Access to Higher Education courses

Have you been out of education for some time? Left school with few qualifications? Or interested in changing careers?

Our Access to Higher Education (HE) courses prepare people without traditional qualifications (such as A Levels) for study at degree level. They can also be used to top-up your existing qualifications or gain the required UCAS points for a degree course.

You don’t have to wait until September to get started, we have courses starting in January 2022!

Access to English and Sociology - Level 3

📅 10 Jan 2022
⏰ 36 weeks (ends Dec 22)
💻 3 hours a week in class
📍 On-campus and online

The core subjects you will study are English and sociology. You will also develop your academic skills to allow you to make the transition to degree level.

Apply now

Access to Sociology and Criminology - Level 3

📅 13 Jan 2022
⏰ 36 weeks (ends Dec 22)
💻 3 hours a week in class
📍 On-campus and online

You will study an introduction to sociology, criminology and social work, alongside learning relevant academic skills, to enable you to progress on to a range of degree level programmes.

Apply now

Access to Nursing and Allied Health Professions - Level 3

📅 13 Jan 22
⏰ 20 weeks (ends May 22)
💻 3 hours a week in class
📍 On-campus and online

This course will prepare you for entry to a degree or Higher Diploma course in healthcare such as nursing, midwifery, paramedics and occupational therapy. The four modules include human biology, psychology, sociology and health studies.

Apply now

Pre-Access to Health and Social Care - Level 2

📅 10 Jan 2022
⏰ 36 weeks (ends June 22)
💻 3 hours a week in class
📍 On-campus and online

Are you interested in a new career in the health and social care sector, but not quite ready for an Access course? On this FREE* level 2 Pre-Access qualification, you will study the core areas of physiology, health studies, sociology and psychology to prepare you for an Access course.

Apply now

Not ready to start your journey just yet? Take a look at our Access and Pre-Access courses starting in September 2022.

Moving forward

These courses are the perfect stepping stone to our university level courses, in partnership with UCLan, University of Chester and University of Liverpool. Choose Wirral Met to study a degree and benefit from:

Small class sizes
Outstanding support
Save money on travel and accomodation by staying local
Flexible timetables to fit around your commitments

Explore our university courses

Financial support

*Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be able to study an Access to HE course for free or receive financial support, including a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan. Pre-Access Level 2 courses are free for all residents in the Liverpool City Region (Wirral, Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens or Halton). Visit course fees and funding for more information.

"This was hands down the best decision I have ever made!"

Jessica Williams joined Wirral Met in 2020 on an Access to HE Psychology and Mental Health course. At 22 year old, Jessica decided it was time to fulfil her ambition to study Psychology at university. Jessica had given birth just three months before starting her Access to HE course but was determined to create a new future for her child and partner.

Jessica successfully completed the course in June 2021 and has since progressed on to the BSc (Hons) Psychology (2+2) degree at Wirral Met, in partnership with the University of Liverpool.

“The course gave me a new lease of life and a purpose. I knew I needed to do well for my child and partner for our future," explains Jess.

"The support at Wirral Met is incredible. Doing the course is one of my biggest achievements yet and I am really excited to carry on my journey with Wirral Met."