
Preparing you for Higher Education
If you’re keen to study at university but don’t have the necessary qualifications or experience, don’t worry. In just 12 months, our Access to Higher Education (HE) programme will get you ready for degree-level study.
What is Access to Higher Education?
An Access to HE Diplomas is a level 3 certification approved by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) which will prepare you for study at degree level. This course is run over 1 academic year and is designed for learners 19 years and over who are returning to study or left school without the essential qualifications for undergraduate study.
What are the entry requirements?
We usually ask applicants to have achieved GCSE English Language and Maths at grade C or above. Depending on your pathway you may also need to have achieved GCSE Science at grade C or above too.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements, don’t worry. You can apply for our Pre Access course which will prepare you for the Access to HE Diploma. You can also work towards achieving your GCSE English and Maths at the same time.
Funding and Finance
If you are required to pay for your Access to HE Diploma, you can apply for an Advance Learner Loan to cover the cost. If you progress to university and complete your degree, Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balance you owe.
What courses are available
Access to HE Level 3 Diploma in Computing
Access to HE Level 3 Diploma in Sports Management
Access to Higher Education Business & Management in partnership with University Academy 92
Engineering - Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma
Nursing and Midwifery - Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma (Altrincham Campus)
Nursing and Midwifery - Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma (Stretford Campus)
Social Sciences - Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma
Got a question?
Aged 19 or over
GCSE in Maths Grade C/4 or above
GCSE in English Grade C/4 or above
GCSE in Science Grade C/4 or above (for Science, Healthcare and Diplomas only)
Is an Access Course Right For You?
With no exams to negotiate, you can progress step-by-step via structured assignments and coursework. We offer personal support in the University application process, so you can make your dream career choice come alive.
We are looking for applicants with:
- a high level of motivation to be an independent student with a willingness for self study
- the commitment to study a full time, challenging course
- evidence of recent study is desirable
- a clear idea of the university level programmes that you wish to apply for
Helpful Information
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is widely recognised by UK universities, and many actively encourage applications from Access to Higher Education students.
A national framework for Access to Higher Education courses has been in place since 1989 and, each year, over 20,000 students achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma and progress to university courses across the UK.
Universities are involved in the development of new Access courses to make sure that course content is appropriate, and the framework for the approval of the courses are managed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). QAA’s Access to Higher Education logo appears on all Access Diplomas, so that universities can be confident that a student has completed the requirements of an approved Access course.

Fees and Support
Access to Higher Education Diplomas offer an alternative route. If you want to take an Access course and you are over the age of 19, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for the course fee. If you complete this and then go on to complete a course in Higher Education, the remaining balance of your Advanced Learner Loan, including any interest on it, will be written off.
How Fees Work
You don’t have to start a Higher Education course immediately following your Access course. If you get a job in between and are earning more than the repayment threshold, you would start to repay the Advanced Learner Loan. Alternatively, if you study a Higher Education course part-time while working and earn more than the repayment threshold, you would start to repay the Advanced Learner Loan.
When you have finished your Higher Education course, the Student Loans Company will write off the balance on the Advanced Learner Loan that you took out to fund your Access course. You will be contacted with confirmation of this.
Why Your Loan Is Written Off
By now you may be asking yourself “Why does my Advanced Learner Loan get written off if I go on to complete a course in
Higher Education?”
The simple answer is that Access to Higher Education Diplomas are designed to enable people who have few, if any, qualifications to study in Higher Education. As such, their main aim is to support progression to Higher Education, which is not the case for other courses funded by the Advanced Learner Loan.
A Supportive Environment
In addition to gaining subject knowledge, our Access courses aim to develop and enhance your essential study skills in preparation for university studies, including referencing, academic writing and ICT skills. Highly-qualified and experienced Access to Higher Education tutors will provide one-to-one guidance and support to help with your university application.

How to Choose your Next Steps
Breakdown the course
Explore modules covered in the course and identify which ones are most interesting or relevant to your career
Learning Styles
Find out how many lectures there are, and how much group work will be done in seminars.
Assessments
What does the assessment at the end of each module look like? Exams, coursework, presentations, or all three?
Lecturers
Who are the tutors, and are they experts in areas you want to learn about?
Comparing course providers
There are many ways you can research a university, conservatoire, or college, including reading their website or prospectus, looking at online reviews, and social media channels, but ideally you should see the campus, city, and meet course lecturers for yourself.
Universities and colleges run open days throughout the year. If you can’t visit in person you might be able to attend a virtual open day.