Pre-Access to Higher Education

Not ready for university yet?

Pre-Access to Higher Education courses are designed to help you develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need before progressing to an Access to HE Diploma or degree.

These courses are ideal if you’ve been out of education for a while, need to strengthen your academic foundation, or want a more gradual and supportive route into higher education.

A Pre-Access to Higher Education course is a Level 2 qualification that prepares you for Level 3 study, such as the Access to HE Diploma.

Instead of jumping straight into advanced academic content, you’ll build:

• Core subject knowledge
• Academic study skills
• Confidence in learning
• Employability and life skills

These programmes act as a stepping stone into higher education, especially for learners returning to study or changing careers.

Pre-Access to HE courses are ideal if you:

• Have been out of education for several years
• Don’t yet meet the entry requirements for Level 3 study
• Want to progress to university without A Levels
• Need to improve your English, Maths, or academic skills
• Are preparing for a career change or further study

Starting at the right level increases your chances of success later.

Key benefits:

• Build confidence and study habits
• Prepare for Access to HE Diploma (Level 3)
• Improve academic writing, research, and critical thinking
• Gain nationally recognised Level 2 qualifications
• Flexible, supportive learning environment
• Higher progression and completion rates

Unlike traditional courses, Pre-Access programmes focus on how to learn, not just what to learn.