academic skills, academic writing, and maths skills for neurodivergent students. See how the Student Learning Service can help.

British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact the Student Support team directly by using contactSCOTLAND-BSL.

Are online Access courses accessible?

We aim to make our learning resources digitally accessible. Ally offers alternative formats for content, and lecture recordings will have auto-generated captions but these might contain errors.

If you need help accessing content or have questions about accessibility, you can contact your Course Coordinator. For issues with video captions, contact accessible-elearning@abdn.ac.uk with your course code and the specific lecture recording(s).

How do I access my course?

Once you have registered for the course, log in to MyAberdeen.

It holds all your Access course materials and assessments.

You may want to bookmark the URL for MyAberdeen: https://abdn.blackboard.com/

How do I access my student emails?

Log in to the student email portal using the login details provided when you registered for the course.

Do I have to use my student email account, or can I just use my personal email account?

You must use your student email account, as this is the one we have on file and the one to which we will send all communication and your final results.

You will also receive useful information to this account from IT, the library, registry, etc.

What do I do if I don’t know my login details for MyAberdeen or for my student email account?

If you are having problems logging in to MyAberdeen or student email, contact the IT Service Desk.

What should I do if I am having IT problems?

If you are having IT problems, contact the IT Service Desk.