Access to Higher Education Courses
Our Access to Higher Education (HE)Courses
Our Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are designed for adults aged 19+ who want to progress to university but don’t yet have the qualifications they need.
These one-year, Level 3 courses provide a supportive route into Higher Education, helping you build both subject knowledge and the confidence to succeed in further study.
Access to HE is the only course where the Advanced Learner Loan does not need to be repaid if you go on to complete a higher education degree. You can find out more about the Advanced Learner Loan here.
Whether you’re returning to education, changing career, or starting your journey for the first time, Access to HE can help you take that next step. You can find out more about our Awarding Organisation here’
What Does an Access to Higher Education Course Involve?
You’ll study a mix of subject-specific content and essential academic skills to prepare you for university-level learning.
Your course will typically include:
- Subject knowledge relevant to your chosen pathway
- Academic writing, research and referencing skills
- Independent study and critical thinking
- Assessments through assignments rather than final exams
How to Apply
If you have GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above, you can apply for an Access to Higher Education course by selecting the ‘Apply’ button on the course page.
As part of your application, you will need to provide a personal statement. This should include:
- Any relevant experience, skills or personal motivation
- Why you want to study the course
- What you plan to study at university and your reasons for this choice
Access to Higher Education Courses
Medicine – Access to HE
The Access to Medicine course was created with a particular focus on widening participation to provide opportunities for those who would make excellent doctors, but who have faced barriers due to their educational and/or socioeconomic…
Policing and Criminology – Access to HE
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education or Apprenticeships. You may already have…
Social Work – Access to HE
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education. You may already have some qualifications…
Environmental Science – Access to HE
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education. You may already have some qualifications…
Social Science – Access to HE
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education. You may already have some qualifications…
Science – Access to HE
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education. You may already have some qualifications…
Humanities – Access to HE
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education. You may already have some qualifications…
Health and Social Care – Access to HE
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education. You may already have some qualifications…
Business Studies – Access to HE (Online)
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education. You may already have some qualifications…
