Ready to change your career, start a degree, or finally follow your passion? Our Access to Higher Education Diplomas are designed for adults aged 19 and over who want to take the next step into university or a new profession.
With flexible study options, expert tutors, and a supportive learning community, we’ll help you unlock your potential -whatever your background or life experience.
Start by browsing our Access to HE course pages. Each page provides detailed information about the course content, entry requirements, progression opportunities, and study expectations. When you have found the course that best matches your career or university goals, select the Apply button on that course page.
Complete your application online
You will be directed to our online application portal where you can complete and submit your application:
Once submitted, our admissions team will review your application. If your application is successful, you may be invited to an interview or asked for additional information.
Offer and next steps
After the review process, we will contact you with the outcome of your application and guide you through the next steps to secure your place.
Need Help Before Applying?
If you are unsure which Access to HE course is right for you, or if you have questions about the application process, our admissions team will be happy to help. Please contact us for guidance:wsc-admissions@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Access to Higher Education course?
Access to Higher Education courses are designed for those aged 19 or over who want to upskill, reskill, or study a university degree but are missing the standard entry requirements. These courses are a Level 3 qualification equivalent to three A Levels that bridges the gap, providing the essential knowledge and credentials needed for degree-level study, and are an excellent stepping stone to most UK universities including University Studies at West Suffolk College.
I’m not sure if Access to Higher Education is right for me, what should I do?
If you are not sure that you are ready to take the step to apply for an Access to Higher Education full year programme, you can get in touch with our friendly team who would be happy to talk you through the course and what to expect. You could also join our fully funded short Pre Access to Higher Education course, to brush up on your study skills and get ready to get back into education.
Hear from our students!
Hear from Sadie, one of our Access to Social Sciences students who has now progressed to BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology with University Studies at West Suffolk College. https://youtu.be/q8RJC9JBpGs
What are the entry requirements?
No Formal entry requirements are required however, all students are screened at interview to establish their current level for both Maths and English
However, some of our courses will require a minimum GCSE Maths or English at grade 4 or above or an equivalent Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2 grade due to the nature of the course
Some courses also require GCSE Science Grade 4 (C) or above.
If you do not already have your Maths and English, please click here to find out about courses running near you.
What financial support is available?
We offer flexible payment plans to help spread the cost of fees.
If you are aged between 19 and 23 and studying for your first full Level 3 qualification, your course will be fully funded through our Adult Education Budget and you will not incur any fees.
If you are 19-23 and already have a full level 3 qualification or are over 24, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to fund your course.
For students studying Access to HE diplomas, Student Finance England will “write off” any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances taken out to pay for an Access course should you complete a degree. This means that you would not have to repay your access loan.
Study is hard enough without struggling to pay for the things that you may need to undertake your course. A discretionary bursary fund, depending on household income and family circumstances may provide support for travel, childcare and materials required for your course. Apply for a Bursary.
Example of attendance days (subject to change)
Course
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Health Professions Bury St Edmunds
9:00 – 17:00
9:00 – 17:00
Humanities and Social Sciences Bury St Edmunds
9:00 – 17:00
9:00 – 17:00
Construction and Built Environment Bury St Edmunds
18:00 – 21:00
18:00 – 21:00
18:00 – 21:00
Counselling Bury St Edmunds
9:00 – 17:00
9:00 – 17:00
Social Sciences Bury St Edmunds
9:00 – 17:00
9:00 – 17:00
Science Bury St Edmunds
9:00 – 17:00
9:00 – 17:00
Health Professions: 9:00 – 17:00 – Monday and Wednesdays Humanities and Social Sciences: 9:00 – 17:00 – Monday and Wednesdays Construction and Built Environment: 18:00 – 21:00 – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Counselling: 9:00 – 17:00 – Thursday and Friday Social Sciences: 9:00 – 17:00 – Monday and Thursday Science: 9:00 – 17:00 – Tuesday and Thursday
Where will I study?
Our Access to Higher Education courses are primarily delivered in our University and Professional Development Centre in Bury St Edmunds, with selected courses also offered in Chatteris (North Cambridgeshire Training Centre), Sudbury (Learning Centre) and online.
Benefits of Access courses
Access to fully funded CPD short courses, while places last
20% off our languages courses (subject to availability and eligibility)
Ongoing access to our Careers Service and JobShop, to help you advance your career
Invitations to exclusive networking events
10% off a wide range of leisure learning courses
Progression after your Access course
Our students have the option to progress directly to University Studies degree courses on successful completion of their Access to Higher Education course, subject to eligibility criteria.
You will continue to study at our familiar and friendly University and Professional Development Centre throughout your degree and may even be taught by familiar tutors who teach across both our Access courses and our University Studies courses.
