Access to HE (Higher Education) courses are nationally-recognised qualifications designed to support adults (aged 19+) who are looking to progress to university, change careers or want to rebuild confidence in their studies.
These courses provide a pathway for individuals to gain the skills and knowledge they need for future progression.
Studying at your local College means smaller class sizes and an outstanding wraparound support system for your personal and academic needs.
This is perfect if you don’t feel quite ready for the transition into a big university.
As an Access to HE student, you’ll visit local and national universities, helping to visualise yourself within that environment.
By successfully completing one of these courses, you’ll gain confidence in your academic abilities, making the transition to university smoother.
During your studies, you’ll take part in many events that will help you prepare for your university journey.
These include university fairs, Student Finance talks, interview workshops, careers fairs and visits by our Access to HE alumni.
You may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan. When you complete a degree at university, this Advanced Learner Loan will then be written off by Student Finance England.
Please contact us for more information and to discuss eligibility.
Specialist equipment such as microscopes and anatomical skeletons will prepare you for university study.
Our pathways are designed so you get a mix of practical and theory work focused on the area of your choice.
UCAS application support is a key part of our courses, with our dedicated Careers and Support teams on hand to guide you through the process.
Former Access to HE students have gone onto degrees including Midwifery, Law, Nursing and History.
Build your confidence and develop your academic writing and research skills with university style assignments.
These can include debates, group discussions, essays and timed presentations.
Benefit from our range of tailored resources, including laptops, which are available to borrow throughout the year.
You’ll also have access to a specialised library of books.
After realising that school and Sixth Form weren’t for her, Lily joined our Access to HE courses as an adult.
Thanks to College, she’s now on track to study Adult Nursing at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Hear from her in the video about how she hasn’t looked back since joining us.
There are many benefits of studying an Access to HE course at EKC Dover College, from our focused curriculums to the supportive environments.
If you’re still unsure about an Access to HE course and where it can take you, read our quick guide to understand this nationally-recognised qualification.
Renn studied the Humanities and Social Sciences pathways and is following their passion to study a degree in Humanitarian Aid, thanks to the staff, College curriculum and the support we provide.
Explore our courses online and see the wide range of academic opportunities that are available to you.
You can make up to five applications across East Kent Colleges Group’s family of Colleges.
Click ‘Apply’ on your chosen course, and follow the steps on the application portal.
Early applications are strongly recommended, as they give you the best chance of securing a place on your chosen course.
Come along to EKC Dover College to meet our team, explore our facilities and see if the course is right for you.
If you receive an offer, this must be accepted to secure your place on your chosen course.
“Coming onto the Access to HE course has helped me get the qualifications I need to go to University to become a Paediatric Nurse.
“This course has opened my mind to what it will be like at University and I feel more prepared now I have done this course.”
“I’m planning to go to university this year to study adult nursing.
“It’s not easy to express my feelings as English is my second language, but my friends and lecturers are so helpful.
“If there’s something I struggle with, they will work with me to sort out my problems. So far, I’m really happy.”
“My daughter has just started primary school so I’m able to focus on myself start a career. I didn’t pass my A Levels at school and I want a job where I can help people.
“Joining this course made me realise I want to be an occupational therapist in the future.
“It’s been a good course and I would recommend it to anyone.”
