Adults - Qualification courses
ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
NEW! Access to Higher Education Courses – September 2025
Shipley College is expanding the range and remit of our Access to Higher Education (HE) courses from September 2025, providing new opportunities for adults looking to progress into university-level study.
(See the list of courses available below!)
Access to HE Science & Access to HE Nursing and Midwifery!
These new hybrid courses offer a flexible learning approach, combining in-person and online study. An Access to HE Diploma is designed for adults without traditional qualifications, preparing them for university. These courses typically run two days per week and take one year to complete. Look for the NEW and Hybrid indicators on our website for more details.
Access to Health & Social Care
With an ageing population in Bradford and increasing demand for healthcare professionals, our Access to Health & Social Care courses provide essential pathways into this vital sector.
We offer two distinct pathways under Access to Health & Social Care:
Health Professions Pathway
This route covers human physiology, psychology, and professional healthcare practice, preparing students for university study in:
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Paramedic Science
- A range of other health professions
Social Sciences Pathway
Focusing on social issues in Health & Social Care, psychology, and professional healthcare practice, this pathway leads to university study in:
- Social Work
- Teaching
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Youth & Community Development
Entry Requirements
Health Professions Pathway
By September 2025:
- Age: 18+
- Qualifications: GCSE English & Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, or Functional Skills Level 2 Literacy & Numeracy
Social Sciences Pathway
By September 2025:
- Age: 18+
- Qualifications: GCSE English at grade 4 (C) or above
- Maths Requirement: If you do not already have GCSE Maths or a Functional Skills qualification, you will need to enrol onto a GCSE/FS course alongside the Access course. Contact the Enrolments Team for more details.
How to Apply
To register your interest or for further information, contact the Enrolments Team on 01274 327327.
OUR ACCESS COURSES - HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
Access to Higher Education - Allied Health Professions
Level 3
Adult Courses - Qualification 34 Weeks End Date 12-Jun-2026
Start Date: 01-Sep-2025
Made for: Adult Courses - Qualification
Access to Higher Education - Nursing and Midwifery
Level 3
Adult Courses - Qualification 34 Weeks End Date 12-Jun-2026
Start Date: 01-Sep-2025
Made for: Adult Courses - Qualification
Access to Higher Education - Social Science
Level 3
Adult Courses - Qualification 34 Weeks End Date 12-Jun-2026
Start Date: 01-Sep-2025
Made for: Adult Courses - Qualification
Access to Higher Education -Science
Level 3
Adult Courses - Qualification 34 Weeks End Date 12-Jun-2026
Start Date: 01-Sep-2025
Made for: Adult Courses - Qualification
"Starting my Access to HE course at Shipley College last September was one of the best decisions I've made. The tutors have been absolutely fantastic, always there to offer support and guidance.
The course itself has been brilliant. Not only have I developed so many new skills and gained valuable UCAS points, but the student community is incredibly supportive. We all help each other out, which makes a huge difference. The psychology modules, in particular, have been fascinating. I've gained a real understanding of human behaviour and why people offend, which has given me a solid foundation for future studies.
"Shipley College has been absolutely life-changing for me. It's more than just a place to learn; it's a place where you're truly supported to move forward. The encouragement, motivation, and incredible teacher support are second to none.
My tutors genuinely believed in me, which pushed me to try harder and achieve more than I ever thought possible. I started by tackling my GCSE English and Maths, and now, I'm thrilled to say after studying on the Access to HE course I'm heading to university to study Diagnostic Radiography!
The college has been incredibly supportive throughout my journey. They've helped me grow both academically and personally, and I've gained so much confidence along the way. They even helped me improve my English, reading, and writing skills, which has made a massive difference.
If you're thinking about taking that next step, don't hesitate—just go for it! Shipley College offers so many opportunities. You won't regret it."
Misbah Tariq, Access to Higher Education (Health Professions)
FUNDING YOUR STUDIES
Most people get an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for their Access course, so you will not need to find the money up front. The even better news is that if you do go on to University, and complete your University course, then Student Finance England will ‘write off’ the money you borrowed for your Access course, so you will not need to repay it!
Please contact enrolments@shipley.ac.uk for more information.