If you’re looking at going to university to study for a degree, you may have heard of an Access to Higher Education Diploma. These courses have been designed to help students who have been out of education for some time get what they need to study for a degree. Therefore, providing them with access to a higher level of education.
So, if you’re weighing up the routes to access university, A-levels aren’t your only option. There are many reasons why Access to Higher Education courses are so popular, but the top 5 reasons you should consider studying for an Access to HE Diploma are below.
1. Study A Degree Without A-levels
Access to Higher Education courses are national Level 3 qualifications that are recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Being classed at Level 3 means Access to HE Diploma courses act as an alternative to A-levels, which is the traditional qualification used to meet degree entry requirements, alongside set combinations of GCSEs.
Previously, you would need two or three separate A-level qualifications that either directly related to or complemented your chosen degree subject. This helped to ensure you were able to cope with the subject matter, as well as enjoy the subject ahead of committing to a degree.
However, the relatively limited selection of A-levels doesn’t provide direct preparation for certain degree subjects.
Now, you can prepare specifically for a number of careers and vocations through Access to Higher Education Diploma courses. UCAS points are also accrued through your studies, with Access to HE Diplomas being worth between 48 and 144 UCAS points. To learn more about the UCAS process, read our comprehensive guide.
You can also be confident that there are many universities that accept Access to Higher Education courses.
2. Fastest Route to University
In many cases, the time it takes to meet the entry requirements for a degree can be too much for some people to commit to. No matter how badly they want to change their career and do something they love, spending two years in college before being at university for at least another three isn’t feasible, especially if they have existing work or family commitments.
A-levels are usually studied over two years and as much as online options are available, if you need two or three, it may still take you a while to complete them all.
If you’ve ever wondered ‘how long is an Access to Higher Education course?’, you will be pleased to know they can be finished much faster. You do get up to two years to study these, but because you can study your Access to Higher Education courses online, completion is possible within a year!
This is because you have access to the entire course materials from the beginning. So, you get to work through Access to HE Diplomas at your pace and complete them whenever you’re ready.
3. No Exams
Unlike traditional A-levels and other courses studied at college, Access to Higher Education courses have no exams. This is great, not only from a logistical perspective as there is no need to travel to an exam centre that’s out of your way but also because exams can trigger stress and anxiety for many students.
Instead, at the end of each module during your Access to Higher Education course, you will complete an assignment. Each assignment contains different academic tasks and once finished, you will submit them to your tutor for feedback. With their guidance, you can develop and progress to the next stage of study.
4. No Classrooms Required
If the thought of going back into a classroom to study around people younger than you puts you off making the move into your ideal career, an Access to HE Diploma saves you from this scenario.
Distance learning Access to Higher Education Diplomas don’t need to be delivered by a Teacher. You can just log into the student portal and work through the materials independently.
The materials for your course are an engaging mix of written, audio and visual content to keep your studies interesting and stimulating. They have also been designed with the help of industry specialists, so you know you’re getting the exact skills that will be desirable to both universities and employers in your field.
While you may not be in a physical classroom with a Teacher, you will have access to professional tutors for guidance and support. So, as much as you’re learning in your own environment, you’re not alone in your studies.
5. Learn When and Where You Like
In traditional education, your course is spread over a set number of classes that are delivered in accordance with a pre-determined timetable. This meant that you could only gain an education if you had time available in the day to attend these classes.
More flexible course options have since been provided to try to entice other would-be students to enrol. Now, there are full and part-time Access to Higher Education courses, but for anyone with work, family or other commitments, attending these isn’t always possible.
That’s where completing Access to Higher Education Diplomas online comes in handy. Without the need for set lessons or anyone to deliver the course content, you could be anywhere in the world while you complete your studies.
So long as you have an internet connection, you’re good to go.
What are The Best Access To Higher Education Diplomas?
The best Access to Higher Education courses for you will depend entirely on what you want to do in your career.
If you’re looking to become a Nurse, then you will take an entirely different Access to Higher Education Diploma than someone who wants to become an Engineer. At learndirect, we have everything from Access to Higher Education Diploma (Midwifery) courses to Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education) that can help you move into a teaching career.
You could study an Access to Higher Education course in:
- Business and Management
- Criminology
- Art and Design
- Data Science
- Education
- Psychology
- English Studies
- Engineering
- Humanities
- Social Work
If you’re interested in Science and Health, you could also study:
- Health Professionals
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Sports Science
- Computer Science
- Computer Science and Maths
- Health and Social Care
- Radiography
- Land Based Science
- Science – Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway
- Science – Biochemical Pathway
- Science – Biophysical Pathway
- Science – Natural Science Pathway
There are also a number of Social Science Access Courses such as:
- Social Science and Health – Biology Pathway
- Social Science and Health – Health Studies Pathway
- Social Science – Psychology and Sociology
- Social Science – Psychology with Criminology
- Social Science and Humanities
Study Your Access to HE Diploma with learndirect
If you’re ready to take the next step and start browsing online Access to Higher Education Diplomas, learndirect can help you find the one that’s right for you.
Our Course Advisers know everything about each of the Access to HE Diplomas we offer, so they can help you find the exact one that will help you study your chosen degree.
If you’re wondering ‘how much are Access to Higher Education courses?’ you will also be pleased to know they are typically cheaper when offered online. What’s more, with learndirect, you can benefit from flexible payment plans to make your course fees more affordable.
Make the move towards your ideal career today. Call our Course Advisers now on 01202 006 464. Alternatively, you can click to view our range of Access to HE Diplomas in more detail by downloading our FREE Access to Higher Education Diploma faculty brochure below!
