Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art & Design)

You must be aged 19 or above at enrolment in August. You must have at least one GCSE at grade C or 4 or above in either English Language or Maths, or a Level 2 qualification in Functional Skills. Evidence of this will be required during the application process. Ideally, you will hold both English and Maths qualifications. 

If you currently hold only one of these qualifications, you may be able to work towards the one you do not have while studying for your Access Diploma. This will depend on you being accepted onto a Level 2 course, either GCSE or Functional Skills. Many universities require GCSE Maths and English rather than equivalent qualifications. It is your responsibility to check the specific entry requirements of the university or college you wish to progress to.

You will study a wide range of units that develop both academic skills and creative practice, including drawing and painting, colour theory, graphic design, photography, printmaking, visual research, and a final major project, alongside preparation for higher education and exhibition visits. 

Assessment is through assignments, practical projects and exhibitions, and by the end of the course you will have a strong portfolio of art and design work, increased confidence in your creative abilities, and a qualification that demonstrates your readiness for higher level study.

This course costs £3928 for 2026 entry. 

You may be entitled to a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs of your Access course. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks. Student Finance England, who are responsible for student loans will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances for your Access to HE course as soon as you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay your Advanced Learner Loan if you progress to higher education and complete your degree programme.

On successful completion of the course and subject to a successful interview, you can progress to higher education programmes at universities across the UK. 

This includes progression onto our own range of honours degrees validated by University of the Arts London and delivered at University Centre South Essex at Southend and Thurrock.

Full Time