Access to Higher Education Diploma

Making sure you choose the right course of study is an important part of the journey on the path to your graduate career.

Once you have decided on your desired career you will need to find out what higher education subject(s) you need to study, where you can study them and whether the Access to Higher Education course you’ve chosen meets the entry requirements for that university.

In the drop-down menu below, each of the diplomas we offer have a list of higher education courses and training that students have gone on to undertake.

The following Access Diplomas are available to study:

The Access to Higher Education Diploma – Health Professions will offer you the ideal preparation for further study on the following higher education courses and training:

This diploma consists of one mandatory subject and one secondary subject. The mandatory subject for this diploma is;

Students can choose which secondary subject they study from the list below:

The Access to Higher Education Diploma – Science will offer you the ideal preparation for further study on the following higher education courses and training:

This diploma consists of one mandatory subject and one secondary subject. The mandatory subject for this diploma is;

Students can choose which secondary subject they study from the list below:

The Access to Higher Education Diploma – Science and Maths will offer you the ideal preparation for further study on the following higher education courses and training:

This diploma consists of one mandatory subject and one secondary subject. The mandatory subject for this diploma is;

Students can choose which secondary subject they study from the list below:

You will also have the opportunity to study one of the following subjects alongside your core units in academic writing skills, research and presentation skills.

Can I study GCSE English and/or Maths alongside an Access to Higher Education Diploma?

No, it is not possible to study GCSE qualifications alongside an Access to Higher Education Diploma, and these will need to be achieved prior to starting.

Colchester Institute offers GCSE English and Maths for adult learners and you can study both of these in the same academic year.

Is Functional Skills (maths and English) Level 2 equivalent to a GCSE?

Functional Skills at Level 2 is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 (C on old grading system). Functional Skills is a qualification which is widely accepted as a GCSE equivalent.  Most universities will accept Functional Skills, but please check with your chosen university before you submit your application in order to avoid disappointment.

When can I apply for an Access to Higher Education Diploma?

Applications opened on the 1st of October 2021.

We accept online applications throughout the rest of the academic year, however we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Do I have to pay a fee?

Depending on your age and prior attainment you may be expected to pay full fees, however you will be able to apply for a loan under the Government’s Advanced Learning Loans Scheme to cover the cost of these fees. Loan repayments start when you earn over £27,295 per year.

If you get a loan to cover tuition fees for the Access to HE course and then complete a higher education (degree) course, you won’t have to repay the remaining loan for the Access course.

What if I am not eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan?

If you do have to pay a fee and are not eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan, then your fees can be payed by instalments.

You will need to pay at least 40% of the total fee when you enrol (or £500, whichever is the lower).  A monthly payment plan will then be setup for you to pay the remainder.  All fees need to be paid in full within six months of the start of the course.  Please contact our Registry department on 01206 712555 for further details.

What financial support is available to me?

For those applying for an Advanced Learner Loan, a bursary may be available. For students with an identified low household income, there may be financial support available to assist with the cost of returning to study. Funds are targeted at course related costs such as travel, childcare, books and equipment.

Applicants for the Access to Higher Education Diploma must be aged 19 years old or over at enrolment and will require a minimum of Level 2 Maths and English.

Depending on the specific entry requirements of your chosen University programme you may need GCSE Maths, English or Science at Grade C (4) or above.

You will be required to attend an interview. At interview please bring in the email correspondence you have had with the universities you are intending to apply to, providing such information as the required GCSE maths and English/Level 2 qualifications. Please note that many degree courses have a GCSE Maths and/or English and/or Science requirement for courses, although some will be satisfied with a level 2 Functional Skills in these subjects.  It is therefore important that you contact your chosen universities and ask about their specific GCSE requirements and bring this information to your interview.  It is not possible to study GCSE qualifications alongside Access.

Things to consider

• Do you intend to be working in paid employment whilst studying? If you are, how many hours a week would this involve?
• Have you considered how you will be able to support yourself financially whilst you are studying?
• Do you have any other responsibilities that will demand your time when studying?
• How many hours a week do you think you will need to devote to your studies if accepted on the Access Course (including time and homework)?

You should prepare a written response to the questions below, and during your 20 minute interview be prepared to answer questions on what you have researched. You should bring in and submit your notes of this research (word-processed or handwritten) as these will also be used to assess you for selection. The interview process involves determining whether you have sufficiently researched you chosen degree pathway.

Please also bring in the email correspondence you have had with the universities you are intending to apply to, providing such information as the required GCSE maths and English/Level 2 qualifications.

You should take time to research your chosen Higher Education programme and future career, you will be asked questions about your research at interview.

• What have you been doing in the last 3-4 years?
• At which University and which Higher Education programme do you wish to progress onto following the Access programme?
• What has influenced your choice of Higher Education programme?
• Describe some of your strengths and explain how these can be applied to further study or your career goal.
• Describe some of your weaknesses and how you could improve them.
• Where do you wish to study?
• What qualifications are required to progress onto your Higher Education programme, including Access grade, preferred subjects to be studied and Access Diploma type.
• Details of any work experience/voluntary work required.
• Mode of HE study e.g. modules studied on the programme, work placements, exams.
• In relation to a career, what do you know about factors such as shift patterns, pay, location, jobs market etc.
• What is the level of competition for a place on the higher education course to which you would like to apply?
• What alternative course/s have you researched if your degree application is unsuccessful?

Use the UCAS link to help you research which university course programme you wish to progress to following completion of your Access to Higher Education Diploma