If you haven't studied A-levels, the Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma offers a recognised route to university for adults looking to start or return to education
Access to HE Diploma at a glance
- A Level 3 qualification for adults looking to return to education.
- Ideal for those aiming to go to university without A-levels.
- Equivalent to three A-levels and accepted by many UK universities.
- Typically takes one year to complete full time.
- Popular routes include degrees in nursing, teaching, law, business, and healthcare.
- Funding is available through the Advanced Learner Loan scheme.
What is an Access to HE Diploma?
It is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification that offers a route to university for those who didn't go on to study A-levels after leaving school.
Delivered by further education (FE) colleges in England and Wales, these courses are available in over 1,200 subjects, including business, education and law, to prepare students for degree-level study.
To be eligible for the 'Access to HE' title, the course must be accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Get the lowdown on these qualifications by visiting the official QAA Access to Higher Education website.
How does this qualification differ from a DipHE?
An Access to HE Diploma provides a stepping stone from school or college to university, while a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) is a two-year, Level 5 qualification comparable to two years studying a Bachelors degree.
What is an Access to HE Diploma equivalent to?
Access to HE Diplomas are equivalent to three A-levels and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
How are Access to HE Diplomas structured and graded?
They consist of 60 credits, which are divided into:
- 45 subject-specific credits at Level 3 and graded
- 15 study skills credits at either Level 2 or 3 and not graded.
To achieve the diploma, you need to successfully complete 60 credits.
The 45 subject-specific Level 3 credits are awarded at the following grades:
- Pass
- Merit
- Distinction.
Discover how different qualifications compare with our guide to undergraduate qualifications.
How do UCAS Tariff points work for Access to HE Diplomas?
The grades achieved in your 45 Level 3 credits are used to calculate your UCAS Tariff points score. Universities use these points to compare qualifications and assess whether applicants meet course entry requirements.
However, universities set their own entry criteria, so it's important to check whether a course asks for a specific number of Distinction or Merit credits rather than UCAS Tariff points alone.
How long is an Access to HE Diploma?
Access to HE courses are typically completed within a year if studied full time. However, they can sometimes be achieved within nine months.
In addition, you can also choose to study them part time over two years or longer. Distance and online learning options are widely available from providers such as Learndirect.
Who are these diplomas for?
You'll typically need to be aged 19 or over. There's no upper age limit.
Despite this, you will find some one-year courses for 18-year-olds. These are available as Level 2 Pre-Access programmes to prepare students without the right qualifications for a Level 3 diploma.
In addition to young people who left school without gaining the qualifications to go to university, the Access to HE Diploma is also ideal for:
- anyone wishing to develop the study skills required to achieve academic success
- mature students looking to return to education
- those interested in retraining or changing careers.
Is an Access to HE Diploma right for me?
There are several routes into higher education for adults. The best option will depend on your career goals, preferred learning style and qualifications.
The table below compares some of the most common options available.
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Access to HE Diploma | Adults without A-levels who want to progress to university. |
| A-levels | Those wanting traditional university entry qualifications. |
| Foundation year |
Students who are already accepted onto a degree course but need extra preparation. |
| Open University study | Learners who need maximum flexibility. |
| Degree apprenticeship | Those wanting to earn while studying. |
What is it like to return to education as an adult?
Returning to education can feel daunting at first, especially if you've been away from studying for several years. However, many adult learners find that the skills they've gained through the following can help them manage their studies and stay motivated:
- parenting
- volunteering
- work
- other life experiences.
Adult education courses are often designed to fit around existing commitments, with part-time, evening, online and flexible learning options available. You'll also have opportunities to develop valuable skills such as:
- academic writing
- critical thinking
- independent research
- time management.
Discover the skills employers want.
Many courses include support from tutors and learner advisers, helping adults build confidence as they return to the classroom.
Explore adult education.
What subjects can I study?
The Access to HE Diploma is available in a range of subjects, including:
- art and design
- business
- computing
- education
- engineering
- journalism
- law
- nursing
- social studies.
Most diplomas are designed to prepare students for a particular degree subject or professional area, so it's important to choose a pathway that aligns with your future study or career plans.
What careers can an Access to HE Diploma lead to?
Access to HE Diplomas can lead to a range of degree courses and career paths, including the following:
- Business - business management and finance degrees.
- Education - teaching and early years careers.
- Engineering - engineering and construction courses.
- Health - nursing, midwifery and physiotherapy.
- Law - law degrees and legal services careers.
What are the entry requirements?
