What are Access to HE courses?

What if, a bit later in life, you decide you want to go to university but didn’t have the opportunity to get the right entry qualifications before? Don’t let that stop you - that’s just the situation that Access to Higher Education (HE) courses were designed for. We look at what they are all about.

For most people, going to university is something they will do in their late teens or early twenties, after they have done A Levels, BTECs or other Level 3 qualifications. But that’s not the case for everyone. There could be lots of reasons why this traditional route wasn’t right for you, but it’s never too late to consider Higher Education. Some University Admissions Tutors will consider things like life-experience and industry qualifications when looking at applications, and it’s always worth checking with the Admissions Tutor to get their advice. However, a qualification such as Access to HE can really boost your chances of acceptance and success on your chosen course.

What is Access to HE?

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a Level 3 (A Level equivalent) qualification designed to prepare adults to study in HE. They are open to residents of England, Wales and Northern Ireland and are typically a one-year, full-time course. Increasingly, many are being offered as online/distance learning options which might be more flexible to fit around your existing commitments. They are not usually suitable for younger applicants, so they are not offered as a substitute to A Levels at 16. Learners suited to an Access to HE course will usually have been out of education for at least a year, but probably longer. You will also need to hold GCSE English and Maths or equivalent Level 2 qualifications at grade C/4 or higher.

What subjects are available?

Organisations who teach Access to HE courses have some scope to tailor courses to the demands of their local area or popular university courses. This means we have seen a growth in both subjects and combined subjects on offer around the country. Here is a quick summary of some of the most popular but this is not all of them so please check what your local colleges can offer too: • Animal & Land-based Professions, including

Sciences, Zoology or Environmental studies • Business, including combinations with

Accountancy Law, Management and Marketing • Construction & Built Environment, Civil

Engineering and Construction • Education & Care, from Early Years to Teaching and Youth Work • Humanities & Creative Arts, including Creative and Digital Media, Drama, History or Fashion • IT & Digital, with Computer Game Design,

Computer Science, maths or engineering • Law & Policing, such as forensics, criminology and legal professions • Medicine & Health, from Biochemical Science to Nursing and Midwifery, to Pharmacy and

Paramedic • Sciences & Engineering, including Engineering,

Physics, Chemistry and Maths • Social sciences • Sport Fitness and Health Science, such as

Physio and Sport Therapy or Coaching and

Business Management For more details and a list of all courses currently available, explore the Access to HE website at:

www.accesstohe.ac.uk

What will you study?

There are two key aspects to any Access to HE course. Learning or refreshing study skills to give you the best preparation for working at a higher academic level and gaining the foundation subject knowledge relevant to the degree you want to study.

The study skills aspect will include things like practising writing for academic assignments and good time-management. Many Access to HE courses also include completing a research project, which will help you with research, writing and formatting work, referencing and so on. Most Access to HE courses are assessed through a combination of assignments and presentations, which are useful skills to develop. The academic knowledge will, of course, vary according to the subject you wish to study at degree-level so check the details of the course you are interested. For example, if you want to study a health or medical related degree, your Access course is likely to include subjects like clinical skills, cells, tissues and organs for healthcare, and disease and body defence. However, if you’re looking to study education, your Access course will include modules such as the psychology of learning, disability and special educational needs, and managing behaviour in the classroom.