Access to HE Diploma: everything you need to know
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is a one-year route to university for adults aged 19 and over. For most refugees it is free through the Adult Skills Fund. It is accepted by almost all UK universities and earns up to 144 UCAS points. The key is choosing the right subject pathway.
What is the Access to HE Diploma?
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is a one-year Level 3 qualification for adults aged 19 and over who have been out of education and want to go to university. It is recognised by almost all UK universities and generates UCAS Tariff points.
Structure
- 60 credits total.
- 45 graded credits from subject-specific academic units — assessed at Pass, Merit, or Distinction.
- 15 ungraded credits in academic study skills (essay writing, research methods, referencing).
- Approximately 600 Guided Learning Hours.
- Delivered full-time in one year, or part-time over two years.
- Validated by Access Validating Agencies (AVAs) such as Skills and Education Group Access.
UCAS Tariff points
| Outcome | UCAS points | A-level equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 45 Distinction credits | 144 points | Three A* at A-level |
| 45 Merit credits | ~120 points | Approx. three B grades |
| Mix of Pass | Lower | Points still generated, at lower level |
12 subject pathways
You must choose a pathway that matches your intended degree. Choosing the wrong pathway will create problems at university entry.
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Allied Health Professions (radiography, physiotherapy, paramedic science)
- Social Work
- Computing and Digital Technologies
- Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics)
- Engineering
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Law
- Business and Management
- Education / Teaching
- Art and Design
- Combined / General
Funding (as of 2026-05-08)
University acceptance
Post-92 universities accept the Access to HE Diploma widely, often with progression agreements with local colleges.
Russell Group universities do accept it, but with stricter grade requirements. For competitive courses, universities may require a high proportion of Distinction grades from your 45 graded credits. King's College London and the University of Manchester, for example, specify that many of the graded credits must be at Distinction level for competitive programmes.
- University of Sheffield Access to Sheffield (Medicine): structured two-year widening access programme.
- King's College London Extended Medical Degree Programme (EMDP):
- Lancaster University A900 (MBBS): widening participation MBBS programme. Specific interview guarantees for named partner college Access diplomas.
Prerequisite: English language
You must have at least B1 English proficiency before starting an Access diploma. Most FE colleges require GCSE English grade 4/C or Functional Skills Level 2 in English as a precondition for enrolment.
- Taking a non-QAA-validated course marketed as an "Access Diploma" — universities will reject it.
- Choosing the wrong subject pathway.
- Assuming the Advanced Learner Loan covers living costs — it covers fees only.
- Assuming all Russell Group courses treat Access the same as A-levels — some demand very high Distinction rates.
- Trying to use an Access diploma for Oxford or Cambridge — both treat it as a very restricted case-by-case exception.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Access to HE Diploma?
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is a one-year Level 3 qualification for adults aged 19 and over who have been out of education and want to go to university. It is recognised by almost all UK universities and generates UCAS Tariff points. It is regulated by the QAA — a private online course without QAA validation is not an Access to HE Diploma.
Is Access to HE free for refugees?
Access to HE Diploma is funded through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF), not through Free Courses for Jobs. Adults with refugee status, humanitarian protection, or Ukraine Scheme status qualify for ASF without the standard 3-year residency wait. If income is below the ASF threshold, the course may be fully funded.
How many UCAS points does Access to HE with Distinction earn?
A student achieving 45 Distinction credits earns 144 UCAS points — equivalent to three A* grades at A-level. Achieving 45 Merit credits gives around 120 points.
Do Russell Group universities accept Access to HE?
Yes, but with stricter grade requirements. For competitive courses, universities may require a high proportion of Distinction grades from your 45 graded credits. For Oxford or Cambridge, the Access route is treated as a very restricted case-by-case exception.
What happens to an Advanced Learner Loan if I complete my degree?
The Advanced Learner Loan used to fund Access to HE is written off by the government if you successfully complete an eligible undergraduate degree through Student Finance England. This is an important advantage compared to other loan types.