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A very warm welcome to our Higher Education Centre. Whether you are aiming to boost your career prospects, are looking for a change of direction, or are hoping to gain a Higher Level qualification locally and flexibly, we can support you in achieving your aspirations.

Nelson and Colne College and Accrington and Rossendale College merged in November 2018, and our Higher Education offer for 2019-20 has expanded with provision delivered from two campuses; Nelson and Accrington.

The merger created a combined force for greater opportunities. Linking together Accrington and Rossendale’s stature and experience for providing high quality Higher Education courses with Nelson and Colne’s long history of outstanding achievement and expert teaching, means improved prospects for adults in East Lancashire and beyond. In our course guide you will find out about our extensive range of programmes, the broad number of progression routes available, the strong partnerships we share with leading universities and employers, and key information on the financial support available to you that makes studying a Higher Level qualification possible.

If you require any further information about our constantly evolving Higher Education Centre provision, then please do not hesitate to contact our Higher Education Admissions Team: 01254 354 047 or he@accross.ac.uk

Access To Higher Education Courses
Applied Sciences Courses
Business and Professional Services Courses
Health and Social Studies Courses
Building and Engineering Courses
Education and Childcare Studies Courses
Humanities Courses
Higher Level Apprenticeships Courses

FAQs

What is a HNC/D?
A Higher National Certificate/Diploma is a career-related course, available across a number of subject areas. Generally, a HNC is the equivalent of one year at University, while a HND is the same as two. The difference is you won’t have the expense of University, and you can study locally!
What are the benefits of doing an undergraduate qualification?
Not only can an HNC/D help you climb the career ladder quicker and improve your job prospects, it is a well cited statistic that graduates can expect to earn £100,000+ more over their lifetimes than someone who didn’t go to university.
Is there an opportunity for me to take on a qualification flexibly?
We offer flexible learning for our HNC/D students, meaning you can still gain a nationally recognised higher level qualification, while maintaining other work and personal commitments. You may be able to study from the comforts of your home, with full support from expert tutors. Students in work may also be able to do the HNC as part of a higher Apprenticeship, at no cost to themselves.
Is funding available?
Yes! HE Loans are available. To apply for a HE Loan, please visit www.gov.uk/student-finance
What qualifications/skills are needed to start an HNC/D?
Prior qualifications are not always necessary for candidates with relevant experience. Speak to our staff by calling 01254 354 047 to find out more.
Can you still do a HNC/D if you have started University?
Don’t worry if you have already completed a term at University and changed your mind, you can still start on a HNC/D programme as we have flexible entry points and start dates.
Also in this section
Download Higher Level Qualification Guide