Access to Higher Education

A pathway for those looking to enter higher education. An Access qualification will give you the skills to pursue a university degree.

Group of happy graduates at Leicester College graduation

Are you an adult who aspires to go to university but doesn’t currently have the entry requirements? It is never too late to return to study and we have the perfect courses to help you get there.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas are one-year, level 3 courses. They are equivalent to 3 A Levels. They enable adults to go to university in one year. They aim for progression and career goals. The subjects will give you knowledge and skills for your HE studies. In addition, academic study skills are embedded within Access courses to help you with the transition to higher level study.

To progress to nursing and midwifery from our health course, you need 5 or 6 GCSEs (including English, maths, and a science) before your Access course. We have a full-time adult GCSE course to help you. We also have part-time GCSE evening classes for adults. Choose from biology, chemistry, psychology, English, maths, and English literature.

Take a look at our Access to HE courses

Access to HE Courses

access to HE social science case study video cover

We understand that returning to education is a big decision. Access to Higher Education courses are for adults aged 19+ returning to education. Everyone on your course will be an adult, you won’t be the only one! Our excellent tutors and lecturers are here to help you. They know it may have been a while since you last studied.

You will need GCSE maths and English, at least at grade 4 (C) for all our Access courses. Take a look at the entry criteria for each course for full details.

If you don’t have these qualifications we also offer a range of GCSE courses <<link to gcses>> that can be a stepping stone for you.

If are aged 19 to 23 and this is your first full level 3 qualification (2 A levels or equivalent) you won’t have to pay course fees.

If you are 24 or over there is no fee remission. You will have to pay course fees and can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover this cost for you.

If you take out an Advanced Learner Loan and then complete a higher education course eligible for student finance, you won't have to pay it back.

Previous students have gone on to study at many universities. They followed their dreams and fulfilled their potential. An Access course leads to careers in teaching, nursing, and social work. These professions require university degrees.

UCAS Tariff points are allocated to Access courses, in a similar way to A levels. And you can earn up to 144 points – which is the same as getting three A* at A level.