Analytic Quality Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2004–8, Analytic Quality Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/
This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for amendments or additions.
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Access
core definition
Access is the
process of enabling entry to higher education.
Access has two
linked but distinct meanings.
1. the general concept that relates to making higher education
accessible.
2. a shorthand for programmes that provide preparation for
entry to higher education, such as the UK Access to HE courses.
explanatory context
Access is
usually associated with widening access, that is,
facilitating the entry of a wider range of people into higher education than
are traditionally included.
It may also be
linked to deepening access, that is, ensuring that
significant proportions of students from non-traditional areas (such as working
class or some ethnic minorities) enter higher education.
analytical review
In the Canadian context, the term accessibility apparently has the same meaning as access. Doherty-Delorme and Shaker (2001, p. 7), for example,
defined accessibility (including affordability and opportunity) as the freedom to obtain and make use of a post-secondary education.
associated issues
In the
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) is responsible for the national framework for the validation of Access to HE programmes, which was originally set up in 1989. This means that all Access to HE programmes are eligible for formal validation and that learners successfully completing programmes that gain approval will gain a qualification for entry into HE that has national recognition (LOCN, 2004)
related terms
See
sources
Doherty-Delorme, D. and Shaker, E., 2001, Missing Pieces II An Alternative Guide To Canadian Post-Secondary Education. 2000/2001 Provincial Rankings: Where Do the Provinces Stand on Education? January, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives http://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/pub4.html
London Open College Network (LOCN), Access
validation,
http://www.locn.org.uk/office/accreditation/accessvalidation.htm,
accessed Oct 2004.