About Access Courses

View all Access courses

What is an Access Course?

Access Courses are designed to enable mature learners who may have few formal qualifications to gain entry onto Higher Education (HE) courses.

They welcome people who have been out of education for some time but have gained life experience and now want to return to study. There are usually few formal entry requirements, although GCSE English and Maths are desirable, but a mature attitude and commitment to study is a must.

What does it involve?

Access to Higher Education Courses aim to ensure that you are confident and well prepared for the rigours of University life as well as future employment. In addition to studying main subjects, they include units to develop study skills and teach you how to:

• manage your time
• write essays and reports
• undertake research projects
• prepare for the UCAS application process.

Assessment

Learning and achievement will be assessed in a variety of ways to prepare you for study at university. Assessment methods include:

• investigative/research projects and reports
• extended essays
• presentations
• case studies
• practical activities
• time constrained assessments (exams) under controlled conditions.

What do you get if you complete an Access Course?

All Access to Higher Education courses lead to the award of a nationally recognised qualification: the QAA approved Access to Higher Education Diploma. The Access to Higher Education Diploma is accepted by universities as an appropriate entry qualification for most undergraduate courses. When embarking on an Access course, you are strongly advised to check on the requirements of the Higher Education course you hope to progress to.