Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are nationally-recognised qualifications designed for adults (aged 19+) who want to progress to university but don’t currently meet the entry criteria.
Whether you’re returning to education, changing career, or building confidence in your studies, these courses give you the support and preparation you need.
The E-Hub is our Learning Resource Centre for all students and is home to quiet study spaces.
It’s the perfect space for revision and group discussions. You will have access to laptops, printing facilities and textbooks and our Careers Advisor is also based there.
We visit local and national universities so that you get to experience student life and the benefits of studying a Higher Education course.
This means that when you finish your course, you know exactly what to expect from university study.
During your studies, you’ll take part in many events that will help you prepare for your university journey.
These include university fairs, Student Finance talks, interview workshops, careers fairs and visits by our Access alumni.
You may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan. When you complete a degree at university, this Advanced Learner Loan will then be written off by Student Finance England.
Please contact us for more information and to discuss eligibility.
If you don’t have GCSE English or Maths, you can study for these alongside your Access course with our evening classes.
Ichha passed GCSE English with a grade 4, in addition to an Access course. This enabled him to go to university to study Nursing.
Unique facilities such as our on-site Science laboratory will prepare you for university study with industry-standard equipment.
Our Healthcare pathway consists of a unique mixture of Biology, Psychology and Sociology, looking into how these theories and practices are used in Healthcare.
UCAS application support is a key part of our courses, with our dedicated Careers and Support teams on hand to guide you through the process.
Former Access students have gone onto degrees including Paramedicine, Midwifery, Law and History.
Our team are here to help you, and can offer dedicated study advice, application guidance and essay workshops.
Katie, Learning and Skills Coach, has many years of supporting Access students with their next steps.
Haleh and Kathryn are preparing for university with the dedicated support in College.
They’re getting guidance on personal statements, UCAS applications, and direct connections to health courses.
Hear from them in the video about their experiences and how Access is helping them progress.
We caught up with some of our Access to HE learners this year to see what their first impressions were and why you should study with us.
If you’re still unsure about an Access to HE course and where it can take you, read our quick guide to understand this nationally-recognised qualification.
Chandrika is now studying Child Nursing at Canterbury Christ Church University and credits the College with helping her grow in confidence.
Explore our courses online and see the wide range of academic opportunities that are available to you.
You can make up to five applications across East Kent Colleges Group’s family of Colleges.
Click ‘Apply’ on your chosen course, and follow the steps on the application portal.
Early applications are strongly recommended, as they give you the best chance of securing a place on your chosen course.
Come along to EKC Ashford College to meet our team, explore our facilities and see if the course is right for you.
If you receive an offer, this must be accepted to secure your place on your chosen course.
“I’m enjoying all of the course and the College experience so far. I’m confident that when I get to university I’ll be fully ready.
“As we’re not 16-year-olds, it is fantastic from that perspective because EKC Ashford College is not I would say a typical College. We actually get treated as adults and the focus is on our learning too.”
“One piece of advice I’d give someone considering studying an Access to HE course is to really be sure it’s what you want to do.
“Because it’s only one year, there’s a lot of studying to fit in and it’s definitely full on. Be focused, organised and prepared for a lot of hard work.”
“The lecturers are very good at taking us through concepts and helping us develop.
“I’ve noticed a massive improvement in myself since I started, as I now know how to structure my essays, as well as how to successfully reference and research. I have also taken part in lots of presentations to help my skills there.”
