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Access to Higher Education Diplomas

Study an Access to Higher Education Diploma

Do you wish to return to education? Are you planning to go to university? Then our Access to Higher Education Diploma can help you achieve your goals.

Pathways are available in: Access to Business, Access to Computing, Access to Education Professions, Access to Engineering Science, Access to Science, Access to Health (Nursing and Midwifery), Access to Allied Health, Access to Sport and Access to Humanities.

Facilities

Students studying on Access to Higher Education programmes may be based at our Rye Hill Campus or Riverside Dene Campus. All students benefit from modern classrooms with the latest IT equipment and learning environments that replicate the workplace. 

You can view all our campus locations here.

What is Access to Higher Education?

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification which prepares you for study at degree level. If you would like to study a degree qualification but left school without the qualifications you need, then an Access to HE course could be for you.

Whilst there is no upper-age limit for Access to HE courses, students should be at least 19 years old at the start of the course.

The majority of our students will study their Access to HE courses over one year. However, we do also offer an intensive January start provision for a small cohort of students.

Do universities recognise this qualification?

The Access to Higher Education Diploma is widely recognised by UK universities and colleges offering degree qualifications, and many actively encourage applications from Access to Higher Education students. Each year, around 20,000 Access to HE students apply for a degree course at a UK university.

The majority of our Access to HE programmes are validated by Ascentis, with the exception of Access to Sport and Access to Computing which are validated by One Awards.

What can I expect?

  • This is an intensive programme.

  • Qualifies you to go to university in September 2017.

  • Previous students have successfully gained places on a wide range of degree courses including: nursing, social work, criminology, biomedical science, pharmacy, law, physics, computing, sports coaching and development, health and exercise, and sports therapy.

  • You will study at our brand new Riverside Dene Campus at Cruddas Park alongside like-minded mature students.

How much does the course cost?

Depending on your age and circumstances, your course may be funded and you will not have to pay any fees.

Some students, including those aged 24 and over, will qualify for a loan from the UK government. It’s easy to apply, your household income isn’t taken into account and there’s no credit check. You won’t have to pay anything back until your income is over £21,000 a year.

Please note: If you go on to progress to higher education and complete your course of study you won't have to pay back your Advanced Learning Loan.

Costs and eligibility for funding will be discussed at the interview stage.

Find out more about the Adult Learning Loan here.

Access to HE Pathways

Click on the course title for full information.

Course Title

Subjects studied

Entry Requirements

Price

Access to Allied Health Professions


Biology, SAMM and English Language


GCSE grade C (new GCSE Grades 4-9) or Functional Skills L2 in both English and maths.

£3,384*
Access to Business Technology


Business, IT and SAMM


Minimum of GCSE grade C (new GCSE Grades 4-9) in both English and maths.

£3,022*

Access to Computing


Computing and IT

You should have 5 GCSEs at grade A-C, including English and Maths, or a relevant Level 2 or First Diploma at Merit level together with Key/Functional Skills Maths and English at level 2.

£3,022*
Access to Environmental Science

Biology, Environmental Science, Statistical and Mathematical Methods and Study Skills

GCSEs to include English, Maths and a Science at least grade C.

Level 2 Science will be considered in place of GCSE. However Level 2 English and Maths will not be accepted.

£3,384*


Access to Humanities (Law)


English, History and Law

GCSEs must include English, maths and one humanities subject e.g. History, Geography or RE at least grade C (new GCSE Grade 4-9).

NOTE: Level 2 Maths will be considered in place of GCSE. However, we are unable to accept Level 2 English as a replacement for GCSE English.

£3,022*


Access to Humanities with Maths

Sociology, SAMM and English Language


GCSE grade C (new GCSE Grades 4-9) or Functional Skills L2 in both English and maths.

£3,022*


Access to Science (Biochemical)


Biology, Chemistry and SAMM


GCSEs must include English, maths and a science at least grade C (new GCSE Grade 4-9).

NOTE: L2 Science will be considered in place of GCSE. However other L2 English and maths qualifications will not be accepted.

£3,384*


Access to Science (Physics-Chemistry)


Maths, Physics and Chemistry

GCSEs to include English and a science at least grade C (new GCSE Grades 4-9). Maths must be at least a grade B (new grades 5-9)

NOTE: L2 Science will be considered in place of GCSE.
However L2 English and maths will not be accepted.

£3,384*


Access to Nursing and Midwifery

Biology, Psychology and Social Issues in Health Care


GCSE grade C (new GCSE Grades 4-9) in both English and maths.

£3,384*

Access to Education Professions

Education Theory and Practice, English Language, SAMM, Psychology and Sociology

GCSE grade C (new GCSE Grades 4-9) in English, maths and science.

£3,384*

Access to Music

Music Performance, Music Technology, DJ and Electronic Music

GCSE grade C in English and maths

£3,384*

Students who do not yet meet the above entry requirements can still study with us on our pre-access GCSE and functional skills programmes. Please contact the Student Services team on 0191 200 4000 to find out more. 

*Single units are priced at £975 each, there is no fee remission for single units. An Advanced Learner Loan could be available for the courses above, learn more.

SAMM = Statistical and Mathematical Methods

Apply now!

For more information on any of our Access to Higher Education courses, simply click on the course title above and make your application today! If you require further information then give us a call on 0191 200 4000 or visit one of our Open Events.