Access to Higher Education Diploma

Why choose this course?

  • We understand that you may have been out of education for a long time, so we'll ease you in gently and provide you with all the support you need
  • When you've successfully completed this course, you'll have a nationally recognised qualification to apply to university
  • You'll improve your English and maths (up to GCSE level) and choose two or three other subjects depending on the degree you want to go on to study
  • Your classes will fit around school holidays, and no classes start before 10am
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Fact file

Start date: September

Course length: full time: one year

Campus: Derby Campus

About this course

If you successfully complete this course, you'll gain a nationally recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma. The course consists of English and Maths (at GCSE level) plus Study Skills and two or three main subjects. The subjects you choose will depend on which degree you plan to go on to.

What you will cover

You'll study three core subjects;

  • English
  • Maths
  • Study Skills

In addition to these you'll also take two or three subjects in your chosen pathway;

Access to Science

  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Maths

Access to Social Science

  • Sociology plus two from:
  • Psychology
  • History
  • Literature
  • American Studies
  • Law

Access to Health Science

  • Biology plus either
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • or Health Studies

Access to Business and Computing

  • Business,or
  • Computing and IT, plus either
  • Psychology
  • Law
  • or Maths

Access to Education

  • Biology
  • IT
  • Maths
  • History
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Literature

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements, however, you will need to demonstrate a commitment and ability to study at this level, and take a literacy test before we can offer you a place.

Fees and finance

Please contact us for details of the fees for this course.

Careers and employability

This programme allows you to go on to an undergraduate, foundation degree or diploma course afterwards. It can also lead to a career in the nursing, or health related professions, teaching or social work and many other general and specialist areas.

What our students say

"A brilliant way to get back into studying. The course was very intense but I learned a range of very useful academic skills that successfully prepared me for the degree I am now studying." Paul Glen, now studying the Advanced Diploma in
Nursing Studies (Adult Branch)

Where will I study?

Derby Campus

Contact details

Contact name: Val Blundell

Contact phone: 01332 591080