Access to Higher Education
If you are aged 19+ and keen to study for HND or Degree, but need more qualifications first, completing an Access course could be the perfect solution.
Access courses
The Open Awards Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diplomas are specifically designed to help applicants aged 19+, who wish to study at degree level, but do not have the current qualifications required for entry. Access to Higher Education programmes allow students to begin studying course specific subjects whilst also working on units aimed at preparing applicants for undergraduate level study, such as development and research skills.
Cost of Study and Advanced Learner Loans
The tuition fees for our Access Courses range from £3,022 - £3,384 depending on the subject chosen.
Pay for your course with an Advanced Learner Loan (AL)
You can fund your Access course with an Advanced Learner Loan and if you progress from an Access to HE Diploma to complete a HE course, then your outstanding loan for the Access course is written off.
Why Access?
Hear from our students about why you should study Access with us.
Changing Lives
What our students say are the real benefits to studying Access.
Fantastic New Resources
We are thrilled to announce that we have recently secured a £5000 grant from Open Awards to expand and invest in our superb science facilities.
Find out more...
Access Student Testimonials
Nickol Ignatowicz: Access to Midwifery & Health Professions
Progression: Edge Hill University | Children's NursingI have loved being on the Access course. When I started, I had never written an assignment in my life. I've just completed 20 of them and got the UCAS points that I need to progress to university. The course has fully set me up for university and has also given me new friends for life. It is definitely one of the best decisions I've made. I will miss everyone at Southport College.
Tabitha Mitchell: Access to Social Science
Progression: UCLAN | Clinical PsychologyAfter scraping through high school, dropping out of college and an NVQ shortly after, I was unsure if education was something I could stick at. I’m so glad I was able to give it another chance. This year has definitely made me realise that if you apply yourself, you can achieve whatever you set out to!
Deobrah Vitez: Access to Science
Progression: UCLAN | Forensic ScienceA friend was already enrolled on this course and recommended it to me. I’d been out of education for a long time and with two young children my time was limited. However, my family were very supportive and it was good for my children to see me work hard for what I want; we even sit together to do our homework. My teachers have been incredibly supportive and motivating and I’ve loved my time in the labs working on practical assignments. The Access to Science course can be challenging but it is rewarding and it’s prepared me for university.
Megan Thomas: Access to Nursing & Health Professions
Progression: University of Liverpool | Adult NursingIt may be cliché for me to say that the Access to Nursing programme changed my life, but there is no other way I could describe my dream making experience at Southport College.
My time on this course was absolutely amazing and I enjoyed it so much. I would jump at the opportunity to promote Access to anyone and everyone as it has allowed me to pursue my dream and continue onto the University of Liverpool to study adult nursing.
Haley Shaw: Access to Nursing & Health Professions
Progression: Edge Hill University | Adult NursingAs a mature student returning to education, my experience on the Access to Nursing diploma has been extremely rewarding and positive. The support provided by all tutors has been outstanding during a very challenging time. I have enjoyed all aspects of learning, making new friends and developing the confidence and resilience needed to progress to adult nursing at Edge Hill University. It is never too late to follow your dreams and Southport College has fully prepared me for my future career. I would highly recommend anyone wanting to pursue a career in healthcare who doesn’t have the necessary qualifications to take the plunge and enrol on an Access course. Thank you again, I’m going to miss college and all the tutors!
Erin Fitzgerald: Access to Social Science
Progression: Edge Hill University | Childhood & Youth StudiesThe Access to HE Social Science course has been such a rewarding experience. Given the challenging circumstances of the past year, the college has continued to deliver outstanding teaching and support to its students. I feel more than ready for university in September.
Majah Clodel Collantes: Access to Education
Progression: Edge Hill University | Primary Education with Mathematics BAThe Access programme was challenging, not because it was hard but because of time constrictions (a full level 3 programme in nine months). It was fast-paced yet achievable. You are guided and supported extremely well, taught how to achieve the best possible grades and achieve your academic potential. The tutors went beyond in extending help beyond their call of duty. They have been instrumental to my success in the programme. Without their guidance and motivation, pursuing this programme would not have been possible.
With hard-work, determination, persistence and commitment, as well as with the remarkable support, I have progressed to higher education, earned a place at Edge Hill University and will be pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education with Mathematics in September.
Career Advice & Guidance
As an adult learner you’ll have access to the careers and university resources and you can also access course and careers advice and guidance through our Student Information Centre. You tutor will also discuss careers options and applications with you.
Meet Our Students
