Discover our accredited access courses tailored to adults. If you are aged 19 and above, and you want to transition into a new career or pursue higher education, our Access to Higher Education courses provide a pathway to degree-level studies, ensuring you can achieve your academic aspirations.
Access to HE
Access to HE courses
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What are Access to HE courses?
Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are nationally recognised programmes of study designed to support adults (aged 19+) who have few qualifications or are changing career and don’t have the relevant entry criteria, but who are aspiring to study at university.
Students that have successfully completed Access programmes with us have progressed onto a range of degrees at a variety of local, national and international universities and institutions.
Your Key to a Career in Healthcare
Studying Access to HE at EKC Ashford College will give you the tools to start your future in Healthcare.
Dedicated facilities such as our on-site Science Laboratory will prepare you for university study with industry-standard equipment.
Our curriculum consists of a unique mixture of Biology, Psychology and Sociology, looking into how these theories and practices are used in the Health industry.
We also provide dedicated support for Access students including essay workshops, skill development sessions and interview preparation.
When you complete your course, your studies here will ensure that you can enter onto a degree of your choice.
Former Access students have gone onto degrees including:
- Paramedic Science
- Midwifery
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- History
Haleh and Kathryn are ready for the future
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 healthcare courses.
What is an Access to Higher Education course?
18 June 2025
Discover how our Access to HE programmes can empower adult learners to pursue university-level qualifications through these courses.
Progression Support
The E-Hub
The E-Hub is our Learning Resource Centre for all students and is home to the College’s extensive collection of books, online resource, and quiet study spaces.
Our E-Hub Team such as Katie (E-Hub Coordinator) are also able to offer you dedicated study advice, application guidance and essay workshops.
University Trips
We visit local universities so that you get to experience student life and the benefits of studying a Higher Education course.
We work in partnership with the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University so that when you finish your course, you are prepared for the future.
Events throughout the year
As an Access student, you will get to take part in many events that will help you prepare for your university journey.
These include University Fairs, Student Finance Talks, Interview Workshops, UCAS Guidance sessions, Careers Fairs and Alumni Visits.
Exam Support
If you don’t have an English or Maths GCSE, you can study for these alongside your Access studies with our evening classes.
Ichha passed his Access course and his GCSE English with a grade 4. This enabled him to go to University to study Nursing.
How you apply for a course at Ashford College
Step 1 – Find a subject you’re interested in
Explore our courses online and see the wide range of academic opportunities that are available to you.
Step 2 – Apply
Apply through our online application system for the department you are choosing.
Step 3 – Come to an interview
Come along to EKC Ashford College to meet our team, explore our facilities and see which course is right for you.
Career prospects
Example:
Midwives
£
£38,480
Annual pay
Annual pay is per year, based on full-time employment and on the South East region.
Role description
Registered community nurses provide general nursing care for the sick, injured and others in need of care, and assist medical doctors with their tasks in settings outside of acute hospitals, such as clinics, health centres or visits to patients’ homes.
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“It’s a lot more full-on than I originally anticipated, but for the right reasons, and when I get to university I’ll be fully ready.
“I’m enjoying all of the course and the College experience so far. It’s nice being a mature student here.
“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 do get treated as adults and the focus is on our learning too.”
Stephanie
Access to HE | Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare Professions
“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.”
Tul
Access to HE | Criminology, Social Sciences and Education | Applied to study Politics at University of Kent
“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.”
Semiu
Access to HE | Healthcare Professions
We’re part of six community-based colleges
