Access to Higher Education

Your journey to a dream career starts here!

Are you aged 19+ and looking to study a degree to progress your career but don’t meet the entry requirements for university? Our Access to HE Diploma courses are designed to help you take the first step towards university.

With flexible study options, convenient timetables, and the potential to study for FREE*, there’s never been a better time to start your journey to a dream career.

Access to HE Diplomas are equivalent to A Levels and provide a widely-recognised qualification that will prepare you for university. Whether you’re retraining, upskilling, or starting afresh, we’ll support you every step of the way.

Don’t let barriers hold you back. Apply today!

• Personalised advice on courses, fees and financial support

  Returning to education can feel overwhelming, especially when considering factors such as choosing the right course, balancing studies around a full-time job or family commitments, and the financial aspect of course fees.

  Don't let these concerns be a barrier! Take the next step by contacting us. Our friendly team will be in touch to explore all the options available to you.

  Contact us

• Why choose us?

  • Study for FREE* - As part of a government funded scheme, you could study for FREE. You could also have an Advanced Learner Loan written off when you complete an eligible university course.
  • Flexible study options - Study online or on campus with convenient timetables that fit into your busy schedule.
  • Recognised qualifications - Earn a Level 3 qualification equivalent to three A Levels (up to 148 UCAS points), widely accepted by universities.
  • Supportive environment - Transition easily back into education with the help of our friendly staff and diverse adult student community.
  • Tailored for adults - Designed for students aged 19+, perfect for retraining or starting a new career path.

• First Steps into Access to HE

  Do you want to gain more confidence, knowledge and skills before joining one of our Access to HE Diploma courses? Then our First Steps into Access to HE Diploma course is just for you!

• Don’t have the required GCSEs? No problem!

  We’re here to help you get ready for your next step.

  • Need one GCSE? Study it alongside our Preparation for Access to HE course.
  • Need both GCSEs? Join our GCSEs for Access to HE courses, designed just for adult learners.

  We'll help you take a short assessment to see what support you need. Then, we’ll guide you through the best options of getting onto your preferred Access to HE course.

• Paying for your course

  Don’t let course fees hold you back from achieving your goals. Dependent on your personal circumstances, you may be eligible to:

  • Study for FREE*
  • Apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs
  • Split the course cost over four instalments
  • Apply for additional financial support.

• What our students say

  Hear what our Access to Higher Education students have to say about their time studying  at West Notts!

  “I have gathered skills that I will use to further myself professionally and I’ll hopefully be able to move into the career that I’ve always dreamed of.”
  
  “The atmosphere in lessons is relaxed and you feel well supported by the teaching staff.”

  Responses from a 'Rate your course' survey conducted in 2024.

• FAQs

  We have created a downloadable document that lists all our most frequently asked questions.

  View Access to HE FAQs

*Subject to eligibility.