Free Access to HE Education Course in Ardwick

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOpen Awards awarding body

About this course

Free Access to HE Education Course in Ardwick. Classes run at Nicholls Campus, full-time over one year.

The course is recognised by UK universities as an alternative route into higher education. Units cover Education, Psychology, and English. You also develop academic writing and study skills to prepare you for university-level work. Support with your UCAS application and personal statement is included. Completing the course does not guarantee a university place, but most universities accept the qualification for relevant degree programmes.

You'll finish with an Open Awards Access to HE Diploma (Education).

Who this course is for

If you are interested in taking the nest steps towards a career in education the Access to HE Diploma (Education) is the course for you!

An Access to HE Diploma is a qualification designed specifically for adults returning to education who would like to go on to study at university (Higher Education). There are a range of reasons that students may choose to study an Access to HE diploma: they may lack formal qualifications needed for university entry, they may want to develop their knowledge and confidence after being out of education for a while, or they may be considering on a career change that requires a fresh start.

The Access to HE Diploma is equivalent to studying three A Levels and supports students in developing the academic knowledge and skills required to begin their journey in to Higher Education. It is important to note that an Access to HE Diploma is a challenging and intense course and students need to be highly motivated, dedicated and have a positive attitude to learning in order to succeed.

Whilst studying the Access to HE Diploma (Education) you will complete units in the following modules:

  • Education
  • Psychology
  • English

In addition to these subject specific modules, the course includes developmental units to support you in developing your academic skills in preparation for university.

When applying to university, we will support you with completing your UCAS application, personal statement and we will provide you with an academic reference. It is important to note that successfully completing your Access to HE Diploma does not guarantee you a place at university. While most universities accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas, it is your own responsibility to check that your UCAS application meets the current entry requirements for your university course choices.

Did you know that we offer a range of degree level courses here at UCEN Manchester on successful completion of this Access to HE Diploma.

What you will learn

  • You'll study core topics in Education, exploring how learning and teaching work in practice.
  • You'll examine Psychology and how it applies to educational settings.
  • You'll develop your academic English skills, including essay writing and critical analysis.
  • You'll build the study skills universities expect, such as referencing and independent research.
  • You'll get guidance on completing a UCAS application and writing a personal statement.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Nicholls Campus, attending full-time during the day. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework across the Education, Psychology, and English units, as well as developmental units focused on academic skills. There are no formal exams; your work is assessed throughout the year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Nicholls Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Primary school teacher, works with children aged 5 to 11 in a school setting.
  • Secondary school teacher, teaches a specialist subject to pupils aged 11 to 18.
  • Teaching assistant, supports classroom learning alongside a qualified teacher.
  • Early years practitioner, works with young children in nurseries or pre-schools.
  • Learning support assistant, helps students with additional needs in schools or colleges.
  • Community education worker, delivers learning programmes for adults in local settings.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) in Education Studies, a degree exploring teaching, learning, and educational policy.
  • BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS, the degree route to becoming a qualified primary school teacher.
  • PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), for graduates who want to train as a teacher after a first degree.
  • BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, for those focused on working with young children.

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