It’s not too late to consider going to university

You're never too old to learn. Completing an Access to Higher Education course can be highly beneficial. Not only will you receive a highly regarded qualification, but you'll also gain the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to get into university and succeed within a higher education environment. With the help of the Central College for Education, it’s now easier than ever before.

Online Access to Higher Education Diplomas

Throughout the UK, more and more people are responding to the availability of our range of Access to Higher Education Diplomas. We have plans to continually expand our subject areas but here are the current ones available:

  • Access to HE Diploma (Business and Management)
  • Access to HE Diploma (Education)
  • Access to HE Diploma (Health Professionals)
  • Access to HE Diploma (Medicine and Health Care Professions)
  • Access to HE Diploma (Science)
  • Access to HE Diploma (Social Science)
  • Access to HE Diploma (Social Science and Health)
  • Access to HE Diploma (Social Sciences and Humanities)
  • Access to HE Diploma (Social Work)

By reviewing our full range of courses, you’ll be taking your first steps to a brighter future. Our diplomas offer the perfect solution to match your chosen higher education path, which can all be undertaken online, in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Other key benefits of studying with us:

Getting back into studying after many years can be a daunting prospect, but rest assured, you're not the only one. Studying our distance learning Access to Higher Education courses means you can choose to study whenever it's convenient for you.

  • All Access to Higher Education Diplomas are QAA accepted
  • We provide an excellent choice of subject pathways
  • Study content is presented in a rich and interactive format
  • Expert knowledge from tutors within each academic subject
  • Well supported, flexible online delivery – powered by ePearl
  • You’ll receive a qualification fully recognised by many universities

5 Top Tips for Saving Money with CCFE

Education is expensive. It does not mean you cannot find ways to save money. Take a look at these handy tips and let us know in the comments below if you can think of others.

Buy now, pay later

Do not strap yourself into a debt-laden student stereotype. If you want to further your studies, but you do not have a huge budget there are resourceful ways to keep your pennies in the bank. Did you know that the Central College for Education allows you to pay your course fees in instalments? You simply need to put down a deposit and reimburse your fees in 12 monthly repayments much, much later.

2. Off-campus is not all bad

You save on commutes, campus accommodation, daily meals and drinks, and study materials, and even those nights out drinking with your colleagues. But that does not mean you should be missing out on the student perks entirely. There is a handy way to enjoy a drink and get paid for it. ServeLegal is a mystery shopping service to check if establishments licensed to sell alcohol are checking for IDs at the point of sale, or other compliance audits. In the meantime, you get paid in between £6 and £8 per visit, or up to £20 and you get to keep your drink. Expenses like travel or entrance fees are also covered.

3.Vouchers, vouchers, vouchers

You can also use My Favourite Voucher Codes to check for stationery and bookshop discounts. They have a great selection of affiliate retailers. For books and stationary you can use WHSmith and Staples. If you need electronic devices such as a new laptop, a tablet, or a desktop PC, Currys and Argos also offer voucher codes.

If you need books, do not buy, borrow from your local library and even take a trip to charity shops. There is a great selection of books on all kind of topics you can take home for as little as a £1.

4. Know the right student discounts

You may be eligible to apply for an NUS Card. Many long-distance students forget they can still apply for the NUS Extra Card. If your course involves 10 hours of study weekly for a minimum of 12 weeks, on an accredited course, you can go ahead and apply. Just head over to the website, enter “Distance-Learning Centre” as your place of study, add the course start and end date, as well as the discipline you will be studying and select the card you wish to apply for.

5. Try a no-spend day

Did you know there is actually a Buy Nothing Day? It is an alternative movement to the spending spree of Black Friday.

Is it really necessary to spend every day? One day a week, you can try to cross it off in your calendar as the day to embrace frugality. If you do not make it through the day without spending, don’t beat yourself down. Try again. But take the best out of the experience, it certainly made you think ahead and plan your budget.