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Access and Higher Education


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

Types of higher education and access to HE courses available


  • 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.

    Below is a list of Access to Higher Education courses currently available to you at Richmond upon Thames College.

  • 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.

  • Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs)

    If you would like to study a practical subject at a higher level but do not have the entry qualifications required for a degree course, then a Higher National Certificate or Diploma may be for you. HNCs and HNDs are nationally recognised qualifications that allow students to progress their studies and learn new relevant skills for the workplace and career advancement.

    These qualifications are highly valued by employers, universities and professional bodies. You can also choose to 'top up' an HND or HNC with extra studies at a later date, in order to convert your HNC/D to a full bachelor's degree. HNC/Ds usually takes one year to complete full-time or two years part-time.

    You may qualify for a Student Loan.These loans help learners aged 19+ to pay for their course including HNCs and HNDs.

    Below is a list of HNC and HND courses available to you at Richmond upon Thames College.

  • Level 3 Foundation Diploma ‘Pre BA’

    If you are interested in studying Art and Design further but may not have any previous academic Art or Design experience, Richmond upon Thames College offers the UAL Level 3 Foundation and Extended Diploma in Art and Design.

    The Foundation and Extended Diploma has been designed to provide individuals with a broad range of academic and vocational art and design skills. The courses allow for a student to gain knowledge and understanding to then progress to degree level study in Art and Design, or into entry-level employment.

    The UAL Art and Design (Pre BA) Level 3 Foundation and Extended Diploma enables individuals to develop both a professional portfolio of work showcasing a range of creative disciplines and themes, as well as develop their academic independence and enable them to demonstrate strong communication skills. It is a relatively new qualification created by the University of Arts London Awarding Body, who are also the UK's largest provider of the Diploma in Art and Design.

    You may qualify for a Student Loan. These loans help learners aged 19+ to pay for their course including the 'Pre BA' offered by RuTC.

    See the Art and Design Foundation Diploma course at Richmond upon Thames College below.

access to higher education finance graphic 2019.pdf

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Click here to read our Student Transfer Arrangements Notice.

Click here to read our Student Protection Plan.

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What Our Students Say 2022 Access to HE Art & Design Samantha

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