Who Can Study Access to HE?
Access to HE is open to adults aged 19 or over who can demonstrate readiness for Level 3 academic study.
There is no requirement to hold specific prior qualifications to enrol – what matters is your motivation, your ability to engage with academic reading and writing, and your commitment to completing the programme. You will be asked to demonstrate a baseline level of English literacy as part of the enrolment process, and you should be clear about which university course and subject area you are aiming towards, since this determines which Access to HE pathway is right for you.
Many of our students come from diverse backgrounds – some have GCSEs, others have vocational qualifications, and others have years of relevant work experience that has built equivalent knowledge. What every successful student shares is a genuine commitment to academic study and a clear goal to progress to higher education.
Checking Your Eligibility
✓ Are aged 19 or over at the time of enrolment
✓ Can read and write confidently in English at approximately GCSE level or equivalent
✓ Have a clear goal of progressing to a specific university course or subject area
✓ Can commit approximately 15–20 hours per week to structured independent study
✓ Have access to a computer, tablet, or laptop and a reliable internet connection
✓ Are motivated to work independently and meet assignment deadlines across 9–12 months
→ If English is not your first language, you may be asked to demonstrate an equivalent level of English literacy before enrolment is confirmed
→ If you are currently enrolled at another college or university, check whether simultaneous enrolment is permitted under your existing arrangements
→ Some university courses – particularly healthcare programmes – have additional entry requirements beyond the Access to HE Diploma, such as DBS checks, occupational health clearance, or GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C/4 or above. You should research your target course's full requirements early
How to Apply: Step by Step
Before you apply, spend some time identifying which university courses interest you and which Access to HE pathway aligns with those courses. For example, if you want to study Adult Nursing, you should enrol on the Access to HE: Health Studies or Nursing pathway. This alignment is important because universities will check that your diploma subject matches the degree you are applying for. Reviewing two or three target university course pages on UCAS will help you confirm which pathway is most appropriate.
Fill in the online enrolment form, providing your personal details, details of any previous qualifications, and your chosen pathway. You will also be asked to write a short paragraph about your reasons for wanting to study the programme and your intended university destination. This is not assessed academically – it simply helps our team confirm the pathway is the right match for you. The form takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete.
After submitting your form, you may be invited to complete a short initial assessment. This typically involves a brief written task designed to give our tutors a sense of your current literacy level and to ensure that the programme you have chosen is appropriate. The assessment is supportive rather than selective – its purpose is to make sure you are set up for success. If any concerns arise from the assessment, our admissions team will discuss options with you.
Once your application has been reviewed and your pathway confirmed, you will receive a formal offer of a place on the programme. You will then be asked to confirm your enrolment by paying your course fees or arranging any applicable funding. New cohorts begin on set start dates throughout the year, so you should confirm your place promptly to secure your preferred start date. Our team will send you a full induction pack with everything you need to get started.
Your induction period introduces you to the online learning environment, the assessment framework, your personal tutor, and the support services available to you. This is a crucial few weeks that sets the foundation for everything that follows. You will learn how assignments are structured, how marks and grades work, and what resources are available to help you succeed. By the end of induction, you will have completed your first unit task and will be on your way to earning your diploma.
Entry Requirements: Your Questions Answered
Ready to Check Your Eligibility?
Our admissions team can review your background and confirm which pathway is the right fit for your university ambitions. Get in touch today.
What Is Access to HE? · Choose Your Pathway · UCAS Applications