Access to HE FAQ

Access courses are designed for anyone without formal qualifications, who wishes to progress to a higher level course such as a Degree or Foundation Degree. You will work towards the successful acquisition of a specified number of ‘credits’ that will then be accounted for when you join a full degree.

There will be an advisory interview, during which we will discuss whether our Access courses can help you reach the targets you have set yourself. You should be motivated to undertake further study and usually have literacy and numeracy skills to level 2 or equivalent.  If you do not have any previous literacy or numeracy qualifications we can help you to find out what level you are currently working at.

All Access to Higher Education courses are credit based. Subjects have a set number of credits and levels. You can accumulate credits for each subject unit and your tutor will advise you as to the total number of credits needed for your successful completion (see individual courses for more detail). You will get plenty of feedback to help you during your course.

Our Access to HE Diplomas are validated by CAVA (Cambridge Access Validating Agency) who design and validate Access to higher Education Diplomas. They are a membership organisation who are comitted to aiding social mobility by increasing opportunities for people from all backgrounds to study at university.

Access courses are best suited to adults and provide an excellent preparation for Higher Education, and that all important step towards your dreams of university.

Please see individual course information for full details. How you pay will be dependent upon which course you choose and the study options. Concessions may be available.

Access courses are demanding. However, College staff have years of experience in delivering these programmes and will support you throughout your course. You will be assigned a personal tutor, who will provide practical help and encouragement with your studies. We always discuss the course thoroughly with you before enrolment to ensure that you are prepared – so you don’t need to worry.

Most of our Access to Higher Education Courses have ‘family friendly’ timetables and are normally spread over 4 days of the week to fit in with most student commitments.

The College offers lots of practical advice and guidance. If you are unsure about returning to education you could enrol on the Pre-Access course - the aim of which is to boost your study skills and confidence. Please give us a call on 01202 205205

When you have decided which Access course you wish to undertake, the next step is to complete the application form (online, or a paper version is available). Once we receive your application, we will then invite you to attend an informal interview, which may involve an assessment and a group exercise. Following this interview we will confirm your place on the course, and inform you of start dates and other relevant information.

Our Access courses have an excellent track record. Having achieved an Access to Higher Education Diploma, most students go on to the higher level courses, either at The College or at universities all around the country. The Access to HE course will give you the opportunity to continue learning in your chosen subject. See the Progression information / case studies to see where previous Access to HE students have continued their studies.