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Access to Higher Education

Discover your direct route to university with our CAVA Access to Higher Education (HE) Courses.

In just one year, these A-level equivalent Diplomas offer flexible study hours to accommodate work and childcare commitments. Choose from courses in Art & Design, Science, and Social Science.

Finance your path with an advanced learner loan and kickstart your higher education journey with us.

Courses
Adult Learners In A Classroom

Start your journey to HE

Our CAVA Access to Higher Education courses exclusively cater to individuals aged 19 and above who are looking to re-enter the education system. These programs offer a pathway to attain the necessary qualifications for progression to a university degree.

Participants in our courses not only acquire additional knowledge and skills to better prepare for university but also have the opportunity to retake specific GCSEs, such as in maths and English, if needed. Your chosen course will guide you in developing academic conduct, honing research and study skills, fostering critical thinking, and understanding the ethical considerations in higher education.

With classes held only two days a week, our flexible schedule makes it convenient for you to balance education with work, family, and other lifestyle commitments.

Supporting you to achieve

To support your educational journey, Advanced Learner Loans are available to cover tuition fees and additional expenses.

The great thing about Access to HE courses is that Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay it!

Advanced Learner Loan
Art learner working on sculpture piece
Art & Design
female STEM student carrying out experiment documentation notes
Science (Nursing, Midwifery and Health)
A group of adults engaging in discussion around a table
Social Sciences (Psychology Sociology and Criminology)

“The staff are phenomenal with re-introducing us to being students as obviously a lot of us have been out of education for quite some time now”. 

Chantal Ellis
Access to HE Science

“There’s a real community here, and I’d say it’s a big positive for this course. We have a real university kind of feel to it”

Daniel Connolly
Access to HE science

“My tutors take on board my additional needs, such as extra time or if I cannot get an assignment completed because of work or other things around the course”.

Angela Moss
Access to HE social sciences

“Suffolk New College adequately prepared me for higher education regarding skills, knowledge and experience. Because of it, I feel confident in using learning spaces, meeting module requirements and completing assignments at university.” 

Kristina Tonev
Former Access to HE Art and Design student

“The main goal that I’m focusing on at the moment is just getting to uni, and the college has been very supportive of that and just making sure I’m on track and getting it done. There have been lots of conversations about thinking ahead and ways of establishing yourself on a creative career path.”

Flavia Skomro
Access to HE Art and Design

“I like that you have access to so many resources and materials, and it’s nice to play around with those sorts of things. Using resources that you wouldn’t be able to get off of your own back and learning some new skills.”

Dillon Skomro
Access to HE Art and Design

Financial Support

The College offers bursary schemes to enrolled students which offers assistance with kits, travel to College, uniform, college trips and other course materials.

Financial Support
Female learner reading a book in the College library