Our Access to Higher Education Diploma has been designed for individuals who may not have achieved qualifications at school and want to boost their opportunities. This QAA accredited course provides adult learners with an essential qualification, subject specific knowledge and the skills to progress directly to university.
There are currently three diplomas available at Bury College. Each consists of between three and four subject-specific modules that will enable you to meet university entry requirements.
In addition to gaining subject knowledge, the course aims to develop and enhance your essential study skills in preparation for university studies, including referencing, academic writing and ICT skills. Highly qualified and experienced Access to Higher Education tutors will provide one-to-one guidance and support to help with your university application.
Successful completion of the 60-credit diploma programme will provide you with the opportunity to progress onto studying a wide range of subjects at university level, including degrees in the following areas:
Health professions
Social Work/Care/Policies
Psychology, Sociology and Criminology
Alongside
your Access to Higher Education Diploma, you will be given the opportunity to
study GCSE Maths. Terms and conditions apply.
Your choice of diploma dictates the modules you will study. In some cases you will have a module of your choice dependent on your intended progression route.
Our range of popular diplomas includes:
Bury College Access to Higher Education diplomas meet the stringent requirements of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and progression of our students onto a wide range of degree courses is excellent. The diploma programmes also enhance student academic progression and employability, with a range of extracurricular activities including academic and industry guest lectures.
Assessment is varied and includes coursework throughout the year. In addition to our diploma courses, all Access students are offered the opportunity to undertake either GCSE Maths or English for progression to university. External GCSE exams take place in the summer term.
Some courses are free for eligible learners, this is shown in the course details. You may be eligible for a free course if you are:
Many of our adult learners pay for their Level 3 and above courses with an Advanced Learner Loan. If a loan is available this is indicated in the course details. It’s easy to apply, your household income isn’t taken into account and there are no credit checks. You only need to start paying back your Advanced Learner Loan when you are earning more than £25,000 per year.
Course Fee: £3,384.00
Please Note: We attempt to ensure that all information contained within this website is correct and up-to-date. However, some details may change as we review and update our provision. Although every effort is made to provide the teaching, examination, assessment and other services detailed on this website and in our other publications, Bury College cannot guarantee the provision of such programmes, services, facilities and fees. Bury College reserves the right to amend, withdraw, alter or amalgamate any of the courses, locations and facilities detailed within at any time. Should circumstances require such amendments, Bury College undertakes to use all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to those services and most importantly to students.
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Our art students have brought a splash of colour and creativity to Bury Hospice with a striking new mural celebrating the spirit of the local community. Painted by students from the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, the mural features vibrant hydrangeas and iconic Manchester Bees, symbolising unity, resilience, and the six towns of Bury. Find out more here.
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Bury College had the honour of welcoming several distinguished guests from the Government and Department for Education on 20th March 2025. Read more to find out what happened on the day.
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We recently lifted the lid on working in social care with an event for our Health and Social Care students. Students heard from employers in the industry about the different opportunities available and the skills that people in the industry are looking for.
On Thursday, 20th March 2025, Bury College played host to the Hair and Beauty category of the GM Skills Competition. Read more about it here.
Find out about Bury College's recent campus development, and how the college is striving to be more environmentally friendly.
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Find out how Temi has grabbed her T Level placement opportunity with the NHS with both hands. Plus how her placement has opened her eyes to all the Allied Health Professionals roles available in the healthcare sector.