Access to HE
Study now, pay later!
An Access to Higher Education diploma course provides you with the skills, knowledge and qualifications needed to apply for university. The best bit? You can study now but pay later!
Designed to prepare you for degree-level study, these flexible courses provide expert support and high-quality resources to help you take the next step toward your future career. Whether you're looking to enter a professional field or advance your education, an Access to Higher Education diploma makes university more accessible than ever!
Trips and visits
Students enrolled on one of our Access to Higher Education courses will be encouraged to visit university open days and attend regional higher education fairs and UCAS events.
In previous years, students have attended taster events at Edge Hill University, spending the day attending workshops and seminars and giving Access to Higher Education students a real taste of university life.
Industry links
The Access to Higher Education department has many links with employers, some of whom are invited into college to deliver class talks and workshops.
Access to Higher Education students benefit from the wealth of employers working in partnership with us in our Health & Social Care Academy, including Warrington & Halton NHS Trust, the University of Chester, Warrington Local Authority, Warrington Disability Partnership, and many other voluntary and charitable organisations.
We also have a strong alumni network, so very often past students come into college to share an insight into their current role and how the Access to Higher Education course helped shape their future career.
I am an
Adult Learner
Our Access to Higher Education courses are aimed at those adults who do not have the formal qualifications for higher education or haven't got the level 3 qualifications to change career. These courses are your stepping-stone to university or other degree-level study, providing the essential skills and qualifications needed to progress your studies and career. Discover them below!
STUDY NOW, PAY LATER! To study an Access to Higher Education course, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan, which you are not required to pay back if you go on to successfully complete a higher education course after achieving your Access diploma. Click here for more information about Advanced Learner Loans.
If you are considering studying nursing at university, you could also apply for the government-led nursing bursary!
Meet our students
"I have learnt so much and have more confidence in my ability!"
Aveesha has always dreamt of being a nurse and decided to enrol on our Access to HE: Nursing & Midwifery course in pursuit of this career.
Aveesha is now studying Adult Nursing at the University of Chester and is one step closer to achieving her career goals. She says: "My experience at Warrington & Vale Royal College was brilliant. I made friends for life, gained lots of knowledge around the subject I wanted to study at university and my tutors, Gerri and Chris, were amazing! Completing the Access course has been a true lifesaver for me. I don’t think I would have managed my first year of university without it."
Kadie enrolled on Access to HE: Nursing & Midwifery to follow her passion of becoming a mental health nurse.
Kadie previously worked as a Healthcare Assistant at Warrington Hospital and is looking to advance her career. With the help of our experienced and supportive tutors, Kadie feels confident and well-prepared for her next step towards university.
The Access to HE course has equipped her with a range of academic study skills that have elevated her learning experience, such as critical thinking, effective communication, and time management.
"You're never too old. I've turned 40 and am now following my dreams of becoming a paramedic, with thanks to the college's Pre Access course."
Kirsty had been out of education for a long time and after her 40th birthday, she decided it was time to follow her dreams. So, she took a leap of faith and landed back in the classroom at Warrington & Vale Royal College.
Currently working as personal trainer, Kirsty would love to change her career and enter the healthcare sector as a paramedic. Kirsty is enjoying her time on the course and feels it is preparing her well for the next step towards her dream career, which is to progress on to a Level 3 Diploma Access to HE course here at the college.
“My tutors are so supportive and cater to everyone’s learning needs!”
Amelia, aspiring psychologist, is working towards her dream career with the help of our Access to HE: Social Science course.
So far, Amelia has enjoyed learning a range of counselling skills, which she has found are transferable to all aspects of her life.
She's also thriving in the college atmosphere, enjoying working in teams and building friendships in the classroom. The level of teaching and support she is receiving are also a highlight of her experience at our college.
“I’m grateful that I did the Access to HE course before going to university. It makes you get used to things as simple as sitting in a classroom setting again for the first time in years.”
Natasha has a lot of appreciation for those at the college who helped her to get her to where she is now, and she can’t recommend studying a Access to HE course enough. She says: “This course has enabled me to gain the qualifications I need for university and along the way I have met the most amazing friends. The tutors really take the time to ensure you’re ready for university by making sure your personal statements include everything they should. Also, participating in mock interviews before the real ones with university, takes a bit of the pressure off.”
Natasha is now studying Midwifery at Edge Hill University - we have no doubt she will go far in her chosen career!
Meet our tutors
Clare Marshall
Clare Marshall joined Warrington & Vale Royal College in 2024, bringing with her a wealth of teaching experience from over 10 years in both Further and Higher Education. She is an ideal tutor for Access to Higher Education (HE) students, having completed an Access to HE course herself. Clare understands firsthand the commitment and challenges that come with returning to education.
