Access to HE Art and Design Course Online – East Sussex College Eastbourne

Cost£3928.00 ESCG cannot offer this as a free Courses for Jobs course. You won't need to purchase any books unless you wish to supplement these study materials.
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
Start7 Dec 2026
Awarding bodySEGA

About this course

Access to HE Art and Design Course. Study online, self-paced, fitting around your work and other commitments. You need Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths (GCSE grade C/4 or above, or Functional Skills Level 2) to enrol. The course takes one year and is open to learners aged 19 or over. It prepares you to apply for a degree, foundation degree, or HNC/HND in art and design at a UK university. Access to HE Diplomas are recognised by UK universities as a route into higher education.

Who this course is for

Do you have dreams of going to university, but don't quite have the qualifications to get in?

With start dates that are offered all year round our online Access to Higher Education diplomas are the perfect solution to helping you get the grades AND the study skills you need.

The beauty of our online courses is that they are self-directed, meaning you can study at home whenever you have some spare time. It fits perfectly around your work and adult life commitments - we know there can be a few.

You'll be assigned a subject specialist team of academic assessors, so you won't be left on your own to figure it all out. These assessors will guide you in the right direction and provide feedback on your assignments. Additionally, the support staff, are available to offer further advice and assistance.

As you get towards the end of your course, we'll be able to give you tips and support with your university application and help make that dream a reality.

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification, equivalent to a level, which allows students to go on and study higher education courses including bachelor's degrees, foundation degrees, higher national certificates and diplomas (HNC/HND) and higher degree apprenticeships. Access to HE courses are available in a wide range of different subjects and are widely recognised by UK universities and higher education institutions.

Due to limitations with funding, our online Access to HE Diplomas are only available to those who are aged 19 or older on the 31st of August 2026.

Contact us 0303 003 8368

[email protected]

Entry requirements

To enrol on this Online Access Diploma, you must have already achieved Level 2 qualifications in both English Language and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grade C/4 or above, or Functional Skills). Please note that it is not permitted to study English and Maths concurrently with the Online Access Diploma.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop the skills to study at higher education level, including academic writing and critical thinking.
  • You'll explore art and design theory, history, and practice.
  • You'll produce and present your own creative work as part of assessed assignments.
  • You'll analyse and respond to the work of other artists and designers.
  • You'll build the study habits and independent learning skills that university courses expect.

How you will learn

You study online at your own pace, working through materials at home whenever suits you. You'll be supported by a team of subject specialist academic assessors who give feedback on your assignments and guide your progress. Assessment is through written assignments rather than exams. Support staff are also available throughout the course. As you near the end, you'll receive guidance on making your university application.

What you will need to bring

The fee of £3,928 covers your study materials, so you won't need to purchase books unless you want to supplement them. East Sussex College Eastbourne provides an equipment and materials guide for students. Contact the college before you start to confirm exactly what you'll need.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer: creates visual content for print and digital media.
  • Illustrator: produces artwork for publishing, advertising, and media.
  • Art director: leads visual style on creative projects.
  • Textile designer: designs patterns and fabrics for fashion or interiors.
  • Animator: creates moving images for film, TV, or games.
  • Exhibition designer: plans and builds displays for galleries and museums.
  • Art teacher (with further study): teaches art in schools or colleges.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, or a related subject: the most common next step after this Diploma, at a UK university.
  • BA (Hons) in Architecture or Interior Design: for those interested in the built environment.
  • Foundation Degree in Art and Design: a shorter higher education route if you prefer to build up gradually.
  • HNC/HND in Art and Design: a college-based higher education option before moving to a full degree.

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