Access to HE Teaching Courses in Manchester

Ever thought about getting into teaching?

There has never been a better time to make the move. Following a 4 per cent pay award from September 2025, teacher starting salaries in England now begin at a minimum of £32,916 outside London. Starting salaries rise to as much as £40,317 in inner London. The government has made teacher recruitment and retention a national priority, with a renewed focus on pay, workload and work/life balance. For anyone considering a career in education, the door is wide open.

If you want to become a teacher but do not have the traditional qualifications, our Access to HE teaching course can help you start your journey.

What is an Access to HE teaching course?

Our Access to HE courses prepare adults without traditional qualifications for careers in higher education and beyond. The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Education is designed specifically for adult learners returning to study who want to go on to train as a teacher.

Equivalent to three A Levels, the diploma builds the academic knowledge, confidence and study skills you need to progress to a degree and, ultimately, into the teaching profession. People choose this route for all kinds of reasons:

• They may not hold the formal qualifications needed for a degree
• They may be returning to education after time away
• They may be making a positive career change.

The Access to HE Diploma in Education at UCEN Manchester

The Access to HE Diploma in Education is both academic and practical. Across one year of full-time study, you will complete units in three core areas:

• Education
• Psychology
• English

Alongside these subject modules, the course includes developmental units designed to build the academic skills you will need at degree level. These skills range from essay writing to research and presentation techniques.

When the time comes to apply to your chosen degree, we support you every step of the way. That includes help with your UCAS application, your personal statement and an academic reference from your tutors.

You will be based at our Nicholls Campus in Manchester, with your studies starting in September 2026.

What our students say

Our students consistently tell us that the support of their tutors makes all the difference. Former student Sebastian Forbes, who completed the course, described his tutors as supportive, understanding and motivational, adding that they believe in each and every student.

Michelle Tocher, Director of Access (Higher Education), is proud of what students achieve. She said:

I am particularly delighted that our students show so much dedication to an amazing career. We know it isn't an easy choice but if you want to make a difference and you know you can make learning fun, teaching is for you.

Another former student, Jasmine Taylor, shared that UCEN Manchester was the stepping stone she needed to finally pursue her passion for teaching. She said the practical elements, combined with the expert knowledge of the tutors, prepared her for her first teaching role and helped her find her calling.

Why choose an Access to HE teaching course?

Choosing an Access to HE Diploma in Education at UCEN Manchester opens the door to a rewarding and impactful career. Our course is designed to give you both the academic knowledge and the practical foundations you need to succeed.

Whether you have always dreamed of becoming a teacher or are exploring a new direction, our course provides the perfect starting point. Here is what makes it stand out:

• Small class sizes, so you are never lost in the crowd
• Individual support from experienced, dedicated tutors
• A clear progression route into a teaching degree
• Help with your UCAS application, personal statement and reference
• A supportive environment built around adult learners returning to study.

You will be learning alongside people who, like you, have made the decision to pursue something meaningful. That shared motivation creates a genuinely encouraging atmosphere.

What can you do after the course?

Once you complete your Access to HE Diploma in Education, you can progress to a degree in education, teaching or a related subject. From there, the next step is gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which qualifies you to teach in schools across England.

Demand for teachers remains strong across primary, secondary and further education. Subjects such as maths, science and computing are particularly sought after. Shortage-subject teachers in the early years of their careers can access a targeted retention incentive worth up to £6,000 after tax. Whatever your area of interest, a teaching qualification offers genuine job security and the chance to make a real difference.

You might also choose to explore teaching in the further education and skills sector through our wider teacher education courses. These courses include routes toward Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.

Why teaching, and why now?

For a few years, fewer people were entering the teaching profession. That picture is now changing. Sustained pay rises, a national drive to recruit and retain teachers, and growing investment in schools mean the opportunities for new teachers are expanding.

Manchester is a brilliant place to build a teaching career. The city has a large and growing school-age population, a thriving further education sector and a strong network of training routes. Qualifying here means you are entering the profession in a region with genuine demand for passionate, well-prepared teachers.

Entry requirements

To join the Access to HE Diploma in Education, you will need:

• GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and maths
• GCSE Science grade C/4 or above if you plan to progress into primary education.

If you are not quite ready for Level 3 study, we may offer you a place on our Pre-Access course at Level 2, which helps you build your English and maths alongside the skills you need to progress.

Fees and funding

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to pay tuition fees for the course. The good news is that there is plenty of support available, including government funding, bursaries, grants and the Advanced Learner Loan. This means there is nothing to pay upfront and the loan can be written off if you progress to a qualifying degree. Visit our fees, finance and funding page to find out what support you are entitled to.

Ready to start your teaching journey?

Teaching is much more than a job. It is a chance to inspire and shape young minds, and there has never been a better time to take that first step.

If you are ready to make a difference and share your love of learning, our Access to HE Diploma in Education could be the start of a life-changing journey. You can also book onto an open day to visit the campus and meet the team. Explore the course and apply today to begin your career in teaching.