If you are aged 19 or over without the qualifications you need to enter higher education, these one-year, intensive courses are ideal for you. Our Access to Higher Education Diplomas build the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to progress on to higher education in the subject area you’re interested in. They are recognised by universities across the UK and allow entry on to higher education courses in your chosen specialist area.
Many of our Access students are now pursuing new careers and making changes to their lives they never thought possible.
Access to HE FAQs
What is an Access to Higher Education course?
An Access to Higher Education course is a 1 year pre-university course that prepares adults for study at university. It has been designed to give you relevant academic subject knowledge and the opportunity to learn how to approach study at university-level and develop techniques to help you succeed. This course is ideal if you have been out of education for a while, planning a career change or want to upskill in your current job. A typical Access course is 2-3 days a week, 9.30am-3pm and is taken by students of all ages and backgrounds.
What qualification do I achieve?
Upon successful completion of your Access to Higher Education course you will receive a Level 3 Diploma and will be ready to progress onto an undergraduate degree or further study.
How much does an Access course cost?
The cost of our Access to Higher Education Courses are £3,384. Prices of Access to Higher Education courses vary depending on the College or provider.
The majority of our Access students pay for their course using a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan. You can find out more about Advanced Learner Loans here. Your Advanced Learner Loan is ‘written off’ once you complete a Higher Education course.
Student Success
Many of our Access students are now pursuing new careers and making changes to their lives they never thought possible. Click to read more
Amy, 33 and from Ongar, studied the Access to Nursing, Midwifery & Health Studies and is now off to the University of Hertfordshire to study Nursing.
“The encouragement and support we had as a class gave me the push I needed, it was lovely. I was working full-time and I have two children, so at first I wasn't sure if I could fit everything in, but I tried to do as much as I could in my free time. I worked on my assignments in the evenings and I was lucky enough to have support from family.
From talking to people who are at Uni and have done the Access course, it helps so much. I don't think I would feel as confident going into year one without doing the Access course. It prepares you well. It’s given me a good step forward for year one of University.”
Access to Medicine is an intensive science‐based one year full time course tailored to the requirements of a medical degree, designed to provide an alternative route for non-traditional students into medical training.