Access to Higher Education
University Centre Somerset, part of UCS College Group, has developed a comprehensive Access to Higher Education offer that supports mature students to reach their ambition of gaining the qualifications required to study at a higher level.
The majority of our learners who have completed an Access to HE Diploma with us have gone on to successfully gain a place studying at the university of their choice.
What is an Access to HE Diploma?
Access to HE provides students with the skills, knowledge and qualifications necessary for progression on to University-level courses. This route provides excellent study skills in specific subject areas, giving our students the confidence to succeed.
We currently deliver two Access to He Diplomas in-person at our Taunton campus:
The course fees are stated on each course overview page on this website.
If you are over 19 and require an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the course fees, the Access loan could be written off on completion of a degree level course.
If you are aged 19-23 at the start of the course, and do not hold a full Level 3 qualification, you could be fully funded for your Access course.
For further information or guidance, please contact us on 01278 441233 or email studentsupport@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk.
We currently offer the following Access to HE Diplomas:
Access to HE courses usually run for one academic year, from September to June.
Access to HE Diploma’s provide students with the necessary grounding to progress onto Higher Education courses.
The majority of UK universities will accept an Access to HE Diploma as an alternative to A Levels and other, more traditional, routes.
Head on over to our Contact page and speak to our friendly Student Support team who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
University Centre Somerset delivers…
Our outstanding and passionate staff are dedicated, and this is combined with extensive tutorial support.
Each campus has unique and exciting resources available to all HE students, including our LRCs.
Frequently joining us from University of Bristol, University of Plymouth, Bournemouth University and more.
We are proud of our consistently high pass rates across programmes.
Including class & small group discussions, seminar style work, lectures, and assignment writing.
All staff are here to help you, whether tutors, lecturers or support staff.
Feedback from current students tells us the atmosphere in the classroom is friendly and helpful.
Move all the way from Level 1 – Level 6 at UCS College Group.
About University Centre Somerset
At University Centre Somerset (UCS), we strive to unleash the potential in each of our students, supporting them as they unlock new skills and ambitions. Our goal is for students to step seamlessly into their careers with confidence, equipped with not just knowledge, but practical, hands-on experience in their chosen field.
Qualifications range from short courses to full Honours degrees, in a range of career-focused subjects from Agricultural Management to Mental Health Nursing. Each course is designed with excellent career prospects and progression in mind, whether locally or further afield.
But at UCS, we’re not just about qualifications. We champion small class sizes, nurturing an inclusive and welcoming environment where students can flourish. Each student has a personal tutor for the duration of their programme and access to a wealth of support services across our three friendly, accessible campuses.
Interested? Explore our website, find us on the usual social media channels, and come to an open event! If there’s a question you can’t find an answer to, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at info@somerset.ac.uk or give us a call on 01278 441234.
🎓 University-level study on your doorstep
Attend our upcoming Open Events to discuss our courses, chat with academic staff, and get your questions answered. Explore our comprehensive range of Degrees, Higher Apprenticeships, and professional programmes.
