The Access to Higher Education Diploma is designed for adults who want to go to university but may not have the traditional qualifications to get there. Accredited by the Open College Network London, this one-year Level 3 course gives you the knowledge, skills and confidence to progress into higher education and achieve your career goals.
Our Access to HE courses for adults in London provide a supportive and focused route back into education. In just one year, you can gain the qualifications, skills and confidence needed to progress to university and achieve your career goals.
The Access to HE Diploma is a widely recognised qualification and a strong route into higher education.
After completing the course, you can progress to:
Many of our students go on to secure places at university, opening the door to new career opportunities.
Gain valuable real-world experience through work placements and employer-led opportunities linked to your course. Work experience helps you develop practical skills, build confidence and prepare for employment, apprenticeships or further study.
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Our dedicated Careers Team provides expert guidance to help you explore career options, plan your next steps and achieve your goals. From university applications and apprenticeships to CV support and interview preparation, we’ll help you make informed decisions about your future.
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Enrichment activities give you the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people and make the most of your college experience. From clubs, trips and volunteering to competitions and events, enrichment helps you build confidence, enhance your CV and discover new interests beyond your studies.
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Learn in modern, industry-standard environments designed to support your studies and future career. From specialist workshops and science labs to creative studios and social spaces, our facilities help you gain practical experience and feel confident in your learning.
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“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
