Accessibility

Access Courses

Do you want to apply for university but don’t have the right qualifications?

Then these could be the perfect courses for you!

The Access to Higher Education Diploma course is a fast track to university that will give you the qualifications you need in less than one year!   

We offer: 

  • Policing and Criminology 
  • Health Science Professions 
  • Computing 
  • Humanities and Social Science

You don’t necessarily need any prior qualifications to apply for these courses and most of our students have been out of education for some time. What you do need is the determination to succeed and a willingness to work hard.

We have Access to HE Courses in..

Computing Humanities & Social Science Policing and Criminology Health Science Professions

Our Access to Higher Education course and qualification is highly regarded by local and national universities and enables you to develop the skills you will require for university. View our students case studies below or view on YouTube

Entry Requirements

Northern College starts where you are, building on your life skills and experience. You don’t need a formal qualification to begin your studies with us.

If you haven’t been in education for some time or didn’t gain any formal qualifications at school or college, don’t worry. Whilst you won’t need to have GCSE Maths and/or English to get onto this course, you might need them to apply for the university course of your choice (so please check this out). You may have the opportunity to study GCSE Maths alongside your Access to HE course and will talk to you about this at one of our Admissions Days. There is no upper age limit for this course as we believe everyone should have the chance to achieve their ambitions, but you do need to be 19 or over to apply.

Why Choose Us?
  • We can offer you the unique experience of studying as a residential student which is great preparation for moving onto university and gives you the time and space to focus on your studies
  • Our Access to Higher Education courses had a 100% pass rate in 2018/19
  • We are rated as Outstanding by Ofsted and over 90% of students who achieved their Diploma in 2016-17 have places at university
  • We offer tailored support to reflect your needs as a student and an award winning Library and Learning Support Centre

I got a great support from my all tutors. It is a pleasure to learn in the Northern College. I love this college. Especially I like the very supportive tutors. Thank you!

Former Student, 2017

The teaching in both semester 1 and semester 2 was excellent. The teachers were very supportive in helping with our assignments and very professional in the classroom

Former Student, 2017

This college has empowered me to make choices about my future and made me feel a lot more confident in myself.

Former Student, 2016

The support has enabled me to decide on my future and apply for university.

Former Student, 2016

Course Fees & Financial Support

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of your Access to HE course fees. Further information about the funds available can be found at: Advanced Learner Loan.

Remember – if you progress onto university and complete the course, your Advanced Learner Loan is written off – which means you won’t pay it back!

Is this course for me?

Whilst you won’t need to have GCSE Maths and/or English to get onto this course, you might need them to apply for the university course of your choice (so please check this out). We can offer you the opportunity to study either GCSE Maths or English alongside your Diploma and will talk to you about this at one of our Admissions Days. There is no upper age limit for this course as we believe everyone should have the chance to achieve their ambitions, but you do need to be 19+ to apply.

However, if you think you might need some extra time to take on the demands of the Access to HE course, you could consider applying for our Pre-Access (Level 2 Diploma) course to get you ready. Further information can be found on the Level 2 Diploma page.

"I would not even think about it, I would just say APPLY because my experience has been a truly inspirational, empowering and totally life-changing for me"

Former Student 2016-17

We offer a range of student support services including support from a personal tutor, careers advice and additional student support for students who may have a learning difficulty or disability. But what is most important for you (and us) is that we recognise that you will feel nervous about returning to education – but the whole college team will ensure that you make the most of this opportunity.

"Having the support in place has helped me achieve my grades and understanding the subjects. I think I would have struggled if I had not received the support. I am very thankful to all staff that have supported me on my course."

Former Student 2016-17

The course fees are £3,022.  Most students cover this cost by applying for an Advanced Learner Loan. Further information and details on how to apply/eligibility can be found at:  https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan/overview)

In addition, residential students pay £3,125 to cover the costs of being a residential student at the college and this covers the cost of your study bedroom, meals, ICT facilities and access to college Wi-Fi. If you choose to study as a non-residential student there is a fee of £700. You may also be entitled to a student support grant to help with living costs; however this is based on your individual circumstances.  You can discuss this in detail with Beth Hutchinson in Student Services. She can be contacted by phone on 01226 776000 or by email bhutchinson@northern.ac.uk

25,480 Diploma students entered Higher Education in England and Wales in 2014/15 and this could be you!

Successfully completing the course means that you have the qualifications to go to university. Over 90% of higher education leavers with an Access to HE Diploma were in employment or further study 6 months after they completed the course; and remember – if you progress to university and complete the course, your Advanced Learner Loan is written off – which means you won’t pay it back!

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The Northern College for Residential Adult Education Ltd is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 1339524. Registered charity number 507245 – VAT Registration No: 183234078. Registered office: The Northern College, Wentworth Castle, Stainborough, Barnsley, S75 3ET. Northern College is not responsible for the content of external sites.
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