Free Access to HE Education Course in Liverpool

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start29 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOpen Awards awarding body

About this course

Free Access to HE Education Course in Liverpool. Classes run at The City of Liverpool College Clarence Street, full-time during the day.

The course is for adults aged 19 or over who want to move into university study. You'll need GCSE grade 4 or above in English, Maths, and a Science. The course covers the theory of education, teaching practice, and subject knowledge through the education professions module. It takes one year to complete.

You'll finish with an Open Awards Access to HE Diploma in Education, recognised by UK universities for entry to primary and secondary teaching degrees.

Who this course is for

The Access to Higher Education Professions in Teaching Diploma is a level three qualification which prepares you for university study if you don't have traditional qualifications. This course will enable you to progress to a range of degrees such as Primary teaching & secondary teaching with QTS. The core subjects you'll study are the theory of education along with teaching practice and skills, through the education professions module. You will also have the opportunity to develop your subject knowledge in History and Biology. Alongside this, you'll develop your academic skills in a supportive environment, which will allow you to make the transition to degree level. You will have access to outstanding academic and pastoral support, detailed online materials and the full Microsoft 365 suite during your time with us.

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19 or over to study this qualification. You will need a GCSE grade 4/C or above in English, Maths and a Science. A GCSE 4/C or above in a modern foreign language is also desirable but not essential. If you are unsure of the entry requirements, or if you don't meet the criteria, please contact our Careers Advice and Guidance team who will help you find the right option for you. Email [email protected] or call 0151 252 3607.

What you will learn

  • You'll study the theory of education and how learning works.
  • You'll develop teaching practice skills through the education professions module.
  • You'll build subject knowledge relevant to primary or secondary teaching.
  • You'll explore child development and how it shapes classroom practice.
  • You'll practise academic writing and research skills needed for university study.
  • You'll learn how to plan and evaluate learning activities.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at the college, with a mix of lectures, group work, and independent study. Assessment is through written assignments, essays, and coursework rather than formal exams. Each unit is assessed separately, and you'll build a portfolio of work across the year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The City of Liverpool College Clarence Street will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Primary school teacher, requires a teaching degree and QTS after this course.
  • Secondary school teacher, enter a subject-specific teaching degree via this qualification.
  • Teaching assistant, support pupils in primary or secondary schools.
  • Early years practitioner, work with young children in nursery or reception settings.
  • Learning support assistant, help students with additional needs in school.
  • Cover supervisor, manage classrooms in the absence of a teacher.

What you could study next

  • BA Primary Education with QTS, the direct next step for primary school teaching.
  • BA Secondary Education with QTS, for those aiming to teach a specialist subject.
  • BA Early Childhood Studies, for a career focused on younger children.
  • PGCE, a postgraduate teaching qualification for graduates moving into the profession.