What is an Access to Higher Education course?

An Access to Higher Education course is a Level 3 qualification (the same level as A Levels) created for adults aged 19+ who are returning to education and don't have the traditional qualifications to study at university.

Access courses give you everything you need to progress to university in one, direct course:

• Subject-specific knowledge: focus on the area you want to study at degree level.
• Essential study skills: learn essay writing, research, referencing, and other skills universities expect.
• Flexible learning: study from anywhere, at a pace that suits you, with expert tutor support every step of the way.
• Streamlined route to university: equivalent to three A Levels and recognised by universities across the UK.

How our Access courses work

Studying an Access to HE course with Open Study College is designed to fit around you. You can study from anywhere in the UK and enjoy the flexibility to learn alongside work, family life, or other commitments. While you’ll have the freedom to study at your own pace, there is a structured timetable in place, so you’ll have clear deadlines to help keep you on track.

Once you enrol, you’ll receive all your course materials straight away, including full details of your assignment deadlines. You’ll use the Skills Forward platform to access your assignment briefs and submit your work easily online.

You won’t be studying alone. You’ll have plenty of support along the way. Each unit comes with a dedicated personal tutor who you can meet one-to-one online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. At the start of every unit, you’ll receive an email introducing your new tutor, and they’ll be there to guide you and provide helpful feedback on your end-of-unit assignments.

Best of all, most students complete their Access course and are ready to begin their university degree the very next year!