Skipping the traditional A Level route doesn't necessarily mean uni is off the table. An Access to Higher Education Diploma, often referred to as an access to HE diploma, is a well-established alternative route into university, built specifically for adults who want a way in without A Levels.
There's more than one way to get to university, and if the traditional A Level route hasn't worked out, or was never really your path to begin with, there is another option. An access to higher education diploma is a genuine, respected route back into education, giving you a way into university without returning to school.
Here's everything you need to know: what it actually is, how many UCAS points it's worth, which subjects you can study, what it costs, how to get started and where it can take you.
What Is an Access to Higher Education Diploma?
An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a Level 3 qualification designed for adults (minimum age 16, but recommended for adults age 19+) who want to go to university but don't hold the necessary A Levels. It's regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, meaning an Access to HE Diploma is widely recognised by university admissions teams as a valid alternative to A Levels.
Instead of resitting A Levels, an Access to HE Diploma lets you study content chosen specifically for the degree subject you're aiming for including nursing, psychology, teaching and more.
Unlike school, an access course doesn't come with a rigid timetable. Most courses are:
● Assessed through coursework, not exams
● Flexible enough to fit around a job or other commitments
● Focused entirely on the subject you want to progress into
● A genuine a level alternative, not a watered-down version of one
Does It Actually Count Instead of A Levels?
Yes! An access to HE diploma is broadly treated as equivalent to three A Levels, and many universities across the UK accept it as a standard, access to HE university route. It's not a "backup" option, it's a recognised, direct path that thousands of people use every year, especially those going into nursing, teaching, psychology and other career-focused degrees. It should be noted that not all universities accept an Access to HE Diploma, so it's worth checking their requirements directly, using sources similar to Discover Uni. The UCAS website also provides further information. If A Levels are needed for your chosen course, rather than alternatives, services like Pass A Level offer online courses and schedule in-person exams for private candidates.
How Many UCAS Points Do You Get?
This is usually the first thing people ask, understandably since it’s what actually gets you a uni offer. Access course UCAS points are dependent on your grades across the assignments, and the entire diploma can be worth up to 144 UCAS points, which is similar to three decent A Levels.
Because access course UCAS points depend on your grade profile, it's worth running your numbers through the official UCAS Tariff calculator once you know what you're aiming for. Every university sets its own entry requirements too, so double-check specific course pages.
Studying Online: No Classroom Required
If returning to college or evening classes don't suit your schedule, online access courses are a great alternative. Access to higher education courses online allow you study with flexibility around work, family or other commitments.
Courses like the ones offered through Pass Learn are delivered 100% online, meaning:
● No lecture halls or fixed term dates
● Coursework-based assessment - no end-of-course exams
● Assignments submitted digitally as you go
● A dedicated tutor giving you feedback on your work
● The chance to start as soon as you sign up, not wait for a new term to begin
That makes distance learning access courses a genuinely realistic option whether you're working full-time, caring for someone, or just don't want to return to college.
Which Subjects Can You Study?
Not every Access to HE Diploma is the same; each one is built around a specific group of degrees, so picking the right one matters.
Some of the most popular pathways include:
Access to HE Diploma in Nursing: The most in-demand pathway. An access to nursing course sets you up for nursing degrees across adult, mental health, children's and learning disability nursing. This defines the classic route into the NHS for career-changers. NHS Health Careers is worth a browse if healthcare is your target.
Access to HE Diploma in Health Professions: A broader science-and-healthcare pathway if you're considering paramedic science, radiography, occupational therapy or other health professions.
Access to HE Diploma in Midwifery For anyone set on midwifery, this pathway covers the biology and healthcare content midwifery degrees expect - the modern alternative to a traditional midwifery access course at a local college.
Access to HE Diploma in Education Perfect if you're aiming at an access to teaching course route into primary or secondary teaching, or a PGCE further down the line.
Access to HE Diploma in Veterinary Science and Zoology A science-heavy option for anyone with their sights set on vet school, animal science or zoology.
Access to HE Diploma in Youth Work and Child Development Ideal if childcare, youth work or early years is where you see yourself.
Access to HE Diploma in Psychology and Mental Health One of the fastest-growing options right now - an access to HE psychology pathway (also searched as psychology access course) preps you for psychology, counselling and mental health degrees.
There's also strong demand for access to HE science, engineering, social work, computing and humanities, so whatever direction you're leaning, there's likely a pathway already built for it. If you're not 100% sure which one lines up with your goals, it's worth chatting to an advisor before you commit. Pass Learn offers dedicated help from a support team for advice.
Who Is This Actually For?
An access to HE diploma isn't a school qualification wearing a different name, it's genuinely built for people who:
● Left school without A Levels, or without the grades they needed
● Took a gap year, an apprenticeship, or a job, and are now ready for uni
● Want a career change into nursing, midwifery, teaching, psychology or social care
● Need something flexible and online rather than fixed classroom hours
● Are juggling work or family alongside studying
Basically: if you’ve not got what you need (yet) to get to university, these courses offer the perfect alternative for many learners.
What Are The Entry Requirements?
Entry requirements for the diploma itself are usually far more relaxed than A Levels, with most providers simply asking for a commitment to learn. However, you'll likely still need GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths to get into university once your diploma is complete, so it's worth sorting these alongside your access course rather than leaving them until later. If you don't already hold these, in-person GCSEs are available through Pass GCSE, while GCSE-equivalent Functional Skills qualifications can be gained through Pass Functional Skills.
How It Actually Works
1. Pick your pathway - match the diploma to the degree or career you're aiming for.
2. Enrol and start straight away - no waiting around for a new academic year.
3. Work through units at your own pace - submit coursework as you go.
4. Get tutor feedback - real feedback from a tutor on every submission.
5. Get your diploma - once you've hit the required standard across all units, you're university-ready.
Access to HE vs Other Routes Back Into Education
If you're weighing this up against BTECs, a foundation year, or just resitting your A Levels, the Access to HE route tends to win out for people in our audience because it's:
● Built specifically for adults, not repurposed school content
● Usually completed in 9 - 12 months
● Tied directly to the degree you want from day one
● Treated as equivalent to three A Levels for UCAS purposes
FAQs
Can I get an access to HE diploma without GCSEs?
Some providers will take you without prior GCSEs, though they'll usually check your English and maths level at enrolment. Always confirm with the provider directly.
Is there a part-time option?
Yes - most online providers let you set your own pace rather than sticking to fixed evening access courses, which works well if you need a proper part time access course setup around work.
How long does it actually take?
Access to HE diplomas usually take 9-12 months for most people, though online routes can flex faster or slower depending on your situation.
Will unis take an online diploma seriously?
Yes. As long as it's QAA-recognised, universities don't treat online and in-person Access to HE Diplomas any differently.
Ready to Get Started?
Not going to uni straight away doesn't mean not going at all. An Access to Higher Education Diploma is one of the clearest, most respected ways back onto the university track - no A Levels required, no classroom needed.
If you want to explore the online routes mentioned above, Pass Learn offers a full range of Access to Higher Education Diplomas that you can start from home, at your own pace.
