Access to Higher Education

An Access to Higher Education Diploma will help you develop the study skills and academic knowledge to progress onto a degree level course.

If you need a flexible and confidence-enhancing course to get you back into education, then our highly successful Access to Higher Education course is for you. A variety of teaching and assessment methods will prepare you for your degree. We have three Diploma options, which open the door to a wide range of careers in the NHS, industry, social work, business, education and many others. If you go on to complete a higher level qualification, you will never have to pay back the loan for your Access to HE course. We will support you academically, pastorally and financially to help you succeed.

On successful completion of the course you will be awarded a diploma by Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA). The college has excellent progression routes to local and national universities, including Lincoln and Nottingham.

What is an Access Course?

Access courses are a fast-track route to degree-level study and are specifically designed for adults aged 19+ returning to education. They are the most widely recognised one year pre-university courses in the UK and have a very strong standing with all universities since they incorporate study skills, as well as subject and work specific theory for careers in many areas.

We fully support and understand that people return to education for all kinds of reasons, which is why we have courses to suit a variety of needs.

What are the study hours?

The course enrols twice a year, in September and January, and all classes are timetabled between the hours of 9.30am and 3.00pm, three days a week, with no classes during school holidays

Why do an Access Course?

Designed to get you to University
Excellent one to one support
Small class sizes
Intensive one-year course
Receive support with childcare costs
Flexible. Study in college 3 days a week

Our Access to Higher Education courses could help you achieve your dreams!

Course Fees Information

The majority of students apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to pay their tuition fees; this loan is waived on completion of an undergraduate degree for those who have obtained an Access to HE Diploma.

You are not required to pay any tuition fees up front for any of the Access to HE courses.

For more information, please contact Judi Fisher on jfisher@grantham.ac.uk.

What can I study?

We offer Access Courses in 3 subjects. Some are tailored towards specific career areas such as nursing and others cover broader areas including education, psychology, science, health and social care. You can find a full list below.