If you've been out of education for a while but need to progress to university for your chosen career, Access to HE Diplomas will give you the necessary skills and prepare you for university study.
The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification (equivalent to A Levels) allowing you to progress to Higher Education.
Find yourself achieving your dream career
If you are aged 19+* and want to change your career choose an Access to Higher Education course and fast track your route to university.
With flexible study options, including full and part-time courses, you could soon be on your way to becoming a nurse, midwife, paramedic, teacher, prison officer or social worker!
Help with finances
Don't be put off by the cost of the course, as an Advanced Learning Loan is open to anyone aged over 19 studying a Level 3 or above qualification, is not means tested or subject to credit checks. If you successfully complete your Access to HE course, progress onto and complete a degree, you do not have to pay back your Advanced Learning Loan.
If you're aged 19-23 and studying your first full-time Level 3 programme your course will be completely free.
NHS Learning Support Fund
If you're thinking of a career in healthcare all students studying nursing, paramedics, occupational therapy, midwifery and other allied health professional students may be eligible for a training grant of at least £5000 a year which they will not need to pay back to help cover study costs. For more information click here.
What can I expect?
The Access to HE course is a course which runs over one year (September to May). Students should expect to be in College for 15 hours per week over 3 days and to undertake 15 hours private study per week.
The Access to HE Health Professionals pathway can be studied on a part-time basis over 1 year. This is an intensive course and you would be expected to attend college 3 evenings per week.
What will I learn?
All students will study at least three subject modules at Level 3 relevant to their chosen progression route and study skills (preparing for higher education).
Tasters
Why not come along to one of our taster sessions where you'll get a feel for what it's like to study an Access course with us. Tasters run on various days/evenings throughout the year. See our events page for details.
If you have further queries
For further information please email michelle.davies@nscg.ac.uk
Available Courses
Department Highlights
Meet the Team
newcastle College
Helena Smith
Helena Smith
Access to HE lecturer
My name is Helena Smith and I have taught on the Access to HE course at NSCG for over ten years. I teach subjects including sociology, psychology, health studies and study skills. I am also a personal tutor for the social science pathway. I have a BSc honours degree in psychology and also a PGCE in further education from Cardiff University. My interests include reading, yoga and exercise such as walking and running.
Our students love being a part of NSCG and together we’re always sharing their college experiences and achievements for everyone to see, and more importantly, for you to see. Their world. Their freedom. Their joy. Their life. Their excitement. Make it yours. #MyNSCG