Access to HE
Access to Higher Education (Access to HE)
University-level progression for adults returning to education.
Access to Higher Education (Access to HE) courses are designed for adults aged 19+ who want to progress to university-level study, higher-level qualifications or professional careers.
Whether you are looking to change career, return to education, build confidence or take the next step towards a professional role, Access to HE courses provide a supportive and flexible route into higher-level study.
Our Access to HE courses are ideal for adults preparing for progression into sectors such as healthcare, nursing, teaching, social sciences and other professional pathways.
Your Access to Higher Education Diploma Options
What is Access to HE?
Access to Higher Education (Access to HE) Diplomas are nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications designed specifically for adults returning to education.
They provide the knowledge, study skills and confidence needed to progress to:
- university-level study
- Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications
- professional training
- career progression opportunities
Access to HE courses are widely recognised by universities and higher education providers across the UK.
Who are these courses for?
Access to HE courses are ideal for adults who:
- are returning to education after time away from study
- want a career change or new direction
- need qualifications to progress to university or higher-level study
- did not previously study A Levels
- want to build confidence before Higher Education
- are looking for a supportive adult learning environment
- want to progress into professional or specialist careers
No matter your starting point, Access to HE can help you take the next step towards your future goals.
Where can Access to HE lead?
Access to HE courses can support progression into:
- university degrees
- Higher Education courses such as HNCs and HNDs
- professional training and qualifications
- healthcare and nursing careers
- business and management pathways
- computing and digital careers
- law and criminology progression
- engineering and science-related professions
- wider career progression opportunities
Many learners use Access to HE as a stepping stone towards long-term professional and career ambitions.
Why study Access to HE at Newham College London?
Studying at Newham College London gives you the opportunity to learn in a supportive, adult-focused environment designed to help you succeed.
You will benefit from:
- supportive and experienced tutors
- an adult learning environment focused on progression
- smaller class sizes and personalised support
- help developing academic confidence and study skills
- progression advice and guidance
- accessible local study options
- clear routes into Higher Education and professional careers
Our courses are designed to help you build confidence while preparing for the demands of university-level study and future employmeeducation providers across the UK.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements vary depending on the course and subject pathway.
You may be asked to complete an assessment or attend an interview to help ensure the course is the right fit for your goals and current level of study.
Applicants who do not yet have the required English or Maths qualifications may still be considered and supported to study these alongside their main course where appropriate.
Already have the qualifications for Higher Education?
If you already meet the entry requirements for Level 4 or university-level study, you may be able to progress directly onto one of our Higher Education courses without needing to complete an Access to HE course first.
Newham College London offers a range of Higher Education qualifications including HNCs, HNDs and professional Level 4 and Level 5 courses in areas such as computing, engineering, construction, healthcare and teaching.