Comparing the HNC and BACE Programmes

There is a significant overlap between the HNC Working With Communities curriculum and the first year courses in the BACE (see comparing programmes). Although the content is not so different, it would be wrong to think that HE is simply an extension of FE. Whilst the HNC establishes key ideas and concepts in the subject area, these are opened up in the BACE for extensive debate. In terms of transition to HE, it is important to know that the ethos of critical thinking is fundamental to the BA programme. This means that there is a deliberate attempt to open up and question basic notions about community education, and assumptions that you are making with respect to the subject area. Another major difference is in the level of support that you receive from tutors in FE, which is not matched in HE environment where you are expected to much more independent in the way you study. The comments made by current students are helpful in giving an accurate impression of what it is like to make the transition and to be on the BACE programme.