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An Access to Higher education Diploma is a qualification which prepares students for studying at university. It is designed for people who would like to study in higher education but who left school without qualifications such as A levels. The Diploma is recognised by all universities and higher education colleges as the entry standard to a degree programme

Access to HE students have perhaps missed out on education and left school to get a job or have a family. Formal qualifications are not necessarily required to get onto an Access to HE course, and age is not a barrier. Your life experience will be valuable on the course.

You do not need any qualifications to enrol on Access to HE courses. However individual colleges may have their own entry requirements (often English/Maths GCSE).

Most Access to Higher Education Diplomas can be completed in a year or less. Colleges try to be as flexible as possible: why not check with your local college to find out what choices they can offer?

Most courses start in September each year but some offer the opportunity to join at different times.

There will normally be an application form and an interview. Most colleges have Open Days where you can find out more. Contact your local college about a course and how to join.

Courses are often free for 19-24 year olds. Students over the age of 24 can obtain an Advanced Learner Loan which can be written off if the degree is completed.

Please visit the courses area of the CAVA website http://www.cava.ac.uk/courses/. This lists the subjects available and the colleges in your area that run them.