First Steps into Access to HE Diploma - Level 3
Overview
Do you want to gain more confidence, knowledge and skills before joining one of our Access to HE Diploma courses? Then this course is just for you!
This course is the ‘first steps’ to getting onto an Access to HE Diploma course and will provide you with the opportunity to acquire and develop the knowledge and skills needed to progress onto an Access to HE course in Healthcare, Science or Social Science. It will enable you to become confident in what is required of a successful Access to HE learner and will also support in developing those all important social skills essential for university life.
Access to HE Diploma courses are specifically designed for adults who have been out of formal education for some time but want to re-engage with education or make a career change. This preparatory course will give you an insight to see if it this is definitely the progression route for you.
Start dates and fees
The course is FREE for anyone aged 19 or over, and will start in January 2025.
| Start Date | Part/Full-time | Code | Fee | Actions |
| 06/01/2025 | PT | 1603A101 | TBC | Apply |
* If you are aged 19-23 and studying your first Level 3 course then that course may be free. Please contact us for more details. If you are aged 19 or over and either studying a second Level 3 course or qualifying Level 4, 5 or 6 course you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs.
What will I study?
- Study skills
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Biology
- Maths
- English.
Entry requirements
Ideally you will need to have at least GCSE English Language or Maths at grade 4-9. However, if you do not have any of these you can still join us, but your progression after the 'First Steps' course will be different to other students. Please see below:
- If you already have GCSE English Language or Maths at grade 4-9 you can join ‘First steps'. You then may be able to progress onto the one-year Access to HE Dilpoma course from September, where you will study both the Access to HE Dilploma and the other required GCSE together. This route may be subject to an assessment whilst on the 'First Steps' course.
- If you do not have either GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4-9 – you can still join 'First Steps', byt you will progress onto a two-year programme studying the Access to HE Diploma alongside both GCSEs together.
- If you have already have both GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths at grade 4-9 - you can join 'First Steps' and progress onto the one-year Access to HE Dilpoma course from September.
This course is eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan
The Advanced Learner Loan is a new scheme introduced by the government to help mature learners study for qualifications that will improve their employability and develop high level skills and knowledge.
Loans are specifically designed for those aged 19 and over, who are intending to study on a Level 3 or higher course – including Access to HE Diplomas.
Best of all, if you successfully go on to complete an HE qualification following an Access to University course – you won’t even have to pay the loan back.
It’s easy to apply! To find out if you’re eligible, or for more information, see the Advanced Learner Loan page.
How long is the course?
Six months – approx. 10 hours per week.
How will I be assessed?
Assessed through regularly set assignments completed in your own time.
What does the course lead to?
Careers are often pursued in healthcare professions, science and social science roles.
What can I progress onto?
Career opportunities
There isn't currently career information listed for this course.