Description
- UK adults aged 19 or over
- International students aged 17 or over
Our Access to HE diplomas are validated by CAVA (Cambridge Access Validating Agency).
Access to HE for UK adults aged 19 or over:
Access to HE prepares students aged 19+ who may not have the ‘traditional‘ qualifications to study at degree level. Our multi-disciplinary and experienced team offer a range of modules designed to give a firm foundation in each of the academic options which will ensure successful progression to university. Access to HE Diplomas have been taught at WCG for 25 years and the programme has well-established connections with many local universities, as well as those further afield.
Our diploma is highly regarded for its academic rigour and the quality of preparation for higher education which it offers. Students are taught to be independent, knowledgeable and objective thinkers and articulate and confident communicators - essential skills for success in higher education.
The Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) supports entry onto a wide range of degree courses including midwifery, adult nursing, mental health nursing, paediatric nursing, paramedic science, optometry, physiotherapy, biology, forensic psychology, forensic science, sports therapy, counselling, food studies/nutrition, social work and occupational therapy.
It is a full-time programme (12 hours of contact time weekly) currently taught over three days (Royal Leamington Spa College) or four days (Rugby College). This is an intense course, and it is aimed at those students who have a good academic level 2/3 qualification experience. It is designed for learners from a wide variety of backgrounds and life experiences, and provides a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, designed to enable learners to make the most of their existing skills and build and develop the skills required for university study. It is fast-moving, exciting, demanding and very, very rewarding.
UK adults aged 19 or over who apply for an Access to HE course are entitled to apply for a UK government-backed Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost. The loan is not means-tested nor subject to credit checks and will be written off if you successfully complete the Access to HE course and then proceed on to a higher education degree programme. See the Fees section below for more information.
For the course at Rugby College only: The plan is currently to run the course three days per week, at Rugby College on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, however these days are subject to change. For those students needing to re-study GCSE maths, this will be on a Tuesday. Depending on student numbers, one day per week may move to Royal Leamington Spa College.
Assessment methods
Learners take part in taught classes and supported independent study. Assessment is made via various assignments which may include essays, presentations, research projects, seen papers and examinations. These are assessed by CAVA.
Entry requirements
Applicants must have achieved a full level 2 and be 19 years old or over to apply. A minimum of a grade 4 (C) in GCSE English language is required (evidenced by original certificate). A minimum of grade 4 (C) in GCSE maths (or working towards) is also required. If you have already achieved a grade 3 (D) in this qualification there will be an opportunity to re-take GCSE maths alongside the Access to HE course.
Entry process
Learners who are 19+ may apply online via the 'Apply now' button above and submit an application for the course. Applicants will be interviewed and will need to provide confirmation of English and maths grades, followed by enrolment onto the course. There are also opportunities to experience our college(s) at an Open Event and meet tutors, ask questions and apply in person. Book your place at an upcoming Open Event.
Career progression
Learners can progress on to a wide range of degree-level courses followed by careers in, for example, midwifery, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dietetics, teaching, social work, and a variety of career opportunities in the NHS.
Below are examples of potential careers and study routes after completing this course*. Salary information on the first slide is from 2023. The average salary displayed on the third slide is based on live job vacancies for the selected occupation and may include predicted earnings and FTE (full-time equivalent) salaries for jobs where part-time hours are typical.
*Based upon data from multiple sources.
Qualification
Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions)
Level
L3
Mode
PF.LE
We try to make all details about our courses accurate.
WCG reserves the right to change dates and times of sessions.
On occasion there may be circumstances outside our control (e.g. the Covid pandemic) which result in us having to make additional changes to the details about the courses we have advertised. These changes could affect fees, dates and how the course is taught. Courses may be taught in different ways and could include both face to face and remote delivery. Remote delivery means learning through logging into classes through a computer.
Sometimes, there are not enough people wanting to do a course to make it possible for us to run that course. If this happens, applicants will be offered another course in a similar subject area.
Terms and conditions apply