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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering)
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering)
Course Overview
Course Code
P00230
Start Date
30/09/2026
Study Hours
Full Time
Duration
1 year
Start time
08:30 am
End time
17:00 pm
Campus
Abbey Park Campus
Level
Level 3
Access to Higher Education is a level 3 qualification, equivalent to A- levels, designed for adults (aged 19+) who do not hold traditional qualifications. It prepares learners for university and other higher education (HE) programmes. The course offers subject -specific knowledge, essential study skills and clear career pathways in areas like engineering. Access courses are validated by the Quality Assurance Agency(QAA) and are accepted as a standard entry requirement for the vast majority of UK universities.
This is an intensive, challenging one year engineering programme delivered over two days per week. You will need to demonstrate high levels of motivation from the outset. Full attendance and excellent punctuality are essential to ensure that you reap the full benefits of the course. Practical work is carried out in modern, well-equipped laboratories and the aim is to help to prepare you for the demands of university-level study.
You will study alongside adults who have similar progression aims to yourself and will benefit from the support of a personal tutor to guide you through the UCAS process.
Access to higher education - Engineering is a one-year programme, during which you will study the following units over two days a week:
Mathematics
Mechanical science
Electrical and Electronics science
Study Skills
Access to HE in Engineering is comprised of 60 credits at level 3. It includes 21 for maths , 12 for Mechanical science and 12 for electrical science and remaining 15 credits from ungraded units.
Standard entry to this course requires:
a) Applicants should be 19 plus by no later than the 31 August prior to starting the course.
b) You are expected to hold GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 and above or any equivalent qualification.
c) A satisfactory reference will be required. An interview and initial assessment, including level 2 science and mathematics questions, may be conducted prior to offering a place on the course.
- Material fee: £150
- Exam registration fee: £166
- Annual Tuition fee: £3928
There are no course fees if you are under 24 on 31st August of the year in which you start the course AND you do not possess a full Level 3 qualification.
If (a) you are under 24 and already have a full level 3 qualification, OR (b) you are over 24 (irrespective of any qualifications you have achieved), then course fees are applicable. However, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover these.
On successful completion of the Access to HE Engineering qualification, students may progress to a range of engineering courses at university or other Higher Education institutes. This could include studying for a Higher National certificate (level 4), followed by Higher National Diploma (level 5), which can then lead to a top up degree to achieve full bachelor’s degree.
Application to university or any higher education courses are made through the UCAS website. For a higher education course offered by Leicester college an application can be made through student portal. Leicester college is also listed on UCAS under the institution code L36.
Course Overview
Course Code
P00230
Start Date
30/09/2026
Study Hours
Full Time
Duration
1 year
Start time
08:30 am
End time
17:00 pm
Campus
Abbey Park Campus
Level
Level 3