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Access to Higher Education

• Want to do a degree?
• Didn’t like school?
• Like to start again?
• Could have done better?

If these sound familiar to you, an Access to Higher Education course could be the answer. It aims to prepare adults, who do not meet the traditional entry requirements, for university. This course is for you if you have always wanted to study but don’t know where to start and do not have relevant qualifications. You may be looking for a change in direction, or a new start in life, or just want the satisfaction of doing something for yourself.

What will I study?
You will study the general skills you need to succeed in higher education as well as specialist modules in your chosen area, such as Social Work, Nursing & Health Studies or Humanities. Gaining the Access Diploma enables students to apply for places on higher education courses nationally with the same status as those who have A-levels.

How will I be taught?
You will be taught through small group sessions where discussion and participation are encouraged. You will need to attend college in the day time. The course lasts for one academic year, from September to June, although it can be studied part-time over two years.

How will I be assessed?
You complete a series of assignments in your various subjects throughout the year. There are no end-of-year examinations.

Where could this course lead?
By the end of a successfully completed course you will have the skills to progress to your chosen degree course and you will also possess self-knowledge and confidence. Although you will still need an appropriate level of experience or knowledge, it is a tried and tested route which gives you the practical skills you need. Since 1990, hundreds of adults have completed our Access course and have gone on to complete a university degree.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements. We hold individual, informal interviews when you can discuss the course in more detail with one of the tutors.