What are Access to Higher Education Diplomas?
Access to Higher Education Diplomas are recognised qualifications designed for adults who want to go to university but don’t have traditional qualifications like A Levels.
They’re flexible, structured courses that help you build subject knowledge, academic skills, and UCAS points – providing you with a pathway into higher education.
You study at Level 3, which is the same level as A Levels, and your final grades are awarded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction. These determine how many UCAS points you’ll earn when applying for a degree.
Where can an Access to HE Diploma take me?
Access to Higher Education Diplomas are designed with one goal in mind – helping you move forward into university study.
Each year, around 20,000 Access students go on to higher education across the UK. These courses are accepted by over 140 universities, including many of the country’s top institutions.
Whether you’re planning to study nursing, social work, psychology, education, or another degree entirely, Access Diplomas are a trusted and respected route in.
University and further study
Most Access students apply to university through UCAS, just like students with A Levels or other Level 3 qualifications.
You’ll earn UCAS tariff points based on your final grades, and use those points to apply for degree courses. Some diplomas are designed for specific subjects, while others offer a broader route into the humanities or sciences.
It’s important to check the entry requirements for each course, but many universities actively welcome applications from Access to HE students.
Who is an Access to HE Diploma for?
Access to HE Diplomas are designed for adults who want to go to university but don’t have the traditional qualifications.
They’re ideal if you:
- Left school without A Levels
- Want to return to education after time away
- Are looking to change career or follow a new path
Whatever your background, Access Diplomas offer a flexible, supportive route to higher study – no matter when you start.
How do you study?
Diplomas usually take around 18 months to complete and are made up of a number of units. Each unit is worth a number of credits, and to achieve your diploma, you’ll need to complete 60 credits in total – 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2 or academic preparation level. You’ll complete a set of subject-specific units (e.g. biology, psychology, or law) alongside academic skills modules such as essay writing, research, or referencing.
Access to HE courses are typically studied online, so you can work from home at a pace that fits around your life.
You’ll have access to tutor support, regular feedback, and clear progression throughout the course. Many students study while working or caring for family. It’s flexible, and designed to fit real life.
Full online study
Tutor support throughout
Work at your own pace
Are they recognised?
Absolutely. Access to HE Diplomas are fully recognised qualifications that allow you to apply to university – just like A Levels.
Each diploma is:
- Regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)
- Accepted by over 140 UK universities
- Allocated UCAS tariff points to support your application
Every year, over 20,000 students with Access to HE Diplomas begin degree-level study across the UK.
Who can take an Access to HE Diploma?
These courses are specifically designed for adults aged 19 or over who want to go to university but don’t have A Levels or other traditional qualifications.
They’re open to:
- Career changers
- Parents returning to education
- Adults who left school early
- Anyone looking for a second chance at higher education
You don’t need recent academic experience – just the motivation to study, a commitment to learning, and the ambition to take your next step.
Read our support pages all about Access to Higher Education
Access to Higher Education Diplomas we offer
Nursing
Access to the HE Diploma in Nursing offers a flexible route into higher education, building skills in health, biology, and study practices to prepare students for nursing degrees and careers.
Learn more
Mental Health
Access to the HE Diploma in Mental Health provides a pathway to higher education, developing knowledge of psychology, health, and care practices while preparing students for further study and careers.
Learn more
Midwifery
Access to the HE Diploma in Midwifery supports entry into higher education, covering health, biology, and care foundations while equipping students with skills for further study and midwifery careers.
Learn more
Health and Social Care
Access to the HE Diploma in Health and Social Care prepares students for higher education, building knowledge in health, psychology, and social care while developing skills for study and career paths.
Learn more
“The support on my course was brilliant – I could contact my tutor at any time to get help which made it much faster to work through the units required.“
Elizabeth Ackroyd
The first step
Where will you go?
Many Access to HE students go on to study at leading universities across the UK. From there, they begin careers in nursing, social work, psychology, education, and more.
This could be the first step toward the future you’ve been waiting for.
It all starts here.
