If you’re looking to come to university but don’t quite have the right qualifications to study at degree level, then our Access to Higher Education Diploma offers you the ideal progression route.

• You could get your tuition fees completely paid if you’re aged 19-23 and haven’t already studied a Level 3 qualification (for example, A-levels or diploma)
• You can study flexibly alongside your other commitments
• On completion you’ll be ready to succeed at your chosen agriculture degree

We will provide you with the necessary study skills and field specific grounding so you go on to succeed at your chosen agriculture degree.

As well as being taught by our academic staff you will have access to our wide variety of student facilities including our Home Farm estate and animal collections. You will also have full access to our University learning zone and libraries.

The Access to Higher Education diploma is made up of core units which include science, business, research projects and higher education study skills. The agriculture route also has two specialist units which focus specifically on livestock and crop production. 

You will demonstrate your learning in a variety of ways for each unit. This may include written assessments, observed practicals, presentations, short reports and exams. On the successful completion of each unit, you will gain credits which will count towards your diploma.

The course runs from September to June each year. You will need to commit to 15 hours a week of contact time over a full academic year. In addition, you will need to invest a similar number of hours for your personal study.

Teaching will take place 3 days per week (currently Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays), with the teaching day usually starting at 10.30am and finishing at 4.30pm. Some on-site study outside of these times may be required to fit in with the farm routine, e.g. milking or lambing.

Tuition fees

You may be entitled to a fee remission if you are receiving certain benefits or to have your tuition fees waived if this is your first Level 3 qualification and you are under 24 years of age on the 1st September of the year you wish to study.

• UK Students aged 19 to 23 years of age: £5,197 (2019 September entry)
• UK Students aged 24 and over: £5,197 (2019 September entry)
• UK Students aged 24+ may be eligible to apply for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan to cover the cost of their fees. These loans may not require repayment if you then continue onto, and complete, a degree. Find out more here.

There are also government backed loans for students who are 19-23, details yet to be confirmed.

As government backed funding is always changing please be aware that this information is a guideline only and is subject to change beyond our control.  Please contact us to discuss your circumstances and what financial support may be available.