Answers to some of the most commonly asked queries about the Access Programme. Programme Dates and DetailsWhat are the programme dates?The 2025/26 Access Programme will begin week commencing 18 August 2025, exact dates will be confirmed by April 2025.You can learn more about the programme dates by visiting the Programme Dates page.How many credits are awarded on successful completion of the Access Programme?The Access Programme rewards 60 credits on successful completion.If I am taking the Art and Design strand do I need to take Humanities and Social Sciences as well?You will need to take either the Humanities or Social Sciences Access course alongside your Art and Design course. If you are offered a place on the Access programme you will be asked to confirm your choice closer to the start of semester one.Do all Access Programme students have to take the statistics course?No, you only need to take this course if you plan to study certain degree courses in Business, Psychology and Social Work.Applying to the Part-time Access ProgrammeWhen will I know if my application is successful?After submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgement from the Admissions team that they have received your application. We will contact you as soon as possible if we would like to invite you to interview. After the interview, we aim to contact you with a final decision within 30 days.When do applications close for 2024/25?The deadline for applying is Monday 7 April 2025 at 17:00 (BST).I’m interested in applying for the Access Programme but applications are now closed for the next intake, can I be placed on a waiting list in case any spaces on the course become available?Unfortunately not, all applicants have to complete an application form and be invited for an interview to be considered for a place on the programme. You are welcome to apply for the next year’s Access Programme (if you meet the entry requirements) details of how to apply will be published on our website when applications re-open in the autumn.Progression to Degree Level StudyWill the programme prepare me for ANY degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Edinburgh?No, some degrees within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences have additional admission requirements that are not included in the programme. These include some language degrees and joint degrees with mathematics. For more information, please e-mail us at col.access@ed.ac.uk.Can I apply for an Art and Design degree?Yes. You will need to submit a digital portfolio when you are ready to apply to your chosen degree programme. If this is successful, you will be able to progress to Art and Design degrees. We will support you with your UCAS application during the first semester of the Access Programme.Fees, Finance and Student SupportWhen do I pay the programme fee?Fees must be received by September 2025 for the 25/26 Access Programme.More information about payment of fees can be found in the Access Terms and Conditions.Where can I find out more information about applying for SAAS funding?Further details can be found on the Fees and Funding page. Where can I find further information about other support that’s available to me as a student at the university?As an Access student you will have access to all the same support services as undergraduate students do. Further information on all of this and useful links to the University Support Services is available via our Student Life & Support page.If you have any questions which are not answered on the programme’s webpages, please contact the Admissions team at col.access@ed.ac.uk. This article was published on 2024-10-14
