Access to Higher Education

Access to higher education (HE) courses provide a preparation for higher education for adults (aged 19-plus) with few, if any, qualifications. They are designed to meet the needs of adults who may have left school early and been out of school (as a pupil) for a number of years. In addition to general access courses, there are a wide range of courses that prepare individuals for a particular area of study, such as teaching, business studies, or computing and ICT. All access courses cover the essential study skills for working at HE level.

How can I access Higher Education?

People who successfully complete an access to HE programme are able to enter higher education in a variety of ways, and apply to a range of institutions and courses. However, some access programmes have specially tailored progression arrangements into specific degree courses, sometimes with guaranteed progression for those who achieve the access to HE certificate.

Access Courses

Most access courses can be completed in one year and many are also available on a part-time basis over two or more years. Access courses are developed and approved on a local basis, by colleges and universities working together, so that they take account of the needs and circumstances of local groups of learners, as well as the opportunities within particular HE institutions. Access courses are recognised and quality assured by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

Database of qualifications

The UCAS database of qualifications includes a full list of QAA-recognised access courses. The database is available at www.ucas.ac.uk/access