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Enrol Today for Access to Higher Education Diplomas Online

Online and workplace learning with RQF, Endorsed and Certified qualifications

Welcome to the learndirect Faculty for Access to Higher Education Diploma courses, where you can gain entry to most universities without the need for A-Levels. If you have ambitions of becoming a nurse, a teacher, a midwife, an engineer, or another high-level profession, you will likely need a degree to achieve your goals.

Traditionally, to secure a place at university you would need a certain number of A Levels, but now, most universities accept Access to HE Diplomas as equivalent qualifications. learndirect can help you move up to degree-level study by offering a range of accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma courses in an array of subjects.

Our career-specific courses are delivered online, giving you the freedom to tailor your study schedule around your existing commitments. What’s more, you won’t have to take any exams, and you could complete your course in less than a year! Learners have two years to finish an Access to HE Diploma, but on average, our learners take around 9 months.

While most universities accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas, we advise that you check the entry requirements of your chosen establishment before applying. By studying our nationally recognised online courses, you will gain essential foundational knowledge of a chosen subject, preparing you for your degree.

Enrol today to give yourself the best chance of studying a university degree!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re wondering “What is a Access Course?”, or “What is Access Course?”, it’s a Level 3 qualification designed to prepare adults without traditional qualifications (like A-Levels) for university study. So, what does Access to Higher Education mean? It means you can gain the knowledge, skills, and UCAS points needed to progress into higher education. These courses are widely recognised as an alternative route into university, making them ideal for career changers or those returning to education later in life.
Yes, you can. While traditional colleges may offer Access to Higher Education evening courses, learndirect’s online Access to HE Diplomas give you complete flexibility. You can study part-time around your work or family commitments, choosing when and where to learn. This means you can achieve your qualification without putting the rest of your life on hold.
Absolutely. All of learndirect’s Access to Higher Education Diplomas are QAA-recognised, which means they meet the quality standards required by universities. You can be confident that your qualification is widely accepted as a valid entry route into higher education.
If you’re wondering about universities that accept Access Courses, the good news is that most UK universities do. Each university sets its own entry requirements, so it’s important to check with the institution you’re interested in. However, Access to HE Diplomas are specifically designed to provide a recognised pathway into higher education and are accepted by the majority of universities across the UK.
Your Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t technically expire, once you’ve earned it, the qualification is yours for life. However, many universities prefer applicants to have studied within the last 2–3 years to ensure their knowledge is current. Because of this, it’s always best to confirm directly with the universities you’re applying to.

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It was a great experience with solomon…

It was a great experience with solomon . A best guide I have ever meet online who help me through out processing....I believe his generous and kind behaviour will take him more far in his career.Thanks alott again solomon I wish I could catch more people like u in this little glimpse of world

Sana M. 28 Jun 2026
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Ease of access to dependable staff…

Ease of access to dependable staff ready to share and explain courses and requirements needed to undertake required course.Guidance on navigation to course page and startup.Awesome service.

Acho O. 28 Jun 2026
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Excellent customer service

I recently spoke with Salifu Manneh i think one of the student support team member while enrolling onto a new course and I wanted to share how excellent the experience was. From the start, they were incredibly cheerful, patient and very accommodating they listened carefully to my questions and guided me through every step clearly. Although the process took a little time, it didn’t feel lengthy at all because of their friendly manner and high standard of service. They made the whole enrolment feel smooth and stress-free. This is exactly the kind of support that makes a real difference thank you so much for your help!

T.M 28 Jun 2026
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Clear concise information delivered in…

Clear concise information delivered in a calm friendly manner.

Viv T. 28 Jun 2026
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Courtney was absolutely brilliant

Courtney was absolutely brilliant, really informative, encouraging and engaging. She talked me through everything I needed to know and also took a real interest in why I wanted to pursue the course, a great service. thank you

Tina E. 27 Jun 2026
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Great explanation to all my questions…

Great explanation to all my questions that made me worry . I am glad to have registered for the access program

Gloria 27 Jun 2026
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