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Access to Higher Education (Education)
Your Journey to University Starts Here. An Access to Higher Education course is a flexible, focused route designed for adults looking to return to study. It prepares you for university-level learning and opens the door to a wide range of university degree options. If you’re looking for a career that will make a real impact and you’re passionate about shaping young lives and inspiring the next generation, teaching could be your ideal path.
- A-level Equivalent
- Equivalent to 3x A-levels, with similar UCAS points and academic standing.
- Start any time
- With our Access to HE course, you can start whenever you like.
- Recognised Qualification
- This qualification is recognised by all UK universities.
- Fast Track
- In a rush? You can complete this course in half the time, at no extra charge.
- Unlimited Tutor Support™
- Get as much help as you want from your expert personal tutor.
- Online Learning
- Study on your own terms with our learning platform, MyOxbridge™.
Course Introduction
An Access to Higher Education Diploma in Education will jumpstart your path to university and in a subject you love, without the pressure of examinations.
Whether you’re aiming to become a teacher or pursue another rewarding profession, the education route empowers you with knowledge, confidence, and a chance to build a brighter future, not just for you, but for those you’ll go on to teach and inspire.
You could work with children of all ages and support them and teach them to follow their dreams, just like you can. You could become the teacher of a future world-renowned scientist or doctor, and you can feel pleased with yourself knowing that you helped them get to that point and also helped the world in doing so. You can become a part of the most crucial time of every child’s life and steer them on the right path.
Some potential job opportunities that this course could open up for you include:
- Private Tutor
- Primary School Teacher
- Headteacher
- Nursery Teacher
- Ofsted Inspector
Switch your goals up a gear without jumping through multiple hoops – this level 3 equivalent allows entry into a degree revolving around the education sector. Take away the hassle of choosing multiple A-level courses by consolidating all your requirements under one umbrella course. Also, depending on the final grade achieved, learners can earn up to 144 UCAS points upon completion of this course.
Like every Access to Higher Education course, this diploma includes units covering key skills that learners will find most useful when they continue into higher education. These units are designed to prepare students and equip them with the knowledge needed to study at a degree level. What’s more, with any of our online courses, we’re here to help you every step of the way!
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Credits
- UCAS Points
- Units
-
9 or 18 months
(Fast Track available)
-
600
-
Level 3
-
up to 60
-
Up to 144
-
19 units (view units)
Awarding Body: Open Awards
Open Awards is a UK-based Awarding Body. Open Awards provide Ofqual regulated qualifications and units across multiple subject areas, such as Access to HE courses.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
Unit 1: Communication: Academic Essay Writing
As part of this unit, you will gain an understanding of academic essay writing. Including essay planning, structure and sourcing information. You’ll also look at the importance of academic referencing.
Unit 2: Study Skills: Developing Research Skills and Using Information
Research is a fundamental skill in higher education and in this unit we explore the different approaches to academic research and how you can use it in your work to add depth and evidence to points you make. We also look at how to properly credit original authors and use Harvard referencing to show where important information has come from.
Unit 3: Communication: Presentation Skills
Presentations form a key life skill and important academic tool. In this unit we’ll develop and understanding of the importance of planning, organisation, preparation and delivery of presentations. Learning useful strategies along the wa
Unit 4: Using ICT
In this unit you’ll gain all the knowledge you need to know, to be able to use a computer for your studying needs. This includes producing documents, sharing information, using the world wide web and using applications.
Unit 5: Assessment Strategies & Skills
Assessment in schools forms a key part of tracking children’s development. Here you’ll know the strategies used for conducting assessments and the skills and knowledge required. You will also have the opportunity to carry out a planned assessment of your own!
Unit 6: Equal Opportunities in the School Environment
For this unit you will understand the role school policies play in addressing equal opportunities issues. You’ll also look into the reasons why there are variations between attainment levels for boys and girls. Also the attainment levels between those of different ethnic backgrounds.
Unit 7: Learning Difficulties in the School Environment
Gain an understanding of the different types of Learning Difficulties that you might come across in schools. Knowing what services are available out there to support children with learning difficulties. You will also investigate the different strategies teachers may use in the classroom to support children with learning difficulties.
Unit 8: Theories of How Children Learn
As part of this unit, you will explore the different models of teaching, understand key aspects of cognitive development. You’ll also enjoy looking into the learning theories and the ways in which they have influenced current practice.
