Access to HE

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

Most students studying the Health Professionals Diploma aim for careers in nursing, midwifery, radiography, paramedic science, occupational therapy and psychology, but the range is not limited to these.

Entry Requirements:

GCSE English grade C/4+  (other L2 English qualifications will be considered on a case by case basis).

GCSE maths grade C/4+  or  L2 Functional Skills.

Commitment to study.

What does the course involve?:

The Access to HE diplomas are designed to prepare students for degree level study. They offer a rigorous standard of study which are flexible and attractive to students who would like to improve their educational qualifications and are popular with students who may have been out of formal education for some time. All learning and assessment are via Pearl, an online learning platform.  Students will be provided with a personal tutor to support them through their progression.

Students wishing to study Healthcare related courses will enrol to Access to HE Diploma (Health Professionals).  The modules of study are Biology, Health Studies, Psychology, Sociology, and Skills for Learning.

How is the course assessed?:

Modules are broken down into units and you are assessed at the end of each unit of study through a variety of assessment methods.

How much does it cost?:

Fees will be confirmed on application or via our website.  In many instances, funding such as the Advanced Learner Loan will be available to cover the cost of the course.  Successful completion of the Access to HE Diploma and your subsequent HE course currently means you do not have to pay this loan back.

While it is not required, some students choose to obtain additional books to assist their studies.

Additional Notes:

Guidance is offered at advice events, interview and induction to ensure students are choosing the best pathway to meet the requirements for their intended university course.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

Most students studying the Social Science and Humanities Diploma aim for careers in social work, teaching, criminology, history, English, law, psychology, or politics, but the range is not limited to these.

Entry Requirements:

GCSE English grade C/4+  (other L2 English qualifications will be considered on a case by case basis).

GCSE maths grade C/4+  or  L2 Functional Skills.

Commitment to study.

What does the course involve?:

The Access to HE diplomas are designed to prepare students for degree level study. They offer a rigorous standard of study which are flexible and attractive to students who would like to improve their educational qualifications and are popular with students who may have been out of formal education for some time. All learning and assessment are via Pearl, an online learning platform.  Students will be provided with a personal tutor to support them through their progression.

Students wishing to study Social Science and Humanities related courses will enrol to Access to HE Diploma (Social Science and Humanities).  The modules of study are Psychology, Sociology, Literature, History, and Skills for Learning.

How is the course assessed?:

Modules are broken down into units and you are assessed at the end of each unit of study through a variety of assessment methods.

How much does it cost?:

Fees will be confirmed on application or via our website.  In many instances, funding such as the Advanced Learner Loan will be available to cover the cost of the course.  Successful completion of the Access to HE Diploma and your subsequent HE course currently means you do not have to pay this loan back.

While it is not required, some students choose to obtain additional books to assist their studies.

Additional Notes:

Guidance is offered at advice events, interview and induction to ensure students are choosing the best pathway to meet the requirements for their intended university course.

What do I do next?:

You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button.  If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 342346 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

This course is designed to prepare students for degree-level study. It offers a rigorous standard of study in a supportive environment. Access to HE Diplomas are flexible and attractive to students who would like to improve their educational qualifications and are popular with students who may have been out of formal education for some time and who appreciate a more adult-friendly learning atmosphere.

Most students studying the Health Professionals Diploma aim for careers in nursing, midwifery, radiography, paramedic science, occupational therapy and psychology, but the range is not limited to these.

Entry Requirements:

GCSE English grade C/4+ (Other L2 English qualifications will be considered on a case by case basis.)

*GCSE maths or L2 Functional Skills may be studied alongside the PT course.

A commitment to study.

What does the course involve?:

Students wishing to study Healthcare related courses will enrol to Access to HE Diploma (Health Professionals). The modules of study are Biology, Health Studies, Psychology, Sociology, and Skills for Learning.

The full-time programme runs over one year and the part-time programme is available over two years (34 weeks a year) day and evening to fit around other commitments and responsibilities.

How is the course assessed?:

The assessment techniques are varied throughout the programme and include essays, presentations, posters, and practical experiments. Modules are broken down into units and you are assessed at the end of each unit of study.

If you are completing an additional course such as GCSE maths, external examinations are required.

How much does it cost?:

Fees will be confirmed on application or via our website. In many instances, funding such as the Advanced Learner Loan may be available to cover the cost of the course. Successful completion of the Access to HE Diploma and your subsequent HE course currently means you do not have to pay this loan back.

While it is not required, some students choose to obtain additional books to assist their studies.

Additional Notes:

Guidance is offered at advice events, interview and induction to ensure students are choosing the best pathway to meet the requirements for their intended university course.

What do I do next?:

You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button.  You can also apply for a second, alternative programme of study such as GCSE maths via a separate application.  If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 342346 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

This course is designed to prepare students for degree-level study. It offers a rigorous standard of study in a supportive environment. Access to HE Diplomas are flexible and attractive to students who would like to improve their educational qualifications and are popular with students who may have been out of formal education for some time and who appreciate a more adult-friendly learning atmosphere.

Most students studying the Social Science and Humanities Diploma aim for careers in social work, teaching, criminology, history, English, law, psychology, or politics, but the range is not limited to these.

Entry Requirements:

GCSE English grade C/4+ (Other Level 2 English qualifications will be considered on a case by case basis.)

*GCSE maths or L2 Functional Skills may be studied alongside the part-time course.

A commitment to study,

What does the course involve?:

Students wishing to study Social Sciences, Humanities or Education related courses will enrol to the Access to HE Diploma (Social Science and Humanities). The modules of study are Psychology, Sociology, Literature, History and Skills for Learning.

The full-time programme runs over one year and the part-time programme is available over two years (34 weeks a year) day and evening to fit around other commitments and responsibilities.

How is the course assessed?:

The assessment techniques are varied throughout the programme and include essays, presentations, posters, and practical experiments. Modules are broken down into units and you are assessed at the end of each unit of study.

If you are completing an additional course such as GCSE maths, external examinations are required.

How much does it cost?:

Fees will be confirmed on application or via our website. In many instances, funding such as the Advanced Learner Loan may be available to cover the cost of the course. Successful completion of the Access to HE Diploma and your subsequent HE course currently means you do not have to pay this loan back.

While it is not required, some students choose to obtain additional books to assist their studies.

Additional Notes:

Guidance is offered at advice events, interview and induction to ensure students are choosing the best pathway to meet the requirements for their intended university course.

What do I do next?:

You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button.  You can also apply for a second, alternative programme of study such as GCSE maths via a separate application.  If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 342346 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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