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Open-entry programmes

Certificates & Foundation Degrees —
No prior qualifications needed.

CertHE Level 4 programmes are designed to bridge gaps in education and open the door to higher education for people who may not have traditional qualifications. All SFE-eligible.

No previous qualifications required (CertHE) SFE tuition & maintenance loan available
CertHE: 1 year | FdA/FdSc: 2 years Pathways into full degree programmes

Undergraduate Certificates — Level 4 (CertHE)

Open entry — no previous qualifications required

CertHE programmes are specifically designed for people without formal academic qualifications. Work experience, motivation, and ability to study are what matter. An excellent starting point for anyone re-entering education.

CertHE Level 4

Cert HE Level 4 in Health & Social Care

An accessible entry point into health and social care education. No prior qualifications needed. Ideal as a bridge into a full degree.

Health & Social Care Management Health and Care Management
CertHE Level 4

Cert HE Level 4 in Business

Core business principles — management, strategy, and operations — in a fully accessible one-year programme. Multiple specialised pathways available.

Standard Business Healthcare Management Big Data & AI Digital Finance Law
CertHE Level 4

Cert HE Level 4 in Computing

Learn programming, systems, and digital fundamentals. No prior coding experience required — this is your starting point.

Creative Industries Certificates

Portfolio and audition required

Creative music programmes require a practical portfolio evaluation and audition. A Duolingo English score of 85 minimum is required if you do not hold prior UK qualifications.

CertHE

CertHE Commercial Music

Music production, performance, and the commercial music industry. Audition and portfolio required for admission.

Portfolio RequiredAudition
CertHE

CertHE Music Business

The business side of the music industry — artist management, licensing, and label operations. Portfolio evaluation applies.

Portfolio Required

Foundation Degrees (FdA / FdSc) — 2 Years

Level 3 qualification required

Foundation Degrees require a Level 3 qualification or equivalent work experience for entry. They take 2 years and can be topped up to a full honours degree in one additional year.

FdA

FdA Business & Management

A 2-year foundation degree in business and management — practical skills combined with academic knowledge. Top-up to a full degree available.

FdA

FdA Tourism & Events Management

Event planning, destination management, and tourism operations. A solid foundation for a career in hospitality and events.

FdSc

FdSc Computing

Programming, databases, and systems analysis. A practical 2-year science foundation degree in computing.

FdSc

FdSc Health & Social Care

Two years covering health systems, policy, and care practice. A recognised pathway into the health and social care sector.

Not sure where to start?

Our advisors can tell you which programme suits your background — and confirm your SFE eligibility for free.

Check My Eligibility