Access to HE Diplomas are designed specifically for adult students, who want to progress to a higher level course, such as a Degree or HND, but may not have the relevant formal entry qualifications, or who may have been out of the classroom for some time.  They're suitable if you're 19 or over and want to study at degree level or go on to university but don't have the right qualifications.  By taking an Access to HE Diploma you will have time to get a head start on organisational research and time planning skills. The diplomas are especially suited to those who are changing direction after some work experience or family commitments.

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Many students who come on to our Access to Higher Education Diplomas find that the courses are designed to suit their learning style and individual circumstances. Teaching and delivery is flexible and we give active consideration to issues such as childcare and finance. The changing climate of Higher Education tuition fees means you must be well informed and you must plan carefully. We will help you do that. Learning is structured to enable you to build up credit over one year towards the Access to Higher Education Diploma. This qualification is validated by the Open College Network of the South West Region (OCNSWR). This means that the course is nationally recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education as an appropriate entry qualification for a wide range of Degree and Diploma courses in UK universities and colleges.

Many Access to HE students have been out of education for a while. If this is the same for you, don’t worry!  You will bring with you maturity and life experience which are equally as important. We will assess your current qualification levels and talk to you about the commitment we would expect to see.  From there an Access to HE course opens doors to higher education and is widely accepted as an entry qualification to many colleges and universities.

We also offer pre-Access courses for adults who need to brush up their skills before joining an Access programme. This is also designed to boost your self-confidence and empower you to get back into a classroom situation.

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma Course Structure

Each Access to Higher Education course consists of a range of specialist subject modules (please see individual course profiles). You will also be required to undertake core modules in English, Maths, and Study Skills for most programmes.

Study Skills

This module is designed to prepare you for continued study at HE level. Units within this module may include:

• Researching and Understanding Opportunities for HE
• Examination Technique and Practice
• Academic Writing Skills
• ICT – word processing, presentation software and spreadsheets
• Improving Own Learning
• Developing your Research Skills
• Preparing for Interview
• Independent Study

GCSE Equivalence English and Mathematics

It is recommended that if you do not hold a GCSE in English and Mathematics at grade ‘C’ or above, which must have been obtained within the three years before the start of the course, you should study GCSE equivalence English and Mathematics.  Currently most universities require both English and Mathematics GCSE as standard entry requirement.

The majority of Access to HE Diploma courses include GCSE English and Mathematics equivalence as a necessary requirement to achieve the Diploma. Where mandatory, it is therefore essential students complete either/both of the English and Mathematics equivalence. It is also strongly recommended that before applying for any Access to HE course, you check whether both GCSE equivalences are required by the Higher Education Institution(s) that you wish to study at. This is particularly important if you are interested in entering the teaching or nursing profession.

Although there are no formal entry qualifications required for the Access to HE Diploma courses, you will be required to demonstrate that you are able to work to Level 2 in both English and Mathematics.  When you apply for an Access to HE Diploma course, we will explain this in more detail and help you to achieve this.

Access to HE Diplomas are designed specifically for adult students, who want to progress to a higher level course, such as a Degree or HND, but may not have the relevant formal entry qualifications, or who may have been out of the classroom for some time.  They're suitable if you're 19 or over and want to study at degree level or go on to university but don't have the right qualifications.  By taking an Access to HE Diploma you will have time to get a head start on organisational research and time planning skills. The diplomas are especially suited to those who are changing direction after some work experience or family commitments.

Many students who come on to our Access to Higher Education Diplomas find that the courses are designed to suit their learning style and individual circumstances. Teaching and delivery is flexible and we give active consideration to issues such as childcare and finance. The changing climate of Higher Education tuition fees means you must be well informed and you must plan carefully. We will help you do that. Learning is structured to enable you to build up credit over one year towards the Access to Higher Education Diploma. This qualification is validated by the Open College Network of the South West Region (OCNSWR). This means that the course is nationally recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education as an appropriate entry qualification for a wide range of Degree and Diploma courses in UK universities and colleges.

Many Access to HE students have been out of education for a while. If this is the same for you, don’t worry!  You will bring with you maturity and life experience which are equally as important. We will assess your current qualification levels and talk to you about the commitment we would expect to see.  From there an Access to HE course opens doors to higher education and is widely accepted as an entry qualification to many colleges and universities.

We also offer pre-Access courses for adults who need to brush up their skills before joining an Access programme. This is also designed to boost your self-confidence and empower you to get back into a classroom situation.

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma Course Structure

Each Access to Higher Education course consists of a range of specialist subject modules (please see individual course profiles). You will also be required to undertake core modules in English, Maths, and Study Skills for most programmes.

Study Skills

This module is designed to prepare you for continued study at HE level. Units within this module may include:

• Researching and Understanding Opportunities for HE
• Examination Technique and Practice
• Academic Writing Skills
• ICT – word processing, presentation software and spreadsheets
• Improving Own Learning
• Developing your Research Skills
• Preparing for Interview
• Independent Study

GCSE Equivalence English and Mathematics

It is recommended that if you do not hold a GCSE in English and Mathematics at grade ‘C’ or above, which must have been obtained within the three years before the start of the course, you should study GCSE equivalence English and Mathematics.  Currently most universities require both English and Mathematics GCSE as standard entry requirement.

The majority of Access to HE Diploma courses include GCSE English and Mathematics equivalence as a necessary requirement to achieve the Diploma. Where mandatory, it is therefore essential students complete either/both of the English and Mathematics equivalence. It is also strongly recommended that before applying for any Access to HE course, you check whether both GCSE equivalences are required by the Higher Education Institution(s) that you wish to study at. This is particularly important if you are interested in entering the teaching or nursing profession.

Although there are no formal entry qualifications required for the Access to HE Diploma courses, you will be required to demonstrate that you are able to work to Level 2 in both English and Mathematics.  When you apply for an Access to HE Diploma course, we will explain this in more detail and help you to achieve this.