Discover our accredited access courses tailored to adults. If you are aged 19 and above, and you want to transition into a new career or pursue higher education, our Access to Higher Education courses provide a fast-track route to degree-level studies.
Access to HE
Full Time courses
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What are Access to HE courses?
Our one-year Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are nationally recognised programmes designed specifically for adults, aged 19 and over, who want to progress to university but do not currently meet the entry requirements.
These courses provide a fast-track route into higher education, equipping you with the essential academic skills needed for success at university. You will develop confidence in essay writing, critical thinking, research skills and independent study, preparing you for the demands of undergraduate study and beyond.
Many of our successful Access to HE students have progressed on to a wide range of degree programmes at local, national and international universities.
Choose your route
Studying an Access to HE course at EKC Canterbury College will give you the skills, knowledge and qualification to start your future in healthcare, science, social sciences, teaching, or veterinary science and zoology.
We have dedicated facilities to prepare you for university study with industry-standard equipment and resources.
These include:
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- Access to Higher Education study centre
- Biology, Chemistry and Physics laboratories
- Early years replica nursery
- Medical simulation suite
- Purpose-built animal centres at our Spring Lane Campus
Jess Farnham
Veterinary Science and Zoology
Jess decided it was time to retrain and find a new direction.
Returning to education as an adult gave her the opportunity to build new skills, grow her confidence and take the first step towards a completely different future.
Watch her story in the video or learn more on our blog.
Succeed in your studies
- Feel supported in your studies
English and Maths classes are available to those who have not previously achieved a pass (C/4 or above). Achieving these qualifications will boost your chances of securing a place at university. - Expert teaching
With smaller class sizes and expert lecturers, our courses are designed to prepare you for the academic demands of university-level study. During the course, lecturers will help you build confidence in your academic writing and research, and introduce you to conventions such as Harvard referencing and citation. - Flexible study options
Our Access to HE courses allow you to be more flexible with your time. With lessons taking place just a few times a week, you will still be able to balance your studies with other commitments such as work or family responsibilities.
How you apply for a course at Canterbury College
Step 1 – Find a subject you’re interested in
Explore our subject areas, and see which of our courses is right for you.
Step 2 – Apply
Apply for your chosen course via our website.
Step 3 – Come to an interview
Book an interview with our team, and come along to College to see if our course is right for you.
Explore our Facilities
Medical simulation suite
Our Healthcare Professions students have access to state-of-the-art medical simulation suites to help you gain hands-on experience and prepare you for work in the health and care industry.
Simulation dolls
Simulation dolls can be programmed with a wide variety of ailments and illnesses and respond to the care students give them.
Spring Lane Campus
Veterinary Science and Zoology students learn at our Spring Lane Campus which is home to over 200 animals in fully equipped, purpose-built animal centres.
Animals at Spring Lane
Spring Lane Campus has over 200 animals and 70 different species.
This includes wallabies, birds, goats, sheep, reptiles and small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets, giving our Veterinary Science and Zoology students hands-on experience.
Science Labs
We have fully-equipped science laboratories with technology and equipment that will allow you to conduct research and experiments.
Study centre
The Access to Higher Education Study Centre, within the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), offers a mature environment, exclusively for the use of our Access to HE and Pre-Access students.
- 20 PCs in a quiet, professional setting
- Printing, photocopying and scanning (up to A3)
- An exclusive collection of Higher Education textbooks
- Access to, and advice in the use of, thousands of online books and academic journals
Replica nursery
A purpose-built space filled with authentic
learning materials.
Here is where you can lead activities, plan lessons, and experiment with play-based learning, gaining confidence and skills in a supportive environment before taking them into a real placement.
Access to HE – Melynda’s Story
16 July 2024
We caught up with Melynda to hear about her experience studying the Access to Healthcare Professions course.
“After my initial interview I immediately knew this was the course for me. It’s great to be in a group filled with likeminded people, who are all eager to learn.
“Studying this course has helped me prepare for university, we have a larger workload and cover a broad range of topics so I feel like I’m set up well and ready to progress onto my uni course.”
Alice-Marie
Social Sciences
“School wasn’t really for me, and I didn’t leave with the qualifications I needed to go to University.
“I’ve enjoyed being back in Education, College is very different to School. I’m in a class with likeminded people who are also eager to learn and my Lecturers are all really helpful and want us to succeed.”
Victoria
Social Science
“Completing this course has helped me get an offer at university to study Law and Business.
“I’ve really enjoyed the topics we’ve covered in Psychology and I think having a deeper understanding of human behaviour will help a great deal when I pursue a career in Corporate Law.”
Lucas
Social Sciences
We’re part of six community-based colleges
