What is the Access Programme?

Are you thinking about returning to learning after a break and gaining the qualifications for degree entry or further study?

Access Programme students in class

The part-time Access Programme offered by the University’s Centre for Open Learning (COL) provides a route for adult returners into undergraduate degrees offered by the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

The Access Programme offers three strands for you to choose from, all designed to help you prepare for undergraduate degree-level study.

Successful completion of the Access Programme can result in progression to a degree programme within the University of Edinburgh.

Guidance to help you navigate if the Access Programme here at the University of Edinburgh might be a good fit for you.

There are many reasons to choose the Access Programme at the University of Edinburgh.

Key programme dates for the 2025/26 academic year and 2026/27 academic year are below.

As an Access student, you will have access to all of the same social, cultural, sporting and support opportunities as the University’s undergraduate students.