Applying to university with Access to HE
Academy Online Learning UCAS Hub
If you are using Access to Higher Education to prepare for university, this page will help you understand entry requirements, UCAS Tariff points, application planning, and the support available to you.
Start here
Find Access to HE courses by subject
Search Access to HE courses if you already know the subject area you want to progress from, or use the sections below to plan your university route first.
Explore subjects and key planning tools
Browse common Access to HE subject routes and use the planning tools below to check entry requirements, tariff points, and application guidance.
Biology
Explore biology-focused Access routes linked to nursing, health, science, and related university subjects. SubjectBiopsychology
Explore routes connected to psychology, counselling, mental health, and social science progression. SubjectBusiness
Explore business-related routes that support progression into management, finance, marketing, law, and related degrees. SubjectPhysics
Explore physics-focused Access routes linked to science-based university study and related progression routes. SubjectBiology and Chemistry
Explore Biology and Chemistry Access to HE routes linked to university progression. Start hereCheck if Access to HE is accepted
Understand how universities view Access to Higher Education and what to look for in entry requirements. Start hereUnderstand entry requirements
See how grades, subjects, GCSEs, and additional requirements can affect your application choices. Start hereWork out your UCAS Tariff points
Use the calculator to convert graded credits into tariff points or work backwards from a target offer.What universities usually ask for
Access to HE is widely accepted by UK universities, but requirements vary by course and institution. Universities may ask for specific subjects, a certain number of Merit or Distinction credits, GCSE English and Maths, and in some cases additional experience or interviews.
A completed diploma and grade profile
Universities commonly ask for a completed Access to HE Diploma with a required profile of graded credits, often including specific Merit and Distinction outcomes.GCSEs, subjects, and course fit
Many universities also ask for GCSE English and Maths, relevant Access subjects, and a close match between your diploma content and the degree you want to study.Application evidence and extra requirements
Some routes may also expect interviews, relevant experience, or a strong personal statement that shows motivation and subject understanding.Support with your UCAS application
UCAS application guidance
Get support with the practical steps involved in completing your UCAS application clearly and correctly.
Personal statement support
Strengthen your application with guidance on writing a personal statement that reflects your experience, motivation, and chosen route.
References and predicted grades
Understand how tutor references and predicted grades can support your application when you apply while still studying.
Support through one application cycle
AOLL supports learners through one application cycle, helping make the process clearer and more manageable.
How applying with Access to HE works
Choose your degree or career direction
Start with the subject or profession you want to move towards, such as nursing, psychology, business, or allied health.
Check university entry requirements
Review the course pages for the universities you are interested in and note the subjects, grades, GCSEs, and additional criteria they ask for.
Work out the grade profile you may need
Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to understand how graded credits convert into tariff points and what combinations may help you reach an offer.
Prepare your application and any interview
Build your personal statement, gather relevant experience, and prepare for the next stage of the application process.
A clearer route into higher education
Many Access to HE learners are returning to study after time away from education, balancing study alongside work or family life, or preparing for a career change. This hub brings together the key guidance, tools, and next steps to help make university applications clearer and more manageable.
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Useful university application guidance
Explore practical advice on university entry requirements, UCAS, personal statements, interviews, and how Access to HE is accepted.
Which Universities Accept the Access to HE Diploma?
Understand how Access to HE is recognised and what to check before you apply.Applying to University via Access to HE
Read practical advice on personal statements, interviews, and building a stronger university application.UCAS Information
Understand the application process, key guidance, and the support available to learners applying to university.Need help planning your university route?
Use the calculator, explore Access to HE courses, or contact us if you would like help understanding your next step.