FAQs

You can study a range of subjects, including Psychology, Creative Writing,  Sociology, Politics with Law, and English Literature. You also gain skills in research, essay-writing and presentations, and you can even get GCSEs in English and Maths.  

The Diploma is a part-time course. You are required to take at least three subject modules spread over two years to complete the qualification. In exceptional circumstances, following discussion with the programme manager, you may be able to 'fast-track' and complete all three subjects in one year. All subjects run from September to July and have breaks in line with Chatham Grammar holidays.  

You do not need any formal qualifications for entry onto the Access Diploma programme. Once you have submitted an application you will be asked to complete our applicant assessment task which is a short comprehension exercise based on a newspaper article. You will also be asked to book an informal online interview to discuss your application. 

There is a small fee for exam registration and administration which we send to Laser Learning Awards. This is currently set at £168 for the two-year course. Fees are subject to final confirmation, but all applicants will be informed of any change before enrolment. Please note, fees are non-refundable.  

You will have a qualification that enables you to apply to university to study subjects such as social sciences, criminal justice studies, law, social work, art or English. In addition, you will have developed skills, such as giving presentations, which are useful for a range of different career opportunities.  

The Access to Higher Education Diploma is  a well established qualification designed for people who do not have the qualifications to enter a university level course but who have a willingness to learn. It is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) which ensures the quality of degree courses at universities.

 The University of Kent's Access to HE Diploma is awarded by Laser Learning Awards which is the Access Validating Agency for this area. 

If you’re unsure about taking the Diploma, you can try our short courses and taster sessions to see if the subjects are for you. Alternatively, if you would like to have an informal conversation about the subjects and opportunities that the diploma has to offer, please email adultlearning@kent.ac.uk and we will arrange to call you.