About our Access to Higher Education Courses

If you want to go to university but do not yet meet the formal entry requirements, an Access to Higher Education course can be the start of your journey.

Access courses are one-year Level 3 courses that cover a general subject area so that upon completion, students can progress onto a more specific degree course in that area. Our access to higher education courses are taught at our Ashley Down Centre.

On this page you will find information about our different access courses, how you can apply to study with us, and our Access to HE therapy dog Clemmy!

Access to HE is the only course where the student loan doesn’t have to be repaid as long as the learner completes their undergraduate degree. You can find out more about the Advanced Learner Loan here.

Access to Higher Education Courses

How to apply

If you have GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above, you can apply for an Access to HE course by clicking the ‘Apply’ button on the course web page. You will need to write a personal statement with your application, covering:

  • Why you are applying for the course
  • What you plan to study at university and why
  • Any relevant experience
Access to Higher Education Students

Clemmy

Arguably the best part of studying an Access to HE course with us is meeting our resident therapy dog, Clemmy!

Clemmy belongs to one of our lecturers and often comes into classes to offer support and practise what she learned at Pets as Therapy (PAT).

Where to find us