Access to Higher Education Diploma

The Access to Higher Education Diploma has helped thousands of adult learners step into university study without the need for A Levels. It is one of the most flexible and widely recognised routes into higher education available today.

Through Pass Learn, adults can gain the qualifications they need to reach university, build professional credibility and create new opportunities for themselves. Access to Higher Education Diplomas are designed for those who want to learn online and at their own pace, without giving up their existing commitments.

Whether the path leads to nursing, midwifery, teaching, psychology, health professions, veterinary science or youth work, an Access to HE Diploma provides the knowledge, academic development and recognised credential to get there.

What Is an Access to Higher Education Diploma?

Nationally recognised at Level 3, the Access to Higher Education Diploma was created to give adult learners a clear and credible pathway into university study. It is particularly valuable for those who never sat A Levels, or who completed school or college a long time ago and are now returning to formal education.

The qualification is accepted by universities across the UK as an alternative entry route onto degree programmes. More about its recognition and quality assurance can be found at the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

Studied online and at the learner’s own speed, an Access to HE Diploma makes it possible for busy adults to pursue university ambitions without sacrificing their existing responsibilities.

Study Access to Higher Education Online

Pass Learn offers all its Access to HE Diplomas in a fully online format, so learners can study from home and fit their studies into their everyday lives.

The diplomas are assessed entirely through assignments – no exams are required. Learners submit work online as they progress and receive feedback from a dedicated tutor who supports them at every step.

By studying with Pass Learn, learners are able to:

• Complete the diploma from home using an online study platform
• Study around work, family and other priorities
• Submit all coursework digitally throughout the qualification
• Receive regular feedback and guidance from their tutor
• Develop the academic skills and knowledge that university requires
• Earn a formal qualification recognised for higher education entry

Access to HE Diplomas Available with Pass Learn

Pass Learn offers a focused and well-developed range of Access to HE Diploma pathways, each designed around the academic demands and career expectations of a specific field.

Available diplomas include:

• Access to HE Diploma in Nursing
• Access to HE Diploma in Health Professions
• Access to HE Diploma in Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Professions – Midwifery Pathway
• Access to HE Diploma in Education
• Access to HE Diploma in Veterinary Science and Zoology
• Access to HE Diploma in Careers in Education, Youth Work and Child Development
• Access to HE Diploma in Psychology and Mental Health

Each pathway has been built to give learners the subject grounding they need before beginning their degree, making the step up to university-level study much easier.

A Flexible Alternative to A Levels

An Access to HE Diploma is a recognised and respected route into university for adults who do not hold A Level qualifications.

It is widely treated as equivalent to three A Levels and can be worth up to 144 UCAS points, subject to results. Learners can verify the exact points value using the UCAS Tariff calculator.

Since universities and courses each set their own entry requirements, learners should always check what their target degree asks for before applying. The Discover Uni website makes it easy to compare courses and understand entry criteria.

Who Are Access to HE Diplomas For?

Access to HE Diplomas are made for adult learners who are ready to pursue higher education but do not currently hold the standard entry qualifications that degree programmes require.

They are particularly relevant for:

• Adults who want to go back into education
• Those who did not complete A Levels
• Career changers who need academic qualifications to move into a new field
• Adults who are applying or planning to apply to university
• Anyone aiming for a career in nursing, midwifery, education, psychology or healthcare
• Learners who need to study fully online at a pace that suits them
• Adults with work or family commitments that make traditional study impractical

For example, an adult who wants to work in health professions might complete an Access to HE Diploma in Health Professions before applying for a relevant degree. Those exploring NHS career pathways will find helpful guidance through NHS Health Careers.

How Access to HE Courses Work

Getting through an Access to HE Diploma with Pass Learn is a straightforward process from start to finish.

Learners pick the diploma that corresponds with their university course or career target, then enrol. Course materials are made available online straight away, so learning can begin immediately.

Assignments are written and submitted online at each stage. The tutor reviews the work and provides feedback to support continued development. Once all units are completed to the required standard, the diploma is awarded.

The course is built to guide adult learners from their first study session all the way through to being ready for university.

Support Choosing the Right Access Course

Choosing the right Access to HE Diploma is not always easy, particularly when learners have not yet settled on a university or are unsure what their chosen career requires.

Pass Learn’s support team is there to help. By calling the team, learners can discuss the different pathways in detail and get advice tailored to their background, ambitions and personal circumstances.

Whether the target is nursing, teaching, psychology, veterinary science or health sciences, Pass Learn can help learners find the right path forward.

Start Your Access to Higher Education Diploma with Pass Learn

An Access to Higher Education Diploma can be the starting point of a journey that leads to university, a fulfilling career and lasting personal progress.

With study delivered fully online, no exams and dedicated tutor support throughout, Pass Learn gives adult learners everything they need to succeed on the Access to HE route.

View the complete range of Access to Higher Education Diplomas and take the first step towards your future with Pass Learn.

Written by

PassFunctionalSkills Team

We help thousands of students get their Functional Skills Qualifications.