Access to HE Learner Area
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is a Level 3 qualification designed to give people the knowledge and skills needed to study in higher education.
The Access to HE qualification aims to
- Prepare adults who do not have the necessary qualifications to enter university
- Offer a general introduction to study skills and key areas of knowledge within the subject(s) taken
- Help people to become independent, self-directed learners and prepare them for the demands of undergraduate study
- Offer a positive and supportive learning experience where people can build their skills and confidence
You can learn more about the Diploma by reading our Access to HE learner guide then you can find out which colleges near you offer our Diplomas.
Applying to higher education as an adult
Guidance produced in partnership with Linking London. You can go through this guidance as an interactive online course or by accessing specific sections below.
Subject guides
UCAS tariff
The Access to HE Diploma is included in the UCAS tariff system. An Access to HE Diploma with 45 graded credits at Pass is worth 48 tariff points (the same number of tariff points as EEE at A Level) and an Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Distinction is worth 144 tariff points (the same number of points as AAA at A Level). UCAS has a video explaining how tariff points work for the Access to HE Diploma and you can calculate how many points your grades are worth by using the UCAS tariff calculator.
You can find out more about how universities set entry requirements for Access to HE learners in our Making HE choices guide.
Funding your studies
We strongly recommend that you seek advice and information on funding your studies before embarking on a course. It is important to discuss your situation with the college well in advance. Having the right information will help you to make a realistic assessment of the financial commitment required to complete your studies. The Money Advice Service is a free and impartial money advice website set up by the government, which is recommended for advice about budgeting and funding your studies.
Everyone aged 19 and over who is studying for a qualification at Level 3 (‘A’ level standard) to Level 6 has the opportunity to fund their course fees upfront in approved colleges and training providers in England through an Advanced Learner Loan. You can apply for a loan to meet the costs of your qualification, which will be paid directly to your college on your behalf. If you complete an Access to HE Diploma and then complete a Student Finance England funded higher education course (for example, Bachelor’s degree, Foundation degree or Higher National), then you will not have to repay the Advanced Learner Loan for your Access to HE Diploma course. The Access to HE Diploma is the only qualification with this ‘write-off’ for the Advanced Learner Loan. For further information, visit the government website on Advanced Learner Loans or the Money Advice Service.
Watch a video from QAA which explains the Advanced Learner Loan.
University Progression Agreements & Events
Partnership agreement with the University of East London
OCN London have developed an exciting new partnership agreement with the University of East London that will provide enhanced opportunities for learners and providers. Learners applying from OCN London Access to HE courses will have access to admission and progression benefits, including eligibility for lower UCAS tariffs and guaranteed offer/interview on an undergraduate programme. To further support learners, curriculum enrichment opportunities such as Information, Advice and Guidance sessions and subject specific master classes will be available, along with transition support events and opportunities to visit UEL campuses. As well as offering support to learners, the partnership agreement also offers access to professional development support for Access to HE practitioners at OCN London approved centres, including the opportunity to attend UEL seminars and master classes.
We have produced two flyers for providers, which can be used to outline the benefits of our partnership agreement to learners and staff.
OCN London & University of East London Partnership Agreement Flyer – Learners
OCN London & University of East London Partnership Agreement Flyer – Providers
Please feel free to download and circulate to your learners and staff.
Partnership agreement with St Mary’s University, Twickenham
OCN London have developed an exciting new progression agreement with St Mary’s University, Twickenham that will provide enhanced opportunities for OCN London Access to HE learners. Learners applying to St Mary’s from OCN London Access to HE courses will have access to admission and progression benefits, including lower entry requirements, support for UCAS applications and open days. To further support learners, there will also be the opportunity of visits to St Mary’s for taster days or masterclasses.
Full details of the progression agreement can be found using the link above.
Progression agreement with Goldsmiths, University of London
OCN London has signed a progression agreement with Goldsmiths, University of London to collaboratively offer enhanced progression opportunities for our Access learners to degree programmes. As part of the agreement Goldsmiths provides a range of admission and progression benefits for OCN London Access learners across all departments.
Further information on specific courses can be found using the link above.
Progression agreement with LIBF
OCN London has signed a progression agreement with the LIBF to collaboratively offer enhanced progression opportunities for our Access learners to their undergraduate degree programmes in business, banking, finance and technology. LIBF also offers support for colleges and Access students interested in pursuing a career in these areas.
Education at LIBF is a flexible, personalised experience. Your learning journey should adapt to you- your pace, your priorities, your lifestyle. Which is why our courses and learning tools put you in control. Find out more about life as a mature student at the LIBF here.
For more information on upcoming REACH events for mature learners, please click here.
I have worked with Carlos and OCN for years and they are the most responsive awarding organisation!
Jackie Chapman, CEO, 01 Founders
