LOOKING FOR A NEW START? A CAREER CHANGE?
ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION DIPLOMA
Are you an adult looking to return to education and go to university? The Access to Higher Education Diploma is your gateway to achieving that goal.
The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification designed specifically for adults (19+) who do not have traditional qualifications such as A-Levels. It provides a fast-track route into university, typically completed within one year, and is accepted by universities across the UK.
You’ll study a subject-specific pathway—such as Health and Social Care, Nursing and Midwifery, Science, Education, or Social Science—tailored to match your future degree and career aspirations.
Whether you’ve been out of education for a while or never thought university was an option, the Access to HE Diploma helps you build confidence, academic skills, and subject knowledge so you can succeed in higher education.
Pathways to University
Once you’ve completed your Access to HE Diploma, you can apply for a wide range of degree courses.
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Nursing and Midwifery
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Social Work
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Teaching and Education
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Psychology and Sociology
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Health Professions
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Science and Biomedical Degrees
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Business and Law
The diploma prepares you for the rigours of university study and helps you meet entry requirements for your chosen degree. Many universities welcome Access to HE students for their maturity, motivation, and life experience.
FUNDING YOUR COURSE: ADVANCED LEARNER LOANS
Worried about the cost? Good news—your course may be fully funded through an Advanced Learner Loan from Student Finance England.
Key points:
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Available to learners aged 19 or over.
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Covers the full cost of your Access to HE Diploma.
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No upfront fees—you only start repaying once you’re earning over a certain threshold.
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If you go on to complete a higher education course (like a university degree), your loan for the Access to HE Diploma is written off in full.
This makes the diploma an affordable investment in your future, with no financial risk if you don’t progress to university.
