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Access to Higher Education

Your Fast-Track Route to University

Want to study at university, but lack the necessary qualifications? Then choose a one-year Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma!

 

Nationally recognised and the equivalent of THREE A Levels, the flexible style of study suits adults leading busy lives; for some courses, we even offer evening provision, fitting around your other commitments perfectly.

 

Throughout your Access to HE experience, we’ll provide friendly support, as well as expert advice and guidance – after all, you may have been out of education for a while, and we want to ensure that your college experience is positive, enjoyable and successful.  

 

When it comes to fees, we’ve got your back too - pay for the cost of your course with an Advanced Learner Loan and if you progress to university and successfully complete your course, you won’t have to pay a penny back!

 

Interested? Here’s what to do next:

Your next step is to either 1. Book on to an Access Information Event or 2. Express your interest – whether you choose options 1 or 2 depends on which course/s interest you.

 

For the five Access courses below, you need to book your place on an Access Information Event. These events, which are delivered face-to-face or online (you choose!), will give you more details about the courses and the application process. Simply click here to book your place.

  • Access to Primary Teaching & Education Professions
  • Access to Nursing & Health Professions
  • Access to Science
  • Access to Social Work
  • Access to Social Sciences

For the two courses below, please express your interest in a course by emailing the relevant Access tutor:

  • Access to Business Management

Please email jodie.cooke@boltoncc.ac.uk with your details – on receipt of your email, Jodie will contact you to tell you what you need to do next.

  • Access to Computing & ICT

Please email maxine.houghton@boltoncc.ac.uk with your details – on receipt of your email, Maxine will contact you to tell you what you need to do next.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please note, the award of the Access to HE Diploma does not provide guaranteed entry to UK HE programmes – before applying for an Access to HE programme, please speak to your chosen Higher Education provider to ensure that the Access to HE Diploma award meets their entry requirements.

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  • What is an Access to Higher Education (HE) course?

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    Access to HE courses prepare adults for study at university level.

     

    Courses are designed, in particular, for people who have been out of education for some time, especially those who left school with too few qualifications to be able to go straight to university.

     

    Access to HE courses provide a good foundation in the knowledge and skills required for studying at university level, so that students are confident and well prepared when they go on to higher education. In order to use the title ‘Access to HE’ a course must be recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

  • What does an Access to HE Diploma involve?

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    An Access to HE Diploma course involves completing a certain set of units of study which are relevant to the overall Diploma subject.

    The whole package of units is designed to equip students for university level study in that subject or subject area.

    The detail of course content on individual courses depends on the subject of the Diploma, but all courses require study of relevant academic subject(s) at university entry level give students the opportunity to learn how to approach study at university level and develop techniques to help them to be successful students.

  • Do you have various Access to HE subjects?

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    Yes.

    Courses leading to the Access to HE Diploma are available in many different subjects, providing a preparation for a wide range of university programmes. We offer:

    • Business Management
    • Computing & ICT
    • Nursing & Allied Health Professions
    • Science
    • Social Sciences
    • Social Work
    • Primary Teaching & Education Professions

     

     

     

  • What qualifications do I need to join?

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    You will need English and Maths GCSE at a grade 4 (C) or above, or be working towards these, and may require additional GCSEs if they are required for entry to your chosen university course. You are advised to investigate potential university progression routes to establish specific entry requirements they may require. 

    All applicants are interviewed prior to acceptance on the course, and this is a two-stage process. You will be asked to complete a written assessment during the first part of the interview, which assesses your academic reading and writing ability to ensure you are at a level suitable for study at Level 3. You will then be invited for a 1-to-1 interview with a course tutor to establish the suitability of your chosen pathway for your intended progression route. 

  • Thinking of applying for an Advanced Learner Loan?

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    If you're thinking of applying for an Advanced Learner Loan to fund your access course, you should first check your eligibility here.

     

     

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Hear what our students have to say

    • Access prepared me massively for my degree; it gave me a real insight into lectures and academic writing. My tutors anticipated what I’d be learning at university, so they taught me accordingly. In many ways, I was more prepared than if I’d done A-Levels.

      Fern Templeman - Access to HE Diploma in Nursing

    • I’m completing the Access Course with the help of the Advanced Learner Loan. It’s been a big weight off my shoulders that I’ve been able to complete my studies to further my career, without worrying about paying for the course straight away. The teachers are the best thing about the College. They’re really helpful and genuinely care about helping all the students further their education and be the best they can be. I’m going to continue my studies and complete my Level 4 and 5 qualifications, then hope to get a job which involves coding computer systems in cars.

      Lee Holloway – Access to HE Diploma in Computing

    • The Access Course has been a brilliant way to prepare me for the next step of applying to University. The course is very intensive, but I’ve enjoyed developing my creative abilities and digital design skills. I’m currently applying for a Textiles and Surface Design course at University and hope to one day start my own business as a fabric designer.

      Nikki Emmet – Access to HE Diploma in Art and Design

    • After working as a teaching assistant for five years, I decided to take the plunge and start training to become a teacher. The course is split into three main areas – Psychology, Education and English. This has given me a good overview of the different skills I’ll need when working as a teacher. I’ve just accepted an offer to go to the University of Bolton to do my Early Years and Childhood Studies. I can’t wait!

      Sophie Roberts – Access to HE Diploma in Teaching

    • Advanced Learner Loans for Access

    Apply for an Advanced Learner Loan today...

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