How Access to Higher Diplomas open the door to University
Access to Higher Education Diplomas were created for people without traditional qualifications, such as A Levels, to help them progress to university. They provide a recognised, structured route to higher study for adults returning to education, career changers, and anyone ready to pursue a new direction. Each year, 20,000 students use Access Diplomas to build their knowledge, gain UCAS points, and apply to university with confidence.
A Levels
If you didn’t achieve A Levels in college, Access to Higher Education is the obvious answer to get into university. Each Access to HE Diploma is up to 144 UCAS points – plenty to get into a huge range of courses and begin the career of your dreams.
Full or part time
Complete work when it suits you. Study around your existing job, family or any other commitments you may have. Without the need to attend a traditional college, online study means you can work full or part-time and access everything on days that suit you.
Flexible Enrolment
Gone are the old-fashioned September enrolments! Studying online for an Access Diploma allows you to start at any time to suit you, without having to wait for specific times of the year to begin. Simply enrol when you’re ready and get started right away.
Tutor Support
Always access the support you need. Our tutors are available for unlimited support and offer help and guidance at every step of your learning journey. The same person is there to answer questions and mark your work, so you have one knowledgeable contact dedicated to your success.
Universities that accept Access Diplomas
Access to HE Diplomas are accepted by over 140 universities across the UK – including many top institutions.
From Russell Group universities to specialist colleges and local providers, Access to Higher Education opens doors to a wide range of respected degrees and professional pathways.
For many students, this is the moment higher education becomes genuinely achievable. Whether you’re aiming for nursing, law, teaching or another field, Access Diplomas offer a respected and realistic way forward.
Some universities that accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas include:
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- King’s College London (KCL)
- University College London (UCL)
- Imperial College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- University of Edinburgh
- University of St Andrews
- University of Bristol
- Durham University
- University of Manchester
- University of Leeds
- University of Birmingham
- Loughborough University
- University of Bath
- Birmingham City University
The best universities that accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas
In the UK, there is a huge range of universities that accept Access to Higher Education students into degree programs. Since Access to HE is equivalent to A Levels, after completing a Diploma, many doors to top institutes are opened. Some of the top universities in the country offering undergraduate pathways to Access students include the ones shown below. This list is far from exhaustive and if you are looking to attend a specific university it is best to check their entry requirements directly.
King’s College London (KCL)
King’s College London accepts Access to HE Diplomas for a range of undergraduate programmes, especially in healthcare, education, and the humanities. Most courses require 45 Level 3 credits, including at least 39 at Distinction and 6 at Merit. Subject relevance is key, and applicants must also meet any specific GCSE requirements. King’s values the commitment and maturity of Access learners and encourages early engagement with course-specific admissions guidance.
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh welcomes applications from mature students and may accept Access to HE Diplomas for some courses, particularly within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Applicants must demonstrate recent academic study (within the past three years) and meet any course-specific GCSE and subject criteria. Requirements vary significantly by department, so applicants should consult programme pages and contact admissions directly.
University of Bath
The University of Bath considers Access to HE applicants for selected courses in psychology, social sciences, and education. Entry into more competitive or science-based subjects may require alternative qualifications. Where Access Diplomas are accepted, the university often expects a strong academic profile – typically including 36 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 9 at Merit in subject-relevant units. Additional course requirements may include GCSEs, interviews, or written work. Applicants are encouraged to confirm expectations directly with the admissions team.
University College London (UCL)
UCL accepts Access to HE students for selected programmes and operates the Access UCL scheme for applicants from widening participation backgrounds. A typical offer requires 45 Level 3 credits, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit in a relevant subject area. Admissions are competitive, and applicants are encouraged to demonstrate clear academic ability and strong personal motivation through their UCAS application.
Loughborough University
Loughborough welcomes Access to HE applicants for degrees across education, sport, social sciences, and some business courses. Entry requirements vary by department, but a strong Distinction or Merit profile is often expected in a relevant diploma subject. For many programmes, this includes 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit. Applicants to STEM subjects may also need specific GCSEs, such as grade B or above in Maths. Early enquiry is encouraged to confirm exact expectations.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London primarily requires A Levels or equivalent for undergraduate entry. Access to HE Diplomas are not typically accepted, particularly for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. Applicants with alternative qualifications are encouraged to contact the admissions team directly to discuss potential exceptions or foundation pathway options.
