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Access to Higher Education
A nationally recognised Level 3 qualification designed for adults who want to progress to university. 100% online, assignment-based, and accepted by universities across the UK.
At a glance
- LevelLevel 3 (RQF)
- UCAS PointsUp to 144
- Duration9–12 months
- Study mode100% online
- AccreditationSkills & Education Group
What is Access to HE?
A university-entry qualification built for adults without A-Levels
An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a regulated Level 3 qualification accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). It is designed for learners aged 19 and over who want to study a degree but did not take traditional A-Levels. Most learners complete the diploma in 9 to 12 months and use it to apply to UK universities via UCAS, earning up to 144 UCAS tariff points.
How Access to HE works
Three stages from enrolment to your first day at uni. No upfront cost, fully online.
Choose your pathway
Pick a subject that maps to your target degree: Nursing, Midwifery, Psychology, Law, Business and 15 others. Each pathway is shaped around the entry profile UK universities ask for.
Study online over 9–12 months
Complete 60 credits across academic and subject-specific units. All learning is online, with tutor support, assignment marking, and the flexibility to fit study around work and family life.
Apply through UCAS
Use your Access to HE Diploma to apply to UK universities. Top performers earn up to 144 UCAS tariff points, equivalent to ABB at A-Level, and progress directly to year one of a degree.
All Courses
Explore Access to HE courses
Filter by level or awarding body. Sort by price. All courses are 100% online and start any day of the year.
Showing 20 of 20 courses
Nursing
Prepare for a nursing degree with this Access to HE Diploma covering biology, psychology, and health studies.
Paramedic Science
Build the scientific foundation needed for a paramedic science degree.
Veterinary Science
Progress to veterinary nursing or animal science degrees with biology, animal physiology and clinical practice content.
Midwifery
Gain the knowledge needed to progress onto a midwifery degree, covering anatomy, physiology, and health science.
Health Science Professions
A broad health science pathway for progression to allied health professional degrees.
Radiography
Qualify for a radiography degree with studies in anatomy, physiology, and medical imaging science.
Engineering
Prepare for an engineering degree with studies in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles.
Criminology
Study criminology, law, and social policy to qualify for a university degree in criminal justice.
Computing
Route into Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security or AI degrees, with programming, networks and maths foundations.
Social Work
Prepare for a social work degree with studies in psychology, sociology, and social policy.
Social Sciences
Broad social sciences pathway covering sociology, psychology and politics for a range of humanities and social science degrees.
Psychology
Build the foundation for a psychology degree with studies in research methods, cognitive and developmental psychology.
Business
Prepare for a business or management degree with studies in economics, marketing, and finance.
Science: Medical & Health
A broad science pathway covering biology, chemistry, and health science for medical and science degrees.
Science: Biomedical
Specialise in biomedical science with studies in biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques.
Education Professions
Prepare for a teaching or education degree with studies in child development, learning theory, and pedagogy.
Health and Social Care
Prepare for a Health and Social Care, Social Work or Nursing degree with psychology, sociology and healthcare practice across 17 units.
Art and Design
Build a portfolio and the academic skills for university art school, with units in drawing, design history, and creative practice.
English Studies
Pathway to English Literature, Creative Writing and Journalism degrees with literary analysis, criticism and academic writing.
Sport & Physical Activity
Progress to Sport Science, Coaching or Physiotherapy-related degrees with anatomy, physiology and sports performance content.
Free Download
The 2026 Access to HE Guide
A 28-page guide covering pathway selection, university acceptance rates, UCAS tariff conversion, and how to apply with an Access Diploma.
- Compare all 20 subject pathways side by side
- Real UCAS conversion tables (Pass / Merit / Distinction)
- Sample personal statement that won a Nursing offer
- Cost, funding options, and payment plans explained
Send me the guide
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Real Learners. Real Outcomes.
Learner Stories
Hear from learners who have studied with learndirect in this faculty.
Linda's Story
“I was really panicking about whether I could do this, but Lucas was so reassuring — he helped me see that the Access to HE course was exactly the right path for me.”
Read full story →Raymond's Story
“The tutors tell you exactly where you've gone wrong and help you correct it — that level of effort and care is what makes the difference when you're learning alone.”
Read full story →Jason's Story
“Jake was brilliant — he walked me through every step of the enrolment process and I started my Access to HE Nursing course within the week.”
Read full story →From the Guides
Helpful guides for Access to HE
Detailed explainers covering qualifications, careers, and progression routes.
Entry Requirements
What you need to start, what counts as prior learning, and how to demonstrate your readiness for Level 3 study.
Read the guide →UCAS & Applications
How to convert your Access to HE result into UCAS tariff points, build a personal statement, and apply to up to five universities.
Read the guide →Access to HE vs A-Levels
Compare timelines, cost, study style, and university acceptance side by side. Find out which route fits you best.
Read the guide →Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about studying Access to HE with learndirect.
Will UK universities accept an Access to HE Diploma from learndirect?
How many UCAS points is an Access to HE Diploma worth?
Can I study while working full-time?
Is the Access to HE Diploma 100% online?
How much does the Access to HE Diploma cost?
Are there entry requirements?
How long does it take to complete?
Ready to take the next step?
Speak to an admissions adviser today. We will help you choose the right pathway, explain how funding works, and get you enrolled.
Speak to a Course Advisor
Not sure which course is right for you? Our advisors can walk you through your options, check your funding eligibility, and help you get started.
- Personalised course and pathway guidance
- 100% funded through Student Finance
- Help with your application and enrolment
- No obligation, no pressure
“It's been a great journey so far. I have learnt at my own pace and learndirect have been very supportive all the time.”
Emaan B. · Verified review on Trustpilot
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