After completing her Access course, Clare went on to achieve a Combined Honours degree in Psychology and Counselling from the University of Salford, followed by a Level 7 qualification in Education.
Clare is deeply passionate about student wellbeing, and this is reflected in her teaching style. She is committed to creating a positive and encouraging learning environment where students feel supported every step of the way.
Lianne Dawson
Lianne Dawson joined Warrington & Vale Royal College in 2023 with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. She is the perfect person to teach Access to Higher Education (HE) at the college, having completed an Access to HE: Nursing & Midwifery course herself before going on to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree from Edge Hill University in 2014, and then a Postgraduate Degree in Education from the University of Bolton in 2015. Lianne’s academic pursuits don’t stop there; she is now completing a Doctor of Education at the University of Chester, with a research focus on how social status impacts the academic confidence of Access to HE students. Lianne truly is an expert in her field.
Why choose us?
Study now, pay later!
Access to HE courses are Advanced Learner Loan funded. If you go on to complete a degree after your Access course, you do not have to pay the loan back.
Each year, after gaining a range of new skills and practical experience, many of our students progress on to university to pursue their new career. Last year alone, 70% of our Access to HE students went on to study at their first-choice university!
HE Learning Centre
The Craig Atherton Higher Education Learning Centre is a dedicated area for students on higher education programmes. Located upstairs in the college’s Learning Resource Centre (LRC), it offers a quiet study area and bookable pods for group work.
The LRC itself provides a range of resources, including PCs and loanable laptops, as well as study spaces for students using their own digital devices. It also hosts pop-up support workshops run by the college’s welfare and learning support teams, covering topics such as study skills.
Outstanding Facilities: Health & Social Care Academy
Our Access to HE students benefit from the wealth of resources in our newly-established Health & Social Care Academy.
The Health & Social Care Academy features a range of fantastic industry-standard facilities including hospital beds, medical equipment and dementia training facilities. The academy will be a regional centre of excellence, training students to meet local employment needs.
Outstanding Facilities: Learning Resource Centre
Students will have access to our dedicated Learning Resource Centre (LRC), which is equipped with specialist educational software and thousands of e-resources to support your study. The LRC also contains quiet study rooms, which can be booked out by students who prefer to complete their work in a private space.
Feedback from our Access to HE Alumni
- “I genuinely loved doing the Access course, it laid a strong foundation for my first year at university!” - Chevelle
- “I couldn’t have chosen a better college to complete my Access course!” – Marta
- “Completing the Access course has been a true lifesaver for me. I don’t think I would have managed my first year of university without it. - Aveesha
- “ The Access course provided us with the ideal preparation for university. I felt so much more prepared for assignments compared to people in my class who didn’t complete an Access course” - Kayleigh
- “I learnt so much from my tutors at the college, completing the Access course has been a massive help to get me prepared for university.” - Reece
Choosing a career based on Access to HE Back to top
22 May 2025
Meet Hannah, an aspiring paramedic studying Access to HE: Paramedic Science
6 February 2025
Your route to university without A Levels or a level 3 qualification
6 January 2025
Access to HE alumna Nickie is thriving studying Midwifery at Edge Hill University
22 November 2024
Meet Chloe McGowen, an aspiring midwife making her career dreams a reality
31 October 2024
Brandon's passion for healthcare becomes a career reality
16 July 2024
Inspiring Access to Higher Education student wins prestigious national award
24 June 2024
Warrington & Vale Royal College expands Access to Higher Education courses to Winsford campus
29 April 2024
Meet Zoe White, Access to HE: Health Professionals student
11 March 2024
Meet Zobi Ellahi, an ambitious Access to HE: Science student
26 February 2024
Meet Rebecca Goralski, Access to HE: Nursing & Midwifery student
15 February 2024
Meet Sian Lowe, an ambitious Access to HE: Nursing & Midwifery student
5 February 2024
Meet Nickie Rowntree, Access to HE: Nursing & Midwifery student
13 December 2023
Meet Kadie Dolphin, ambitious Access to HE: Nursing & Midwifery student
1 December 2023
Meet Katie Dobbs, aspirational Access to HE: Nursing & Midwifery student
17 November 2023
Meet Martin Lane, Pre Access to HE student
3 October 2023
Meet Eddie Lewis, Pre Access to HE student
26 July 2023
Meet Aveesha, Access to HE: Nursing & Midwifery alumni
25 July 2023
How to get into university without A Levels or a Level 3 qualification
20 April 2023
Meet Natasha, former Access to HE: Nursing and Midwifery student who is thriving at Edge Hill University
11 August 2022