Access to Higher Education

Whatever your background and however complicated and busy your life may be, there is always a way back into education.

Access to Higher Education courses are a great starting point to retrain for a new and exciting career or get the degree that you promised yourself. Access to Higher Education makes it possible.

Designed for students aged 19 and over, these courses lead to a 60 credit Level 3 Diploma and are a flexible alternative to A Levels. The qualifications are widely recognised by UK universities and earn up to 144 UCAS points.

If you are not sure that you a ready to take the step to apply for an Access to Higher Education full year programme, why not join our fully funded 12 week Pre-Access course, to brush up on your study skills and get ready to get back into education.

Entry requirements

• GCSE Maths Grade 4 (C) or above
• GCSE English Grade 4 (C) or above

Some courses also require GCSE Science Grade 4 (C) or above.

OR

• Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2

If you do not already have your Maths and English, please click here to find out about courses running near you.

Where and how can I study?

We offer a range of ways that you can study and venues to suit busy lifestyles.

Attendance days (subject to change)

Access to Higher Education Teaching Timetable 2025 - 2026

9:00 - 17:00

Financial Support, Loans and Bursaries

We offer flexible payment plans to help spread the cost of fees.

• If you are aged between 19 and 23 and studying for your first full Level 3 qualification, your course will be fully funded through our Adult Education Budget and you will not incur any fees.
• If you are 19-23 and already have a full level 3 qualification or are over 24, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to fund your course. 

For students studying Access to HE diplomas, Student Finance England will “write off” any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances taken out to pay for an Access course should you complete a degree. This means that you would not have to repay your access loan.

Study is hard enough without struggling to pay for the things that you may need to undertake your course. A discretionary bursary fund, depending on household income and family circumstances may provide support for travel, childcare and materials required for your course. Apply for a Bursary.

What our students say

It’s never too late to change things. Even if you have not studied for years, or left school without many qualifications, you can still get going on a new course.

We provide all the support to help you restart studying – and you’ll feel at home too as many other people on our courses are just like you.

Our Access to Higher Education courses are the perfect way to discover what’s possible. The course will help you rebuild confidence before embarking on more demanding study, and also help you adapt the rest of your life around the time needed for study.

A door opener to a degree or a new career

Many people use Access courses as a way back into degree study and our courses are widely recognised by UK Universities. The courses are also designed for industry with employers and progression in mind, enabling students to develop confidence, skills and qualifications for further study or employment in growing industries.

University Studies

Our students have the option to progress directly to University Studies degree courses on successful completion of their Access to Higher Education course, subject to eligibility criteria.

You will continue to study at our familiar and friendly University and Professional Development Centre throughout your degree and may even be taught by familiar tutors who teach across both our Access courses and our University Studies courses.