Access to HE

The Access Diploma is specifically designed for people aged 19 years and over who want to progress onto university. Perhaps you've taken a break from education due to other commitments but have always wanted to gain the qualifications you missed at school, or maybe you’ve discovered that the career you want requires university level qualifications. Whatever your situation, the Access Diploma offers you the opportunity to gain a qualification that could open the doors to university for you.

Past students generally progress to universities including Cumbria, UCLan, Lancaster, Manchester, Leeds, York, Exeter, Newcastle or Sheffield. They study a variety of degrees, such as nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, radiography, social work, youth and community work, teaching, history, sociology, law, psychology, biomedical sciences or sports therapy.

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care)

Start Date: 01/09/2025

MOA: Full Time
Level: Level 3
Type: Adult FT
Duration: 1 Year
Location: Lancaster & Morecambe College

Funding your course

If you are aged 19-23 and do not have a full Level 3 qualification, you may be able to study the Access Diploma for free. If you do have to pay fees, Advanced Learning Loans are available to fund course fees and expenses. If you undertake an Access Diploma and then go on to complete a university degree course, the outstanding balance of the Advanced Learning Loan is written off. consequently, the course could be free.

The loan is not means tested and repayments only start after completing your course and earnings are over £25,000 per annum.

The majority of students are progressing to universities, including Lancaster University, Durham University, University of Cumbria, Edge Hill University and University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), for a variety of degrees, such as Nursing, Midwifery, Radiography, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, Environmental Science, Law and Biological Science. All university places are very hard won, particularly Midwifery, which three LMC Access students gained places for.

Victoria Bond, Head of Access to Higher Education

The Access course was challenging, creative and interesting. All of the tutors were so passionate about their subjects which provided an excellent level of teaching.

It is so refreshing to be taught with such passion and to be valued as an individual. The Access course taught me that we all can learn from everyone from all backgrounds and that is truly inspiring.

Jennifer Thurston, Access to Higher Education Diploma

YOUR TUTOR(S)

Teaches: Business and Management

The course gives people experiences of business in many forms which can be used in a huge variety of possible future careers – past students have gone on to work in sectors as diverse as fashion, charities, social media, nuclear energy, defence manufacturing and the public sector.

Teaches: Hospitality & Catering

I love working with such keen and dedicated staff and students. I also like how every day is different because we attract such a wide range of students including year 11 from local high schools aged 16-18 who apply to the full time courses, to adult students who attend the part time courses. It’s nice to work with so many people from all different backgrounds and cultures who share a passion for cooking.

Teaches: Hairdressing

I love to see the difference between a student starting the course and then when they leave their course. They always gain confidence thanks to their new skills and it's amazing to see them leave with their qualification knowing that I have contributed in helping them achieve it.

View all Tutors

ALUMNI

Jennifer Thurston

Courses Taken: Access to Higher Education

Profession: Residential Childcare Trainer

Years Studied: 2015 - 2016

Charlotte Triolaire

Courses Taken: Access to HE

Profession: Psychology Student at Lancaster University

Years Studied: 2020 - 2021

Danny Stackhouse

Courses Taken: Health & Social Care Level 2 and Access to HE

Profession: Adult Nursing Student at University of Cumbria

Years Studied: 2019 - 2023

Bethany Blundell

Courses Taken: Access To HE

Profession: Student Midwife

Years Studied: 2021

Bobby Bleasdale

Courses Taken: Access to HE Diploma

Profession: Midwife

Years Studied: 2017-2019

Bernie Foy

Courses Taken: GCSE English, Access to HE Diploma

Profession: Pursuing a career in nursing

Beccy Wheildon

Courses Taken: Access to HE

Years Studied: 2023-2024

View all Alumni

The Department in Focus

LMC showcases their award-winning careers programme to industry specialists

Banks Lyon Memorial Trust Funding Supports LMC Students with Outdoor Activities

Sports students from Lancaster and Morecambe College (LMC) are some of the latest beneficiaries of the Banks Lyon Memorial Trust (BLMT) who awarded the College with a £5000 grant to support their learners to access a range of outdoor educational opportunities.

LMC Principal is sent to jail!

Lancaster & Morecambe College has announced that its Principal, Danny Braithwaite, is being sent to prison for undisclosed crimes. However, students, staff and parents don't need to worry, as it is all in the name of charity!

Positive Prospects for our NEET Students

Ray and Evi, part of our NEET team (students who are not in employment, education, or training or at risk of) have recently been putting the Igloo to use to support students who are struggling to attend their courses and need a bit of extra support.

LMC Supports City of Sanctuary Charity

City of Sanctuary is a national charitable organisation that helps promote inclusion in the UK for people who have been forcibly displaced and are seeking sanctuary.

LMC in the News

Pages in this Section