Have you always wanted to study for a degree or diploma at university, but didn’t think you had the qualifications to do so? Access to Higher Education Diplomas – to give them their full title – are a one year course that help you gain the relevant entry requirements for a university level course.
Access courses have been specifically designed for adults who have been out of education for some time and don’t require previous experience in the industry you wish to study in.
To get started you will need to meet our entry requirements which are usually a GCSE grade C/4 in English Language and Maths. Please check course pages for individual requirements. When you’ve decided which access course you want to do, successfully complete it and university awaits!
We have fantastic courses on offer at The Sheffield College, with a variety of subjects available. You can study in the following areas and take advantage of all the benefits an access course with us has to offer!
Access courses are for anyone aged 19+ and don’t require you to have worked or studied in the industry you want to break into.
For most access courses, a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English Language and Maths is all you need to get started. We want to make opportunities available to those ready to work for them. If you don’t have the exact requirements, our pre-access courses will help support you to gain them. Your course leader will advise you on this at the interview stage. Please check individual subjects for specific entry requirements.
The whole point of an access course is to ease you back into a classroom environment and prepare you for university. Yes, it will be challenging, but the course has taken all this into consideration. You won’t be the only one feeling nervous! We will help you to rediscover your academic skills and introduce you to new subjects. We’re trying to help you secure a place on a degree.
Universities have helped to develop these courses so that they develop the skills you require and feed directly into their entry requirements. Each year, approximately 25,000 students achieve an Access to Higher Education Diploma and progress to degree courses across the UK. You could be next!
For some students, course fees will be fully funded. However, if you are required to pay for the course, a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan will cover your Access to Higher Education Diploma course fees. The good news is... You could have your loan written off!
Upon completion of your access course, if you progress to and complete a university level course, the 19+ Advanced Learner Loan repayment is written off. This means you’ll only have to pay off your university student loan – which you don’t have to do until you’re earning over £2,143 a month (before tax and other deductions)! If you need independent financial advice, please visit www.gov.uk/student-finance or www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
