Higher Education Foundation Course (HEFC)

The HEFC (Higher Education Foundation Course) is a course for students who would like to go to university but who don’t have the qualifications to do so. Typically, HEFC students have had a substantial break in their education and wish to return to learning for vocational or personal development. No previous qualifications are required although students are expected to have a minimum level of numeracy and literacy

The course builds on students’ life skills and provides the underpinning knowledge and study skills to enable them to progress to a degree or diploma course at university or college with a qualification that’s equivalent in level to A Levels. Overseas students can also take the HEFC as part of an International Foundation Programme offered at Northumbria University and Newcastle College. 

The HEFC is a modular, credit-based programme with a wide range of subjects from which three are chosen along with a compulsory study skills component. The course leads to the nationally-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by Ascentis and to the Northumbria University Foundation Certificate.

The course is normally offered on a full-time basis over one year or part time over two years, with start dates in September, January and April. It’s one of the largest access programmes in the region and recruits over 2000 students each year. A large number progress to Northumbria, while others move on to other local universities and even further afield.

The HEFC Consortium (HEFCC) Office at Northumbria University is responsible for the day-to-day operation and administration of the HEFC.  Contact information for the Office can be found on the right hand side of this page.