Information for HE Institutions

What is the Access to HE Diploma?

The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification which is designed to provide a preparation for study in higher education (HE) for adults returning to education. Individual Diploma titles are validated and awarded by Access Validating Agencies (AVAs), according to Access to HE Diploma Specification and Grading Scheme set by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).  

It is a Level 3 qualification that makes academic demands that are at an equivalent level to those of other level 3 qualifications such as A-levels and is primarily focused on adults who wish to enter higher education but do not have the necessary qualifications in the subject area they wish to follow. 

There are over 1,000 different courses leading to the Access to HE Diploma, and courses are available in most further education colleges in England and Wales. Access to HE Diplomas are available for a range of different progression routes, such as Access to HE Diploma (Nursing), Access to HE Diploma (Art and Design), Access to HE Diploma (Business Studies) – OCN London offers over 40 such titles. 

More information can be found in our Access to HE Information for HEIs sheet. You can also find out about the QAA Recognition Scheme for Access to HE Diplomas on the QAA Access to HE website.

Access to HE Diploma specifications

OCN London Access to HE Diploma Specifications

Each Diploma specification outlines the minimum requirements for delivery of the named Diploma, including the Rules of Combination and approved unit list.

QAA guidelines for higher education admissions staff

QAA have published a toolkit for HE admissions tutors on the Access to HE Diploma and how to set entry requirements and make offers to Access to HE learners. This can be downloaded from the QAA Access to HE website.

QAA also publishes statistical data about Access to HE students nationally each year.

OCN London Access to HE validation panels

As part of our Access to HE Diploma validation process, we seek input from HE and FE subject specialists to participate in Diploma validation panels. If you are interested in becoming more involved in Access to HE and would like to participate in a validation panel, please contact Michelle Wood, Access to HE Development Coordinator.

GCSE equivalences

This information is provided to help HEIs understand how the GCSE equivalence scheme operated when considering applications from learners who achieved the Access to HE Diploma before September 2014.

Prior to September 2014, learners studying an OCN London Access to HE Diploma could achieve GCSE level attainment in Maths, English and/or Science. Learners who achieved 12 credits from a ‘GCSE equivalent’ bank of units received a certificate to confirm that they had achieved GCSE equivalence in Maths, English or Science.

If you would like an information sheet about the GCSE equivalence scheme and how the GCSE equivalent units matched the GCSE syllabus, please contact enquiries@ocnlondon.org.uk.

The GCSE equivalence scheme is no longer in use under the current QAA Diploma specification.

Progression & partnership agreements

OCN London has developed progression and partnership agreements with a number of HE institutions. If you are interested in discussing developing an agreement with your institution, please contact Paul Browning, Director of Access and Higher Education.