Free Access to HE Education Course in Sheffield. Classes run at The Sheffield College Hillsborough Campus, full-time during the day. This level 3 access to he education qualification is designed to prepare you for university study in education and related fields. The course takes one year to complete. You'll build the academic skills and subject knowledge that universities look for in applicants. Entry requirements are set by the campus, so check directly for the most up-to-date information.
Who this course is for
The Sheffield College is a thriving further education college situated in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. We have 4 main campuses across the city, including our City Campus, Hillsborough Campus, Olive Grove Campus and Peaks Campus. We offer a wide range of Apprenticeships, vocational courses, A Levels, professional courses and university level courses. Please go to our website www.sheffcol.ac.uk for full details.
Entry requirements
Please check our website for the most up-to-date entry requirement for this course.
What you will learn
You'll develop academic writing and critical thinking skills needed for degree-level study.
You'll study education theory, child development, and learning processes.
You'll explore the social and historical contexts that shape education systems.
You'll build research skills, including how to find, evaluate, and reference sources.
You'll practise presenting arguments clearly in essays and assignments.
You'll gain an understanding of how schools and educational settings operate.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at the Hillsborough Campus. Assessment is through written assignments, essays, and coursework completed across the year. There are no formal exams in the traditional sense. Your work is assessed against graded unit criteria, and your overall Diploma grade is made up of the grades you achieve across individual units.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. The Sheffield College Hillsborough Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant, supporting pupils in primary or secondary schools.
Early years practitioner, working in nurseries or pre-school settings.
Learning support assistant, helping students with additional needs.
Youth worker, supporting young people in community or charity settings.
Education welfare officer, helping families engage with schooling.
Classroom mentor, working alongside teachers in secondary schools.
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Education Studies, a degree that deepens your understanding of education theory and policy.
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS, the route into qualified primary school teaching.
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, for those focused on working with younger children.
PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), for graduates who want to qualify as a teacher. Many universities accept the Access to HE Diploma (Education Professions) as a direct entry qualification, so check with your chosen university for their specific offer.
