Thinking about going to university, but don't have the required qualifications? Worried you've "missed your chance" because you're older or took a different path after school? You haven't. Access to Higher Education diplomas exists for exactly this reason, and they're helping thousands of mature students pursue their dream careers every year.
Whether you're retraining in a new field or finally pursuing a passion you've put on hold, an Access to HE diploma could be your route into higher education.
Access to HE diplomas are Level 3 qualifications specifically designed for adults aged 19 and over who want to go to university but don't have traditional qualifications like A-Levels or BTECs. Think of them as a bridge between where you are now and where you want to be.
These one-year courses condense the same level of learning you'd undertake on a two-year BTEC, equipping you with the knowledge, skills and UCAS points you need to progress onto undergraduate study. They're available in a huge range of subjects, from nursing and social sciences to music production and creative arts. What makes them different from other qualifications is that they're built specifically with mature students in mind.
A2HE diplomas have been around since the late 1970s, and they've transformed how universities think about entry requirements. They're nationally recognised, Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) approved, and accepted by universities across the UK.
Around 24,000 A2HE students are accepted at 140 universities each year, so you'll be in good company.
The benefits of studying one of these courses go far beyond just getting you into university, though that’s obviously a big one. But here are other benefits of applying to one of these courses:
If you left school without formal qualifications or your GCSEs feel like ancient history, an A2HE diploma gives you a fresh start. You don’t need A-Levels to begin, and many courses don’t require specific previous qualifications.
Mature students typically have far less free time than school leavers. You might be working, caring for family, or juggling multiple responsibilities. Access to HE courses are structured with this in mind. Many courses offer flexible timetables, evening classes and online sessions so you can study around your other commitments.
Around 254,000 mature students are studying at UK universities, and many use this type of diploma to get there. Whether you’re 22 and think you’re “too old”, 35 and changing careers, or 50 and finally pursuing a lifelong dream.
Higher education often correlates with higher salaries, as you’ll be more qualified in the field you will be studying in. By gaining the qualifications needed for university through an Access to HE course, you’re investing in your future financial stability. This isn’t just about money, though; it’s about opening doors to careers that were previously out of reach.
Been out of education for years? An Access to HE course brings you up to speed with everything from computer skills to research techniques. You’ll develop the academic writing, critical thinking, and study skills needed to thrive at the university level, so when you start your degree, you won’t be playing catch-up.
If you're eligible for student finance, your Access to HE tuition fees are covered - you won't need to pay upfront. This removes one of the biggest barriers for mature students considering a return to education. Check your eligibility for student finance to see what support is available to you.
Yes, that’s what they are designed for.
Access to HE diplomas are widely recognised by universities across the UK. When graded, they can be equivalent to as many as 144 UCAS tariff points (the same as three A grades at A-Level). Depending on your results (pass, merit, or distinction), you’ll earn between 48 and 144 UCAS points.
Universities developed these qualifications in partnership with colleges, so they’re built specifically to meet university entry requirements. It’s worth checking individual course requirements, as some competitive courses may require specific grades or additional qualifications like GCSEs in maths and English.
Universities understand what Access to HE diplomas represent. Admissions tutors know you’re a mature student who’s made a deliberate choice to return to education, and they value the life experience, motivation, and dedication that mature students bring.
It is always best to contact their admissions team before sending off your application to double-check that your qualifications are suitable for the degree that you are interested in applying to.
If you’re 19 or older and any of the following sounds familiar, an Access to HE diploma could be perfect:
You want to go to university but don’t have a-levels or equivalent qualifications, you’ve been out of education for a while and need to rebuild your academic confidence, you’re considering a complete career change, you’ve always had a passion for something but never had the chance to pursue it formally, you have relevant work experience but lack the formal qualifications to progress.
And if you're worried about age, don't be. We've welcomed students who thought they were "too old" at 22, professionals in their 30s and 40s making complete career changes, and students in their 50s and beyond, finally pursuing lifelong passions.
Age is just a number when it comes to education, and mature students often bring dedication, focus, and life experience that make them exceptionally successful learners.
At dBs Institute of Music, we offer Access to HE diplomas designed for aspiring music professionals. Whether you’re interested in music production, DJing, or music performance, our A2HE courses provide you with the platform to fortify your creative abilities and progress onto higher education.
Our diplomas are available at all three campuses - Bristol, Manchester, and Plymouth.
We combine practical music-making with academic and entrepreneurial skills. You’ll learn to use industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations like Logic Pro, develop your creative voice, and create high-quality original work. You'll also build essential skills in research, presentation, and critical reflection that prepare you for undergraduate study.
Completing a diploma at dBs gives you the foundation to progress onto our undergraduate degrees in areas like Electronic Music Production, Music Production & Sound Design, Songwriting, or Music for Film & Game. Many of our A2HE graduates continue their journey with us, though you're free to apply to any university that accepts Access qualifications.
Check out our Access to HE diplomas or come along to one of our open days to see our facilities, meet our tutors, and talk to current students about their experiences!