Flash SaleSave up to 35%. Ends Sunday 24 May, 23:59. 00:00:00 Shop the sale →
Lift College0121 329 4656
⌘K
0

Access to HE

What is the Access to Higher Education Diploma?

The Access to Higher Education (Access to HE) Diploma is a Level 3 qualification regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). It is designed for adults aged 19 and over who want to progress to UK university but do not hold A-Levels. The diploma is widely accepted as evidence of readiness for degree-level study.

  • 9–12 monthsTypical durationFull-time online study
  • 60 creditsLevel 3 (RQF)45 graded + 15 ungraded
  • 112 UCASMaximum pointsEquivalent to AAB at A-Level

Access to HE Diplomas are recognised across the UK as a direct alternative to A-Levels for adult learners. They are awarded by Access Validating Agencies (AVAs) such as OCN London and approved by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), which sets the national framework all Access courses must follow.

The diploma is graded across 60 credits and structured around a chosen pathway (e.g. Nursing, Health Science, Social Work). Around 45 credits are graded at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2, building from foundational skills to degree-ready academic study.

Who Access to HE is for

  • Adults aged 19+ who left school without A-Levels
  • Career-changers preparing to retrain into nursing, midwifery, social work, or teaching
  • Returners to study who want a structured route back into education
  • Anyone whose existing qualifications are below Level 3 but who is committed to university

How the diploma is structured

You complete a series of credit-bearing units across the academic year, typically over 9–12 months full-time online. Each unit is assessed through written assignments, presentations, or research tasks. There are no final exams in most pathways — assessment is continuous, which suits adult learners returning to study.

Once complete, you receive your Access to HE Diploma certificate which is sent directly to UCAS in the same way A-Levels would be.

FAQ

Your questions answered

Is Access to HE the same as A-Levels?

Both qualifications sit at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework and both award up to 112 UCAS points. The difference is design intent. Access to HE is built for adults returning to study, takes 9–12 months, is assessed entirely through coursework, and is studied online without classroom attendance. A-Levels are designed for 16–18-year-olds, take 2 years, are assessed through final examinations, and are typically studied in school or sixth-form college.

Will universities accept Access to HE?

Yes. Every UK university accepts the Access to HE Diploma, including Russell Group institutions. The qualification is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the same body that regulates UK degrees, which gives admissions teams confidence in its rigour. Many universities prefer it for mature applicants because it demonstrates recent academic study and commitment to a specific pathway.

Do I need GCSEs to start an Access to HE Diploma?

For the Access to HE Diploma itself you do not need formal qualifications to enrol. However, your destination university will likely require GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (formerly C) or above, especially for nursing, midwifery, social work, and teacher training. If you do not have these GCSEs you can study them alongside or before your Access course.

How much does an Access to HE Diploma cost online?

At Lift College the Access to HE Diploma is fully self-funded — there is no Advanced Learner Loan and no student finance application required during study. We offer monthly subscription. There are no hidden fees: tuition, tutor support, and assessment are all included.

Can I start at any time?

Yes. Online Access to HE Diplomas have rolling start dates, so you do not have to wait for a September intake. You can enrol at any point in the year and begin within days. This flexibility is one of the main reasons adults choose online study over a traditional college course.

How long does the diploma actually take?

Full-time online study typically takes 9–12 months for most learners. You have up to three years to complete if you need to study around shifts, family commitments, or unexpected life events. There are no fixed deadlines for individual units — only the overall completion window — so the qualification adapts to your pace.

Continue exploring

← Back to Access to HE overview

Explore our other faculties

Lift College offers regulated UK qualifications across a range of subject areas.