Access to Higher Education
Access to HE Diploma (Education Professions)
The Access to HE Diploma in Education (Early Years) is an intensive one year programme of study. It will equip you with the skills, experience and qualifications to go on to study a range of higher education courses in Early Years and Childhood studies that can then lead to careers in early years education, primary education, further education, safeguarding and family support work.
The core curriculum provides you with the underlying skills you need for study at university level. These include reading, essay writing, note taking, presentation, research skills, use of statistics and some IT skills. It also provides tutorial support which may take the form of a group session or one-to-one support. All students will be allocated a personal tutor from the beginning of the Diploma.
The diploma will cover key units including:
Child Development
Child Psychology
Early Socialisation
Safeguarding
Teaching and Learning
Education
English and Maths
The diploma consists of 45 graded credits and 15 ungraded study skills credits.
All units must be achieved to pass the diploma. Graded credits are assessed at Pass, Merit and Distinction. Learners will attend college 3 days per week for one full academic year.
About the course
Child Development, Child Psychology, Early Socialisation, Safeguarding, Teaching and Learning, Education, English and Maths
GCSE English and Maths C/4 or equivalent.
Please note some degree entry requirements may be higher than this or require additional subjects such as Science. Please ensure you check higher education entry requirements.
Diploma assessments are wide ranging and will see you undertake:
group discussions
presentations
reports
media articles
essays
time constrained assessments
question booklets
There is no end exam.
After successfully completing this programme, learners can progress to study at university level in the following fields:
BA (Honours) Early Childhood.
BA (Honours) Childhood and Youth Studies.
BA (Honours) Education Studies (Primary)
BA Social Work
FDA Children, Young People and Families
This course is suitable for applicants aged 19+ and for those looking to proceed to university level study.The full cost for this course is approximately £3,384. If you are aged 19-23 and do not already have a full level 3 qualification, the qualification will be fully funded. If this does not apply, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan. Please note: all quoted fees are subject to change.
Funding an Access to HE Diploma
If you do not already have a Level 3 qualification, an Access to HE Diploma may be fully funded.Alternatively, tuition fees can be funded by an 19+ Advanced Learner Loan. 19+ Advanced Learner Loans can be used to pay tuition fees and are designed to make studying as an adult more accessible. Eligibility does not depend on income, there are no credit checks, and anyone over the age of 19 can apply as long as they’re studying an approved course at Level 3, 4, 5, or 6. If you progress onto a relevant higher education course, your Access to HE advanced learner loan will be removed from repayment.
Student case study
“I loved every minute of the course and my tutors were so supportive the whole way through. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to university, but they gave me the skills to do amazingly in this course. I couldn’t be prouder of myself and can’t wait for the future!”
Ruby - Access to HE in Diploma in Education and Early years
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Employed in 2026 across Sheffield
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Average salary
Course videos
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Key Information
Course Code
P00618
Subject Area
Childcare and Education
Campus
Hillsborough Campus