How do you get an Access to Higher Education Diploma?
Access to Higher Education Diplomas are specifically designed for those over the age of 19 looking to get into university or higher education who don’t have the traditional qualifications required. Many sought-after job roles require a degree and, without traditional A Levels, people can find that their career prospects are affected. This is where Access courses allow you to get the UCAS points needed to access higher education and achieve the results required to start in your dream career.
Students can study at any time and work towards their Diploma from home through online learning to allow themselves the opportunity to get into university. Without any previous qualifications being required, Access to HE Diplomas are fully accessible and a great launchpad to a better career and higher paid role.
Throughout an Access to Higher Education Diploma, learners must complete numerous assignments which build up the credits required. 60 credits are needed in total to achieve the full Diploma with a Pass, Merit and Distinction being earned from each unit. Study can be done in a traditional college as well as from home, through online learning. This method means that students can gain their access diploma at their own convenience, around other work and family commitments.
Access to HE Diploma Structures
Access to Higher Education Diplomas are structured, university-preparation courses designed for adults without traditional qualifications like A Levels.
Each diploma is made up of 60 credits in total:
- 45 credits come from graded Level 3 units that focus on subject knowledge – these are the units that contribute to your final grades.
- 15 credits come from ungraded units, usually covering essential skills like research, academic writing, or digital literacy.
Diplomas are typically completed in one year full-time, or over 18 months part-time. The structure is designed to build your academic confidence and prepare you for the expectations of degree-level study.
Accreditations for Diplomas
Access to HE Diplomas are designed by course providers but must be formally validated by an Access Validating Agency (AVA).
AVAs are licensed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) – the body that oversees academic standards across higher education in the UK.
This layered structure means that every Access Diploma follows the same national framework, no matter where or how it’s studied. That’s why these qualifications are trusted by universities across the country.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
How Diplomas Are Assessed
Each unit within the diploma has clear learning outcomes – specific goals that you must meet in order to pass that unit.
For the 45 graded credits, your work will be assessed and awarded one of the following:
- Pass
- Merit
- Distinction
There’s no overall “final grade” for the diploma. Instead, your unit grades appear on your final transcript. These grades are what universities use, alongside your personal statement, to assess your application.
This unit-based approach gives you the chance to show consistent progress and build your academic profile over time.
Oversight and Quality Assurance
To make sure grading is fair and consistent, Access Diplomas go through a two-step moderation process:
- Internal moderation – your provider checks that assessments and marking meet national guidelines.
- External moderation – the AVA reviews sample work and confirms that standards are upheld.
On top of this, the QAA regularly monitors and audits AVAs to ensure quality and reliability across the whole Access to HE framework.
This process means your qualification is recognised, respected, and ready to support your university application.
