Access to HE: Education & Teaching

Course Overview

This blended Access to HE Diploma (Education Professions) is designed for adults aiming to progress into teaching, early years, or wider education roles. It benefits learners returning to study who need a flexible route into university-level education degrees. Learners will develop core knowledge of educational practice, child development, safeguarding, and academic study skills to prepare for progression to higher-education.

What will I study?

You will study a focused range of education-related subjects, including child development, learning theory, safeguarding, inclusive practice, and the role of professionals in education. You will also build strong academic writing, research, and study skills to prepare you for university-level teacher training or education degrees.

Modules

The following are examples of modules you may study.

• Presentation Skills
• Academic Writing Skills
• Information Literacy Skills
• Researching and Understanding Opportunities in Higher Education
• Safe and Ethical Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence
• Safeguarding
• Perspectives on Education
• Child Development
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Personality Theories
• Child Development
• Teaching & Learning
• Key Aspects of Psychology
• Current Developments in Education
• Research Project

Students will be assessed through a mixture of written assignments, presentations, and research tasks designed to build confidence and academic skills. Assessment is continuous throughout the course, giving learners regular feedback and support. There are no formal exams, creating a supportive pathway into university-level study.

Entry requirements

• You must be aged 19 or over at registration*
• You must have English Language GCSE grade C/4 or above or Level 2 Functional Skills English. It is desirable to also have GCSE/L2 Maths but if not, then a commitment to study it alongside Access (on a separate evening) is required as most universities require both English and Maths.
• Unfortunately, if you have neither Maths or English, we are unable to enrol you onto the Access course at this time. However, you could study GCSE English and Maths (potentially for free) at the College first, before going on to the Access course.
• As some of the units require practical application of the theories and skills taught, it is desirable that you obtain a placement in an education/training setting alongside your Access to HE course.

*In exceptional circumstances we may be able to accept 18-year-olds. 

The best thing about the Access course at USP is the support you get from the tutors. Sheniz and Tracey have been instrumental in my success so far. They have been supportive and motivating, as well making seminars interesting, despite most of them being online. With their help, I am now registered to the University of East London for September when I will begin my BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS.

Why should I choose USP College?

At USP, you will enjoy the flexibility of a blended course that allows you to balance study with work and family life while still benefiting from high-quality, in-person learning experiences. You will gain hands-on insight through innovative VR classroom simulations that provide realistic practice in managing challenging pupil behaviour.

You will also participate in enriching educational visits, including trips to the Beach School and partner universities. We offer a clear progression route into our BA (Hons) Education Studies & Early Years (accredited by the University of Hertfordshire), and you will be taught by highly experienced tutors who are experts in supporting adults returning to education.

Additional costs

• You will need to purchase basic stationery, such as pens, paper, folders, and plastic wallets, to organise your work.
• Although no single textbook covers all units, purchasing a used Level 3 introductory teacher training book may be helpful, but it is not essential.
• There may be a small cost for enrichment activities such as the Beach School trip or University visits.

If you are aged 19-24 and have not completed a Level 3 course already, you may be eligible to study for FREE - subject to funding. 

Alternatively, you could be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to fund the cost of your course*.

What could I do next?

This qualification opens the door to a wide range of university courses, including teaching, early childhood studies, education studies, and related social science degrees. Many learners progress into careers such as primary teaching, early years practice, classroom support roles, or wider educational and community-based jobs. You could also go on to study the Foundation Degree in Early Years followed by the BA (Hons) Education Studies & Early Years at the College.

 

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