Abstract

A one-year access program helps students from disadvantaged communities to gain access to higher education in especially three fields of study: Economic and Management Sciences; the Humanities; and Natural and Agricultural Sciences. It makes a contribution to student development through a course in Skills and Competencies for Lifelong Learning. This program consists of the development of personal, life, study, problem solving and other general skills as well as numerical and language skills in co-operation with departments of the University. Anybody who didn't gain access to the university as a result of not meeting the academic standards required for admission may participate. This exploratory study investigates learning skills acquired by access program students in respect of awareness of course goals; time management; note-taking skills; reading skills; academic anxiety and stress management; preparing for examinations; learning style as well as academic writing.