Prospective Students

Access to HE Diplomas are qualifications designed for people who do not have the qualifications to enter a university level course but who do have life experience and a willingness to learn. They are mostly offered over a single year on a part-time basis by colleges of further education but some can be taken over two years. Access to HE courses offer an alternative way to university for people who have not had the opportunity to achieve the entry requirements necessary during their earlier education.

“If you are thinking of taking an Access to HE course, do it. It’s the best way for mature students to develop skills and change careers, all whilst being supported by the best tutors.” Anna Morgan, former Access to HE student – read her story: Anna Morgan Case Study

Mum Zena Tebb who hated school discovers a love of learning and a path to university at St Vincent College – Zena Tebb, former Access to HE student – read her story here: Zena Tebb Case Study

Use our ‘Access Course Finder’ for LASER validated courses.

Please note, you will need to contact the individual college for details such as course availability, costs, timings etc.

Yes, Access to HE Diplomas are national qualifications which allow students without traditional qualifications to apply for degree courses and enter university. They are regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) which ensures the quality of degree courses at universities. Access to HE courses are a recognised route to undergraduate study and they are included on the UCAS Tariff Points system.

Laser Learning Awards is the organisation which guarantees the quality and standards of the Access to HE Diploma offered by the centre at which you are studying. We also issue the final certificates at the end of your course. In addition, we support Access to HE across all our approved centres by working with tutors in colleges and admissions staff in universities as well as holding events and conferences. Each year, we run an learner prize scheme for students who have shown outstanding commitment to, or achievement on their Access to HE course.

Access to HE course prices will vary depending on where you study and on your personal circumstances. For applicants without a full set of Level 2 qualifications (i.e. equivalent to 5 GCSE grades 4 and above) and for those in receipt of a range of state benefits, the courses are often free. If you do not fall into these categories, you will be required to pay. Mature students can apply for the Advanced Learner Loan – the amount of this loan will be wiped off your student debt on completion of your Higher Education Degree. Read more about Advanced Learner Loans.

To find out the cost of specific Access to HE courses, please contact the individual colleges and centres offering these courses directly. They will also be able to tell you if you can apply for other grants.

Whilst you are on your Access to HE course, you can apply to universities using the UCAS application process. For one-year courses starting in September, applications are usually made at the end of your first term. Universities will process your application and if they offer you a place this will be based upon either successful completion of an Access to HE Diploma with specific grade requirements for some or all of the Level 3 units studied on the course, or a requirement to achieve a specific amount of UCAS Tariff Points.

Some universities may ask your tutors for an additional second reference in January or they may ask to see samples of your work. As the pressure on places in higher education increases in the current climate of financial austerity, you can expect to be asked to gain some of your Level 3 units at merit or distinction level. Your course tutors will advise you further on how to apply and will give you support with writing your personal statement. In some cases, you will be called to interview as part of the application process.

Many Access to HE students underestimate their potential and abilities, especially if they have been out of education for many years, or had negative experiences in their previous education. However, mature students bring valuable experience and strong motivation to their studies, qualities that many universities highly appreciate. Be positive in your university application, and remember to draw upon your wider experience of life, always highlighting how they relate positively to your chosen degree course.

If you are interested in joining an Access to HE course and would like more information about Access to HE courses and where to study, please follow this link to our Access Diploma information page.