If your sights are set on studying a degree, but you need further qualifications first, don’t worry – our Access to Higher Education Diploma is your launchpad for higher level study!
Whether you want to study a degree to secure graduate-level employment, to pursue your passion for the land based sector or to develop your academic skills and knowledge, we are here to help at UCR.
Have you always loved the natural environment? Do you dream of having a rewarding graduate level job in the land based sector, within fields such as environmental conservation, animal welfare or sustainability?
Just because you don’t have the entry requirements to study a degree right now, that doesn’t mean you need to give up on your dream. At UCR, we’ll support your ambition every step of the way to develop your academic skills to progress on to studying your chosen degree.
As we work closely with our partner institution the University of Chester, you can be certain that you’ll be ready to progress onto a wide range of degree programmes – either at UCR or further afield.
You will be mentored by dedicated University Centre lecturers in small class sizes – ideal if you are looking to progress quickly and build your confidence before starting your degree.
Whether you have had a break from education or need to balance study with other commitments, our inclusive and supportive community will help to prepare you for your degree, whatever your circumstances. Every year students with diverse circumstances and a range of interests successfully build their confidence, expand their skills and realise their academic potential through completing this course and progressing to higher education.
Our flexible approach also means that you can fit the studies around your personal commitments, making it even easier to achieve your goals. We are within one-hour travelling distance of Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham, and we have on-site accommodation, so wherever you live UCR is an excellent option for you.
Ready to take the next step? Your future begins now!
Find out more about the Access to HE Diploma with this introductory video produced by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
“This course has definitely given me the confidence and motivation to fulfil my dreams. Studying at Reaseheath has changed my life and I feel that all my future success will be due to the guidance I’ve received from the lecturers here.”
1 Year
Full-Time
1 Year
Full-Time
Do you have a question about studying an Access to HE diploma at University Centre Reaseheath? Check out our frequently asked questions below.
Yes, this is a full-time course. Classes take place on campus three days a week. For 2025/26 these days are likely to be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Students will need to set aside significant amount of time for studying, revising and assignment completion on other days. We suggest at least 15 hours per week with an estimated total of 400-450 hours of study time over the academic year.
At Reaseheath we currently do not offer an online or remote option for A2HE. All course delivery is in-person.
Course starts 8th September 2025 and the end date is 12th June 2026. Induction runs from 2nd to 3rd September 2025.
In order to gain entry to this course, GCSE grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English is preferred but we may consider applications from individuals holding either GCSE maths or English grade 4/C.
Please apply directly through the Reaseheath College website using the following link and select ‘Access to Higher Education’ from the drop-down list: https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/fe-full-time-application-form/
The course fee is around £5,200 (exact figure not yet confirmed for 2025-26.) Student Finance Advisors at the College would be able to advise best funding for you based on your individual situation. Most students on this course tend to be eligible for the Advanced Learner Loan which covers the full fee. The great thing is that once you successfully complete a degree following A2HE, the Advanced Learner Loan that you owe for A2HE will be written off (and you will only have debt for your degree).
A wide range including those focusing on key academic skills such as Academic Study Techniques, Independent Research and Presentation Graphics. On Land based Studies this also includes animal-science subjects such as Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Canine Behaviour Welfare and training, Equine Studies and environment- related subjects such as Conservation and the Plants in Environmental Design.
On Veterinary Science you will study 11 veterinary and animal science based units. You need to study ungraded units worth 15 credits and graded units worth 45 credits to give you the full 60 credits and the Diploma. There may be an element of choice available on which 45 credits you study, please speak to the course team for further information.
The course is not designed to directly lead to jobs. It is designed to achieve the UCAS tariff points that enable you to then start a degree of your choice and to prepare for studying at higher education level. We offer a ‘Land-based studies’ A2HE. Our students progress onto degrees in diverse subjects including but not limited to Animal Management, Agriculture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Equine Studies, Canine Studies, Ecology and Wildlife, Veterinary Nursing. The range of UCAS points is from 48 – 144.
On Veterinary Science you will study 11 veterinary and animal science based units. You need to study ungraded units worth 15 credits and graded units worth 45 credits to give you the full 60 credits and the Diploma. There may be an element of choice available on which 45 credits you study, please speak to the course team for further information.
All the tutors who teach on this course at Reaseheath are University Lecturers who teach on UCR degree programmes. So you will be taught by experts for their respective subjects who know what is expected at degree level study and will prepare you for University.
Yes, the course includes several practicals. Students have opportunities to use the facilities on campus such as the Mini-Zoo and the Farm. The ratio is more theory, and less practical. This is due to the fact that the course prepares you for higher education, hence focuses more on academic skills. While smaller component, practicals are still an important part of many of the subjects.
The only specialised clothing that you need for this course is a pair of sturdy outdoor boots, preferably steel toe cap, or Wellington boots and overalls.
The course does not have any overseas fieldtrips. Occasionally, some short/half-day/day trips may be organised to nearby locations.
The course does not have any exams. The assessments take place throughout the year and include a variety of methods such as reports, essays, presentations, practicals etc. There are some lives assessments such as observations. You will have 20-22 summative assessments over the academic year.
The course is approved by Aim Qualifications and Assessments as the Access Validating Agency (AVA). The AVA is licenced by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
If you have any Fees/Finance related questions, please contact Student Finance at College. Email: studentfinance@reaseheath.ac.uk
For any guidance on application process or general enquiries, please contact: enquiries@reaseheath.ac.uk
For information on the degrees that you can study at UCR after A2HE, please contact: UCR@reaseheath.ac.uk
