Access to Higher Education (HE)

The Pathway to University for Adult Learners

Access to HE

If you’re aged 19 or over and want to progress to university but don’t have the traditional qualifications, an Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma could be your ideal route.

Designed specifically for adults, these one-year courses give you the skills, knowledge, and qualifications needed to gain entry to degree-level study.

Whether you’re looking to change careers, return to education, or achieve a lifelong goal, our Access to HE courses provide a flexible and supportive environment to help you succeed.

Why choose Access to HE over other Level 3 options?

Access to HE Diplomas are tailored for adult learners who want to fast-track their progression to university.

Unlike traditional A Levels or BTECs, which often take two years, Access courses are completed in just one year, making them a quicker and more focused route to higher education.

Key Benefits:

One-Year Completion: Get university-ready faster than traditional Level 3 courses.
Designed for Adults: Learn in an environment specifically for mature students.
University-Recognised Qualification: Accepted by most UK universities.
Focused Learning: Subject-specific courses designed to prepare you for your chosen degree.
Flexible Study Options: Fit your studies around work and family commitments.

Access to HE – Further Information

Access to HE Courses Linked to Our Own HE Offer

At Newham College London, we offer a range of Higher Education (HE) courses, including Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).

Many of our Access to HE courses provide a direct route into these HE qualifications, meaning you can progress from Level 3 to university-level study all in one place.

Some of our Access to HE courses align with our HE programmes in areas such as:

Health & Social Care → HNC/HND Healthcare Professions Support
Business & Law → HNC/HND Business Management
Engineering & Computing → HNC/HND Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Higher Education at Newham College London

Funding Your Course – Advanced Learner Loan

If you’re 19 or over, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan, which can help cover the cost of your course so you can focus on your education without financial pressure.

Key Benefits of an Advanced Learner Loan:

No upfront costs – your tuition fees are covered, allowing you to start studying straight away.
Repayments only start once you earn over £27,295 per year – making it an affordable way to invest in your future.
Loan eligibility is not means-tested and does not require a credit check – meaning your financial circumstances won’t affect your application.
Access to HE loan write-off – if you complete an Access to HE course and go on to finish a degree, your loan for the Access course will be completely written off.

This flexible funding option ensures that cost is never a barrier to education, helping you take the next step with confidence.

Advanced Learner Loan – Further Information

Pre-Access Courses & Adult Assessment Days

If you need to boost your skills before starting an Access to HE course, we offer:

Pre-Access Courses – short programmes designed to prepare you for Level 3 study.
English & Maths Support – If you haven’t yet achieved GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in English or maths, we offer free courses to help you meet university entry requirements.
Adult Assessment Days – Held throughout the year with morning and afternoon slots, these sessions help us assess your current skills and place you on the right pathway for success.

Book your place on our next Adult Skills Assessment Day