For many adults in Burnley and across East Lancashire, the idea of returning to education sits somewhere between a quiet wish and a distant dream. Jobs, family, finances and time all get in the way. But every year, people just like you decide that now is the moment – and Burnley College is there to support them every step of the way.
Victoria Bottacin’s story is one of those moments.
From The Shop Floor to a Midwifery Degree
Not long ago, Victoria was standing behind a shop counter in Burnley, wondering if there was something more. Today, the 23-year-old is preparing to begin a midwifery degree – and she puts that life change down to a single course at Burnley College.
Victoria credits the Access to Higher Education: Health Professions Level 3 course with giving her the confidence, academic skills and self-belief to take the leap and transform her future. Inspired by family connections to midwifery and a close friend who had made a similar journey, she enrolled with a clear purpose – and left with a university place confirmed.
Her experience will resonate with a lot of people.
What the Access to Higher Education Course Actually Gives You
The course covers far more than you might expect. Victoria had no scientific background when she started, yet the programme introduced her to complex topics in a way that stuck.
“I had no scientific background at all, so learning about genomics – chromosomes and DNA – was something I never expected to understand. The way it was taught made it click. When I got to university and those topics came up in a clinical context, I already had a solid foundation. It genuinely gave me a head start.”
That’s the purpose of the Access to Higher Education qualification. It bridges the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, allowing you to build the academic skills, subject knowledge and confidence you need to thrive in degree-level study.
Fitting Study Around Your Life
One of the biggest barriers for adult learners isn’t motivation, it’s logistics. Shifts, childcare and bills don’t pause for anyone. Burnley College’s Access courses are built with that reality in mind, with both day and evening options available.
Victoria felt this directly.
“I couldn’t afford to give up work completely, so the fact that the course fitted around my shifts was so important. It meant I could keep earning while I studied and didn’t have to choose between my finances and my future.”
The Support That Makes The Difference
Small class sizes and dedicated tutor time mean that adult learners at Burnley College are never just a face in a crowd.
“The class sizes were small enough that you never felt like just a face in a crowd. If I was struggling with something, I could get one-to-one time with my tutor without having to wait or feel embarrassed asking. That flexibility – being able to get support when I needed it, in a way that worked for me – made a real difference to how I learned and how confident I felt going into my degree.”
The assignments build gradually too, developing academic skills without overwhelming learners who haven’t studied formally for years. By the time Victoria started her degree, she was ready.
“By the time I started my degree, I was used to juggling deadlines, writing at that level and thinking critically – the pace of university didn’t come as a shock because the Access course had already prepared me for it.”
Common Concerns (and Honest Answers!)
Will I be able to afford it? Access to Higher Education courses may be fully or part-funded. An Advanced Learner Loan can cover tuition fees, and if you go on to complete a Higher Education course, Student Finance England will write off any outstanding loan balance. Speak to the team and they’ll explore every available option with you.
What if I’ve been out of education for years? That’s precisely who these courses are designed for. Whether you left school at 16 or have taken a different path, this programme is built to bring you back up to speed at a pace that works.
Will it actually lead somewhere? Victoria’s story answers that directly. Access to Higher Education is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification that provides a genuine route into degree-level study.
A Word from Burnley College
Nina Parkin, Vice Principal at Burnley College, sees stories like Victoria’s every year.
“Victoria’s story is a powerful reminder of what adult learners can achieve when they are given the right support and the right environment. Access to Higher Education courses exist precisely for people like Victoria – individuals who have the ambition and the ability, but perhaps haven’t had the opportunity to pursue it until now.
“Seeing our learners go on to secure places on degree programmes in healthcare is exactly what these courses are designed to do, and Victoria should be incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished.”
Other Access to Higher Education Courses Available
The Health Professions pathway that Victoria took is just one option. Burnley College offers Access to Higher Education courses across a wide range of subjects, including:
Whatever direction you want to take, there’s likely a course that points you there.
Be More – Starting This September
Be confident. Be qualified. Be ready for what comes next.
Access to Higher Education courses at Burnley College are designed to do exactly that – to give adult learners the tools, the knowledge and the belief to move forward. Applications are open now for September starts.
Not sure where to begin? Burnley College runs monthly Advice and Guidance Evenings where you can speak to expert tutors, explore the campus and ask every question you have – with no pressure and no commitment.
Visit www.burnley.ac.uk/adult-home to browse courses, apply or book your place at an upcoming event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Access to Higher Education course?
An Access to Higher Education course is a Level 3 qualification designed for adults who want to progress to university-level study. Burnley College’s Access courses take one year to complete and provide the academic skills and subject knowledge needed to begin a degree in your chosen field.
Who are Access to Higher Education courses suitable for?
Access courses are designed for adults aged 19 and over who are ready to change career, return to education or take their first steps towards university. No prior degree is required. You will need a GCSE or Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English and Maths at the point of enrolment.
Can I study while working?
Yes. Burnley College offers both day and evening options for its Access to Higher Education courses, making it possible to study around existing work commitments or shift patterns.
How much does an Access course cost?
Courses may be fully or part-funded depending on your circumstances. An Advanced Learner Loan is also available to cover tuition fees. If you go on to complete a Higher Education course afterwards, Student Finance England will write off any outstanding loan balance. Contact Burnley College’s team to find out what support is available to you.
What subjects are available?
Burnley College offers Access to Higher Education courses in Applied Health Sciences, Art and Design, Business Management, Computing, Health Professions, Primary Teaching, Psychosocial Studies and Social Sciences.
How do I find out if an Access course is right for me?
Burnley College holds monthly Advice and Guidance Evenings where you can speak to tutors and explore your options. You can also contact the adult learning team directly by emailing [email protected] or by visiting www.burnley.ac.uk/adult-home.
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