Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma Courses
Start your journey to university
Our Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas are designed for adults who want to progress to university but don’t have traditional qualifications. With expert tutors, supportive classes, and flexible study options, these Level 3 courses give you the skills and confidence to succeed at the next stage of your education.
Apply Now for September 2026.
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At a glance
- Qualification: Access to HE Diploma (Level 3)
- Duration: Up to one year
- Study options: Full/Part-time (two to three days a week in college)
- Subjects – Acting, law, medicine, nursing and midwifery, counselling, health, science, humanities and more
- Location: London (Waterloo, Chelsea and North Kensington campuses)
- Progression: Entry to university degree courses in your chosen subject area
- Funding: Eligible for Advanced Learner Loans to fund the course
- Next intake: September 2026
What is an Access to Higher Education Diploma?
An Access to HE Diploma is a Level 3 qualification designed for adults who want to progress to university. It’s perfect if you:
- Didn’t follow a traditional A-Level route
- Want to start a new career or retrain
- Need the academic and study skills to succeed in higher education
Successful completion gives you the qualification required to apply for degree courses in your chosen field.
Course options : choose your path
Find your course and apply now.
Prepare for university-level study in art and design with this intensive Access to HE Diploma, developing your creative skills, portfolio, and academic confidence.
Prepare for higher education in counselling or related fields with this Access to HE Diploma, developing essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Prepare for university and a future in teaching or education with this Access to HE Diploma, building essential knowledge and classroom-ready skills.
This diploma is delivered in strategic partnership with the University of the Arts: London College of Fashion and Ravensbourne University, and is for people who intend to progress to university to study for a degree in Fashion.
Develop your critical thinking, writing and academic confidence to progress to higher education in humanities or social science subjects with this Access to HE Diploma.
Prepare for university study and careers in health, medicine, nursing, midwifery, sports science, radiography and related sciences with this Access to HE Diploma, developing the academic knowledge and practical skills you need to succeed.
Access to HE Diploma Health and Human Science
Access to HE Diploma Sports Science
Access to HE Diploma Radiography
Access to HE Diploma Sports Science (North Kensington)
Access to HE Diploma Health and Human Sciences – Nursing and Midwifery and Health
Develop your understanding of law and strengthen your academic skills to progress to higher education and a future legal career with this Access to HE Diploma.
Develop your performance and acting skills while building academic and creative confidence to progress to university with this Access to HE Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting).
Prepare for university study in social sciences with this Access to HE Diploma, developing critical thinking, research skills and subject knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Access to HE Diploma?
It’s a Level 3 qualification designed for adults to gain university entry qualifications.
Is an Access to HE qualification recognised by all UK universities?
Each year, Access to HE students across the country, apply for and are accepted onto degrees at UK universities. They go on to study a wide range of subjects, including arts, business, fashion, humanities, law, media, medicine, and science.
Do I need previous qualifications?
Entry requirements vary by pathway – check the individual course pages for details.
Where do your students progress onto?
Our Access to HE students progress each year to Russell Group universities. Read a recent news story about one of our former Access students who is now studying medicine. I was thrilled from Morley to Medicine at King’s
What is an Advanced Learner Loan?
If you’re aged 19 or above and studying a Level 3, 4, 5, or 6 course, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan. This loan covers the full cost of your course and does not depend on your income or credit history. Repayments are based on your income and only start once you earn above a certain threshold.
Find out more about Advanced Learner Loans.
NB: you may be paying the loan back while you study if you are still working if you earn more than the repayment threshold for your plan