Free Access to HE Engineering Course in Chichester

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyLASER

About this course

Free Access to HE Engineering Course in Chichester. Classes run at Chichester College, full-time during the day. This is a one-year intensive course that prepares you to apply for an engineering degree at university. It is recognised by UK universities as a route into higher education for adults. You'll need GCSE grade C (grade 4 or above) in both Maths and English Language to apply, and you'll be invited to an interview to discuss your goals. The course builds the academic skills and independent study habits that university study demands.

Who this course is for

The Access Diploma in Engineering is a one-year intensive course designed to give you the knowledge and skills to move into Higher Education.

The Engineering qualification has been designed in order to let you pursue your goals at degree level.

This course will seek to develop you as an independent, confident individual and will look to give you skills that cover all of academic university life, as well as determining where you can go, supporting your progression to Higher Education.

You will also be developing a wide range of academic study skills on the course, from essay writing to using ICT, leading you towards the Independent Academic Study unit.

Entry requirements

You must be over 19 on the 1st September and must have a minimum GCSE grade C (Grade 4 or above) in Maths, English Language. You will also be invited to an interview with a course teacher, to discuss your individual needs and progression routes.

Universities prefer Access applicants to have gained a reasonable amount of relevant work experience and/or life experience, when they apply for a degree level course.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop the mathematical skills needed for engineering study at degree level.
  • You'll build scientific knowledge across areas relevant to engineering disciplines.
  • You'll practise academic writing, research, and referencing to university standard.
  • You'll study independently and manage your own workload across a full academic year.
  • You'll explore engineering concepts and their application in real contexts.
  • You'll develop the skills to write a personal statement and apply to university with confidence.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom full-time across the academic year. Learning is delivered through taught sessions, independent study, and guided assignments. Assessment is through coursework and written assignments rather than traditional exams. You'll also take part in an interview before the course starts, so the team can plan your learning around your goals and experience.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Chichester College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Engineering technician, supporting design and technical teams
  • Technical support officer in manufacturing or infrastructure
  • Laboratory assistant in an engineering or science setting
  • CAD technician, producing technical drawings and models
  • Project coordinator in construction or civil engineering
  • Graduate engineer (after completing a degree)

What you could study next

  • BEng or MEng in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronic Engineering. The natural next step after completing the Access to HE Diploma, and the route most learners are working toward.
  • HNC or HND in Engineering. A shorter higher education option if you want to build technical skills before committing to a full degree.
  • Foundation Year in Engineering. Some universities offer a foundation year for Access students as a bridge into the full degree programme.

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