International Access to Higher Education

Loughborough College has been running Access to Higher Education programmes successfully for a number of years and we are delighted to extend the offer to our International students.

Our International Access to Higher Education course provides an excellent route for international students who have good end of secondary school grades but require one extra year of study before beginning their university studies in the UK.

International Access to Higher Education students undertake a comprehensive induction. Through a variety of activities, students are introduced to the course, Loughborough College, the surrounding area, and living in the UK.

This enjoyable and exciting experience ensures that students quickly settle into the college, whilst also providing an ideal opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

Course Pathways

Access to Business (Level 3)

Access to Business aims to develop your business and legal skills through learning that incorporates practical issues and bridges the gap between theoretical and work-based placement. This pathway may be constructed from a range of units in business, management, and other related areas.

Examples of modules studied:

  • Business Awareness
  • Introduction to Consumer Law
  • Business Accounts
  • Ethics in Business
  • Applied Business Marketing

Access to Health Studies (Level 3)

Access to Health Studies is designed to facilitate entry into various branches of the medical profession, including nursing, para-medicine, midwifery and radiography. The programme includes the study of human biology, psychology, and sociology as the main subject areas.

Examples of modules studied:

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • The Cell
  • Reproduction
  • Treatment and Therapies
  • Infectious Diseases
  • The Skeleton

Optional modules:

  • Biochemistry
  • Understanding Eating Disorders
  • Nutrition and Lifestyle
  • Ethical Issues in Social Policy

Access to Social Sciences (Level 3)

Access to Social Sciences is a specialist programme presenting you with the opportunity to study across a broad spectrum of academic fields. The pathway may be constructed from a range of units in topics such as sociology, human biology, psychology, leadership and management, and business.

Examples of modules studied:

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Sociological Theory
  • Ethical Issues in Social Policy
  • Demographic Trends
  • Conformity and Obedience
  • Psychology Research Project

Optional modules:

  • Early Social Development
  • Criminal Psychology
  • Crime and Deviance
  • Sociology of Education
  • Professional Communication in Social Work

Access to Science (Level 3)

Access to Science covers all three sciences to give a balanced view of skills to enable progression to science-based degree programmes. The mandatory group ensures that learners have the fundamental understanding of biology, chemistry and physics and then learners can select from a range of optional units.

Examples of modules studied:

  • Physical Chemistry
  • Core Chemistry
  • Energy
  • Electricity and Radioactivity
  • Planet Life Support
  • Conservation and Management
  • Body Systems
  • Genetics

Entry Requirements

English Language requirements UKVI SELT:

Academic IELTS for UKVI score of 5.5 overall, with no less than 5.0 in each part.

Academic requirements:

We welcome applications from all international students who have successfully completed a High /Secondary School qualification and achieved grades comparable to:

  • Five IGCSE /GCSE Grades C/4 or above including maths and relevant subjects where required
  • Three D grades or above at either AS or A Level

Tuition Fees 23/24

International Access to Higher Education programme – Fees TBC

Progression Opportunities

We are delighted to let you know that all students who complete and pass the Access to Higher Education Programme are guaranteed a place on a full-time degree programme at Loughborough College, including Sports degrees validated and awarded by Loughborough University.

We work with some of the World’s best Universities to deliver these degrees.

Our international students applying through UCAS have previously progressed in recent years to the universities below, subject to meet institution’s minimum entry criteria.

University Logos

FAQs

What is International Access to Higher Education?

The International Access to Higher Education Diploma is a qualification that prepares students with a good foundation to university-level study.

Our Access to Higher Education programmes are awarded by the Cambridge Access Validating Agency and are recognised widely across the vast majority of UK Universities as a pathway into studying a UK degree.

This broad level of acceptance and increased progression opportunity makes an attractive offering for our students.

What does an Access to Higher Education Diploma course involve?

To achieve an Access to Higher Education Diploma, you will complete a programme that includes certain units of study in relevant subject areas.

You’ll be taught study skills; learning how to approach academic study and the different techniques that you’ll need to be a successful student.

The units are designed to ensure that you’re thoroughly equipped for studying at university.

For each unit successfully completed, you’ll earn credits that gradually build towards the 60 credits that are required for the Access to Higher Education Diploma.

Offering specific pathways in the following, will allow you to get a broader understanding of your chose subject area prior to starting your degree.

Is the Access to Higher Education Diploma recognised by universities?

Access to Higher Education courses have been designed and developed with the support of universities. Access to Higher Education is therefore widely recognised by UK universities.

Each year, around 20,000 Access to Higher Education students apply to universities across the UK. What’s more, the framework for the approval of Access to Higher Education courses is managed by the universities’ own quality assurance organisation: The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

What level is an Access to Higher Education qualification equivalent to?

The Access to HE qualification is equivalent in standard to other Level 3 qualifications, and can equate to achieving 3 A Levels.

What teaching and additional support will I receive?

Students can be confident that, throughout their studies, they will receive high-quality academic teaching, and ongoing help and advice from an experienced International Team.

At the start of the programme, students will discuss study plans, timetables, and the structure of the Access to Higher Education course

A dedicated Progress Tutor also guides and supports students during their UCAS application and specialist advice is given to assist students in making their university choices, deciding which course is best for them.

Academic English /IELTS Study

These classes help students to develop the skills essential for success at university, including note-taking, researching, extended writing, presenting, and summarising.

English language tutors will support students who need to improve their IELTS score before starting their degree programme.

3 hours of English Language tuition per week will be included in your timetable.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information contained on this website is correct, the College accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Please note that details are subject to change without notice with regard to the provision of courses, course times and dates and the fees and charges levied.

OUR STUDENTS SAY

“The College has invested in recent years to improve the facilities for students: “There is a big library at the college where many useful books and journals can be found. Also, computers are available for student use in the college whenever they are needed and quiet places for studying can be found as well. I really like the fact that buildings in the college are newly built and also there are some shops and cafeterias available on site”

Rated 5/5 for her overall experience as an international student at Loughborough College.

Elina Kamilova

Kazakstan