If you have a thirst for knowledge and the motivation to achieve the qualifications you need for degree level study, we can support you on your academic journey.
Our Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification designed for ambitious adults like you wanting to gain the knowledge, confidence and grades needed to study at university.
Our Access to Higher Education Diploma is a great option for adults who, although do not hold the relevant or formal qualifications, have the passion and motivation needed to study at degree level.
By studying a wide variety of animal science based units, you will develop relevant subject knowledge and have the opportunity to develop techniques to help you succeed and progress to degrees and careers in areas such as applied zoology, canine and equine studies, and veterinary nursing (subject to meeting entry requirements).
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is a full Level 3 qualification which prepares you for study at university level.
Following completion, many of our students progress on to degrees in areas such as:
You will study a variety of subject areas at an advanced level in preparation for higher education.
Maths and English at GCSE Grade C/Level 4 or above is needed for this course. Students will be assessed on interview.
As we teach Biochemistry, Inferential Statistics and Animal Genetics on this course, you must have a basic level of mathematical understanding.
To complete the Diploma you will need to study and achieve the following units.
Graded:
Ungraded:
The course is designed for people who have been out of education for some time.
Teaching is carried out in the form of accessible lessons, assignment workshops and practical activities. Students are assessed on their coursework through presentations, essays, practicals, research projects and reports.
Students will be able to access course timetables for the academic year in September.
Timetables are subject to change, but most students can expect to spend 3-3.5 days per week on campus.
Tuition Fees
As a student at UCR, you will have two main costs to meet; your tuition fees and living costs.
The 24/25 fee for Access to HE (Land based Studies) is approx. £5,197, but you may be entitled to full funding or an Advanced Learner Loan. Maintenance loans are not available for Access to HE courses, so you will also need to meet your living expenses.
Equipment Costs
Students should have a pair of steel toe-capped boots/wellington boots in order to undertake practical activities on the zoo, farm and outdoors (from approx. £30) and overalls (from approx. £40).
Apply directly through Reaseheath
Maths and English at GCSE Grade C/Level 4 or above.
Students will be assessed on interview.
September 2025
Full-time: 1 year
Ellie Nancarrow | BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing
“After I finished my A Levels, I didn’t think I would go back into education but after a few months out, I realised how important it is to have a career you are passionate about. Because of this I looked into studying a Veterinary Nursing degree at UCR as I love animals and communicating with clients, and I knew I wanted a career where I could make a difference, so it seemed like the perfect choice for me.
“The Veterinary Nursing course is quite competitive to get onto, so I didn’t actually get accepted right away. I wasn’t discouraged though and decided to enrol onto Reaseheath’s Access to Higher Education course for extra experience which gave me a great overview of so many different subjects. After the course I then applied to study BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing at UCR again and was delighted to find out I had been accepted!
“I can’t fault my time at UCR; it has been a challenge, but I have been well supported, the lecturers are highly experienced, and the facilities are outstanding. I would strongly encourage anyone who is passionate about working in the veterinary nursing sector to apply.”
Here you will find useful information about the services and support available at University Centre Reaseheath.
Answers to our FAQs can also be found at: Access to HE Diploma
University Centre Reaseheath is committed to providing additional financial support to those who need it. To find out about the bursary schemes available visit our additional financial support page.
For students to get the best out of their time at University Centre Reaseheath, we must both recognise that we owe obligations to each other. These obligations are set out in our UCR Student Contract. Before you accept an offer of a place at University Centre Reaseheath, it is important that you read these contract conditions. If you are going to be living in Halls of Residence, you will also need to read the Student Accommodation Licence Conditions. Both of these contracts can be found here.
Click here to view the University Centre Reaseheath Student Protection Plan.
All UCR students are given the opportunity to apply for residential accommodation. First year students are guaranteed accommodation and this offer is made to all applicants who live more than a reasonable daily travelling distance from Reaseheath (providing you have applied before the UCAS equal considerations deadline. For full details on our halls of residence visit our accommodation page.
We have a team of dedicated professionals on hand to offer you support. These include our Student Services Team, Inclusive Learning Team, Library and Learning Resources Team and the Reaseheath Careers Service. You can find more information on the support provided at Reaseheath on our support page.
University Centre Reaseheath is proud to welcome international students. For more information, please visit our international students page.