Unit 9: National Education Policy for English Schools
For this unit you’ll go back to 1979 to explore the ways Education in England has changed through the years. You’ll explore the National Curriculum looking at the aims, content and influence it has had on Education. Lastly, taking a look at the current policies and how they influence teachers and teaching.
Unit 10: Lesson Preparation in Schools
Lessons for an integral part of any school day. So, for this unit you’ll explore the factors that need to be considered when planning lessons. Including knowing the resources available and appropriate for the learning activity.
Unit 11: Promoting Attainment in Schools
This unit explores the key strategies and influences that support and improve pupil attainment within school settings. It’s an essential component for your preparation to enter higher education in Education, Teaching, or related fields, helping you understand how educational professionals contribute to pupil progress and success.
Unit 12: Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training
This unit introduces you to the core principles of working within the education and training sector. It focuses on the professional roles and responsibilities of educators and explores the importance of building effective relationships with learners and colleagues. It is a vital stepping stone for anyone preparing for further study in Education or aspiring to work in teaching or training roles.
Unit 13: Child Language Acquisition
This unit explores how children acquire language from infancy through to early schooling, offering essential insights into one of the most critical aspects of child development. Ideal for aspiring teachers, teaching assistants, or anyone planning to study education at university level, this unit develops your understanding of the stages and influences that shape children’s communication and language skills.
Unit 14: Literary Theories and Criticism
This intellectually engaging unit introduces you to the major schools of literary theory and criticism, offering tools to analyse texts from a range of perspectives. This unit deepens your understanding of how literature can be interpreted and how meaning is constructed.
Unit 15: Standard and Non-Standard English
This unit explores the distinctions, history, and social implications of Standard and Non-Standard English. It provides valuable insights into how language is used in different contexts and by different communities—an essential topic for future educators, English specialists, and anyone interested in linguistics and language in society.
Unit 16: The English Language Today
This unit offers an in-depth exploration of the modern English language as it is used across the world today. It focuses on current trends, global diversity, and the impact of social, technological, and cultural changes on how English is spoken and written.
Unit 17: The Sounds of English
This unit provides a fascinating introduction to phonetics and phonology—the study of the sounds used in the English language. Understanding how English sounds are produced and used is essential for anyone working with language learners or supporting literacy development.
Unit 18: Sociological Theory
This unit introduces you to the key theoretical perspectives that underpin the study of society, with a particular focus on their relevance to education. It provides essential tools for critically analysing how society functions, how individuals interact within it, and how institutions such as schools both reflect and shape wider social structures.
Unit 19: Sociology of the Family in Modern Britain
This unit explores the changing nature, structure, and role of the family within contemporary British society. It draws upon key sociological theories to examine how families function, how they have evolved, and how they reflect broader social trends.
Course Outcome
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is a widely accepted qualification by universities that provides an alternative pathway into higher education.
Access to HE courses are equivalent to three A-level courses.
At the same level as A-levels, Access to HE courses carry UCAS points which can be used to gain entry to your chosen university. The number of UCAS points awarded depends on the learner’s outcome of the course, i.e. pass, merit or distinction. Calculate your points based on your grade with this UCAS Tariff Calculator.
Completion dates
You can start studying at any time, but due to restrictions by the awarding body, the course can only be officially certified in June/July every year.
- If you enrol between January and October, you will work towards completion by June or July of the following year.
- If you enrol in November or December, your expected completion date is June or July of the year after that.
Progression Routes
An Access to Higher Education course gives you the qualifications and skills you need to apply for a university degree and is recognised by UK universities. They are a direct replacement for A-levels. This course is designed for adults looking to change careers, return to study, or take a new direction toward professions like teaching, nursing, social work, and more.
Examinations and Assessments
There are no formal examinations for this course, which is great if you don’t like taking exams.
During your studies and at the end of each unit, you will be asked to complete a variety of different styles of assignments. Assessed and graded by your assessor, these assignments test your knowledge of each module, whilst allowing you to develop a wide range of skills that are vital to higher education.
Things to Consider for University Entry
If you wish to follow your completion of this course with a University degree, we advise that you first check the entry requirements of that specific degree course with the University that you wish to attend, as each institution can be different.
For example, many degree-level courses require students to have completed specific GCSE courses with specific grades. These typically include a minimum grade of C or 4 in GCSE English and GCSE Maths. If you don’t hold these qualifications yet, they are required for your University applications; we can work with you to achieve those alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma.
Entry Requirements
The minimum study age is 19. Universities in the UK widely recognise these courses as an alternative to ‘traditional’ A-level qualifications for entry into undergraduate courses.