For adults who want to study an Access to HE Diploma (Science (Medical and Health)) online, Lift College's Access to HE Diploma (Science), Medical and Health Sciences Pathway costs £79.99 a month with a 7-day free trial, no contract and a 14-day money back guarantee on every payment, and you can start any time; a year of study costs £815.99 paid up front, below every upfront course fee listed by the other providers here. learndirect and Distance Learning Centre also offer an online science (medical and health) route, with upfront prices from £1,360.50 upwards.
The Access to HE Diploma is a QAA approved qualification: the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education licenses the awarding bodies (Access Validating Agencies) that award it, and QAA says Access to HE Diplomas are accepted at over 140 universities every year. The diploma carries UCAS tariff points, which universities accept for entry to many degrees: 45 graded credits at Distinction give 144 points, the maximum. See what UCAS points are.
Online Access to HE Science (Medical and Health) courses compared
Prices and study times as shown on each provider's own website, checked 12 October 2026. Every course listed is an Access to HE Diploma recognised through QAA; Lift College's awarding body is TBC.
| Provider | Course | Price | Typical study time | UCAS points stated | Trial or guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lift College | Access to HE Diploma (Science), Medical and Health Sciences Pathway | £79.99 a month, £67.99 a month if you start without the trial, or £815.99 for a year | 12 to 18 months, at your own pace | Up to 144 | 7-day free trial; 14-day money back guarantee on every payment |
| learndirect | Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science): medical & health sciences pathway | £1,424.99 (sale price, was £1,899.99), or £9.99 deposit and 6 payments of £237.17 | 9 to 12 months on average; 24 months of access | Not on course page | 14-day cancellation right in its terms |
| Distance Learning Centre | Online Access to HE Diploma for Medicine (the page lists four exams by video link) | £1,511.66 pay as you go (£10 enrolment, 12 payments of £113.47 and a £140 awarding body fee), or £1,360.50 pay in full | About 9 months on average | Up to 144 | Refunds at its discretion |
Lift College's diploma is 60 credits, 100% online and assessed by coursework only, with no exams, a personal tutor from day one and marking in 3 to 5 working days.
What it costs
Most providers sell the diploma as one course fee. Lift College charges by the month instead, so what you pay depends on how long you study:
| How you pay at Lift College | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly after the 7-day free trial | £79.99 a month (£959.88 over 12 months) |
| Start now without the trial | £67.99 a month for as long as you study |
| Pay for a year up front | £815.99 |
Among the other providers, the upfront course fees on their own pages run from £1,360.50 to £1,424.99. Check what each price includes: Distance Learning Centre's pay as you go total includes a £140 awarding body registration fee. Our Access to HE cost guide sets out every way to pay.
Where the Science (Medical and Health) pathway leads
The pathway prepares you for medical and health science degrees, and medicine at medical schools that accept science Access diplomas. For medicine, check each medical school: the Medical Schools Council says acceptance of Access courses varies by school, and Bristol's MBChB (2027) accepts science Access diplomas with at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit, including chemistry. For health science degrees such as biomedical science, pharmacology or nutrition, universities look for biology and chemistry in your graded credits.
Universities set their own grade profiles, so check the exact requirement for each course you apply to, and see which universities accept Access to HE for how to read an offer.
How long it takes
QAA says the Access to HE Diploma usually takes one year full time, or two or more years part time. At Lift College the typical study time for the Science (Medical and Health) pathway is 12 to 18 months, at your own pace. Several providers in the table quote around 9 to 12 months on average.
How to choose
- Check the pathway matches your degree. Admissions tutors look at the subjects in your 45 graded credits.
- Compare the total cost for the time you will need, including any registration or certification fees.
- Look at how you pay. A monthly plan with no contract lets you stop if your plans change; an upfront fee or finance agreement does not.
Ready to start? Try the Access to HE Diploma (Science), Medical and Health Sciences Pathway free for 7 days or browse all Access to HE pathways.
Your next step
Start the Access to HE Diploma (Science), Medical and Health Sciences Pathway course free for 7 days
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Frequently asked questions
Is the online Access to HE Diploma (Science (Medical and Health)) QAA approved?
How much does an online Access to HE Diploma in Science (Medical and Health) cost in the UK?
How long does an online Access to HE Diploma in Science (Medical and Health) take?
Do universities accept an online Access to HE Diploma in Science (Medical and Health)?
Can I study an Access to HE Diploma online while working full time?
Sources checked
- Lift College course page: https://liftcollege.co.uk/qualifications/access-to-he/access-to-he-diploma-science-medical-health (checked 12 October 2026)
- learndirect: https://www.learndirect.com/course/access-to-higher-education-medicine-healthcare-general (checked 12 October 2026)
- Distance Learning Centre: https://www.distancelearningcentre.com/course/access-to-he-diploma/medicine/ (checked 12 October 2026)
- QAA, About the Access to HE Diploma: https://www.accesstohe.ac.uk/about-access/about-the-diploma
- QAA, Access to HE: https://www.accesstohe.ac.uk/
- UCAS tariff for Access to HE: https://www.ucas.com/media/205216/download
- https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/medicine/mb-chb-medicine/