An Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is aimed at those who are looking to pursue and achieve their career goals but don’t yet have the qualifications to access university-level study. The Access to Higher Education Diploma is an intensive one-year programme designed to prepare students for progression to university, demonstrating that it is never too late for adults to pursue their career and life goals.

Click here to view our Access courses and apply

South Devon College has developed a broad range of quality Access to Higher Education pathways which will enable progression into a variety of different career options. View our Access to HE Diplomas here.  

An Access to HE Diploma consists of three core subjects (which are equivalent to three A Levels) as well as a Study Skills module. The Study Skills Module will support your academic essay writing skills as well as guide you through the UCAS application process. Feedback from both past students and university staff has evidenced that these study skills, along with the comprehensive core subject content, have enabled Access to HE students to be well-placed in a university setting. They are often positive peer mentors to others, due to their organisational skills and academic prowess. 

Pathways offered at South Devon College include:  

Students from South Devon College progress to a range of universities and many students are offered a place on their first choice degree.  

Access to HE is a fantastic alternative option to A Levels as there are a variety of assessment methods (e.g. essays, reports, presentations, brochures) and it is based on coursework completion as opposed to linear exams. All Access to HE tutors aim to plan and deliver diverse, interactive and engaging lessons and are dedicated to supporting Access to HE students to succeed, ensuring that individual needs are considered, and bespoke learning can take place where possible. 

Entry Requirements:  

To study full-time, students will need to have achieved Maths and English GCSE at grade 4 (C) or above prior to starting the Access course. If the university you are applying for will accept Level 2 Functional Skills, rather than GCSE, we will accept you onto the Access course as long as you can evidence this (e.g. by showing us the entry requirements on the university website). In addition, some universities may not require Maths GCSE, in which case, we would accept you with just your English GCSE, as long as you can evidence this.  

To study part-time, students will need to have achieved either their Maths or English GCSE prior to starting the Access course. They would then be expected to study whichever GCSE they have not yet achieved alongside the course.  

If you need to complete your GCSEs prior to starting the Access to HE course, we have a range of day-time and evening options available. You are advised to look at the GCSEs required by the universities of your choice when planning your progression. 

All applicants will be invited for an informal evening interview which will cover: 

• Entry requirements 
• Course content and structure 
• Funding options 
• Progression opportunities 

Full-Time Study

Our full-time Access to HE courses start in September and finish in June. The programme requires a commitment of full-time study, of which three days are timetabled college lectures /seminars during term time, allowing two to four days of self-study. Many of our students continue to work part-time whilst they study, but the course is not designed for those in full-time employment. 

Units are assessed in different ways, which include: 

• Written essays 
• Practical demonstrations 
• Presentations 
• Reports 
• Class tests 

Your personal tutor and teaching team will offer dedicated support to help you develop academic writing and research skills and will provide guidance on examination and interview techniques.

Part-Time Study

Our part-time Access to HE courses take 2 years to complete, starting in September and finishing in June. This involves one day per week in College and is more suited to those working more than 20 hours per week. If you would be interested in a part-time version of the course, please indicate this on your application form. 

How do I afford the course?

The Advanced Learner Loan is a government-funded loan to help students. It’s easy to apply for, doesn’t take your household income into account and doesn’t involve a credit check. Find out more here. 

Alternatively, if you are under 24, and have not completed a level 3 qualification previously, you may be eligible for government funding. Find out more here. 

What can I do after the Access to HE course?

All of our Access to Higher Education courses are designed to prepare you for Higher Education and studying at university. On completion of the course, you will have achieved the academic entry requirements for our foundation degrees and full honours degrees at University Centre South Devon, as well as a wide range of courses at institutions all over the country. Some courses will have additional entry requirements. You can see a full list of our degree courses here. 

Many universities accept Access to HE Diplomas as an alternative to traditional entry qualifications, often valuing the life experience and transferable skills which adult students bring to university. The majority of South Devon College students have secured their first choice university choice, leading to a variety of careers including nursing, teaching, midwifery, social work, social and community work, psychologists and many more. 

We are very proud of our Access to HE provision, valuing the feedback from previous students who have responded very positively in our student perception questionnaires over the years. We are still in contact with and extremely proud of some of our alumni who are now practising in their chosen careers as Midwives, Mental Health Nurses, Counsellors, Teachers, Social Workers, Paramedics and Police Officers.  

Click here to view our Access courses and apply

Meet our current and previous Students