IS AN ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION COURSE FOR YOU?
Are you over 19 years of age?
Want a career change but do not have Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels?
Hoping to go into a professional occupation and need a degree level education?
WHY SHOULD I DO AN ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION COURSE? WHERE WILL IT GET ME?
After completing an Access to Higher Education course, you are firmly on track to enrolling onto a degree at university.
Each year, over 40,000 Access students nationally complete their course and transition into university. 100% of our students get offers from university and 90% progress on to university in the following year. Those who do not progress to university in the following year do so out of choice, usually down to family or other personal reasons.
WHEN WOULD I STUDY IN COLLEGE?
From September 2026 until June 2027.
HOW MANY HOURS PER WEEK OF STUDYING?
12 hours per week, normally delivered over two days.
CAN I STUDY A SHORT REFRESHER COURSE BEFORE I BEGIN AN ACCESS COURSE IF I HAVE BEEN OUT OF EDUCATION FOR A LONG TIME?
Yes, we run a free Pre-Access course eight week course in Spring 2025 to help students learn basic skills in IT, English and numeracy. This enables students who have been out of education to successfully transition to a full Access course in the following September.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION COURSE?
Full details are on our website but we are keen to meet with any adults who are interested in gaining a degree level education.
DO I HAVE TO PAY?
There are no ‘up front fees’ for our Access to Higher Education courses. If you take out an Advanced Learner Loan for an Access course and you then go on to do a degree, the cost is ‘written off’ so you never have to pay anything back.
WHAT SUPPORT WILL I GET AS AN ADULT LEARNER?
We have been teaching Access courses for over 20 years and hundreds of our adult students have progressed on to university. We devote specific timetabled sessions to support students with their university application. There is also strong support network at the College many opportunities to seek guidance throughout your studies including through 1:1 tutorials, additional learning support, counselling services, career guidance, welfare and financial support.
CAN I STUDY ONLINE?
Yes, some of our Access to HE pathways are available online. Please see the course listing on page 6 for full details.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY...
Hear from our current students about their experience on our Colleges’ Access pathways and how the qualification is contributing to their progression into Higher Education.
“As it has been a long time since I have been in education, I first started with a Pre-Access course in the Spring term which gave me the confidence and encouragement to take the next step. I have learnt a range of skills such as essay writing which will help me in my higher education studies as I go on to study Psychology.”
HEIDI
Access to Higher Education Humanities and Social Sciences
“I chose the Access to Higher Education Science course. I have particularly enjoyed designing my own research project which built up my confidence and helped me learn how to research independently. My tutors and the lab technicians have also been supportive by answering my questions and implementing my project.”
KLAUDIA
Access to Higher Education Science Pathway
“I wanted to try a different career route and learn something new, so I chose the Access to HE course at the College. Staff have helped me achieve my goals by providing critical feedback on essays and being understanding of any issues I have. I am proud of what I have accomplished and can now pursue a university degree.”
CAROLINE
Access to Higher Education Humanities
“I chose to study an Access course because I wanted to apply to university after being out of education for a while. The tutors at the College are engaging and go the extra mile to help students on their journeys and being able to study alongside other adults is enjoyable.“
MARY
Access to Higher Education Healthcare
“The adult Access Science course provided me with the relevant steps to progress to the next stage in my education. The teaching is fantastic and has facilitated my learning and development immensely.”
“Studying an adult course at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has given me lots of flexibility so that I can work my studies around family time. I enjoy my course because the students all share experiences and the tutors are very supportive. It has helped me to achieve my goal of getting into Midwifery at university-level. “
FELIPE
Access to Higher Education Science Pathway
EMMA
Access to Higher Education Healthcare
“I chose to study an adult course at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group as would fit around my home life and various commitments. I also wanted to further my education after being out for 12 years. I have found confidence in doing so through completing the Pre-Access course where all the tutors were very supportive. I am now going on to do Adult Nursing at university”.
NATALIE
Access to Higher Education Healthcare
WHAT ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES DO YOU OFFER?
We offer a diverse range of Access to Higher Education pathways to help you progress to university-level study.
HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
› Biomedical Science (Online)
› Computing (Online)
› Engineering (Online)
› Health Science Professions (Online)
› Healthcare Professions (Online)
› Midwifery (Online)
› Nursing (Online)
› Psychology (Online)
› Science, Medical & Health (Online)
› Social Work (Online)
WAKEFIELD COLLEGE
› Business (Blended)
› Creative Arts Pathway
› Creative Industries Pathway
› Healthcare Professions Pathway
› Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway (Blended)
› Science Pathway (Blended)
SELBY COLLEGE
› Health Science (Blended)
Full details on each pathway can be found on our website. Please visit www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/access or scan the QR code.
Wakefield College
Selby College
HOW DO I CHOOSE?
Choosing the right course for yourself may be challenging. The examples below show the careers linked to Access courses and degree level qualifications.
CAREER PATHWAY
Counselling & Psychology
Teaching
Nursing
Social Work
Pharmacy
Management & Leadership
Midwifery
Solicitor/Paralegal
Veterinary Nursing
Humanities
Humanities and Social Sciences
Heathcare Professions
Humanities and Social Sciences
Sound Engineering & Music Production
Criminology
Business Studies Law and Criminology
Heathcare Professions Science Science
Music Technology Law and Criminology
If you are still unsure which Access course is most suitable to you, don’t hesitate to contact our Course InformationTeam at courseinfo@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk or on 01924 789 111 – they can help you navigate your choices and go through any of the required fees or qualifications.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Our application process is straightforward. You can apply via our website - www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/access
Wakefield
Selby College Abbot’s Road, Selby North Yorkshire, YO8