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Access to Higher Education

A full Level 3 qualification recognised by UK universities.

If you’re 19 years old or over and interested in any of the following exciting careers, an Access to Higher Education course is a way of achieving your dream job.

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About the Access to Higher Education (HE) Courses

Access courses allow students to progress to university degrees after one year of study at College. The Access programme provides you with the relevant knowledge and study skills you’ll need if you’ve been out of education and want to successfully complete a degree course.

Key Points
  • Access to Higher Education Diplomas are full Level 3 qualifications recognised by UK universities that allow students over 19 to progress to university-level study. They are legally equivalent to A levels.
  • All of our Access to Higher Education courses are either free or can be financed through the Government’s Advanced Learner Loan but no ‘up front fees’ either way.
  • There is more good news, if you take out the tuition fee loan for an Access course and then go on to a degree the cost is ‘written off’ so you never have to pay anything back!
  • To study on this course, you generally need determination, commitment, and GCSE grade(s), depending on the Access course you choose. Some courses may have further entry requirements, so please check this before you apply.

What our students say...

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Chelsea Tolan
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Matthew Williams
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Doris Ikechukwu

Access to Higher Education Courses

As a mature student and a single parent I have been out of education for a number of years so when I was introduced to the Business Access Course I was slightly apprehensive of studying again. I am glad I didn't listen to myself as the course was enjoyable and motivating. I also found the course to be in-depth and interesting, like a peek behind the curtain of the world of business.

I enjoyed every aspect of the course as it was well structured and the lecturers made the information relatable as well as easy to understand.

The access course gave me an understanding of the different business areas and prepared me for the degree course, even though the work load has increase substantially from a college level course I found the access course has prepared me for the amount of work as well as an understanding of the level and quality of information needed in assignments. I intend to complete my degree to a high level and venture out into the world of business.
Sarah Jayne Winter
Access to Business Management Pathway

Advanced Learner Loans

Aged 19 or over and thinking about further education?

People aged 19 or over who take certain further education courses are eligible for government loans. These loans help pay your college or training organisation for your course fees. For further information, visit our Fees & Money Matters page or you can contact the Financial Support Team at student.finance@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk or on 01924 789304. More information can be found on the Advanced Learner Loan website.

Eligible courses offered by Wakefield College include:

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma
  • Vocational, technical and professional qualifications at levels 3 to 6

Learn more about Advanced Learner Loans

Downloads

Get our latest Access to Higher Education Guide
Access to Higher Education Guide

Our specialist one-year Access to Higher Education courses will provide you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need for university study. They’re particularly suitable for those who haven’t studied A Levels, or who want to return to education and successfully complete a degree.

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