What is Level 3 Access course?
Jackson Reed
Updated on December 28, 2025
The Access to HE Diploma is a full Level 3 qualification. Study on the Access to HE Diploma makes academic demands that are at an equivalent level to those of other Level 3 qualifications. Examples of other Level 3 qualifications include A levels and Welsh Baccalaureate.
Why do you want to progress onto higher education study?
Studying a higher education qualification allows you to focus on the subject that you find most interesting and would enjoy learning more about. You’ll get to meet new people, try new things and if you decide to move away from home to study higher education you’ll learn to be more independent.
Is an access course equivalent to 3 A levels?
What are the equivalent qualifications of Access to HE Diplomas? The Access to HE Diploma is an alternative qualification to A-levels or BTECs (level 3 qualifications) for applications to university. Your Access to HE Diploma will give you a level 3 qualification which is Ofqual and QAA approved.
Is a Level 3 course higher education?
Level 3 qualifications are: A level. access to higher education diploma.
Can you go to uni with an access course?
You could take an Access to HE course They prepare people for university-level study, meaning you can then go on to do a degree course. Here are some key things to know about Access courses: The course results in an Access to HE Diploma, a Level 3 qualification (the same level as A levels and Scottish Highers).
Do I have to pay for an access course?
You don’t have to pay anything upfront and the loan will be written off if you complete your course and go on to study a higher education programme.
What are the disadvantages of higher education?
Cons
- You may not gain technical skills.
- You may not get employability skills.
- Contact time is less than at school.
- You’ll leave with a lot of debt.
- You will be committing at least three years of your life.
- You’re not guaranteed a graduate job.
- Lifetime earnings can be higher with an apprenticeship.
How will university benefit your future?
develop the essential skills you’ll need in your career and working life – communication, organisation, time management, team work, leadership, problem-solving. increase your earning potential – having a degree makes you more attractive to employers, you’ll have a greater choice of jobs and you’ll earn more.
Can a Level 3 diploma get you into university?
Can a Level 3 Diploma Get You into University? The short answer is yes. Absolutely. Every year more than 100,000 successful Level 3 or above Diploma students apply to UK universities.
Is a level 4 qualification equivalent to a degree?
National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) A Level 6 NVQ is equivalent to a Bachelors degree, while Levels 4 and 5 equate to the first and second years of a Bachelors degree respectively.
How many A levels is a level 3 diploma worth?
three A-Levels
Remember that entry requirements differ across courses. You’ll need to check course entry requirements carefully before you apply. The standard 18-unit extended BTEC level 3 diploma is equivalent to three A-Levels, so plenty of unis will be happy to accept you with this qualification.Can you do an Access to HE course online?
Alternatively students could complete a degree online or through a different university. Applications are now open for the new Access to HE Course.
How long does a Access course last?
How long does it take? One to two years.
What are pros and cons of higher education?
Top 10 Free College Pros & Cons – Summary List
Free College Pros Free College Cons Higher level of technological progress Students may not value their education Higher tax revenue Less motivation to study hard Lower financial pressure on students College may become less important in the future What are the disadvantages of university education?
Is university necessary for success?
For many sectors, such as law and medicine, having a university degree is a prerequisite, but there are plenty of other options. University isn’t for everyone, and with competition for places so high, don’t feel that it’s the only option.
Can I get into university with a Level 5 Diploma?
While it’s true that it is possible to get into university on some courses with a successful completion of a Level 3 Diploma, the usual progression onto a university course is from a Level 4 or 5 diploma. However, on completing a Level 4 or 5 diploma students can join some degree programs in year 2 or 3.
Can I go to university with as levels?
Yes, you can. Nearly 3% of 18-year-olds accepted into university in 2016/17 applied with both A-levels and Btec qualifications. While Btecs allow students to acquire practical and vocational skills as part of the course, some universities and courses may have qualification preferences they look for.
Why do I want a higher education qualification?
Choosing higher education You may just want to study in a subject that really interests you or to broaden your knowledge in a certain area. However, studying a higher education qualification can also help you to develop skills and qualities that employers value, such as problem-solving and communication skills.
What can you do with an access to higher education?
The Access to Higher Education (Health Science) Diploma could get you onto a range of higher education applied science courses, with disciplines including:
- Chiropractic.
- Physiotherapy.
- Occupational Therapy.
- Exercise Science.
- Nursing.
- Community Health and Rehabilitation.
- Nutrition.
- Osteopathy.
The Access to HE Diploma is an alternative qualification to A-levels or BTECs (level 3 qualifications) for applications to university. Your Access to HE Diploma will give you a level 3 qualification which is Ofqual and QAA approved.
How does university benefit your future?
Studying at university or college can help make young people more independent, as they learn to manage their own money and time much more than they might have had to previously. The social aspect of higher education is also of benefit to students, as they meet likeminded people and form new friendships.
Do I Need A-Levels to go to university?
Although A Levels are primarily for those seeking to get into university, yes it is possible to get to university without A levels and qualify for a university course. An Access to Higher Education (Access to HE) course is a flexible way of getting into university and suits those who are returning to education.
Can you go to uni with a Level 3 diploma?
What do you need to know about access to higher education diploma?
The diploma is mostly aimed at Mature Students (but younger students may still take the qualification) who left school without any formal qualifications, like A-Levels. After you complete the Access to Higher Education diploma, you will have a qualification that is held in the same regard as A Levels.
Which is equivalent to access to higher education?
Technically speaking, Access to HE Diploma courses are equivalent is a Level 3 qualification. This means that the work you do is generally about A-Level standard. Access to HE Diploma courses are equivalent is a Level 3 qualification.
Is the access to he A Level qualification?
Is Access to HE an A Level? The Access to HE Diploma is a full Level 3 qualification. Study on the Access to HE Diploma makes academic demands that are at an equivalent level to those of other Level 3 qualifications. Examples of other Level 3 qualifications include A levels and Welsh Baccalaureate.
Is the HE Diploma A Level 3 qualification?
The Access to HE Diploma is a full level 3 qualification. Study on the Access to HE Diploma makes academic demands that are at an equivalent level to those of other level 3 qualifications. Examples of other level 3 qualifications include A levels and Welsh Baccalaureate.