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.
It’s never too late to begin.
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
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
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
A door opener to a degree or a new career
Many people use Access courses as a way back into degree study and our courses are widely recognised by UK Universities. The courses are also designed for industry with employers and progression in mind, enabling students to develop confidence, skills and qualifications for further study or employment in growing industries.
It’s never too late to change things. Even if you have not studied for years, or left school without many qualifications, you can still get going on a new course.
We provide all the support to help you restart studying – and you’ll feel at home too as many other people on our courses are just like you.
Our Access to Higher Education courses are the perfect way to discover what’s possible. The course will help you rebuild confidence before embarking on more demanding study, and also help you adapt the rest of your life around the time needed for study.
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.
