Access to HE Engineering Course Online – East Sussex College Eastbourne

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
Start7 Dec 2026
Awarding bodySEGA

About this course

Access to HE Engineering Course. Study online at your own pace, fitting learning around work and other commitments. The course is free for some learners, and fees may apply for others. If you are 23 or under with no prior Level 3 qualification, you may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver. This level 3 access to HE engineering qualification is recognised by UK universities and opens the door to bachelor's degrees, foundation degrees, and HNC/HND programmes. The course takes around one year to complete. You'll be supported by subject specialist assessors who give feedback on your assignments.

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

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Entry requirements

Maths GCSE 5/B or above and Level 2 English Language (GCSE C/4 or above or Functional Skills)

What you will learn

  • You'll develop the mathematical and scientific knowledge needed for engineering study at university.
  • You'll build academic writing and assignment skills expected at degree level.
  • You'll study core engineering principles, including mechanical engineering concepts.
  • You'll analyse and interpret technical information and data.
  • You'll apply problem-solving approaches used in engineering contexts.
  • You'll gain the study skills and confidence to succeed in higher education.

How you will learn

You study online and at your own pace, working through self-directed materials from home. Subject specialist assessors are assigned to you throughout the course. They guide your work and give written feedback on assignments. Support staff are also available for additional advice. Assessment is by coursework and assignments. There are no fixed class times, so you can study when it suits you. Start dates are available throughout the year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. East Sussex College Eastbourne will confirm anything else you need before you start. You won't need to purchase books unless you want to supplement the study materials provided.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Engineering technician, supporting design and testing teams
  • Technical support officer, working in manufacturing or utilities
  • Laboratory assistant, assisting with engineering or scientific research
  • CAD technician, producing technical drawings and models
  • Maintenance engineer, keeping equipment and systems running
  • Graduate engineer, following completion of a degree programme

What you could study next

This Diploma is designed to take you into higher education. Most learners go on to apply for a BEng or MEng in Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical Engineering. Foundation degrees and HNC/HND programmes in Engineering are also a strong next step, particularly if you want a shorter route into technical roles. Some universities offer degree apprenticeships, which combine work with degree-level study.

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