Access to Higher Education – All you need to know!

What is Access to Higher Education?

Access to Higher Education (HE) is a stand-alone Level 3 qualification available in a range of subjects. It typically attracts students who left school without qualifications such as A-Levels and people who have been out of education for a long time. The main aim of the Access to HE Diploma is to provide learners with the foundation of skills and knowledge required for studying at university level.

All Access to HE Diplomas have mandatory requirements. Diplomas must consist of 60 credits: 45 graded credits and 15 ungraded credits.

Who are these qualifications for?

The Access to HE Diploma is aimed primarily at mature students aged 19+ who do not have the qualifications required to enter higher education. Each year around 30,000 learners in the UK take Access to HE courses and many go on to succeed in HE and embark on life-changing new careers.

Access to Higher Education – All you need to know!

What is the Access to HE Diploma equivalent to?

Access to HE is often compared to completing 3 A-Levels and learners will accrue UCAS points from completing an Access to HE course. This allows learners to apply for a variety of courses at different HE providers and not just courses in the main subject area of their Access to HE Diploma. 

What diploma titles are available?

At Ascentis we currently offer 29 diploma titles including Business, Health & Social Care, Law, Psychology. The full list of Ascentis Access to HE Diplomas are listed here.

 How is the Access to HE Diploma assessed?

Each unit can be assessed by one or more assignment. If a student has achieved all of the Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria then they have passed the unit. It can then be graded, which allows for each unit to be achieved at Pass, Merit or Distinction. A student achieving their full Diploma will have a grading profile that lists the grades they have achieved across their 45 graded credits.

Is there funding for learners?

Access to HE is currently funded via the Adult Learner Loan system. The average amount is around £3,500 but some courses do get slightly more. For example, if the course requires the use of specific equipment such as Sciences/Arts/Equine etc.

Anyone over the age of 19 can apply for the loan, however there are some rules. You can only have one loan for an Access to HE Diploma. If you have never had funding for Level 3 provision you may also get funding.

If a student completes their Access to HE Diploma and goes on to complete a higher education qualification the loan is wiped off. This is brilliant for Access to HE students as it is one of the very few qualifications that this applies to.

 What about applying to university?

Students normally apply to university via UCAS by the deadline of 15th January. They will often be made an offer based on grades e.g. 15 credits at Distinction and 30 at Merit or a number of UCAS points. To work out points you can use the calculator found here:

https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Results are only confirmed after final Moderation activities and a Final Awards Board (FAB) have taken place and they have been checked and processed. Ascentis Access to HE students are issued with a results slip and certificates are sent to their Centre.

 Can a student apply to an international university with an Access to HE Diploma?

Students can apply but it does vary from country to country.

 Why Ascentis?

  • #1 provider of Access to HE Diplomas Nationwide
  • Licensed by the QAA and accepted by higher education institutions throughout the UK
  • Dedicated support from named contacts
  • Ascentis produced assignment briefs, exams and practice papers
  • Subject expert moderators
  • Tailored moderation model
  • Free resources and workbooks to aid classroom delivery
  • Free bespoke training
  • No hidden costs

 Who are The QAA?

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) have been involved with Access to HE since the 1990s. They license Access Validating Agencies (AVAs) acting as a regulator.

What Ascentis Access to HE learners say?

“I feel the access course was the best preparation I could have had to starting my degree. I had been out of active learning for some time and felt I needed the Access course to ease me back into education, particularly academic writing and referencing. Having prior knowledge of some subject matter thanks to my Access course has enabled me to remain confident in my abilities and achieve the high grades in assignments.” Social Science Student, Runshaw College

 What are the Ascentis Access to Higher Education Excellence Awards?

In recognition of the hard work and commitment of Access to Higher Education Diploma learners, we would like to invite centres who currently deliver Ascentis Access to HE to nominate learners for the Excellence Awards 2021-22.

To be eligible for nomination, a learner must have studied on an Ascentis Access to HE Programme in 2021-2022 and meet the criteria for the nominated category.

All learners nominated for an award will receive a Certificate of Recognition from Ascentis.

Prize winners will receive a cheque for £400 and runners up will receive a cheque for £200.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 10th June 2022.

Previous article Next article

Watch Our Client Videos

Ascentis helps change the lives of over 170,000 learners each year. Hear about why our staff love working for us, and why our customers love working with us.

See all

Leicester Adult Skills and Learning Service Speaking about Ascentis English & Maths Stepping Stones

Ascentis has a fantastic suite of English and Maths Stepping Stones qualifications which enable learners to focus on specific skills, build their confidence and progress onto further learning. This testimonial video features Leicester Adult Skills and Learning Service who outline the benefits to them and their learners of using these qualifications.

Watch Video

The City of Liverpool College Speaking about Ascentis Access to Higher Education

Access to HE with Ascentis - We Make a Difference. Watch our Testimonial and hear how it makes a difference to learners and the opportunities it brings.

Watch Video

Best Practice People Speaking about Ascentis Short Online Qualifications

The Ascentis Short Online Qualifications are delivered in many centres across the UK and help to support learners’ Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare. Listen to Ascentis Customer, Best Practice People talk about how effective the Ascentis Short Online Qualifications are and how they successfully aid their NEET learners, improving skills and confidence in turn helping them secure employment.

Watch Video

Join hundreds of happy centres nationwide

Arrange a meeting

What our happy customers say

“We are very pleased that we made the move to Ascentis for all our ESOL exams. The exams are appropriate for our learners, and lecturers find the marking manageable. As an organisation, Ascentis is a pleasure to work with. Our queries are always dealt with quickly and we are extremely well supported by our verifier.”

Waltham Forest

“We have thoroughly enjoyed our first year with Ascentis. There has been support of a high quality throughout the academic year. Support has been provided through a variety of roles including the quality managers, lead EQA’s and subject moderators.”

Bradford College

“We have been delighted with the impact Ascentis Extended Awards in Mathematical Skills (Stepping Stones) have had on our student’s progression towards their functional skills mathematics as well as preparing them for the completion of their GCSE. It has taught them the essential skills in mathematics which enabled them to deal with the practical problems and challenges of life – at home, in education and at work. These skills are valued by employers and further education, and are a platform on which to build other employability skills. We are also very impressed with the level of service and commitment shown by the staff of Ascentis, they are always available to help whenever help is needed.”

Brent Start

“The transparency and support of Ascentis has been refreshing. Our moderation process has been a pleasure and developmental feedback has always been welcomed.”

Kensington & Chelsea College

16th Oct 2024

Ascentis Events

18th Oct 2024

Quality Assurance Events

  • AELP
  • CPD Certified
  • FAB
  • Cyber Essentials
  • Natecla
  • Access to Higher Education
  • The Parliamentary Review
  • West Yorkshire Learning Providers
Close
Ascentis customers please login to view full specifications, tracking sheets, sample papers, customer policies and key documents.

Qualifications

Specification Overviews

Key Documents