Access to Higher Education

If you’re keen to study higher education but don’t have the necessary qualifications or experience, don’t worry. In just 12 months, our Access to Higher Education (HE) programme will get you ready for degree-level study, either at B&FC or at another education institution.

Access to Higher Education Courses

What are the entry requirements?

3 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. They must include maths and English.

If you don't have maths or English qualifications you can study one alongside your Access to HE course.

What will it cost?

Depending on your circumstances you may not have to pay course fees – check our Tuition Fees for Further Education.

If you are required to pay for your Access to HE course, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost.

And if you go on to complete a higher education course, Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe.

Find out more about Advanced Learner Loans.

No qualifications?

If you want to do an Access to HE course in either Nursing and Midwifery or Social Sciences but don't have the qualifications outlined above, we offer a 1-year course that leads directly onto either of these.

You must be 19 or over and if you don't have at least a grade 4 (previously grade C) in GCSE Maths and English you will need to sign up for both of these.

This course runs for 6 hours on Wednesdays at our University Centre and covers Human Physiology, Psychology and Sociology.

Assessment is by coursework only - there are no exams.