An Access to Higher Education course is a different way of getting to university. We all take different paths in life and it is never too late to make a change, achieve your goals and reach your potential.

Funding Support

  • If you are unemployed or earning less than £20,319 annual gross salary – your level 2 course could be free
  • You are aged 19+ and wish to undertake your first full level 3 course. This would be funded through the Free Courses for Jobs offer.
  • If you are aged 24+ and wish to undertake a course at level 3 or above you could take out a 19+ learning loan. You’ll only repay when your income is over £511 a week or £2,214 a month
  • If your household income is less than £35,000 per annum you could receive support to help with associated learning costs e.g. books, travel, childcare, laptop and wifi

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Video presentation webinar

Recorded August 2020

Why choose this course?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be in a position to apply to university. Regardless of your past achievements, grades or personal circumstances, an Access course could help you find the career you have always wanted.

Successfully complete your degree and you may not have to repay the amount borrowed through your 19+ advanced learner loan.

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Courses starting in September!

Access to HE: Social Science (starting September 2023)

Starting: Various
Time: Various
Duration: week(s)

Location:
Fee: See Course Description

Access to HE: Science (starting September 2023)

Starting: Various
Time: Various
Duration: week(s)

Location:
Fee: See Course Description

Access to HE : Medicine & Medical Sciences (starting September 2023)

Starting: Various
Time: Various
Duration: week(s)

Location:
Fee: See Course Description

Access to HE: Forensics & Criminology (starting September 2023)

Starting: Various
Time: Various
Duration: week(s)

Location:
Fee: See Course Description

These courses support applications to degrees and further studies in:

  • Nursing
  • Early Years
  • Social Work
  • Healthcare
  • Law
  • Policing
  • Pharmacy
  • Teaching
  • And many more opportunities

Courses are delivered using blended learning, this means there will be both online classes as well as face to face, in both you will be able to interact with other students and receive one-to-one support from experienced tutors.

An Access to Higher Diploma is equivalent to A-Levels or Foundation Degree. Funding options are available meaning courses could be free! To enrol on this course, you will need to book an assessment. These are held remotely and can be completed at a time that suits you.

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Access to HE: Assessing your readiness for Higher Education

Are you considering an Access to HE or Higher Education course? This short taster session will enable you to assess your readiness for Higher Education by understanding the skills and attributes required to be successful in higher education. You will have an opportunity to complete a realistic self-evaluation of your personal strengths and weaknesses in terms of general HE requirements.

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Events, Information & Resources

Access to Higher Education Career Coach

Career Coach can help you search for Access to HE courses linked to your future career goals, highlighting the skills and knowledge you need to enter particular job roles and industries. This interactive tool is a great way to browse up-to-date information on average and potential wages, and latest job vacancies, and to find the best career opportunities for you. It also highlights the current demand for jobs and professions in your region.

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Get in Touch

You will need to attend an Assessment and Enrolment Session (Access to HE & Preparing for Access). This session provides the opportunity for information, advice and guidance regarding our Access to HE Diplomas, and our Preparation for Access courses. During the session, you will be able to speak to an Access Tutor and complete assessment tasks in preparation for enrolment. ​Please enrol here.

We are happy to provide you with more information about our new Access courses before you make a decision. Fill out the contact form below and one of our tutors will get back to you. You can also view feedback from learners who have previously attended our courses. View all feedback

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Learner Feedback

I AM COMING TO THE END OF MY ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION COURSE AND EMMA, MY TUTOR, HAS BEEN A GOD-SEND WITH HELPING ME TO COMPLETE THIS COURSE. I AM NOW GOING TO UNIVERSITY IN THE HOPE TO BECOMING A PARAMEDIC.

SAMANTHA

I JUST WANTED TO SAY A MASSIVE THANK YOU FOR THIS PAST YEAR. I HAVE ACHIEVED SOMETHING I DON’T THINK I WOULD HAVE ORDINARILY ACHIEVED IF I HAD STUCK WITH THE ‘CONVENTIONAL’ ROUTES TO UNIVERSITY AND I WILL BE FOREVER THANKFUL THAT I CAME TO ACL. THANK YOU SO SO SO SO MUCH!!!

EMILY