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City College Plymouth and the University of Plymouth Strengthen Pathways to Higher Education

Plymouth’s largest education providers have created guaranteed routes into higher education for adult students. City College Plymouth’s Access to Higher Education (HE) now includes direct progression to more than 120 University of Plymouth programmes.

This new agreement offers a vital route for adults seeking to enhance qualifications and career prospects in Plymouth and the wider region.

City College Plymouth’s Chief Executive, Jackie Grubb, said: “Our partnership with the University of Plymouth represents a significant opportunity for adult students in our community. With over 200 Access students currently enrolled, we are proud to offer flexible, supportive education pathways that enable students to move from our Access courses directly onto degree-level studies, furthering their careers and lifelong learning.”

Today’s partnership announcement follows a meeting between the College’s Chief Executive and the University’s new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Davies.

A new memorandum of understanding between the institutions was signed earlier this year, giving renewed focus to a partnership that has benefited around 20,000 students over more than 30 years.

Professor Davies added: “The University of Plymouth is proud to be open to everyone who can benefit from studying with us, and Access courses are a great way into HE for people who may have missed out on the opportunity earlier in life and still have personal or professional ambitions they wish to fulfil. Working closely with our friends at City College is vital to ensuring we deliver a diverse, inclusive and high-quality educational offer for the people of Plymouth and the surrounding area.”

The articulation agreement between the University and awarding body, the Cambridge Access Validating Agency, guarantees that every student on an Access to HE programme at City College Plymouth has a recognised progression route to study at the University.

Subject to students successfully completing the course and meeting specific conditions, the agreement also removes the need for a UCAS application, streamlining the process further for these students.

City College Plymouth’s Access to HE courses provide an essential route for adults who may have missed out on formal education or are looking for a career change. Partnering with the University of Plymouth enables these students to transition seamlessly into higher education, offering them a second chance to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Both institutions are committed to supporting students at every stage of their educational journey, sharing a vision of promoting lifelong learning. From the tailored support provided during Access courses to the comprehensive resources available at the University, students are set up for success from start to finish.

Learn more about the Access to HE courses on offer and the steps toward a brighter future here: cityplym.info/AccesstoHE