ADULTS

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Are you looking to develop new skills to boost your prospects, gain entry to higher education or change your career direction? Our Access to Higher Education Diplomas are a perfect opportunity to find out how you can re-discover learning and achieve a qualification that could really make a difference to your future.

Why study Access to Higher Education at Cheshire College

Our Access to Higher Education courses are designed for adults who want to take the next step towards university, even if they do not already have A Levels or a Level 3 qualification. Whether you are returning to education, changing career, or working towards a new goal, these courses give you the knowledge, confidence, and qualifications needed to progress into Higher Education.

With support from experienced tutors and a friendly learning environment, you will develop the academic and study skills needed to succeed and move forward with confidence.

VIEW OUR ADULT COURSE GUIDE

VIEW COURSE GUIDE

Need an easy-to-read accessible version? Find it here

Your Route to University-Level Study

Explore our Access to Higher Education courses and find the right course to help you achieve your goals. Apply online in minutes or contact our Admissions Team at admissions@ccsw.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Completing an Access to Higher Education course can open the door to a range of progression opportunities. Many students go on to study a university degree in their chosen subject area, while others choose to continue their studies closer to home with one of our Higher National Certificate (HNC) courses at Cheshire College. Whether your goal is to move into Higher Education, develop professional skills, or prepare for a new career, our Access courses help you take the next step with confidence and support throughout your journey.

Discuss your chosen course with an experienced lecturer. If it’s the right fit, you’ll receive an offer to study at Cheshire College.

Over the summer, visit your chosen Campus to confirm your exam results, complete any required paperwork and have your student ID photo taken.

Develop your knowledge, academic skills and confidence, with full support every step of the way.

Use your new qualification to apply for a degree that matches your goals. Check your chosen university’s entry requirements, as these vary by course.

Available Courses

Progression to an Access to Higher Education programme.

Level 3

Progression to the next level programme or…

a University degree

in Business Administration, Healthcare or Medical Services

or onto a Higher National Certificate (HNC)…

in Business, Healthcare or Medical subject areas

Frequently Asked Questions

We know it’s important to our students that the course they’re studying makes sense for their current lifestyle and financial obligations, as well as their future plans.

Take a look at the information about the funding available.

  • Advanced Learner Loans are also available to students aged 19 in England
  • If you are aged 19 or over, you may be expected to pay full fees. However, you will able to apply for a loan under the Government’s Advanced Learning Loans scheme to cover the cost of these fees
  • These loan repayments will be expected to start once you earn over £27,295 per year. But if you complete a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education course, and then go onto complete a degree (or other recognised Higher Education course) you won’t have to repay the remaining loan for the Access to Higher Education course. Which means the loan you originally took out will be written off

Learn more about Advanced Learning Loans.

If you want to talk to us a bit more about this and find out how it would work for you, please get in touch with our team at bursary@ccsw.ac.uk for impartial information and advice.

Completing an Access to Higher Education course can open the door to a range of progression opportunities. Many students go on to study a university degree in their chosen subject area, while others choose to continue their studies closer to home with one of our Higher National Certificate (HNC) courses at Cheshire College. Whether your goal is to move into Higher Education, develop professional skills, or prepare for a new career, our Access courses help you take the next step with confidence and support throughout your journey.

No! Access to Higher Education courses are designed for adults looking to gain qualifications and progress to university. There’s no age limit for these courses and we welcome students of all ages. 

Entry requirements will vary by course. If you don’t have recent qualifications or aren’t sure whether you meet the requirements for your chosen course, you can get in touch with our friendly Admissions Team who are always happy to help. 

Email: admissions@ccsw.ac.uk 
Phone: 01244 656555 (Chester and Ellesmere Port) / 01270 654654 (Crewe) 

Our Access to Higher Education courses can be completed in just one year! Once the course begins, you could be just 12 months away from achieving your qualification and starting university. 

You’re not alone! Returning to education can feel like a big step, but your course lecturer(s) will help you develop the academic skills you need for further study. Support is available to help you build confidence as you learn, and you will have access to a range of helpful facilities including our dedicated Learning Resource Centres. 

Student Spotlight

Daniel

Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions)

“If you are thinking about doing an Access to HE course, don’t be afraid, just do it. It was a last-minute decision for me, and it has been the best last-minute decision of my life so far! The lecturers are brilliant. I’ve come out with a Distinction.”

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FUNDING FOR ADULT COURSES

If you are aged 19+ we can help you upskill and invest in your future with one of our adult courses.

You may see a fee attached to the course you’re interested in, but if you are 19+ there may be funding options available to cover the cost of your course.

Get in touch with admissions@ccsw.ac.uk if you’d like anymore information.

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