Unlock your potential with Access to Higher Education

Want to change your career? Thinking of restarting your education? Determined to get the degree you’ve always wanted? Looking to increase your earning potential? Whatever your background or how busy your life is, there’s always a way back into education.

Access to Higher Education makes it possible.

What is an Access to Higher Education course?

Access to Higher Education courses are designed for those aged 19 or over who want to upskill, reskill, or study a university degree but are missing the standard entry requirements. These courses are a Level 3 qualification equivalent to three A Levels that bridges the gap, providing the essential knowledge and credentials needed for degree-level study, and are an excellent stepping stone to University Studies at West Suffolk College.

Our Access to Higher Education diplomas are certified by the Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA), ensuring recognised and respected qualifications.

What subjects could I study?

What funding options are there?

There are no fees required if you are aged 19-23 and this is your first Level 3 course. If you are 24 or over, or if you are 19-23 and already have a Level 3 qualification (e.g. A Levels), the Advanced Learner Loan is available to help fund your course (conditions apply). If you successfully progress to complete a degree, the Student Loans Company will write off the balance of your Advanced Learner Loan.

Where can I study?

We have centres across Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, as well as offering some courses online.

I’m not sure if Access to Higher Education is right for me, what should I do?

If you are not sure that you are ready to take the step to apply for an Access to Higher Education full year programme, you can get in touch with our friendly team who would be happy to talk you through the course and what to expect. You could also join our fully funded short Pre Access to Higher Education course, to brush up on your study skills and get ready to get back into education.

Still deciding if it’s right for you? Hear from our students!

Hear from Sadie, one of our Access to Social Sciences students who has now progressed to BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology with University Studies at West Suffolk College. You can find out more about our UEA degree programmes in Bury St Edmunds here.

Want to discover more? View our Student Stories to hear more about the experiences of our learners and their journeys across adult education, Access to Higher Education and our degree programmes.