It’s never too late to start studying for a degree!
Our Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma qualifications are designed with you in mind, and have helped to transform the lives of thousands of adult students.
Access pathways lead to a diploma qualification at Level 3 (equivalent to A Level) and are intensive courses that allow you to study part time, whilst still working or meeting other commitments.
Our Access diplomas are fully recognised by universities and other HE providers as meeting the entry criteria for a wide range of degree courses. At HSDC, our part time Access to HE courses give you the chance to proceed to university with superb grades in just one year.
PLUS, you could study this course for FREE! If you pass the Diploma and go on to complete an eligible higher education course, your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off by Student Finance England. Find out more below.
Our Access Diplomas are suited to those who may have been out of education for a while, and have decided to either pursue a new career, or upskill in their existing career.
Access students come from a wide age range and varied backgrounds and have made a conscious decision to return to education. They have the advantage of life experience, and sometimes employment, to draw upon which can make them ideal candidates for a range of HE courses.
Our Access courses are taught by a team of specialist subject lecturers. You will be supported throughout your course, allowing you to develop your academic study skills as well as an enhanced subject knowledge.
Tutors and our Careers Department will also offer advice and guidance on the completion of your application to university (The UCAS process).
Few formal qualifications are required, but entry requirements will vary according to your chosen pathway. All courses will require you to have achieved a Level 2 qualification in English Language and Maths.
Please note that you must be aged 19 or over to be eligible to study an Access course.
Humanities and Business Studies
Two evenings a week (Tues & Thurs) 5.30 – 9.30pm at our South Downs Campus
Health Sciences
Two evenings a week (Tues & Thurs) 5.30 – 9.30pm at our South Downs Campus
Healthcare Professions, including Nursing
Two mornings a week (Tues & Thurs) 9.30am – 1.30pm at Havant Campus
OR
Two evenings a week (Tues & Thurs) 5.30 – 9.30pm at our South Downs Campus
Social Care Professions
Two evenings a week (Tues & Thurs) 5.30 – 9.30pm at our South Downs Campus
Teacher Education
Two evenings a week (Tues & Thurs) 5.30 – 9.30pm at our South Downs Campus
The full cost of an Access Diploma course at HSDC is in the region of £3,400*, however there are many circumstances in which students can study for free or at a reduced rate.
Ages 19-23 without a full Level 3 qualification
If you are in this age category and do not have a full Level 3 qualification such as two full A Levels, a BTEC National Diploma or equivalent there are no course fees payable. Please speak to a member of our Adult Learning Team for more information.
Advanced Learner Loans
These are available for individuals aged 19 or above to undertake Access Diploma courses. Loans are not means tested or subject to credit checks and any individual who meets the criteria will be able to apply for a loan regardless of their current employment status.
If you pass the Access Diploma qualification and go on to achieve a full degree, the loan is waived i.e. the loan does not have to be repaid. This offer is unique to Access to HE Diplomas. For further information please contact our Admissions department on 023 9387 9999 or see the government website.
* Course fees vary, please enquire for exact figures.
Please note that you must be aged 19 or over to be eligible to study an Access course.
Because our Access students come from such a wide range of backgrounds, the application process is a little bit different than our other courses.
The first thing you need to do is contact our friendly Adult Learning Team. Give them a call on 023 9387 9999 or email adultlearning@hsdc.ac.uk – they’ll take down your details and keep you updated with what happens next.
Advanced Learner Loans are available for all our Access to Higher Education courses.
PLUS, if you pass the Access Diploma and go on to complete an eligible higher education course, your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off by Student Finance England.