Access is the perfect option for people aged 19 and over who have been out of education for a while or who are seeking a career change.
Why Access to Higher Education
Some of the most popular Access subject areas include IT and computing, health and social care, education, and business management, but at City College there are loads of Access and Pre-Access courses to choose from.
We also offer the option to study an express course or do all of your learning exclusively online; but for those who love learning through collaboration, our part-time and evening courses will fit neatly around other commitments.
Please note Access to HE courses are not available to people under the age of 19.
Access study options
To allow as many people as possible to benefit from the opportunities offered by Access to Higher Education, City College has tried to make its delivery of these courses as flexible as possible, with many of its courses offering a choice of delivery modes. Please use the dropdowns below to see the details of each one.
Your chosen mode of delivery will be determined during your interview.
You will study at the College two evenings a week for one year.
You will study at the College one day a week for two years.
Choose your course
Science and Engineering
- Course code: SCEFT
- Level: 3
- Qualification: Access, Diploma
- Awarding body: Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA)
- Duration: One year
- Course type: Full-time
Science and Engineering (Physics, Maths and Chemistry)
- Course code: SCEONL
- Level: 3
- Qualification: Access, Diploma
- Awarding body: Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA)
- Duration: One year
- Course type: Distance learning
Social Science (Psychology, Sociology and Law)
- Course code: SOCFT, SOCXE
- Level: 3
- Qualification: Access, Diploma
- Awarding body: Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA)
- Duration: One year
- Course type: Full-time, Part-time
Funding your Access course
If you’re concerned about the costs of returning to education, any student over the age of 19 can apply for a Government-funded Advanced Learner Loan. This will cover your course fees so you don’t have to worry about paying up front. Plus, any Access student who goes on to complete a higher education qualification will not have to pay back the loan for the Access course. So what’s stopping you?
See our Advanced Learner Loan page for more information and details of how to apply.
“I’m pleased I did my Access course with the College. The lecturers were really supportive and you would always get a quick response to a question.”
Caley Mead
I hope to become a family law barrister, providing protection for vulnerable children. I feel my future is full of possibilities thanks to Access.”
Toni Perrin
Tony's Story: Access to Higher Education
Mature student Tony is not only learning about history, he’s creating it too!
Tony, aged 71, has recently completed an Access to Higher Education course at City College Plymouth and is now set to become possibly the oldest ever history undergraduate at the University of Plymouth when he takes on a degree there.
With a remarkable story about positivity, loss and learning, Tony shows us it is never too late to learn!
Learn more about Tony’s story through the video below!
Virtual Tour
City College Plymouth like you’ve never seen it before. Tour our facilities from the comfort of your sofa and explore our various subject area-focused introductory videos and demonstrations.
Come visit us
We hold multiple events all year round, from Year 11 taster sessions to full open days. Our events are a great way to see our facilities, meet our staff and get a feel for life at City College.
