Access to HE Diploma for Teaching
A Star Equivalency is a popular first step for adults moving into teaching. Once you have the GCSE-equivalent qualifications that teacher training providers ask for, the next step towards the classroom is usually a degree - and an Access to HE Diploma (Education) is a flexible access to teaching course that gets you there without A Levels.
Through Pass Learn, you can study an access to he teaching qualification online. This access to he diploma teaching route gives adults equal access to education and equal access to higher education, whatever they left school with, and works as an access course to primary teaching as well as a route into secondary and early years teaching.
100%
online. Study an Access to HE Diploma from home, around work, family and other commitments.
What are Access to HE Diplomas?
An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a recognised Level 3 qualification created for adults who want to move into university without taking the traditional A Level route. For those heading into the classroom, the access to he teaching and access to he education routes, together known as an access to he diploma teaching pathway, provide equal access to education and equal access to higher education. It is widely used as an access to primary education route and a flexible access education course for trainee teachers.
Equivalent to 3 A Levels, Accepted by Universities
An Access to HE Diploma can be equivalent to three A Levels and may carry up to 144 UCAS points, supporting entry onto degree courses at many UK universities.*
Officially Recognised Level 3 Diploma
The Access to HE Diploma with Pass is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
What does this mean?A Flexible Route into University
If you are aiming for a career in teaching or primary education, this access to he education pathway can help you move towards a teaching degree without A Levels. It is a popular access to teaching course for career changers and a strong route into access to primary education.
100% Online Diploma, No Classroom
Study online with structured course units, tutor guidance and assignment feedback, giving you a flexible way to learn around work, childcare and other commitments.
Awarded by Open Awards
The Diploma is awarded by Open Awards, a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency, and a UK-based awarding organisation.
What does this mean?Clear Pricing and Support
Course materials, tutor support, assessment and certification are included as part of the Diploma fee, helping you understand the full cost before you enrol.
*Learners are responsible for checking that their chosen university accepts the qualification for their intended course.
How do Access to Higher Education Courses Work?
Access to HE Diplomas are designed for adults who want to progress to university but do not have the traditional A Level qualifications usually required for entry.
For learners who have recently completed GCSE equivalency tests in Maths or English, an Access to HE Diploma can be the next qualification step towards degree-level study and a new career pathway.
You study online, complete units at your own pace, submit assignments through the portal and work towards a nationally recognised Access to HE qualification.
Choose an Access to HE Diploma
Compare Access to Higher Education courses and choose the route that matches your goals
Begin studying online
Access course materials online and start working through the units
Complete assignments
Submit work online and receive tutor feedback as you progress
Achieve a Diploma
Finish the required units and gain an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma
1 Choose your Access to HE Diploma
Explore the available Access to HE Diploma pathways and choose the route that matches your goals. For teaching, the Access to HE Diploma (Education) is the natural choice: a flexible access education course and access course to primary teaching route. Popular online Access to Higher Education courses include:
Access to HE Diploma (Education) - the route for learners progressing into teaching, primary education and education-related degrees.
Access to HE Diploma (Careers in Education, Youth Work and Child Development) - ideal for learners moving into youth work, early years and child development roles.
Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) - a popular option for learners preparing for nursing degrees and healthcare careers.
Access to HE Diploma (Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Professions) – Midwifery Pathway - designed for learners aiming to progress towards Midwifery degrees.
2 Begin studying online
Once enrolled, you can access the Access to HE Diploma materials online and start working through your course without waiting for classroom dates or fixed timetables.
What to expect when you start an Access to HE Diploma with Pass:
Course materials available online after enrolment
Flexible home study that can fit around your current commitments
Tutor support to guide you through the qualification
Assignment-based learning with no formal exams
3 Complete assignments
Access to Higher Education Diplomas are assessed through coursework rather than exams. You work through each unit, complete the required assignments and submit your work online when ready.
Types of assessment on the Access to HE course:
Written Assignments
Essays, reports and written tasks that help build subject knowledge for your chosen pathway.
Research Tasks
Independent research activities that support the skills needed for higher education study.
Reflective Work
Reflective writing and case studies linked to your Access to HE subject area.
How the submission process works:
Submit online, from anywhere
Assignments are uploaded through the Diploma Portal, so there is no need to attend a centre.
Tutor feedback
Your tutor reviews submitted work and provides feedback to support your progress.
Resubmissions allowed
Where permitted, you may be able to resubmit work within the Access Validating Agency's approved rules.
Flexible timelines
Study around your schedule, with some learners completing their diplomas in as little as 6-9 months.
4 Achieve a Diploma
Complete the required units and you will be awarded an accredited Access to HE Diploma, designed to support progression into higher education.
The Diploma
A nationally recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma, awarded after successful completion.
Equivalent to 3 A Levels
Worth up to 144 UCAS points
Digital certificate issued on completion
University Entry
Accepted by many UK universities as a recognised route into degree-level study.
Suitable for adult learners returning to education
No A Levels required to enrol
Supports progression after Level 2 qualifications
Nationally Recognised and Officially Regulated
Learn more about the recognition, regulation and awarding body behind the Access to HE Diplomas with Pass.
Officially Recognised Level 3 Diploma
An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification for adult learners progressing into higher education. Access to HE Diplomas with Pass are regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, helping ensure the qualification follows recognised national standards.
Awarded by Open Awards
The Diploma is awarded by Open Awards, a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency. Open Awards oversees qualification standards, assessment requirements, quality assurance and the final award once the required credits and checks have been completed.
FAQs
What is the Access to HE Diploma (Education)?
The Access to HE Diploma (Education) is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification that lets adult learners progress to university and teacher training without A Levels, focusing on the academic skills needed for an education or teaching degree.
Do I still need GCSEs to become a teacher?
Yes. Teacher training providers usually require GCSE Maths and English, and Science for primary teaching, at grade 4/C or accepted equivalents. A Star Equivalency’s GCSE equivalency tests provide a widely accepted alternative for entry onto teacher training.
What qualifications do I need to be a teacher?
You typically need a degree followed by teacher training leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), along with a Level 3 qualification such as an Access to HE Diploma or A Levels and the required GCSEs. Pass Learn has a helpful guide to the qualifications you need to be a teacher.
Can I study the Access to HE Diploma online?
Yes. The Access to HE Diploma (Education) is studied fully online with flexible start dates, so you can fit it around work, family and other commitments.
How long does the Access to HE Diploma take?
Many learners complete it in as little as 6 to 9 months on a fast-track basis, while others take around 9 to 12 months at a standard pace.
Is the Access to HE Diploma accepted by universities?
Yes. It is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification that carries UCAS points and is accepted by many universities for education and teaching degrees. Entry requirements vary, so always confirm with your chosen university and course before applying.