Gain the qualifications and training you need to get into university and secure great career opportunities
At Richmond upon Thames College we offer a niche set of courses for those interested in changing their career path, preparing for and getting into university or advancing in their current careers.
Our Access to Higher Education and Higher Education courses attract students from a wide rage of ages and backgrounds and are taught in an engaging and holistic way in order to give our students all of the knowledge and skills they need to make that career transition and successfully progress to university and the workplace.
We offer a selection of niche Higher Education courses in Graphic Design, Engineering, Early Years and Computing. As well as numerous Access to Higher Education courses in Art and Design, Nursing and Health Care, Science and Humanities and Social Science.
Why Study Access to HE and Higher Education at Richmond upon Thames College
- A brand new state of the art campus with fantastic facilities
- In November 2017, Ofsted rated RuTC as GOOD in all areas including Adult Provision
- Flexible part-time or full-time study that fits around your work/ lifestyle
- Various funding options available depending on your age, employment status and qualifications
- Classes are small, allowing for ample one-to-one tutorials with teachers
- Great support services for those with counselling, study and learning needs
- Strong work-related emphasis and links to employers
- A great track record of student success
What is higher education?
- Higher Education qualifications can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the terminology.
- The first thing to be aware of is the academic “Level” of the course.
- Level 2 and 3 are equivalent to GCSE and A-Levels respectively.
- Higher Education is Level 4 and above.
- Level 4 is equivalent to the first year of a traditional three-year Batchelor’s degree, Level 5 to year two and Level 6 to year 3.
The qualifications
These are some examples of higher education qualifications:
HNC – Higher National Certificate
Level 4. Extremely popular vocational courses accredited by Pearson. Usually one year of study.
HND – Higher National Diploma
Level 5. Commonly taken after completion of the HNC – usually a further year.
AAT Certificates and Diplomas
These are professional accountancy qualifications which are industry-recognised at Level 4 and 5 respectively. AAT is the Association of Accounting Technicians, which students join in addition to gaining their qualification.
Types of higher education and access to HE courses available
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Access to HE Diplomas
If you would like to study for a degree but do not have the qualifications you need, then an Access to Higher Education course could be a great option for you. Access to HE courses attract a diverse range of students, and there is no upper age limit.
You can download the OCN Access to Higher Education Diploma Guide for Learners here. An Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification which allows for an individual without traditional qualifications to gain new transferrable skills, start a new career path or study at university. Access to Higher Education programmes are designed for students who are aged 19 and over as of 31 August. However, if you are 18 on the 31 August please contact our Admissions team by emailing
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that we can discuss your options.
The Access to HE Diploma is widely recognised by UK universities, many of which actively encourage applications from students who have achieved this qualification. Most Access to HE courses can be completed in one year.You may qualify for a Student Loan. These loans help learners aged 19+ to pay for their course including access to HE diplomas.
From September 2023 to July 2024, we will be running 4 New Access to HE Courses in the evenings from 5.30pm - 8.30pm.
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Foundation Degrees
If you are interested in pursuing higher education opportunities but are unsure about taking on a full degree for three years or you may not have the entry requirements for an undergraduate degree, then a Foundation Degree may be an appropriate option for you.
Foundation Degrees are nationally recognised qualifications. They allow students to gain transferrable academic skills and practical, first-hand knowledge in a shorter timeframe than a traditional degree. Foundation Degrees have been created in partnership by universities, further education colleges and employers. They attract A Level leavers and mature students.
Upon successful completion of a Foundation Degree, students will have the opportunity to ‘top-up’ to a full honours degree by doing a further year of study.
You may qualify for a Student Loan. These loans help learners aged 19+ to pay for their course including foundation degrees.
Please find the Early Years Foundation Degree at RuTC below.
To apply for an Access to Higher Education or Higher Education course, please visit the page of the course you want to apply for. If you have any questions, please contact our Admissions Department by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Student Protection Plan
Student protection plans set out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. The purpose of a plan is to ensure that students can continue and complete their studies, or can be compensated if this is not possible.
All higher education providers registered with the Office for Students (OfS) must have a student protection plan in place.
Please click here to read our HRUC Student Protection Plan 22 23
Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom
Please click here to view our Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom
Disabled Students' Allowance
You can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) to cover some of the extra costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. You can get the allowances on top of your other student finance. You will not need to repay DSAs.
Please take some time to read through the links below to help you understand what is on offer and what the application process involves. The application process can be lengthy, so applying early is important.
DSA Flowchart | DSA FAQs| DSA Presentation
For further information please see our Terms & Conditions for HE Students below and click the Students with Disabilities / Learning Difficulties section.
Terms & Conditions for HE Students
Click here to view the Terms & Conditions for HE Students