Access to Higher Education Diplomas
After completing your Functional Skills qualification, your next step could be university, a new career pathway, or further study at Level 3.
Through Pass Learn, you can progress onto an Access to Higher Education Diploma, a flexible route into university for adults aiming for careers in nursing, teaching, midwifery, health professions and more.
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online. Study an Access to HE Diploma from home, around work, family and other commitments.
What are Access to HE Diplomas?
An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a recognised Level 3 qualification created for adults who want to move into university without taking the traditional A Level route. For many learners, it is the natural next step after gaining Level 2 qualifications such as Functional Skills Maths or English.
Equivalent to 3 A Levels, Accepted by Universities
An Access to HE Diploma can be equivalent to three A Levels and may carry up to 144 UCAS points, supporting entry onto degree courses at many UK universities.*
Officially Recognised Level 3 Diploma
The Access to HE Diploma with Pass is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
What does this mean?A Flexible Route into University
If you are aiming for a degree in nursing, midwifery, teaching, health professions or another pathway, an Access to HE Diploma can help you move towards university study without A Levels.
100% Online Diploma, No Classroom
Study online with structured course units, tutor guidance and assignment feedback, giving you a flexible way to learn around work, childcare and other commitments.
Awarded by Open Awards
The Diploma is awarded by Open Awards, a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency, and a UK-based awarding organisation.
What does this mean?Clear Pricing and Support
Course materials, tutor support, assessment and certification are included as part of the Diploma fee, helping you understand the full cost before you enrol.
*Learners are responsible for checking that their chosen university accepts the qualification for their intended course.
How do Access to Higher Education Courses Work?
Access to HE Diplomas are designed for adults who want to progress to university but do not have the traditional A Level qualifications usually required for entry.
For learners who have recently completed Functional Skills Maths or English, an Access to HE Diploma can be the next qualification step towards degree-level study and a new career pathway.
You study online, complete units at your own pace, submit assignments through the portal and work towards a nationally recognised Access to HE qualification.
Choose an Access to HE Diploma
Compare Access to Higher Education courses and choose the route that matches your goals
Begin studying online
Access course materials online and start working through the units
Complete assignments
Submit work online and receive tutor feedback as you progress
Achieve a Diploma
Finish the required units and gain an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma
Apply to university
Use the qualification to support your university application and career plans
1 Choose your Access to HE Diploma
Explore the available Access to HE Diploma pathways and select the course that best supports your intended university route. Popular online Access to Higher Education courses include:
Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) - a popular option for learners preparing for nursing degrees and healthcare careers.
Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) - suitable for learners interested in health-related university pathways.
Access to HE Diploma (Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Professions) – Midwifery Pathway - designed for learners aiming to progress towards Midwifery degrees.
Access to HE Diploma (Education) - supports progression towards education, teaching and learning-related degrees.
2 Begin studying online
Once enrolled, you can access the Access to HE Diploma materials online and start working through your course without waiting for classroom dates or fixed timetables.
What to expect when you start an Access to HE Diploma with Pass:
Course materials available online after enrolment
Flexible home study that can fit around your current commitments
Tutor support to guide you through the qualification
Assignment-based learning with no formal exams
3 Complete assignments
Access to Higher Education Diplomas are assessed through coursework rather than exams. You work through each unit, complete the required assignments and submit your work online when ready.
Types of assessment on the Access to HE course:
Written Assignments
Essays, reports and written tasks that help build subject knowledge for your chosen pathway.
Research Tasks
Independent research activities that support the skills needed for higher education study.
Reflective Work
Reflective writing and case studies linked to your Access to HE subject area.
How the submission process works:
Submit online, from anywhere
Assignments are uploaded through the Diploma Portal, so there is no need to attend a centre.
Tutor feedback
Your tutor reviews submitted work and provides feedback to support your progress.
Resubmissions allowed
Where permitted, you may be able to resubmit work within the Access Validating Agency's approved rules.
Flexible timelines
Study around your schedule, with some learners completing their diplomas in as little as 6-9 months.
4 Achieve a Diploma
Complete the required units and you will be awarded an accredited Access to HE Diploma, designed to support progression into higher education.
The Diploma
A nationally recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma, awarded after successful completion.
Equivalent to 3 A Levels
Worth up to 144 UCAS points
Digital certificate issued on completion
University Entry
Accepted by many UK universities as a recognised route into degree-level study.
Suitable for adult learners returning to education
No A Levels required to enrol
Supports progression after Level 2 qualifications
5 Get into university. It all starts with a Pass.
An Access to Higher Education Diploma can support applications for a wide range of university degree pathways. These are some of the popular routes learners choose.
More...
Access to HE Diplomas can open up a wide range of degree options.
Nationally Recognised and Officially Regulated
Learn more about the recognition, regulation and awarding body behind the Access to HE Diplomas with Pass.
Officially Recognised Level 3 Diploma
An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification for adult learners progressing into higher education. Access to HE Diplomas with Pass are regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, helping ensure the qualification follows recognised national standards.
Awarded by Open Awards
The Diploma is awarded by Open Awards, a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency. Open Awards oversees qualification standards, assessment requirements, quality assurance and the final award once the required credits and checks have been completed.
FAQs
What is an Access to Higher Education Diploma?
An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a Level 3 qualification designed for adults who want to go to university but do not have traditional A Levels. It can support progression into degree courses such as nursing, midwifery, teaching, psychology, health professions and more.
Can I study an Access to HE Diploma after Functional Skills?
Yes. Functional Skills Maths and English are Level 2 qualifications, and for many adult learners they are an important step before moving on to Level 3 study. If you have completed Functional Skills and are now thinking about university, an Access to HE Diploma could be a suitable next step.
Do universities accept Access to HE Diplomas?
Many UK universities accept Access to HE Diplomas for degree entry, especially for adult learners returning to education. Entry requirements vary between universities and courses, so you should always check with your chosen university before enrolling.
Which Access to HE Diploma should I choose?
The right Diploma depends on the degree or career you want to progress into. For example, learners aiming for nursing may choose the Access to HE Diploma in Nursing, while learners interested in wider healthcare routes may prefer the Access to HE Diploma in Health Professions.
Can I study Access to HE online?
Yes. Access to HE Diplomas through Pass Learn are studied online, allowing you to work through course materials from home and submit assignments through the online portal. This makes the course more flexible for learners balancing study with work, family or other commitments.
Will I still need Maths and English for university?
Most universities expect applicants to have suitable Level 2 Maths and English qualifications, such as GCSEs or Functional Skills. Requirements vary by course and university, so check the entry requirements carefully. If you still need Maths or English, Pass Functional Skills can help you work towards the qualifications you need before or alongside your Access to HE Diploma.