Access to HE Diploma
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is a Level 3 qualification for adult learners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, quality-assured by QAA under the Access to HE licensing framework, designed to prepare students without A Levels for undergraduate degree study at UK universities.
Key facts
- Level: Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3.
- UCAS points: Up to 144, depending on credit profile (typically 45 Level 3 credits).
- Regulator: Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), delivered through licensed Access Validating Agencies (AVAs) including Open Awards.
- University recognition: Accepted by every UK university that offers Access-friendly courses; specific subject variants (Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work) are the standard non-A Level route into regulated degrees.
- Typical study time: 9 to 12 months online at Lift College; part-time flexible study around work and family.
How the Access to HE Diploma differs from A Levels
A Levels are traditionally taken by 16 to 18 year-old students over two academic years and graded A* to E. The Access to HE Diploma is a Level 3 qualification of equivalent standing designed specifically for adults returning to education, built around a single subject pathway (for example Nursing or Business), and delivered on a shorter timetable. Both routes are accepted for UK undergraduate entry; universities publish Access to HE offers alongside A Level offers on UCAS. For a full side-by-side comparison, see the Access to HE vs A Levels page.
Subject variants at Lift College
Every Access to HE Diploma is subject-badged. Common subject routes at Lift College include:
Careers that use this qualification
For the full explanation of how the Access to HE Diploma is structured, funded and applied for through UCAS, read the full Access to HE guide.