Certificate in Higher Education

The Cert HE follows the same first-year modules as the degree with the addition of a 10-credit core module called Enhancing Academic Success. 

This aims to develop subject specific study skills to help support you in terms of workload, and the requirement for independent learning. Module assessment depends on the course but includes tutorials, practical classes and workshops, as well as directed and independent study. 

You will study alongside students on year one of the degree and will progress onto year two with your classmates, providing you successfully complete the course.

Providing you successfully complete the Cert HE you can progress onto year two of your chosen degree, although you will need to complete the USW online application to show you intend to progress since the course is classified as a stand-alone course for funding purposes.  

As long as you complete each year of the course successfully, beginning your study on a Cert HE means you can still achieve a degree in three years. 

When making an application you do not need to write a full personal statement or supply a reference, but you will need to state your intention to progress in the personal statement section and provide contact details for your course tutor who can provide a reference should this be required.

Entry criteria detail typical offers but USW considers all applications on an individual basis, which means that we could make offers based on qualifications, personal profile and experience. Combinations of qualifications are acceptable and other qualifications not listed may also be considered.

Typical A Level Offer:
Grades CC (some courses may require a subject specific qualification, interview, audition and/or portfolio)

Typical Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Offer:
Grade C and C at A Level (some courses may require a subject specific qualification, interview, audition and/or portfolio)

Pass Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff points (some courses may require a subject specific qualification, interview, audition and/or portfolio)

We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications. Please visit the country specific pages on our international website for exact details.

International applicants will need a UKVI IELTS and have achieved an overall grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.

The course attracts funding in the same way as a degree, but you will need to apply for funding for years two and three separately, providing you pass the Cert HE and wish to progress onto the degree.