Access to Higher Education courses

With award-winning support and first-class facilities to help you succeed

Want to go to university, but don't have the qualifications?

Our Access to Higher Education courses are a great option for anyone over 19 who wants to return to education and progress onto a university level course; but does not have the right qualifications to do so. They are one-year long and very flexible. And with the diploma you receive, you can apply to various universities around the country. Being out of education for a while can be daunting, but our courses aim to make the transition to university a smooth one.

Take a look at our courses below and find the best access to higher education course for you.

Our courses

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing)

Really want to get into nursing, but don’t currently meet the entry criteria to start on a university course in this field?

This intensive course allows you to gain the equivalent of three A-levels in health studies, biological science and skills for learning to prepare you for the next level of study.

Find out more

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business)

Want to study business at university but don’t currently meet the entry requirements for higher education?

This one-year course will supply you with a foundation of business-related knowledge, alongside essential academic skills to prepare you for the next level of study.

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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science)

Are you an adult learner looking to take your first step towards a career in the world of IT and computing?

This one-year Diploma will give you an intensive introduction to Computer Science and a qualification equivalent to A-levels; opening the doors to university study.

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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Health)

Considering nursing or working within the health sector?

The Access to Higher Education Diploma combines building your learning skills, with studying topics related to careers in the health and social care fields.

Find out more

Three great reasons to study a college course with us

First-class facilities

Our facilities are nothing short of world class.

We have invested over £200 million into state-of-the-art facilities in Birmingham city centre that will help you to explore your ambitions through hands-on learning and practical experience, mirroring what you will find in the workplace.

Explore our facilities

Unrivalled support

Best student support in the region, as voted by students.

We have dedicated teams to give you tailored award-winning support, including learning, finance, health and wellbeing and disability support, career advice, workplace preparation, work experience and even help with starting your own business.

Support available

More opportunities

We help you thrive and progress towards your dream career.

You will be welcomed into a diverse, ambitious community and encouraged to develop your skills. You will also have various progression opportunities in the form of our apprenticeships and undergraduate degree courses.

Progression opportunities

College courses - University College Birmingham

How to apply

Complete an application form, learn more about the interview and offer process at University College Birmingham. You can also call our friendly Admissions team on 0121 214 2919 if you want to know more before you apply.

Apply for September

FAQs on Access to HE courses

Is an Access to HE course right for me?

An Access to HE course is right for you if:

You look back in time and regret not going to university. Or feel like you missed the opportunity to further your education, because of having to prioritise other things.
You want to progress on to a university course, but do not have the traditional qualifications needed, to apply to one.
You need greater flexibility to complete your course, but also want to get things moving and gain your qualification within a year’s’ time.

What is an Access to HE Diploma equivalent to / what can I do with one?

Access to HE courses are equivalent to 3 A-levels; and between 48 and 148 UCAS points.
These courses have been around for a long time, and over 20,000 Access to HE students apply for a degree course at a UK university, every year
We offer progression opportunities onto our Undergraduate courses, here at University College Birmingham; for all Access students – subject to individual course entry requirements.

Take a look at our specific course pages above!

What are the entry requirements for starting an Access to HE course?

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) or equivalent.

What if I do not meet the entry requirements for an Access Course?

Our Pre-Access to HE course is suitable for anyone that wishes to develop their English, Maths and general study skills; in order to progress on to an Access to HE course.

"My teachers have the time and patience to explain any questions raised. What I have learned has helped me organise my assignments, learn how to research essential information on the internet and in text books, and given me a fair idea about what I will be studying at the University."

Gifty Adubea Darko Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Health)

Fees and tuition

If you are aged 19 – 23 and studying your first full Level 3 qualification, you will not need to pay the course fee for your access course.
You can find a full list of who is / isn't expected to pay for their course fees on our fees and tuition page. And you can access our college course fees pdf for a list of tuition fees by course.
If you are aged 19 and over on the first day of your course, and are expected to pay for your fees, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. This is a non-means tested loan available from the UK Government to pay the tuition fees of full level 3 qualifications. The loan is paid directly to University College Birmnigham to cover the cost of your tuition and does not have to be repaid until you are earning over £27,295 a year.
Student Finance England will also ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay it. The higher education course must be eligible for student finance.

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Student life – college

Find out more about being a college student or apprentice at University College Birmingham, including what to do when you arrive and our range of support services.

Chat with our students

Find out what it's like to study at University College Birmingham by chatting with our current students and staff, reading our blog and get in touch with us today.