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Ready for a career change? Access to HE is your pathway to a degree


15 June 2023

Some people say that education is a lifelong journey, and at Coleg Gwent, we couldn’t agree more. We recognise that many of us take breaks from education at various points throughout our lives, dipping in and out of education at the times that suit us best. After all, education doesn’t end when we leave school at 16. It continues in college, university, the workplace and the wider community as part of our everyday lives. So, whatever stage you’re at in life and whatever educational journey you’ve taken so far, it’s never too late to learn a new skill, pursue a passion, follow a dream, or explore a completely different avenue for your career.

Discover Access to HE

Access to HE Diploma courses are your pathway to a degree. Many people choose to study an Access to HE course at Coleg Gwent because they’re looking for a career change or wish to go to university but don’t hold the traditional qualifications required for admission. And with record numbers applying to study nursing and medicine in Wales, Rosalind Spooner decided to study Access to Medical and Health Science at the City of Newport Campus explaining;

Learner Rosalind Spooner smiling

“I was frustrated at not being able to progress in my current job role, but coming to college has enabled me to break that barrier.”

As a level 3 qualification, Access courses are relative to A Levels and the Welsh Baccalaureate, preparing you for the demands of studying at undergraduate degree level and providing you with a pathway into university. This fast-track one-year route into Higher Education is widely accepted for entry to UK universities, and you’ll gain the relevant knowledge and study skills you need to progress and succeed. Paul Davies wanted to become a doctor in the NHS, but he wasn’t sure of the best route to take him there or which course he needed to get him into university. So, he decided to study Access to Healthcare at the City of Newport Campus and found that;

Learner Paul Davies smiling

“the tutors helped with different types of learning support and even developing my Maths and English from school too.”

But returning to education as a mature learner after a break can be hard and going back to the classroom can feel daunting. So, these courses are designed to be challenging and will push you to grow personally, academically and professionally, but you won’t be thrown in the deep end. At Coleg Gwent, you’ll be supported all the way as we help you to develop valuable skills for a successful career in your chosen field, prepare you for university studies, and set you up for success. Ella-Louise studied Access to Humanities and Social Science and explained; “as a carer for my dad there were times I struggled with the workload, but with the support of the tutors, I was able to flourish in the course. The Access course completely prepared me for university and in fact year 1 and 2 were a breeze in comparison. I was told by my university that Access students do better on average throughout their degree than students who have gained entry requirements through more traditional methods.”

Our Access courses will refresh your study skills, grow your confidence, and teach you new techniques that will help you on your way to becoming a successful university student, meaning that a university degree is within your reach, even if you haven’t studied for years and have no previous qualifications. There are no age limits, no pre-requisites for qualifications, and no limit to where you can go! Access to HE Nursing learner Cait Griffins told us;

Learner Cait Griffin smiling

“I struggled in school as I didn’t have enough support. But since being at Coleg Gwent, I’ve met new friends, gained confidence and now my long-term goal is to be an A&E Nurse.”

Where will Access to HE take me?

Access to HE courses open doors to new and exciting career paths in a range of popular subject areas, so you can pursue your goals and ambitions at any stage in life. Every year, around 20,000 Access to HE students apply to UK universities, going on to study a wide range of subjects at undergraduate level and stepping into exciting new career paths. In fact, 90% of graduates with an Access to HE Diploma find themselves in employment or further study six months after graduating!

So, whether you want to become a Lawyer, Psychologist, Dentist, Banker, Social Worker or Marine Biologist, there are plenty of Access to HE routes to choose from at Coleg Gwent to relaunch your education and progress your career:

Apply now to begin your pathway to a degree this September at your local college campus!