University of St Andrews
St Andrews accepts Access to Higher Education Diplomas for selected undergraduate courses, especially in the arts and humanities. As a highly ranked institution, the university looks for mature applicants with a strong academic background, including a clear subject focus and relevant preparation. While specific credit expectations may vary, many successful candidates present a Distinction-weighted profile. Personal statements and academic references play a key role, and departmental requirements can differ – making early research essential.
Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University accepts Access to HE Diplomas across a broad range of disciplines including nursing, education, the arts, and social work. Entry criteria typically require a solid academic profile, such as a Merit or Distinction outcome in relevant Level 3 units. While not all courses specify exact credit combinations, many align with a 30 Merit / 15 Distinction standard. Core GCSEs in English and Maths are also expected. BCU is known for its strong support of mature and non-traditional learners.
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester accepts Access to HE Diplomas across a broad spectrum of undergraduate degrees, including nursing, social work, education, and psychology. For many programmes, applicants are required to complete 60 credits in total, with 45 at Level 3 – including at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit in a relevant subject pathway. GCSEs in English and Maths at grade C/4 or above are also expected. The university encourages mature applicants to draw on personal and professional experience in their statements and provides excellent support for those returning to study.
London School of Economics (LSE)
LSE accepts Access to HE Diplomas for entry into select undergraduate programmes, including social policy, education, and human geography. Offers generally require 45 Level 3 credits, with 39 at Distinction and 6 at Merit. Given the highly competitive nature of LSE courses, applicants should also demonstrate strong analytical skills, academic curiosity, and clear subject alignment. Early engagement with admissions is advised to confirm programme eligibility.
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham considers Access to HE Diplomas for many of its undergraduate programmes, including social sciences, health studies, and education. As a Russell Group institution, it generally expects a strong academic performance – often including 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit. Some departments may require higher thresholds or specific GCSEs, especially in English or Maths. Applicants are encouraged to check individual course pages and prepare a strong personal statement that highlights both academic readiness and subject-specific motivation.
Durham University
Durham considers Access to HE applicants for several of its undergraduate programmes, particularly within the humanities and social sciences. As a Russell Group university, it maintains high entry standards and typically expects a strong academic record – often with a majority of Level 3 credits at Distinction. Entry is assessed on a case-by-case basis, with some courses requiring additional written work or interviews. A well-structured personal statement and clear alignment between the Access subject area and the chosen degree are essential. Applicants should check departmental pages for the most accurate guidance.
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol accepts Access to HE Diplomas for a wide range of undergraduate degrees, particularly in education, health, and the social sciences. Entry standards are competitive, and applicants are generally expected to achieve a strong academic profile, including Distinctions in relevant Level 3 units. While some departments specify subject-specific credit requirements — such as 12 Level 3 credits in a particular area — others assess applications more holistically. GCSEs in English and Maths are also typically required. Bristol encourages early enquiry to confirm the exact expectations for each course.
University of Leeds
Leeds welcomes Access to HE applicants across a wide range of disciplines, including law, healthcare, sociology, and the arts. Most courses expect a completed diploma with 60 credits, of which 45 must be at Level 3. Typical offers require 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit, although subject-specific variations may apply. Leeds has long championed widening participation and provides clear guidance for mature learners. Applicants should ensure their diploma aligns with the degree subject and that any GCSE requirements are also met.
Applying to University with Access to Higher Education
How to apply for University
Once you’ve completed your diploma, you can apply to university through UCAS, just like students with A Levels or other qualifications.
Universities will look at your grades, your personal statement, and your course choices when reviewing your application, and many also value the maturity, commitment, and motivation that Access students bring.
It’s important to check the entry requirements for each course, but many Access students are offered places on competitive degrees each year.
Tips on applying after your access course
Once you have your Access Diploma, the next step is to apply for university. At this point, you need to ensure your application covers the following:
- Make it personal: Use your UCAS statement to explain your story, motivation, and why you’re ready for higher education.
- Show your strengths: Highlight your experience, resilience, and the skills you’ve gained throughout the course.
- Be clear on your goal: Whether you’re aiming for nursing, law, social work or another field, show how your diploma supports your path.
If you’re passionate about your subject and prepared to put the work in, your Access Diploma can take you all the way.
Our Most Popular Diplomas
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