Access to HE courses

Our Access to Higher Education courses are designed to give people who left school with few or no formal qualifications the confidence and skills to enable them to progress onto a degree or foundation degree level education.

This is a one-year programme in core subjects, including communications, study skills and IT as well as offering the choice between more specialised subjects. We offer pathways in the following:

Business Studies Engineering Environmental Science Health Studies Humanities Medicine Science Social Science Social Work

Access qualifications are nationally recognised as an equivalent to A Level qualifications. After completing an Access to Higher Education course, many students go on to study one of our Higher Education courses or take advantage of the strong links we have with a range of universities in the South West. Access to Higher Education courses take place at our Ashley Down Centre, and if you are aged over 24, you can apply for the Advanced Learning Loan to cover the tuition fee costs.

How is this course delivered?

All of our Access to Higher Education courses are delivered in the same way, through 15 hours per week in college spread across three or four days as well as 20 hours of self-study.

The courses are assessed through a combination of assignments, coursework and exams.

What are the entry requirements for the courses?

To be accepted onto one of our Access courses you will need one or more of the following: GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above Strong desire to study Commitment to study full-time for a year Knowledge of the course you plan to study at university after completing this course Good organisation, enthusiasm and motivation

For some courses, you may be required to complete 6-12 months experience of working in the industry (voluntary or paid employment). This should preferably be in the area you want to work in.

How much will it cost?

To study on our Access to Higher Education courses, fees range from £3022 to £3384.