Access To Higher Education
With expert teaching, no upfront fees and outstanding learning support, our Access To Higher Education course is the perfect pathway for adults aged 19 and over who are ready to take the next step. Whether you're looking to change careers, return to education, or progress on to university, we'll help you achieve your goals with confidence.
Designed specifically for adult learners, our flexible timetables fit around school hours, making it easier to balance your studies with family life and other commitments. With the support of experienced tutors and like-minded classmates, you'll gain the skills, knowledge and qualifications needed to unlock exciting new opportunities.
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Meet our Access students and tutors
Lynsey Makin
Head of Curriculum for Health, Education and Foundation LearningI am an experienced educator with a background in the health and care sectors. I am passionate about supporting learners on their educational journey and take great satisfaction in seeing them achieve their goals and progress into rewarding careers. I am proud to be part of a highly effective team that combines high expectations with a caring and nurturing approach. Together, we strive to equip our learners with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to recognise their potential, achieve their ambitions, and succeed in their future careers.
Paula Cunningham
Access To Higher Education LecturerWith extensive experience teaching Health and Social Care across all levels, I have worked with a range of colleges and awarding organisations to develop and deliver high-quality qualifications that support learner success. I am passionate about helping students achieve their full potential and progress into rewarding careers within the health sector. As Course Leader for Access to Higher Education at West Lancashire College, I am committed to providing an outstanding learning experience that prepares students for successful progression to university. Working closely with NHS professionals, local care providers and partner universities, we have designed a curriculum that reflects both local and national skills needs, ensuring learners are equipped with the knowledge and confidence required for higher-level study and future employment. My industry experience spans the health and fitness sector, alongside supporting Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) with the recruitment and training of Mental Health Care Assistants for a purpose-built mental health hospital. These experiences have given me valuable insight into the realities of modern healthcare, which I bring into the classroom through engaging lessons, real-world case studies and practical skills development. I take great pride in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can build confidence, develop industry-relevant skills and take the next step towards achieving their career ambitions.
Caroline Stewart
Access to Higher Education LecturerWith over 30 years of experience in the sport and fitness industry and more than 13 years as an educational practitioner, I bring a wealth of expertise and passion to my role as an Anatomy and Physiology lecturer. My background in sports massage therapy and personal training enhances my teaching, particularly when delivering Human Physiology modules on the Access to Higher Education programme. As a local female educator, I am proud to support adults within the community as they work towards achieving their academic and personal goals. It is incredibly rewarding to see learners succeed, and many of my former students have progressed to university and gone on to build successful careers in health, sport, and fitness. Driven by a belief in lifelong learning and the power of education to transform lives, I am passionate about inspiring, motivating, and guiding learners on their journey towards higher education and future career success.
Lauren
Access To Higher Education Alumni StudentWest Lancashire College gave me the opportunity to achieve something I never thought possible. The Access course enabled me to make a seamless transition into a new career. Balancing full-time work with evening classes was one of the most challenging periods of my life, but the support, encouragement, and flexibility provided by the College made the journey much more manageable. After progressing to Edge Hill University, I successfully secured a role as a Midwife. I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved and excited to begin this rewarding new chapter in my career.
Sarah
Access To Higher Education Alumni StudentAs I wanted to return to education and prepare for university, I chose to study the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people, refreshing my academic writing skills, and developing new knowledge that would support my progression into higher education. The evening course provided the flexibility I needed to balance my studies with other commitments, while also helping me build my confidence as a learner. It gave me a strong foundation for my future studies and prepared me for the next stage of my journey towards a career in healthcare. I am now studying BSc (Hons) Midwifery at Edge Hill University.
Jess
Access To Higher Education Alumni StudentI chose to study the Nursing course because I had always dreamed of becoming a paramedic, and it seemed like the perfect pathway to achieving that goal. The course was challenging at times, but it pushed me to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence I needed for my future career. Throughout my studies, my tutor, Paula, was incredibly supportive and encouraged me every step of the way. The course provided me with a strong foundation for higher education and helped prepare me for the next stage of my journey. I am now studying for a Paramedic Science degree at Edge Hill University, taking an important step towards achieving my career ambitions.
Sally
Access To Higher Education Alumni StudentI decided to study the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery because I was already working in a care home and thoroughly enjoyed the role, but I wanted to further develop my knowledge and gain additional educational experience. I particularly enjoyed studying biology and learning more about how the human body works. I also valued the opportunity to meet new people, broaden my understanding of healthcare, and develop my academic writing skills. The course helped me build my confidence as a learner and provided a strong foundation for progression into higher education. It gave me the knowledge, skills, and preparation needed to take the next steps towards a career in healthcare.
Alana
Access To Higher Education Alumni StudentI chose to study the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing because I had always dreamed of becoming a children's nurse, and the course provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about the profession and prepare for my future career. I thoroughly enjoyed returning to education, developing my academic skills, and meeting new people who shared similar ambitions. The course helped me build my confidence, expand my knowledge of healthcare, and develop the study skills needed for higher education. I am now studying for a BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child) degree at Liverpool John Moores University, taking the next step towards achieving my career goal of becoming a children's nurse.
Access To Higher Education
What can I do with a qualification in Access To Higher Education?
Careers for this subject will be updated soon.
Upcoming events
College Tours
West Lancashire College
Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Thursday 1st July 2027
October Open Event
West Lancashire College
Monday 12th October 2026
4:30pm - 7:00pm
November Open Event
West Lancashire College
Thursday 19th November 2026
4:30pm - 7:00pm
