Routes to Higher Education for Every Learner

Higher education offers many benefits that extend beyond academic achievement. It provides individuals with valuable knowledge and skills essential for personal and professional development, empowering them to pursue fulfilling careers and accomplish their goals.

Access to higher education should be available to all, regardless of background or circumstances. Every learner deserves the opportunity to unlock their full potential and pursue their educational aspirations, whether they have taken a break from education or decide to change their career.

In this blog post, we'll explore the alternative routes to higher education to help learners in making informed decisions about their route to higher education.

Learn about:

• Access to HE courses
• Foundation degrees
• Full-time learning
• Part-time learning

Access to HE Courses: ideal qualifications for mature learners

Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are designed to provide mature learners with a route into university-level study. The course is mainly designed for those who lack traditional qualifications such as A-levels or BTECs or may not have enough UCAS points for their chosen course. 

The access to HE route is for individuals aged 19 and above only. Access to HE diplomas are suitable for those who have been out of full-time education for some time and wish to pursue higher education.

How access to HE courses work

Access to HE courses are structured to provide learners with the necessary knowledge and skills required for successful progression to university. This is great, because rather than spending 2 years doing an A-Level/BTEC to acquire the right grades and UCAS points, an Access to HE course can be completed in a year! They cover a range of subjects, including mathematics, sciences, humanities, and social sciences, depending on the chosen pathway.

Why do an Access to HE course?

If you didn’t achieve the necessary qualifications earlier in life or have been out of education for a while, but want to go to university, an access course is for you. The courses offer a supportive environment for mature learners, helping them to build confidence and academic skills before entering university. 

Benefits of access to HE courses

• Provide a direct route to higher education for mature learners
• Gain essential skills needed for university
• Many courses for various subjects
• Support students during higher education applications
• A year-long course.

Considerations for an Access to HE courses

• Can be intense for those who have been out of education for a while
• Can be more expensive than A-Levels
• Not all unis accept access to HE courses, double check your chosen course accepts this before enrolment. 

Future education prospects

Graduates of an access to HE course can apply for a variety of undergraduate degree programmes at universities across the UK. 

The qualification and UCAS points obtained from an Access to HE course are widely recognised by universities and can lead to various career paths and opportunities for further study at higher levels, including undergraduate study.

Foundation degrees: Suitable for learners with undergraduate qualifications 

How Foundation degrees work

Foundation degrees typically span two years of full-time study or can be completed part-time over a longer duration. They come in a variety of subjects, so they offer direct relevance to your desired career or undergraduate degree. 

The courses provide a balance between academic study and real-world application, enhancing employability and preparing you for higher education. 

Why do a foundation degree

If you don’t meet the entry requirements of your chosen undergraduate course, you can choose to do a foundation degree. These courses give learners the qualifications they need to meet the entry requirements for further progression in their learning journey.

Benefits of a foundation degree

• Increased employability
• Practical experience
• Opportunities for career progression. 
• Blend of academic study and work-based learning
• Helps learners meet entry requirements
• Higher level of qualification than an Access to HE course

Foundation degree considerations

One drawback of pursuing a foundation degree is that it doesn't award UCAS points upon completion. This means that the qualification isn't as open-ended as other academic credentials, potentially limiting options for further study if a learner decides to change their career path or chosen undergrad subject. 

If you've been out of education for a while and lack familiarity with university learning styles, an Access to HE course might be a more suitable option. Access courses are specifically designed to prepare mature learners for university-level study, whereas foundation degrees require students to be pre-prepared for uni-style learning. 

Foundation courses are often better suited for individuals who already possess A-Levels, BTECs, or UCAS points, as they assume a certain level of prior academic knowledge and readiness for higher education.

Future education prospects

Upon completing a foundation degree, graduates can enter the workforce directly in their chosen field or choose to 'top up' their qualification to earn a full bachelor's degree through further study. 

Flexible study options: perfect for any schedule

Learners come from diverse backgrounds and have varying responsibilities, ranging from young students with more flexible schedules to parents, full-time workers, carers, and others, who may need more flexible study options to accommodate their commitments.

Part-time study

Part-time study is suitable for those who have various responsibilities that prevent them from pursuing full-time education. Someone might choose this option to balance work, family, or other commitments while still advancing their education and career prospects. 

The benefits of part-time study include flexibility, allowing learners to manage their time more effectively and the opportunity to gain qualifications while continuing to work or fulfil other responsibilities. 

However, part-time courses take longer to complete, and this can lead to potential challenges in maintaining focus and motivation over an extended period.

Full-time study

Full-time study is ideal for individuals who can commit to a more intensive academic schedule and prioritise their education as their primary focus. Someone might choose this option to complete their studies more quickly and immerse themselves fully in the learning/uni experience.

The benefits of full-time study include a more structured and immersive learning environment, opportunities for networking and collaboration with peers, and potentially faster progression towards academic and career goals. 

Full-time study can be a demanding learning-style and many students won’t have the time to work alongside learning and will have to rely on part-time weekend jobs.

How UCEN Manchester supports all types of learners

UCEN Manchester provides a diverse range of courses and programmes tailored to meet the needs of all types of learners, offering flexibility in scheduling to accommodate various commitments and lifestyles. 

Whether you’re a full-time student, parent, working professional, or carer, UCEN Manchester ensures you have access to education that fits your unique circumstances. 

Explore our range of courses designed to meet your needs and fit your schedule perfectly at UCEN Manchester.