Access to HE

Thinking about returning to education?

Looking for a change in career or progress at work? Not been in a classroom for years? An Access to HE course is for you!

Access to HE Diplomas are designed specifically for adults looking to study a Degree Level course, but who may not have the relevant formal entry qualifications. So if you’re changing direction in your career or getting back into education after family commitments, the Access to HE Diploma is the perfect qualification to get you on the right road to a Degree.

Find out how you could study an Access to HE Diploma for FREE with an Advanced Learner Loan!

The course
By taking an Access to HE Diploma you’ll get a thorough introduction to the demanding environment of Higher Education learning. We appreciate that you have been out of education for a while and that getting back into the classroom can be a daunting task. The courses are intense and you will need to allow time to continue your studies outside of your college hours. However if you have the determination and commitment to achieve your goals, you can be sure we will help you get there.
 
Course Validation:

Our Access to HE Diplomas are validated by The Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA). CAVA is licensed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

Thinking about an Access to HE course? See what some of our students say...

Richard
Richard Deacon Access to Humanities University graduationI cannot praise The College and its staff highly enough. Their commitment to teaching and preparing me for university was excellent, and undoubtedly gave me a head start. I knew what to expect and how to deal with university life.
After the Access course I went on to study my BSc and MSc at the University of Southampton. This September I start a Doctoral program at The School of Maritime and Engineering Excellence, fully funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Jaguar Landrover. 
The Access to Humanities course was, without question, the best start I could have had, and I would unreservedly recommend it to anyone considering going to university. 
Richard Deacon - Former Access to Humanities student
Jenny

Jenny, former Access to HE student“I want to be a midwife and it’s no easy feat. It is a notoriously difficult profession to get into, however with the support of The College and the fact the course is diverse, I stand a good chance!
This course offers me a fantastic variety of knowledge that’s easy to understand and the tutors are so approachable. If there’s something I don’t understand, I know I can just ask and get the issue resolved quickly.
There’s a good balance between home and college life. This is crucial as I have two small children.
The timetable works well with my personal life too. Having two young children can make things a bit hard, but The College helps with my childcare costs and I can access most of the information from my lessons online, so I can recap when they’re in bed. The College has given me a lot of guidance towards my future career and pushes me to succeed. I now feel I’ve got the best start possible.”
Jenny Kolymvas, Access to Health and Social Care

Kieran

Kieran, former Access to HE student“After training as an apprentice electrician for three years, I knew that I no longer wanted to pursue this as a career. I had been experimenting with computer programming, developing apps (for Apple devices) in my spare time, and so really developed an interest in programming. I decided I wanted to study it at university but didn’t have the right qualifications to get onto a degree course. When I found the Access to Computing course at The College, I knew it would help me achieve my aspirations.

The facilities at The College are great. You have access to all the latest software, the course is well structured and at the right level, and the tutors are excellent.

I really feel like The College has put a lot into it. As well as teaching you the knowledge, the course also prepares you for university. It teaches you how to write assignments and reports, and even Harvard Referencing! Going to university doesn’t seem so daunting now.”
Kieran Foley, Access to Computing

 

An important note about English and maths:
As a standard entry requirement, universities will often now require you to have a full GCSE at grade 4 or above (formerly C) in English and maths, rather than other Level 2 equivalences before you study with them.  This is not part of the Access to HE Diploma and it's important you contact the universities where you intend to study to check exactly what they need from you.

Your next steps...

Pre-Access courses
If you need to brush up your skills before joining an Access programme, we offer a Pre-Access (Return to Study) course . This is designed to boost your self-confidence and empower you to get back into the classroom.
Find out about funding and finance
Discover everything you need to know about funding and finance including FREE tuition fees for Level and 2 and Level 3 courses!
Understanding qualifications
Get all the information you need on our qualifications and what they mean.
Learning support
Next extra support while you are studying? Find out how we can help. 
Advice and guidance
Not sure about your next steps? Talk to our Advice and Guidance team!
Open Events
Come and discover how we can help you 'do it for you' at an Open Event!
Applying
Choose the course you are interested in, click on apply now and simply apply online!