Access to HE Courses

An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a one-year Level 3 qualification that prepares learners without traditional qualifications for study at university. Successful completion of an Access to Higher Education course is worth between 44 and 148 UCAS points. It is an intensive course run over one academic year, with lots of challenges and rewards that will provide you with everything you need for your chosen university course.

If you are aged 24 and over and start a Level 3 or 4 course in England you are eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. This is ideal for Access to Higher Education students as it doesn’t need to be paid back if you then go on to successfully complete your chosen degree. Find out if you are eligible here

Remember: if you go to university and complete a degree, the government will write off the loan for your Access course.

If you are 19-23 you may be eligible for full funding under the government's Adult Education Budget.

Stephanie Parker's Journey

What we offer...

Access to HE (Psychology)

This diploma is specifically designed for those with a fascination in human behaviour and what makes us tick. You will study a number of modules focusing on understanding what makes us human, why we behave the way we do and what role external factors and influences have on our psychological development. The roles and responsibilities of varying health professions is also key to the course allowing learners to study across a broad spectrum of work in this area. Our partnership with local universities, including the University of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire University and the University of Chester means that you will have frequent opportunities to learn more about the vocational routes that can lead from this diploma. We will also keep you updated about current government schemes for those entering the sector.

Crucially, you will begin your course by following a core set of units that ease you into level 3 work and begin the preparations for academic writing/study. You will also undertake key units in Cognitive Psychology, Child Development and Social Interaction as well as Crime and Psychological Profiling to gain an understanding of how the brain works and behaviours that are developed over time. Research into applying to university as your course gathers pace will also be supported by your tutor as you are encouraged to devise and refine your UCAS application.

On completion of the diploma, you will have earned those all-important UCAS points to apply for degrees in Psychology, Criminology, Counselling, Social Work and much more.

Those who then go onto complete a degree will have the advanced learner loan for this course written off.

Read our Learner Information Guide to find out more

Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions)

This course will run part-time over one year. The course provides modules introducing you to topics like physiology, health and disease, mental health, and human growth and development. Successful completion will enable you to meet the entry requirements for a range of health-based university courses, including Nursing, Physiotherapy, Midwifery, and Paramedic Studies.

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Nursing and allied health professions degree courses will benefit from a government bursary worth between £5000 and £8000 as well as additonal support with child care.This makes these degree courses much more affordable when you progress successfully from our Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions) course. You can find more information about the government bursary here.

Read our Learner Information Guide to find out more.