Student services: Learning & disability support

Name: Hereford College of Arts
Price range: $

At HCA we have a positive, inclusive atmosphere where all of our students are able to access support for their studies. Below, you can find more information about Additional Learning Support (ALS) specifically at university or college level for students and prospective students who are disabled or neurodivergent.

Learning support for degree students

Our Additional support team is highly qualified and experienced, which allows them to help you get the most out of your studies. All students can access practical advice, guidance and support for their study skills and personal learning strategies. The team also helps students with specific disabilities develop tailored independent learning strategies. The Specialist team works with course teams and all members of Staff at HCA to promote a student-centred learning environment that gives every student the best possible opportunity to succeed.

Some students choose to drop in for a one-off session to enhance their written assignments or prepare for a presentation, whist other students access more formal tutorial support on a weekly or daily basis depending on their support needs. Our aim is to develop your academic skills so you can work as independently and successfully as possible.

If you have any queries please contact our team at - helearningsupport@hca.ac.uk

Specialised Support for Students with Disabilities and/or Difficulties

HCA has an excellent reputation for providing a wide range of specialist support for students. As you decide where you wish to study you should take into consideration any additional support needs that you may have.

It is very important that you make sure we are aware of any particular difficulties and/or disabilities you may have so that advice regarding the appropriate support can be provided.

You should ensure that you have an up to date diagnostic report, written after your sixteenth birthday, of any difficulties you have. This will need to be written by a professional such as an Educational Psychologist, a medical consultant, or Specialist Teacher, etc.

Your current school or college will be able to help and advise you about arranging this assessment.

If you are not currently in education, you should contact Hereford College of Arts to discuss the assessment process with a member of the Additional Learning Support (ALS) team who are here to help and advice.

Correct assessment of your difficulties may entitle you to a level of financial support from Student Finance through the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA), even if you do not think you are disabled.

Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

Once you have accepted your place at HCA, and your DSA has been approved, you will need to provide us with copies of your Diagnostic Report, a copy of your Access Report (this is part of the Disabled Students Allowance application process), and a copy of your DSA approval letter. We strongly recommend you begin the Disabled Students Allowance application process as soon as possible, as it can be a lengthy process.

Student Finance England may allocate your support to an external agency. The ALS team is happy to help with putting this in place and can also offer support additional to this, so it is important to let us have as much information as possible.

Learn more about Disabled Students Allowances.

We are able to provide support for students who do not have a Disabled Students Allowance in place, but this support may be less specific to your individual needs.

FAQs (degree students)

You can speak to a member of the specialist team at any time about having an assessment of your difficulties and/or disabilities.

If you are aware you may benefit from extra support ahead of starting your studies here, you should speak to a member of the specialist team at the earliest possible opportunity - contact details. The processing of a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) application takes approximately 3 months to complete, so the earlier you request help, the better. Click here to find out more about applying for DSA.

You can reach out for information, advice, or guidance before applying, during the application process, prior to enrolment, or at any point from enrolment onwards.

Learning support at college level

The Study Skills team at HCA is committed to providing a high standard of specialised and individually tailored support to improve outcomes for all students. This support includes extra provision for those who:

would benefit from enhancing their academic writing, referencing and critical thinking skills;
need to further develop their English and Maths abilities;
require exam access arrangements such as 25% extra time;
have particular learning requirements and need to focus on developing their organisation, planning and academic abilities;
have English as their second language (EAL);
may benefit from using Assistive Technology to develop greater independence.

Study Skills support is currently delivered through specialist English, Maths or EAL sessions, as well as provision for students focusing on their coursework. The team aims to support learners in setting their own targets in order to develop their independence and achieve their full potential throughout their chosen course of study.

All students also have access to scheduled drop-in sessions for support for all areas including coursework, English and Maths, study skills, EAL, information, advice and guidance.

If you have any queries please contact our team at - studyskillssupport@hca.ac.uk

FAQs (college level)

Any student in the College can attend Study Skills sessions.  We will support them to develop their skills and abilities and, if appropriate, show them how Assistive Technology can support them to complete their work independently.