Whether you’re wanting to return to education, change career, or build confidence in your studies, our Access to Higher Education (HE) courses give you the support and preparation you need.
An Access to HE qualification is a Level 3 qualification, just like A Levels, but designed specifically for learners aged 19+. These courses are typically completed in one year and are recognised by universities across the UK as an alternative to traditional entry requirements.
We caught up with some of our Access to HE learners to see what they hope to do next and why you should study these courses.
Kirsty, Thomas, Ruby and Shreya all study our Access to University: Healthcare Professions course.
Why did you pick an Access to HE course?
Kirsty: “My daughter has just started primary school so I’m able to focus on myself and start a career. I didn’t pass my A Levels at school and I want a job where I can help people. This course will lead me to that.”
Thomas: “I decided to take a year out after school. I went on a course for people who want to work and through that I came across this course.
“I also talked to my friend’s mum about it, as she was on the course a few years back, and I realised that I could study here, and can get into diagnostic radiography that way.”
Ruby: “I used to do Early Years here at College. I did it for two years as I wanted to work with children. Overtime, I realised I wanted to focus more on Midwifery and wondered how I’d get into that. This course was a perfect step forward.”
Shreya: “I wanted to improve my English skills but also wanted to go to university. My friend studied this course in 2023, and she told me that it is very helpful. She’s been to university herself now.”
What do you hope your next steps are?
Kirsty: “I’m thinking by the time I graduate, I can really get a career now thanks to the course. I’m currently a healthcare assistant, but I want to progress and become a therapist instead.”
Thomas: “I’m still weighing up my options, but I have both an offer for a foundation course and a regular degree at university, so I’m pretty happy that I’ve come here.”
Ruby: “I’ve got an offer to study Midwifery at the University of Greenwich. My interview went well and then I got a place, so I was quite happy about that.”
Shreya: “I’m planning to go to uni next year. I can’t go this year because of my visa, but it will give me time to learn more and then when 2027 comes, I will be eligible to go to uni.”
What are you enjoying about your Access to HE course?
Thomas: “The support is good. I always struggled in school and didn’t complete my A Levels as a result, but I’ve passed everything so far which has given me confidence again.”
Ruby: “With the way Helen teaches, it’s much simpler in my brain. I don’t feel as overwhelmed with technical science work. She takes her time with explaining. Early Years and Midwifery fall in nicely together so I feel I’ve made the right choices so far.”
Shreya: “At first, I was so nervous because English isn’t my first language, but I’m doing great. I think I’m acing it. My lecturer and my classmates are very good. They are very cooperative and supportive.”
What’s your advice for new students or those who want to study Access to HE?
Kirsty: “It’s been a good course and I would recommend it to anyone. Even if you think it’s quite late in life I would still go for it. I’ll be 44 by the time I graduate, but I still should have a 20 year career as an extra benefit.”
Ruby: “It’s quite a shock at first with all the work you have to do. Going from Early Years to Midwifery with all the science and healthcare modules seemed scary but it’s really worth it.”
Thank you to Kirsty, Thomas, Ruby and Shreya for sharing their stories. We can’t wait to see how they progress over the next few months.
If you’re interested in changing careers, progressing to university, or coming back to education, explore our Access to Higher Education courses now.
More articles
Four things to do at an Adult Open Day
My Apprenticeship Experience – Jude, Level 3 Motor Vehicle
