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Access to Higher Education Diploma

Are you interested in finding out more information about the Access to Higher Education Diploma?

Do you have questions you need answering before you can make your application? Just get in touch.

adulteducation@aquinas.ac.uk or phone 0161 419 3620

Course titleTopics CoveredFor students wanting to pursue careers in the areas such as:
Health ProfessionsHuman Biology & PsychologyNursing, midwifery, radiography, paramedic science, physiotherapy and related health professions.
CriminologyPsychology & CriminologySocial work, police and prison services, psychology, counselling, youth work.

Access to Higher Education Diploma?

Are you looking for a fast-track route to university? Our Access to Higher Education (HE) courses allow you to get to university in one year

Our Access programme is a one-year part-time course. It is designed for over 19’s who may have been out of education for a while and would like another opportunity to study.

Access to H.E Diploma is an accepted alternative to ‘A’ levels and is recognised by universities for admission onto a range of degree courses.

Former learners studying the Access to Higher Education Course have progressed onto careers into nursing, physiotherapy, or have been accepted onto degree programmes.

Our programme offers pathways in Health Professions OR Criminology & Psychology. In addition, you will study Core Skills units, designed to make the return to education less stressful and more enjoyable.

NHS Bursary and funding in England:   Health students applying for eligible degrees will be able to claim for financial support.  Please go to http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/nhs-bursary for further help on this and to check which degree courses are considered. Nursing students will benefit from guaranteed, additional support of at least £5,000 a year to help with living costs. The funding will be given to all new and continuing degree-level nursing, midwifery and many allied health students from September.

Comment from MMU re their Criminology degree programmes and students applying following the completion of an Access Diploma:

We are quite flexible in the subjects we accept from applicants – almost anything where an applicant can provide a convincing case for relevance! Our advertised preference is for at least some L3 study in a humanities or social science subject area so the course presented here fits the profile well.

We’re happy to develop relationships with colleges who provide courses that prepare students in subjects we deliver at degree level. Visits to colleges by lecturers and/or visits to University will be arranged.

PLEASE NOTE: The Award of the Access to Higher Education Diploma does not guarantee entry into University.

Cropped photograph of a student studying

Applications for the Access to HE Diploma are made online from March to the end of August for a September start. Contact us to register your interest.

Subject attendance

Classes are held on Monday and Tuesday evening from 6.00pm to 9.00pm. Attendance is required on both evenings.

At least 80% attendance is required to achieve the Access Diploma, though we would expect very little absence from class. As well as attending classes you are expected to put in at least 6 to 8 hours of private study per week. This is very often taken up with reading.

Healt Profession Pathway:  Grade ‘C/4’or above in GCSE English, Maths & Science, particularly if going into nursing or midwifery – Manchester and Salford Universities require you to have Grade C/4 in English Language and Maths).

Criminology Pathway:  Grade ‘C/4’ or above in GCSE English Language & Maths and preferably Science but Science not essential.

You are required to do provide copies of your GCSE certificates prior to enrolment to help us check your skills in order to receive the correct advice and guidance. Also, you will need to demonstrate to the course tutor/advisor that you have the commitment and skills necessary to successfully complete the course.

Applicants wishing to progress into higher education need to be aware that some higher education institutions (HEIs) may have additional entry requirements (e.g. for nursing at the University of Manchester or Salford you will need: GCSE English Language, Maths and Science – grade C/4 or above. Also you must achieve on your Access to HE Diploma 45 credits at level 3; 30 credits at distinction grade, 15 credits at merit grade and 30 of the credits must be in Health Science). It is advisable to check with the HEIs to which you intend applying to for their entry requirements, as this may require a longer period of study before you go to university.

For students whose first language is not English, you will be asked to complete Initial Assessments in literacy and numeracy which will help us to place you on the correct course and identify any possible support needs that you may have. It is possible we would recommend you enrol onto an IELTS course prior to commencing Access.

Access Co-ordinator

Bridie Kelly

Head of Adult Education

Emma Bradbury

Adult Education Manager

Alison Hesford

Tel: 0161 419 3620 or 0161 483 3237
Email: adulteducation@aquinas.ac.uk