University Centre Colchester | Mature Students – Adult Learning

Whether you are looking to improve your career prospects, sharpen your skills or get back into education, University Centre Colchester offers a wide range of degrees and diplomas that can help you to succeed in your ambitions.

Choosing a course to suit your needs has never been easier and with our wide choice of full-time and part-time courses, you can balance your studies with your current work and life commitments.

We understand that returning to study can be daunting, but we are here to support you. Our welcoming campus, approachable teaching teams and small class sizes ensure that mature students can thrive within a friendly and aspirational learning community.

As a mature first year student I was a little worried about fitting in with the class, however I am pleasantly surprised at how inclusive the lessons are and how supportive the lecturers have been.Barry Keleghar, BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Access Courses

Access to Higher Education diplomas

For mature students aged 19 or over, our Access to Higher Education courses offer a programme of academic study over one year, equivalent to A Levels, leading to entry onto degree and diploma courses. Accredited by Gateway Qualifications, an authorised validating agency, our Access programmes are recognised nationally.

Your learning will be facilitated by a range of activities including: teacher input, group work, seminar presentations, research activities and personal study.

Access to Higher Education diplomas available in:

The lecturers are very much student-focused. The delivery of learning is made simple.Dumisani Ncube, Access

Degree Level Progression

The Access to Higher Education Diplomas can offer pathways into higher education courses and training;

Access to Higher Education Diploma – Health Professions

Nursing – Adult, Child and Mental
Midwifery
Speech and Language Therapy
Physiotherapy
Health Studies
Sports Studies
Nutrition

Operating Department Practice
Public Health
Sports Coaching
Occupational Therapy
Sports Psychology
Health and Social Care
Teaching

Access to Higher Education Diploma – Science

Bioscience
Sports Science
Chemistry
Biology
Marine Biology
Animal Science
Microbiology
Zoology
Biomedical Science
Physiotherapy
Dietetics
Nutrition

Nutrition and Human Health
Forensic Science
Paramedic Science
Genetics
Diagnostic Radiography
Therapeutic Radiography
Pharmacy
Biochemistry
Biological Science
Teaching
Material science

Stepping-stones to degree programmes

Many of our higher education programmes offer stepping stones to full Honours degrees in the form of a one year (Certificate of Higher Education) or two year (Foundation degree) programmes.

Entry requirements

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, although some will be satisfied with a Level 2 Functional Skills in these subjects.