Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Answers to some of the most commonly asked queries about the Access Programme.

What are the programme dates?

The 2026/27 Access Programme will begin mid-August 2026. You can find key Access Programme teaching dates via the link below:

Access Programme Academic Dates>

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 or the Languages and Cultures 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 or Languages and Cultures 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 1.

Do all Access Programme students have to take the Maths course?

No, you only need to take this course, in Semester 2 of the Access Programme, for degrees in certain subject areas (i.e. Business).


How do I apply for the Access Programme and what information will I be asked for?

Once applications open, you will be able to apply via an application form, which will be made available on our website on the 'how to apply' page.

Visit the 'how to apply' page here>

The application form will ask you for information about your eligibility for the Access Programme, including asking for details of any education qualifications you have and whether you have previously completed any study at university.

You will also be asked to provide a supporting statement. The statement is your opportunity to share information on your academic and other interests, your work and life experience including any barriers that have made undertaking further education difficult for you, and your reasons for applying to the Access Programme.

When will I know if my application is successful?

After submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgement from the Admissions team that we have received your application. We will contact you as soon as possible to let you know your application outcome. We will either let you know that we would like to invite you to meet with us in person, ask you to provide us with further information, or let you know that your application was unsuccessful and provide the reason why.

Successful applicants will receive further information about meeting with us in person shortly after applications close. After we've met with you, we will be in touch with a final decision within 30 days.

Throughout the application process our team will contact you via the email address you provide on your application. It is essential that you enter your e-mail correctly, check your e-mail regularly for updates, and respond when required. You should also check your spam and junk email folders in case any of our e-mails are there. We recommend marking our e-mail address as a safe contact.

When do applications close for 2026/27?

Please visit the below link, which features all of the important dates and deadlines under 'Key information':

Learn more here>

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 to meet with us in-person 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.


Am I eligible for university accommodation whilst I am studying on the Access Programme?

No, students on the Access Programme are not eligible for university accommodation. 

If you are not currently living in Edinburgh or the surrounding area, you will need to factor in renting privately into any costs associated with your relocation. 

Can I study the course online, or do I need to attend in-person?

The Access Programme is an in-person course on the University of Edinburgh's Holyrood campus. There is no option to study the course online.


Will I get support with completing my UCAS application?

Yes, during the first semester, you’ll be allocated a UCAS Adviser who will be one of the teaching staff on the Access Programme. They’ll support you in completing your UCAS form as well as providing an academic reference for you.

Will the programme prepare me for ANY degree in the College of Arts, 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.  

You can find Art and Design portfolio guidance via the link below:

Art and Design Portfolio Guidance | Access Programme | Centre for open learning  


When do I pay the programme fee?

Fees must be received by 30 September 2026 for the 26/27 Access Programme.

By this deadline, you must ensure that you have SAAS funding in place, or, if you are not eligible for SAAS funding, have made the full payment or agreed with the Access Programme team that you will be making a 50% payment of fees.

What should I do if I am not eligible for funding and I am struggling to make my fees payment?

It is essential that we know as soon as possible if you are experiencing any issues that may make it difficult for you to make this payment. You can contact our Student Support team for advice. 

They are available at col.studentsupport@ed.ac.uk. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with them.

If we do not receive either your approved SAAS funding, or a full or part payment of your fees by the deadline, you will not be able to progress to Semester 2 of the Access Programme.

Where can I find more information about applying for SAAS funding?

SAAS is separate from the university, you can find more information about eligibility and details of how to apply for funding via the link below.

SAAS Part-time Fee Grant Website>

We encourage everyone to check their eligibility for SAAS funding. The Access Programme team are unable to advise on eligibility for funding, if you have any questions about this you will need to contact SAAS directly.

Where can I find further information about other support that’s available to me as a student at the university?

On the Access Programme, our COL student support team will be available to help you with any wellbeing, health and other non-academic matters.

Additionally, you will have access to all the same University support services as our undergraduate students.

Learn more here>


If you have any questions which are not answered here, please contact our Admissions team at col.access@ed.ac.uk.

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