If you left school without the qualifications you need for university, an Access to Higher Education course is often the most direct route back in. This guide explains what these courses are, who they suit, and how they work in practice for UK students without traditional A-levels.
Quick Answer: What Is an Access to Higher Education Course?
An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a UK qualification designed for adults without traditional school qualifications who want to go to university. It is typically studied over one year at a college and is widely accepted by universities as an alternative to A-levels.
Who Are Access to Higher Education Courses For?
These courses are aimed at adults, usually 19 and over, who left school without A-levels or equivalent qualifications and now want to study for a degree. Common reasons for taking this route include changing career, returning to education after time out, or simply not having pursued A-levels as a teenager. For a wider look at other routes back into learning, see our guide to adult education in the UK.
How Access to Higher Education Courses Work
- Length: most Access diplomas run for one academic year, studied full time, though part-time options are widely available for those working alongside study.
- Structure: courses are split into subject-specific units relevant to your intended degree, alongside core study skills modules.
- Subject routes: common routes include Access to Higher Education in Nursing, Science, Social Science, Law, Business, and Psychology, among others.
- Assessment: assessment is usually coursework-based rather than final exams, which suits many adult learners returning to study.
- Funding: an Advanced Learner Loan is available for eligible students in England, and the loan is written off once you complete a linked degree.
Do Universities Accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas?
Yes, Access to Higher Education Diplomas are recognised by UK universities as an equivalent alternative to A-levels for admissions purposes. It is still worth checking entry requirements for your specific course and university, since some competitive courses set additional conditions.
Choosing the Right Access Course
The right subject route depends on the degree you eventually want to study. An Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing, for example, is built around content relevant to nursing degree applications, while an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Law focuses on subjects relevant to law admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Access to Higher Education course take?
Most Access to Higher Education Diplomas take one academic year to complete when studied full time. Part-time study is available at many colleges and typically takes longer.
Is an Access to Higher Education Diploma the same as a degree?
No, an Access to Higher Education Diploma is a pre-degree qualification. It prepares and qualifies you to apply for a degree course at university, rather than being a degree itself.
Can I get funding for an Access to Higher Education course?
In England, eligible students can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover course fees, which is written off automatically once you complete a linked higher education course. Funding rules differ in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, so it is worth checking with your chosen college.
What subjects can you study Access to Higher Education in?
Common subject routes include Nursing, Science, Social Science, Law, Business, Psychology, and Humanities, though exact options vary by college.
