If you're looking to study for a degree but don't yet have the qualifications you need, an Access to Higher Education (HE) diploma could be for you. Similar to A-levels, Access to HE diplomas are full level 3 qualifications.

Around 40,000 students take advantage of this entry route to university every year. Access to HE diplomas can be completed in one year and provide you with the knowledge, skills and qualifications to move onto university study.

At Hartpury, you can choose from Access to HE qualifications in Sports Science, Animal Science and Welfare, Agriculture and Equine. Our students at all levels of study benefit from a specialist and hands-on learning environment with world-class facilities and expertise.

How to apply Get a prospectus Book an open day

Land-Based Studies

You’ll develop the necessary study skills and field specific grounding to go on to succeed within your chosen agriculture pathway. Core units include science, business, research projects and higher education study skills, as well as two specialist units which focus specifically on livestock and crop production.

We’re committed to sustainability and ensuring our students graduate with the right skills for net zero, meaning you'll be ready to contribute to the agriculture industry now and in the future.

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Sports studies

We’ll help you to build your knowledge of coaching, human and sports science, the wider sports industry and study skills, giving you the tools to succeed as you progress. You’ll learn from industry experts who know what it takes to manage behind the scenes infrastructure and support elite athletes.

As one of the UK’s most successful educational institutions for sport, our unique environment gives you access to our world-class facilities, which include our performance and science laboratories, gyms, rehabilitation suites and sports pitches. You’ll also have full access to our 24-hour University Learning Centre.

Our courses

Each one of our courses is made up of core units which include science, business, research projects and higher education study skills. There are also opportunities to study towards separate English and maths qualifications, if required.

Access to Higher Education diplomas

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Qualifications are offered flexibly to suit your existing commitments and, depending on your situation, you could get your tuition fees paid in full; for example, if you’re aged 19-23 and haven’t already studied A-level, diploma or equivalent qualifications. If you’re a UK Student aged 24+, you may also be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your fees. These loans may not require repayment if you then continue onto, and complete, a degree.

On successful completion of the diploma, many of our students progress onto study undergraduate degrees at Hartpury, with options to advance even further through a postgraduate qualification. 97% of Hartpury University graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2023).

Open days

Visit our campus

Our college open days are designed to inform and inspire, helping you to make the right decision about your future.

Discover Hartpury student life, and how we'll support you to develop the skills and experience you need. Meet our course managers, support teams, current students and more.

Book an open day

Ready to apply?

Places at our Ofsted Outstanding college are competitive, so we recommend submitting your application as early as possible.

Prospective students don't need to have attended an open day to submit an application and can apply beforehand with no financial or any other obligations.

How to apply Apply now

Access to Higher Education