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: 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

My favourite part of working at Lancaster & Morecambe college is watching students progress and supporting them with their learning. I also love knowing they are learning within a hairdressing environment and being able to see them develop their skills and knowledge in hairdressing.

Teaches: Hairdressing

In my role as a course tutor I’m responsible for ensuring that my students develop in many areas, and not just Hairdressing. I like to encourage my students to improve their well-being as well as support them with their personal development and learning journey, to gain the knowledge to be successful within their course to achieve the qualifications they need to progress in the industry.

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

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