Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land-Based Studies)

Do you have a thirst for knowledge and the motivation to succeed? If a lack of relevant qualifications is holding you back, we can support you on your academic journey. 

Our flexible Access to Higher Education Diploma is designed for students who wish to return to education in the land-based sector but need further academic credit to progress to degree level study.

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Course Overview

Access to HE Diplomas are nationally recognised qualifications to help you gain knowledge and confidence to study for a degree. They are designed for those who do not hold the relevant or formal academic qualifications needed to study a degree, but who do have work and/or life experience.

Course Features

  • Techniques to improve your study and IT skills
  • Flexible study to fit around other commitments
  • Study a wide variety of land-based modules

Career Options

The Access to Higher Education course is a full Level 3 qualification which prepares you for study at university level or could lead to a variety of rewarding careers. Following completion, many of our students progress on to degrees such as: 

Dayne Mcleggan wins Outstanding Commitment to Study at the OCN Awards

“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.”

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Course Information

You will study a variety of subject areas at an advanced level in preparation for higher education.

Ungraded units (15 credits):

  • Independent research
  • Number
  • Study techniques
  • Using spreadsheet software


Graded units (45 credits):

  • Body systems and homeostasis
  • Canine behaviour and training
  • Animal behaviour and welfare
  • Animal health and husbandry
  • Farm animal husbandry
  • Conservation and sustainable development
  • Principles of ecology
  • Equine health
  • Event management
  • Garden design
  • Plants and the impact of the environment
  • Food technology and product manufacture

 

Units may be subject to change due to awarding body criteria.

The course is designed to enable you to re-adjust to the learning environment and teaching is carried out through ‘student friendly’ lessons, assignments and practical activities. Students are assessed on their coursework by 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.

The Advanced Learner Loans could help you study on a course or support you in a change of career.

Tuition fee loans are now available to those aged over 19 years old and who wish to study at Level 4, to provide a clear route to develop high-level technical and professional skills.

 

Advanced Learner Loans have been introduced to help you pay for some or all of your tuition.

  • You don’t pay back a penny until your income is over £27,295 a year
  • No credit checks and a low interest rate
  • Your household income isn’t taken into account
  • Enhanced employability – fast-track your career

 

Who can apply?

To qualify for a loan you need to be:

  • Starting a relevant course on or after 1st August 2022
  • Aged 19 or over at the start of your course
  • Resident in the UK for the past 3 years
  • A UK national or having “settled status” in the UK
  • You can still apply for a loan if you are unemployed

 

When you can apply?

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (formerly known as the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan) from May 2022 for courses starting on or after 1st August 2022.

Please do not apply until you have received your Learning & Funding Information Letter from the college.

 

How do I apply?

Visit Student Finance England.

 

Repayment Guide

Download the Student Finance England repayment guide to find out more.

Tuition Fees

As a student at UCR, you will have two main costs to meet; your tuition fees and living costs.

Our full-time tuition fees for UK and EU students, entering University, can be found on our student finance page. These fees are charged for each academic year of a course and are set by the college annually.

Tuition fees for international students can also be found on our student finance page.

Apply directly through Reaseheath

Maths or English at GCSE Grade C/Level 4 or above. 

Students will be assessed on interview.

September 2022
September 2023

Full-time: 1 year

Useful Information

Here you will find useful information about the services and support available at University Centre Reaseheath. Click to expand each item:

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.