What is an Access to HE Diploma?

Overview: what the Access to HE Diploma is

The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification designed specifically for adults aged 19 and over who are returning to education and want to progress to higher education. It is not a school-leaving qualification — it is a standalone adult qualification with its own grading scheme, credit framework, and university recognition pathway.

Diplomas are validated and awarded by Access Validating Agencies (AVAs), which are licensed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). OCN London is one of the main AVAs in England and offers a wide range of subject-specific pathways. Providers like Lift College deliver these programmes online.

How does it compare to A levels?

The Access to HE Diploma and A levels are both Level 3 qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), and universities treat them equivalently for most entry purposes. Key differences include:

• A levels are typically studied at age 16–18 in schools and sixth forms. The Access to HE Diploma is for adults aged 19+.
• A levels are graded A*–E. The Access to HE Diploma is graded Pass, Merit, or Distinction at unit level.
• A levels are linear with terminal examinations. The Access to HE Diploma is assessed through coursework and assignments, with no single high-stakes exam.
• The diploma covers a single subject area (e.g. health, science, social science) at greater breadth than a typical A level.

For adults returning to education who find the traditional exam route difficult to manage around work and family, the coursework-based nature of the Access to HE Diploma is a significant practical advantage.

UCAS tariff points and university acceptance

The Access to HE Diploma is part of the UCAS Tariff. The number of points awarded depends on your grade profile across the units that make up the diploma. According to Gateway Qualifications' UCAS tariff information, a full Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Distinction is awarded 144 UCAS tariff points — the same as three A grades at A level on the current tariff.

A profile of all Merits attracts 96.00 UCAS tariff points, and a mixture of Passes, Merits and Distinctions falls between 48.00 and 144.00 points. Universities publishing minimum UCAS point requirements apply these to Access to HE as well as A level applicants.

Which universities accept the Access to HE Diploma?

According to the Access to HE website, over 140 UK universities accept Access to HE qualifications each year. This includes universities in the Russell Group, post-1992 universities, and specialist institutions. Notable exceptions exist — a small number of highly selective courses (notably at certain London institutions) may not accept the diploma for their most competitive programmes, so it is always worth checking the specific course entry requirements on UCAS or the university website directly.

For nursing, teaching, social work, and allied health programmes, the Access to HE Diploma is particularly well established as the standard mature student entry route.

Subject pathways available

Access to HE Diplomas are available in a wide range of subject focuses to align with your target degree and career:

• Health and Social Care — for nursing, social work, occupational therapy
• Science — for biomedical sciences, pharmacy, dentistry foundation programmes
• Social Sciences — for psychology, sociology, criminology
• Business — for business management, marketing, accounting degrees
• Education — for primary education, early childhood studies, teaching
• Computing and IT — for computer science, data science, software engineering

Browse Access to HE qualifications at Lift College to find the pathway most relevant to your intended degree subject.