The specific entry requirements will depend on the institution and course. However, you'll typically need to hold GCSEs at grade C/4 in English (language or literature), mathematics, and possibly a science subject, to study the following Access to HE Diplomas:
- Business at University College Birmingham
- Health Science at Stoke-on-Trent College
- Law Online at City of Oxford College
- Nursing at East Sussex College
Many of these colleges will also accept a Level 2 in Functional Skills for entry. Find out more about functional skills qualifications.
If you lack the necessary qualifications, a Pre-Access course can also help you gain the GCSEs required for a full diploma.
For entry to the Pre-Access in Science and Social Science from Peterborough College, you'll typically require Functional Skills at Level 1 or above in English and maths (equivalent to GCSEs at grade D or E). However, the college may also accept any industry experience or work training you've done that is relevant to the course.
Where can I find courses?
Browse over 1,300 courses by using the Access to Higher Education course search.
You can also find diplomas locally, so explore what's on offer from colleges in your area.
How are courses delivered and assessed?
Common teaching methods typically include:
- group work
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials.
You'll likely be assessed through:
- coursework/reports
- essays
- exams
- presentations.
However, this will all depend on the course and institution you're studying at. For instance, the Access to HE Diploma in Medicine from UCEN Manchester also involves assessment through practical laboratory work.
What do these diplomas involve?
Course content varies according to the subject you're studying, but you can expect it to be challenging. You'll typically need to complete around 15 hours of independent study each week.
For example, on the Access to HE Diploma in Science at Bolton College, you'll study academic modules in:
- biology
- chemistry
- physics.
Within these modules, the units you'll focus on will include:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Organisation of the Body
- Physics of the Senses.
In addition, you'll study a variety of developmental skills units to support your future academic studies.
What skills will I gain from the diploma?
Again, this depends on the subject you're studying and the course format.
To give you an idea, the Access to HE in Allied Health Professions at Bradford College for those looking to work in healthcare (such as a physiotherapist) will help you develop skills in:
- critical thinking and evaluative skills
- Harvard style referencing
- independent research
- information and learning technology (ILT), including virtual learning environments (VLEs) and the online library
- solving or offering solutions to problems
- time management - see our 7 time management tips for students
- Word processing, including using footnotes.
It's also important to remember that many universities expect applicants to have gained some form of work experience alongside their undergraduate application.
Therefore, it's recommended that you try to secure some relevant voluntary or paid industry experience at some point over this year or two of study. These workplace skills can prove invaluable to your career. Discover how to ask employers for work experience.
Some Year 12 work experience opportunities may also be open to those aged 18 or 19 who aren't studying A-levels.
How much do these courses cost?
You'll find that individual institutions set their own fees, so the amount you pay will depend on the institution and course you're applying for.
Many colleges, including the following, are charging tuition fees of £3,022 to £3,928 per year for Access to HE Diplomas in 2026/27, with most courses set at £3,384 per year:
Learndirect's diploma courses start from £63.77 per month. By completing them within 12 months, this works out at £765.24.
It's important to bear in mind that these online qualifications can take nine months to two years, depending on your existing commitments.
Is funding available for the Access to HE Diploma?
All students aged 19 or over are usually expected to pay their tuition fees in full.
If you're living in England, you may be eligible for a repayable, non-means-tested loan through the government's Advanced Learner Loan scheme, which can be used to cover these course fees. You'll start making loan repayments once you're earning more than £25,000 a year.
If you complete an eligible higher education course after your Access to HE Diploma, the outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balance for the Access course is written off. This means you won't need to repay the loan for the Access course, although any student finance taken out for your degree will still be subject to the usual repayment rules.
If you are planning to use the qualification as a platform to go to university, get clued up on student loans and finance. You may also benefit from university scholarships and bursaries.
When do courses start and end?
The academic calendar is in line with other college and university qualifications, so you'll typically start full-time programmes in September. They usually finish at the end of June or early July.
How do I apply for the diploma?
To apply for an Access to HE Diploma, you'll need to contact the course provider directly, as you would when making other college applications.
By visiting their website, you'll find details on their application process, which may include:
- filling out an online application form
- attending a college admissions interview
- taking an entrance exam.
Find out more about applying for college in the UK.
What can I do with an Access to HE Diploma?
Every year, around 20,000 Access to HE graduates apply to study Bachelors degrees at UK universities.
If you decide to go down this path, discover how to:
Get the lowdown on the process for getting into university.
Other options include studying for a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND).
You could also consider a degree apprenticeship, where you'll earn a wage while completing a degree. Weigh up the pros and cons of going to university or doing an apprenticeship.
Find out more
- Explore the full range of college courses.
- Get an overview of the UK's FE sector.
- Read about alternatives to university.