Access Courses
Thinking About Uni? Heard of Access Courses?
Okay, so you're in secondary school, and uni might seem ages away, or maybe it's all anyone's talking about! You've probably heard of A-Levels, BTECs, and maybe T-Levels as the main ways to get there. But have you ever heard of an "Access to Higher Education Diploma" (let's just call them Access Courses)?
Even though these courses are mostly for students aged 19 and over, knowing about them is like having an extra tool in your knowledge kit. It shows there's more than one way to reach your goals, especially if your path to uni isn't straightforward.
So, What Exactly is an Access Course?
Think of an Access Course as a specially designed fast-track route to university for people who might not have the usual qualifications (like A-Levels) to get in. It's a Level 3 qualification, which means it's recognised at the same level as A-Levels. Successfully completing an Access Course can give you the UCAS points you need to apply for a degree.
These courses are usually one year long if you study full-time (though sometimes you can do them part-time over two years). They are intense and focused, designed to get you ready for the demands of university study.
Who Are Access Courses For?
Access Courses are brilliant for:
- Adults (19+) who have been out of education for a while and want a second chance to go to university.
- People who didn't get the A-Level grades they hoped for first time around and are looking for an alternative route.
- Individuals who want to change their career and need a specific degree to do so.
- Anyone who took a different path after school (like an apprenticeship or went straight into work) but now feels ready for higher education.
Why should you know about them?
- Good to Know Your Options: Life doesn't always go exactly to plan. Knowing that Access Courses exist means that if your journey to uni takes an unexpected turn, there are still fantastic options available a bit later on.
- Maybe for Someone You Know: You might have older siblings, friends, or family members who could benefit from knowing about Access Courses.
- Understanding the Education System: It's just helpful to know about all the different ways people can learn and qualify for things in the UK.
- Future You: While you might be on a clear path with GCSEs and A-Levels/BTECs now, it's empowering to know that if you ever need it, there's a well-respected route back into education.
How are Access Courses Different from A-Levels?
| Feature | A-Levels | Access to HE Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Age | 16-18 | 19+ (generally) |
| Duration | Usually 2 years | Usually 1 year (full-time) |
| Focus | Broader study of 3-4 different subjects | Focused on a specific subject area to prepare for a related degree (e.g., Nursing, Law, Engineering) |
| Assessment | Mainly exams, some coursework | Often more coursework-based, presentations, and practical assessments (can vary) |
| Environment | Sixth form or college, part of school system | Often in further education colleges, designed for adult learners, can be more supportive if you've been out of education |
What Subjects Can You Do?
Loads! Access Courses are often tailored to specific degree subjects. Popular areas include:
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Health and Social Care
- Science (leading to degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy etc.)
- Engineering
- Law
- Business and Management
- Social Work
- Teaching
- Computing and IT
- Art and Design
- Humanities (like History or English)
Key Takeaways for You:
- Access Courses are a recognised and respected route to university, mainly for students aged 19+.
- They are equivalent to A-Levels and give you UCAS points.
- They are ideal if you don't have traditional qualifications or if you decide to go to uni a bit later in life.
- They are focused and usually take one year.
So, while you're probably concentrating on your GCSEs or current Level 3 courses, just tuck this information away. It's good to know that there are many paths to success, and Access Courses are a fantastic option for lots of people!
Want to know more?
You can usually find information about Access to HE Diplomas on the websites of your local further education colleges or by searching for "Access to HE courses" online.
